In our Old Testament reading today, we heard from someone that we rarely hear from during the church year-the prophet Micah. Like John the Baptist, Micah prepared the people for the coming of the Messiah. He did so through his prophetic words. His prophecy is a vision for a life lived in the divine presence, and it’s this vision that we need to keep in our thoughts as we prepare to remember both Christ birth on that first Christmas over 2,000 years ago and his Second Coming at some point in the future.

Micah’s prophecy identifies Bethlehem-Ephrathah (Ephrathah was a lesser clan of the tribe of Judah) as the place and origin of the Messiah, the hoped for just ruler of Israel. That little town’s life and struggles are compared to birth pangs of a woman in labor. In ancient cultures, and even until recently, women’s status in secular and religious society was zero. Not only the town but also the heroine of Micah’s prophecy are small, of little note, of no significance in civil and religious life.

Micah’s prophecy included both the First and Second Coming of Jesus. He was born in Bethlehem and will some day establish his rule over the entire world in a kingdom of peace. By stating that Jesus will come from Bethlehem, Micah suggests that he will be a new David. This agrees with statements made by other prophets in Isaiah 9:6, Jeremiah 30:9, Ezekiel 34:23-24 and Hosea 3:5. Like David, Jesus will defeat Israel’s enemies and protect the Israelites from would-be invaders.

Micah prophesied that the Messiah would come in the majesty of the name of Yahweh, his God. In the culture of Micah’s time, a person’s name was more than a label to identify him or her. Something of that person’s identity was considered to be tied up in that name. The belief was that the person’s name expressed something of the person’s character. Something of the power of that person was embedded in their name. Jesus fits into this belief. Jesus was God in human form with all of God’s character and power.

The Old Testament is a trail that leads to the Messiah. God gives us clear clues in Scripture so we can recognize the true Messiah when he returns. These same signs were given to people in Old Testament times so that they would know when and where Christ would be born.

So why did God choose an insignificant person such as Mary to bear His Son? Why did God choose Bethlehem as Jesus’ birthplace? Well, God always chooses ordinary people, places and things to do extraordinary things for him. With God, we must expect the unexpected. It was prophesied that Bethlehem would be Jesus’ birthplace, and that prophecy was fulfilled on that first Christmas. Where we are from is not nearly as important as what God is creating us to be.

God is a God of surprises. He addresses impossible situations on the most unlikely ways. In the case of the birth of Jesus, God acts small. His plan was for the Messiah who would deliver the people to come from Bethlehem, which was the birthplace of David’s father Jesse.

Jesus reigns at God’s request, and it was prophesied that Jesus would be a descendant of David. Jesus was the fulfillment of that prophecy. Jesus’ rule and protection of his people was the result of God’s authority and power. That rule, protection and authority are for all who believe in Jesus, so they can live with him without fear. They will be united.

The world is constantly searching for peace, but that search is an empty one. Instead of looking to Jesus, the world looks to drugs, alcohol, money and relationships. These do not provide peace. They only provide turmoil. How many lives have been ruined by drugs and alcohol? How many marriages have suffered because of drug or alcohol abuse or adultery? True peace can never be found in worldly pleasures. True peace can only be found by knowing Jesus, the long-prophesied prince of peace. He stands with open arms waiting to welcome us.

This does not mean that we should not pray for peace and harmony in our world, especially in light of the recent attacks in Paris and San Bernadino. On the contrary, we are commanded to pray for peace and unity. Jesus will bring peace to our hurting world one day. In the meantime, he offers peace to the hearts of those who love him.

God’s reign speaks of hope that comes from disasters, strife and suffering. His reign speaks of hope and salvation that will come from people and places that are nothing in the eyes of the world. Micah-a minor prophet from an obscure village-addresses this in his prophecy. God values what the world does not value. He takes what the world sees as worthless and holds it closest to his heart. We as humans, especially people who the world sees as nothing, are close to God’s heart, and it is because we are close to him that he gave us the greatest Christmas gift of all-Jesus. In return, we are to give back to him by loving others as he loves us. We must give true justice to everyone we meet. We must treat others in the same fair way that we want them to treat us and in the same fair way God treats us. We must have compassion for others just as God has compassion for us. In these troubled times when many of us don’t feel safe, Micah reminds us that God has promised security and peace, and that security and peace comes from the Prince of Peace himself.

The issue that confronts us as people of faith sooner or later becomes, “If I call myself a Christian, then will I actually choose to live like one?” Am I willing to let the grown-up Jesus rule, as Micah put it. Am I willing follow where Christ leads, to do what Christ asks? I mean, if we seriously consider the things that Jesus commanded, then choosing to sign on with him is not an easy choice to make. Have you really listened to some of the stuff He requests of us? There is an old saying that actions speak louder than words. It’s fine for us to say that we want to live like a Christian, but our deeds must show that we want to live like Christians. The only way for us to have true peace is to say that we want to live like Christians and then act like we want to live as Christians. The only way that can happen is if we welcome the Prince of Peace into our lives with open arms. Only then will we have the peace of Christ.

Bibliography

 

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p. 1211)
2. ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.
3. David McGee, “Peace.” Retrieved from crossthebridge.com
4. Lucado, M.: The Lucado Life Lessons Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson; 2010)
5. Ed Young, “A Daily Word.” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com
6. Exegesis for Micah 5:2-5. Retrieved from lectionary.org
7. Melinda Quivik, “Commentary on Micah 5:2-5.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1484
8. The Rev. Dr. Wiley Stephens, “The Place Where Heaven Will Touch the Earth.” Retrieved from http://day1.org/1612-the_place_where_heaven_will_touch_the_earth.print
9. Jude Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions, 4^th Sunday of Advent-C.” Retrieved from preacherexchange.org
10. Butch Odom, “Fourth Sunday of Advent 2015-Micah 5:4-5”. Retrieved from comment-reply@wordpress.com
11. The Rev. Dr. Michael Brown, “The Baby is the Easy Part.” Retrieved from http://day1.org/690-2-the_baby_is_the_easy_part.print.
12. “Volume 2 Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20, 2015.” Retrieved from volume2@lists.opssouth.org

 

Anne couldn’t think of a good reason that God should give her a grandchild. And even though it was one of her deepest desires, she had almost given up on the idea. God had already blessed her with two wonderful children. Her son decided to remain single and had devoted his life to Bible translation in a faraway country. Her daughter was married and working hard as a teacher in an inner city elementary school, but had been unable to conceive for fifteen years. It seemed that grandchildren were not in Anne’s future.A few days earlier while she was cleaning out her attic, she came across an old poem that had been given to her by her aunt on her wedding day. It brought tears to her eyes as it brought back memories of that happy day. She had no idea that her happiness would be short-lived. Her husband died tragically after only seven years of marriage. God’s grace was the only explanation for h

ow she and her children had made it through, and God’s grace became the basis of the rest of her life. She decided that God would be the only other husband in her life, and time had not changed her feelings. He sustained her through the children’s growing up years, and now in her old age, he continued to be her hope and joy.

But that didn’t stop her from thinking often about how nice it would be to have a little bundle of joy to cuddle, and the old poem drew her thoughts to the subject again. It spoke of legacy in love and of joy overcoming sorrow. She saw her life reflected in its lines. The hope with which it ended kindled a similar feeling in her heart. She silently told God what she was feeling, and then went back to work with a deep sense of peace.

Over the next few days, she felt a sense of expectation during her prayer time. She wasn’t sure what it meant, but the sense of peace never left her. Monday morning the phone rang, and when she heard her daughter’s words, “Mom, I’m pregnant!” the peace seemed to explode in joy. She would finally become a grandmother. As she thought about how her wish had been granted and how God rekindled her hope, she felt that she wanted to write something too.

The lines spilled out of her soul onto the paper. She wrote of God’s faithfulness. She described how her longing was fulfilled after waiting in patient hope. She rejoiced at how much joy could flow into her heart. She praised God for the hope that this new life brought. When her grandson was born, Anne read the poem over him as a prayer, trusting that God would be as faithful in this newborn’s life as he had been in hers.

The Gospel reading from Luke 1:39-45 reflects both the sense of expectation Anne had and the sense of expectation that many of us have as Christmas approaches. Mary, Elizabeth, and Elizabeth’s unborn child were among the many people who at that time were hoping and praying for the long-awaited Messiah to come. The only difference is that Mary and Elizabeth and Elizabeth’s unborn child, who was John the Baptist, knew when and how the Messiah was coming. The promise of new life was being fulfilled after many centuries. It brought a sense of joy to many people at that time, and it still brings a sense of joy to many people today. It offers new life and hope to a sin-filled world

Along with the sense of anticipation there was a sense of uncertainty and fear, especially on the part of Mary. After all, here she was, a young virgin girl who was betrothed (but not married) to Joseph, and yet she was pregnant. Can you imagine the fear she must have felt, especially since in the culture of her time an unwed woman who was pregnant was considered to be an outcast or unclean? Can you imagine how Mary must have felt? She probably felt very lonely. Can you imagine how her family must have felt? They probably felt the same way Joseph did in Matthew 1:18-19. Joseph wanted to quietly divorce her, and he had the right to do that under the law at that time, but he was stopped by an angel of the Lord.

In contrast, Mary’s cousin Elizabeth reacted joyfully. She knew that Mary was pregnant with the long-promised Messiah, and that Mary did not likely understand its full significance. Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting is known as the Magnificat, or the Song of Mary. Mary knew that God used her, a sinner in need of a saviour, to fulfill his promise to send a Saviour to our world. She sacrificed her life, her plans and her dreams to fulfill God’s will for her life, just like her unborn child fulfilled God’s will for his life by dying on the cross to save us. We, like Mary, have to adjust our plans when God intervenes in our lives. We have to surrender our control over our lives to God. We have to trust God when we submit to his will.

What would have happened if Mary had not believed in the words of the angel Gabriel? Would she have refused to be the mother of Jesus? She did believe and she did obey God, and her obedience set the stage for God’s blessings. He fulfilled his word and used her to bring his prophecy to a lost and dying world.

We don’t know what Mary looked like, but we do know that she had a beautiful personality because she served God joyfully and she sought God by immersing herself in the Scriptures. She was an extraordinary woman who played an important role in God’s plan for salvation. She obeyed God’s will for her life, and as such she has a lot to teach us. If a simple, young woman can obey God’s will for her life, we can also obey God’s will for our lives. He did not force his plan on her-she freely chose to accept it. Likewise, he does not force his will on us. We have a choice-accept him or reject him. The choice we make affects our eternal destiny, just like Mary’s choice affected her eternal destiny.

Mary did what most women do when they find out they are pregnant. She went and told a friend-namely, her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth proclaimed that the Holy Spirit was present and acting on behalf of humanity. In other words, God’s Word was being fulfilled in Mary’s unborn baby. Elizabeth and Mary, like their unborn children Jesus and John the Baptist, learned to trust God when the mighty ignore him and turn on him. God made a promise and it would not be stopped. God was gracious to Elizabeth and Mary, and we are also recipients of his grace when we say “yes” to his plans for our lives.

Mary wanted to share her good news, and God wants us to share the good news of salvation. Mary needed a friend to affirm and bless her, and we as Christians need someone to affirm and bless us. We need to have love expressed in attention paid to us when an earth-shattering event happens to us, just like Mary needed Elizabeth to pay attention to her when she received her earth-shattering news.

Sometimes how God works doesn’t make sense to us. We might ask ourselves “Why did God choose Mary instead of someone from a more prestigious background?” After all, if he had, Jesus would have been accepted more readily. Well, unfortunately that would not have fit into his plans. He had other criteria. He wanted someone who was obedient and gave herself over to him. He preferred the obscure and insignificant to the prestigious and popular. His plan was encased in the fragility and the strength of Mary and Elizabeth. They consented to God’s purpose for their lives, and that consent bore much fruit.

God came to Mary and Elizabeth in a time of harsh reality, and they continued to believe and hope in a God who can do extraordinary things. They did this in a world very much like ours and that is why God came to them, not because they were protected from harsh reality, but because they continued to be open to God’s call. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. God noticed everything in the lives of Mary and Elizabeth, just like he notices everything in our lives. In the words of a song we often hear at Christmastime:

He sees you when you’re sleeping

He knows when you’re awake

He knows if you’ve been bad or good

So be good for goodness’ sake

Sometimes following God’s plan isn’t the most popular thing to do. Mary and Elizabeth accepted God’s blessings even though they came at a cost. For Mary, she had to live with the stigma of sexual impurity because most of the people in her society would have found the concept of spiritual impregnation absurd. Mary and Elizabeth trusted God and were blessed. If we trust God, our hearts will be transformed so that we will receive the desires of our hearts, just like Anne in the story I read earlier was blessed with a grandson after many years of waiting. In order for us to have faith, we have to make room in our hearts for God. We must make our hearts hospitable, and to make our hearts hospitable we must show love and generosity, and not just at Christmastime. When we allow Christ into our lives, he will reshape us by replacing our old lives with a new creation.

God makes the impossible possible. He caused a virgin and an elderly woman to conceive and bear children. He can make the impossible possible for us today if we have faith. With God, the possibilities are endless, and if we have faith our blessings will be endless. God blessed Mary and Elizabeth when they were at messy points in their lives. In return, they responded with faith. He spoke to them in the mess, and he can speak to us in the messes of our lives.

John the Baptist is Elijah returned, the prophet who prepared the way of the Lord. Jesus is Lord bringing salvation and peace to people. God came to earth in the form of Jesus to restore our living relationship with him now and for all eternity. In order to restore that relationship, Jesus had to turn the world upside down. He came to give dignity to those who are not valued by society. He came to give hope to the hopeless, peace to those whose hearts are in turmoil, and love to those who are broken. Jesus came to give us the greatest gift of all. He will undermine the political structures and call the elite to accountability. He will call on people to show compassion to the poor and help them, just like many of you are helping the poor at this time of year. God does his best work with powerless people whose lives are defined by the world as impossible-people such as Mother Teresa and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Many of us are willing to takes risks in business deals or in extreme sports, but few of us are spiritual risk takers. Few of us are willing to place our total trust in God’s promises instead of our own plans. God wants to see unwavering faith and complete trust in him. No matter what our circumstances, God will use us if we are willing to follow him and step out in faith. When we recognize that we are nothing and God is everything, God moves into action through us. We are small, but God can do much through us. Dr. Charles Stanley, who is the head of In Touch Ministries and the author of one of the study Bibles I use in my sermon preparation, coined the phrase, “Obey God, and leave all the consequences to him”. If we obey God’s will for our lives like Mary and Elizabeth and Anne did, we will be richly blessed like they were because we will be blessed by the light and life of Christ-a light that shines brightly in our dark, sinful world, especially at Christmastime. All we have to do is let the light of Christ shine in our lives.

Bibliography

1. Chicken Soup for the Soul Bible, NLT (Colorado Springs, CO: Pinon Press)

2. Stanley, C.F, The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASV (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.: 2009)

3. Swindoll, Charles R., Insights on Luke (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; 2012)

4. Pastor John Barnett, “Unfading Beauty (Part 2)”. Retrieved from http://www.dtbm.org

5. Sharon Jaynes, “Free to Fulfill an Extraordinary Purpose”. Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com

6. Jude Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions, Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C”. Retrieved from http://www.preacherexchange.org

7. Dr. Michael Youssef, PhD, “Trusting God’s Promises”. Retrieved from http://www.leadingtheway.org

8. Rick Warren, “God is Mindful of You”. Retrieved from connect@newsletter.purposedriven.com

9. Mark D. Roberts, “Is Faith the Key to being blessed by God?” Retrieved from Newsletter@TheHighcalling.org

10. Ron Moore, “The Generous Gift of Life”. Retrieved from http://www.thejourneyradioministry.com

11. Larson, B. & Ogilvie, L.J., The Preacher’s Commentary Series: Volume 26: Luke. (Nashville, TN; Thomas Nelson, Inc.; 1983)

12. The Rev. Dr. James D. Kegel, “With God Nothing is Impossible”. Retrieved from http://www.sermonwriter.com

13. Dr. Heather Entrekin, “Making a Place for Hospitality”. Retrieved from http://www.sermonwriter.com

14. Dr. Mickey Anders, “The Magnificent Mess”. Retrieved from http://www.sermonwriter.com

15. Exegesis for Luke 1:39-45. Retrieved from http://www.sermonwriter.com

16. “The Baby Leaped for Joy”. Retrieved from today@thisistoday.net

17. King Duncan, “Mary’s Song”. Retrieved from http://www.esermons.com

18. Brett Blair, “Elizabeth & Mary”. Retrieved from http://www.esermons.com

19. Kelly McFadden, “Disgraced Mary”. Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com

20. John Shearman’s Lectionary Resource, Year C-Advent 4. Retrieved from http://lectionary.seemslikegod.org/archives/year-c-advent-4/

21. Peter H. Harries, O.P., “Salvation is Close at Hand”. Retrieved from http://torch.op.org/preaching_sermon_item.php?sermon=5718

Does it seem strange to you that some of the first words in Luke 3:7-18 are harsh and critical, especially during this season of Advent? Do they seem harsh and critical during a time when we are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus? Well, they are harsh and critical, because John the Baptist had a strong message for his audience, and he has the same message for us. During the season of Advent, we don’t just welcome to our world a prophet who tells us the truth about ourselves and baptizes us with water as a representation of our repentance. We welcome a baby grown to a man, a crucified and resurrected Saviour who comes with mercy, but also with judgment. He comes with the Holy Spirit’s burning power.

John’s words to the crowd were scathing. They came to hear and be baptized, but John didn’t welcome them. They didn’t come because they wanted to change but because they were afraid that John might be speaking the truth. They had no intention of repenting, and John knew that.

John told the peopl how they could prepare for the coming Messiah. We are not saved by our works, but by grace. When the thief on the cross repented, Jesus told him that he would be with Jesus in Paradise. If we repent and believe in our last hour of life we don’t need fruits. If we are living the life of faith we are bearing fruit. Any genuine love of God moves a person to real acts of love toward others. In other words, we are bearing fruit. Our faith must bear fruit, but if we rely on these fruits on Judgment Day, we will be disappointed. There is only one way to be assured of our salvation-belief in Jesus.

Faith is not inherited. It doesn’t matter how faithful and devout our parents or grandparents were. What does matter is how faithful and devout we are. If we trust that the faith of our parents will get us into heaven, we shift the focus of faith away from God. That will spiritually fatal.

A converted heart produces new works. Doing good works doesn’t make us repentant, but true repentance produces the proper, good fruit. Repentance is a way out of our sinful lives. The way things are isn’t how they have to be. We can be different. We can heal ourselves and the world. John challenges us to put true repentance into action. It’s a good example of the old proverb that “actions speak louder than words.”

When we repent, we have to do something. We have to change our way of living. There has to be evidence that we’ve had a change of heart and turned back to God. That’s why John tells us to donate an extra coat to someone who needs one. That’s why John tells us to be fair in our dealings with other people. When greed and self-interest influence our dealings with other people, we do nothing but perpetuate injustice and suffering.

The key is how we use our power. We can use it to control things and events in our own self-interest, or we can use it to promote the common good and fight injustice. Jesus’ coming affects every area of our lives, including how we regard each other and our ethical obligations to each other.

God’s forgiveness does not depend on our doing. Our doing depends on God’s forgiving. True repentance anticipates absolution from our sins. The freedom of forgiveness cleans out the closet and gives away the extra coat. The good news of John’s exhortation is the end of our comfortable relationship with dishonest ways and vain striving after wealth and power. All of this is made possible by the “more powerful One” who follows John.

True repentance always manifests itself in changed behaviour, as the apostle Paul would later note in Acts 26:20. Truly repentant people share what they have with the less fortunate, treat people fairly, and refuse to use positions of power to enrich themselves at others’ expense. How does the coming of the Messiah compel us to live? If we have more, we share with those who have less. If we are in positions of power, we do not exploit the powerless.

John came to prepare the way for God’s mighty Son. He calls us to recognize our faults and failings and humble ourselves before God. The Messiah’s baptism is not an empty, meaningless ceremony. It is God’s antidote to the deadly poison of sin. It washes away our sins and delivers us from death and hell. It saves us from God’s destructive wrath.

John was able to reject the notion that he might be the Christ on several counts. The Messiah would be more powerful, worthy of far more reverence, and have a broader ministry. Also, the Holy Spirit would work differently in the Messiah’s ministry, supplying it with a purifying, judging, and saving aspect that John’s did not have.

God wants to take the time to sort out and sift through what is good and what is not so good in us. No one is beyond God’s reach. He keeps sorting out what is worth keeping in us and tosses aside all the rest. Our God is a God who separates. Injustice is separated from justice. Righteousness is separated from unrighteousness. Holiness is separated from evil. Light is separated from darkness. How can we avoid separation? How can we avoid being cut down and burned? How can we end up being on the better side?

God’s wrath is part of God and punishment is coming from God in the future. God’s wrath and punishment will work themselves out in our daily lives. God’s wrath will be part of the final judgment. Jesus will return to be our judge on the final day of history. He will separate believers from non-believers.

The Messiah’s baptism is a cleansing ritual, but it is also a fire that purifies. It transforms people and deals with their sins. It also empowers us and strengthens us to do what we are called to do. The burning Spirit of fire not only burns away all injustice and evil we may commit or suffer at the hands of others. It also starts a fire in our hearts with a passionate desire for God’s justice and mercy-not just for ourselves but for the world around us. It’s our duty to serve God wherever He places us. Nowhere can a person better serve God than in their daily work. We are to “bloom where we are planted.”

What if we determined to seek out opportunities to be honest, kind and hard-working? What if we determined to seek out such opportunities because we’ve heard that extraordinary acts of grace are within reach of ordinary people? What if we believed-and acted on the belief-that being honest, kind and hardworking in a culture that is impatient, immature and fearful really makes a difference?

Are we turned back to God, or are we only going through the motions? Will our lives be destroyed by the fire of judgment, or will we be purified by the fire of the Holy Spirit? Repentance means reconsidering the biases we bring to life and the presuppositions that shape us. It means embracing God’s way of looking at the world. It means calling into question everything we have ever believed. It means giving ourselves up to the changes God wants us to make.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p.1389-1390)

2. Larsen, B. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 26: Luke (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1983; pp. 68-76)

3. Stanley, C.F: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible: New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2005)

4. Macarthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Version (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

5. Pastor David J. Risendal, “Fruits of Repentance.” Retrieved from http://www.OneLittleWord.org

6. Cameron Howard, “Luke 3:7-18.” Retrieved from communic@luthersem.edu

7. Lois Malcolm, “Luke 3:7-18.” Retrieved from communic@luthersem.edu

8. Pastor Ken Klaus, “Flee the Coming Wrath.” Retrieved from lhm@lhm.org

9. Br. David Vryhof, “A Call to Repentance.” Retrieved from http://www.ssje.org/2012/21/16/a-call-to-repentance-br-david-vryhof.

10. David J. Lose, “Advent 3C: Ordinary Saints.” Retrieved from http://www.davidlose.net/2015/12/advent-3-c-ordinary-saints

11. The Rev. Janet Hunt, “A Winnowing Fork in Jesus’ Hand: Good News for today.” Retrieved from http://words.dancingwwiththeword.com

12. Alyce McKenzie, “Welcome to Our World: Reflections on Luke 3:7-18.” Retrieved from https://www.patheos.com/progressive-christian/2012/12/welcome-our-world-alyce-mackenzie

13. Rick Morley, “A Winnowing Fork in the Road-a Reflection on Luke 3:7-18.” Retrieved from http://www.rickmorley.com/archives/211/

14. Pastor Edward Markquart, “John’s Preaching on Repentance: Gospel Analysis.” Retrieved from http://www.sermonsfromseattle.com/seriec_c_johns_preaching_of_repentanceGA.html

15. Rev. Bryan P. Stoffregen, “Luke 3:7-18.” Retrieved from http://www.crossmarks.com.brian/luke3x7.htm

How do you handle your mail? On those days when you are overwhelmed by sheer quantity, I’m sure you occasionally take all the junk mail and drop it right in the wastebasket. But how do we know when we have truly received something special and just for us in terms of spiritual messages? How do you sort out your spiritual mail—the fourth class from the registered first-class air mail? How do you know which message is from God and has your name on it?In this passage we just heard from Luke’s Gospel, John the Baptist’s message does not sound unlike the one we hear on the street corners in every large city in the land. “This is the Word of the Lord. Repent and believe.” Most of us ignore those people we hear from time to time on the street corners of great cities, while John the Baptist catches our attention. The message is not what is said. The message is wrapped in the personality delivering the message.

John was the message. John had such authority and authenticity that crowds came out to listen. That kind of popular appeal is a rare occurrence in any time and in any nation. Society would seem to encourage mediocrity rather than greatness. Those who excel must be very gifted innately or else be special instruments of God.

Just like the word of the coming Messiah came from an unexpected source, the word of God can be found in places where we least expect it and with whom we least expect it. If the word of God can come from John-roughly clad, honey stuck to his beard, shouting on a river bank-who knows who and what might be next?

In Old Testament times, a monarch travelling in wilderness regions would have a crew of workmen go ahead to make sure the road was clear of debris, obstructions, potholes and other hazards that made the journey difficult. In a spiritual sense, John was calling the people of Israel to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Messiah.

The wilderness isn’t a place of desolation. It’s a place of hope. It’s a promised fresh start. The first step is the baptism of repentance. That baptism releases us from sin, but it requires overturning the world as we know it.John made people uncomfortable.

No one wants to hear that they must change. Maybe John had to preach in the desert because neither Roman rulers nor religious authorities wanted him in court in temple precincts. He would have upset the status quo and challenged the compromises religious leadership had worked out with the secular government. The “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” means that we will be asked to make sacrifices and admit wrong doing. Our society doesn’t like that kind of talk, and neither do religious institutions.

Sometimes we make wrong turns in our spiritual lives. We think we are going in the right direction only to discover it was never God’s will for us to enter that relationship, make that business deal, hire that person-the examples are limitless. God can make our crooked places straight. He can make our mistakes right. It might mean some consequences for those decisions, but He will always allow our actions to work together for good if we repent and seek Him fully to make things right. These lessons can even contribute to greater wisdom in our lives if we learn from our mistakes.

God chose a nobody to prepare the way for Jesus to come amongst us. God chooses people whom the world sees as insignificant through whom to do marvelous things. John the Baptist, Mary the unwed teenager, the shepherds at the very bottom of the economic ladder who serve as the audience for the heavenly choir. God chooses people the world can easily ignore to participate in God’s world-changing, world-saving activity.

John was an unusual attraction for several reasons. First of all, God had been silent for four hundred years in speaking to His people through an authentic prophet. But it was believed that prophecy would rise again when the Messiah was about to come. So, all Israel was waiting for one who might be that authentic prophet. John was such a prophet, and throngs came out to hear this one who might prove to be the harbinger of the Messiah.Further, John was saying hard words, usually an indication of an authentic prophet. Somehow we know that those who speak for God do not offer us easy discipleship or cheap grace. Those things that are costly are ultimately the most worthwhile at any level. The first word of the gospel is repent-a person must turn from sin. Jesus kept warning those who heard Him that discipleship would be difficult; that while foxes had holes, He had no place to sleep.

John came baptizing, and the idea of baptism was new for the Jews. Only the Gentiles, the outsiders who became Jews, were baptized. John was preaching that being born a Jew did not assure a right relationship with God; the Jews must be baptized just like the outsiders. Because of this unusual emphasis he was called John the Baptist.

John’s essential message was simply that we be what we seem to be. If we want to seem godly, then we are to be godly, with no sham. He spelled out what that meant. He addressed himself in specifics to the ethics of the time: soldiers, don’t intimidate and coerce; tax collectors, collect no more than is your due. He spoke of sharing with those in need. But this was not a new ethic. The rabbis had been saying all these things. But John was preaching that those ethics were to be a way of life. The crux of his message was, “God has told us what to do and be. Do it, and don’t pretend to be something you’re not.”

John is calling for a change of heart, soul and mind. He is calling for a radical change of behaviour. John is preaching the coming realm of God, and this kingdom of God is the state of forgiveness, where sin is forgiven and wiped away.

It is crucial to be regular at worship, to pray, to give-to everything that God has given us to do-so we can receive His blessings. But these outward forms mean absolutely nothing unless we have entered into a personal relationship with Jesus. John makes this clear in Luke 3:3 when he says, “Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven.”

John’s call for us to prepare the way for the Messiah seems a little rude to us today. For us, our valleys are gentle and rolling, and our mountains are just the right height. There aren’t any crooked places or rough places on the roads we travel-or so we think. What seemed to be an easy road to travel led to a dead end. What looked like the right way to do things was actually a disaster. We are in a spiritual wilderness, and we are lost.

The Good News is that the Word made flesh has found us in the wilderness. The Good Shepherd has left the 99 sheep to search for the one who is lost. He has shown us the error of our ways. He has shown us the crooked and rough roads we have been travelling. He has created a new path for us. We will get off course many times. Sometimes we will have to turn around, but we will need to adjust our course occasionally to make sure we are travelling in the right direction. That’s what it means to repent and prepare during this season of Advent.

Preparing for the coming of God’s realm means washing the lens of our willing self-deceit. It is a disciplined practice of seeing the heart of evil-a practice that needs a community of discernment to remain honest. Preparing the way of the Lord means making a choice. We must decide what we are to focus our lives on. We have to decide what to keep. We have to decide to surrender to God’s control of our lives. Only then can we get our lives in order. We have to choose to confront the temptations in our lives that will lure us away from God.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p.1389)

2. Larsen, B. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series. Vol. 26: Luke (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1983; pp. 68-76)

3. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

4. Lucado, M.: The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers: 2010)

5. Os Hillman, “Recalibrate Route!” Retrieved from http://www.marketplaceleaders.org

6. Jennifer Brownell, “The Someones.” Retrieved from dailydevotional@ucc.org

7. Jude Siciliano, OP, “First Impressions, 2nd Sunday of Advent ( C ) December 9, 2018”. Retrieved from http://www.preacherexchange.org

8. Glen L. Monson, “Second Sunday of Advent, Year B, Gospel.” Retrieved from http://crossings.org/text-study/2nd-sunday-in-advent-yr-2-2/?print=print

9. Judith Jones, “Commentary on Luke 3:1-6.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentaty_id=2702

10. David Lose, “Commentary on Luke 3:1-6.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentaty_id=491

11. The Rev. Dr. John Westerhoff III, “Live Prepared.” Retrieved from http://day1.org/4361-live-prepared.print

12. The Rev. Dr. Wiley Stephens, “Uncluttering.” Retrieved from http://day1.org/1610-uncluttering.print

At first glance the passage from Luke 21:25-36 seems to be out of place during Advent. After all, most of us think of Advent as a time to prepare for Christmas. That is only partially true. Advent is also a time to remember and prepare for Christ’s Second Coming, and that preparation includes watching for the signs of his return. On the Third and Fourth Sundays in Advent the readings will focus on Christ’s First Coming over 2,000 years ago. Luke wrote his Gospel several years after Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension. At that time the church was undergoing suffering and injustice. Luke wrote his Gospel to encourage the church and remind the people that God is in control of events and has a time set for Christ’s return. Luke’s message applies to us today. Luke wants us, like the believers he wrote to, to be ready to meet Jesus when he returns and in the meantime we are to stand firm and witness to his name. According to Luke, we live in the time between Christ’s triumph over death and his Second Coming. This “in-between” time is filled with both tension and hope. The hope can be found in the beginning and ending of the story of the church (and therefore our story), which has been secured by Christ. We are also living in the time of the Gentiles, which began with the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. This time will end when Christ returns. The end times will begin when armies surround Jerusalem. The end time disasters will be orchestrated by God for the sake of warning sinners and calling on them to repent. At this time the Messiah will return and defeat evil. In today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke Jesus gives us some of these signs. The signs mentioned in this passage are supernatural in nature. They are orchestrated by God. They will awaken humanity out of its spiritual slumber before Christ returns. Jesus will return at the end of the Tribulation period. He will defeat his enemies and begin his one thousand year reign of peace on a restored planet. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension were testimonies to God’s faithfulness through the signs of Christ’s return. Jesus used the parable of the fig tree to explain to his followers how to interpret the signs of the end times. Just like a fig tree behaves in predictable ways, prophecy can reliably point to future events. We can understand prophecy if we take time to read it carefully. For example, just like the leaves of the fig tree come to life after winter, the kingdom of God should not come as a shock to us. Some of you might look at world affairs and wonder if they are signs of Christ’s return. Your concern is certainly understandable considering the world situation today. Only time will tell if these are early signs of the end times, but in any event we must keep our faith strong. The world will see these signs and quake with fear. On the other hand, Christians will see these signs as a prelude to Christ’s return and their own redemption. Redemption refers to Christ’s return, and at that time mortality puts on immortality, and the redemption of the body takes place. For Christians, difficult times do not mean that God has deserted them but that God will fulfill all of his word-both the difficult parts as well as the delightful ones. When Jesus referred to “this generation,” he was not referring to the disciples. He was referring to the people who would see the signs of the end times. These people won’t die until Christ the King returns in power and establishes his kingdom here on earth. These events will happen quickly. Jesus claimed to be the divine Son of God. He also called on his followers to put as much confidence in his teachings as they did any other portions of Scripture, and he calls on us to have the same confidence today. His words and teachings are for all time. They are permanent.Jesus also called on his followers to watch and pray to do his will. When hard times come, praying for escape is not wrong. Even Christ prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that he would escape the cross, but he surrendered himself completely to God’s will. We can and should pray for escape when times are tough, but ultimately we must surrender to God’s will for the particular situation we find ourselves in. God’s Word is our security in times of turmoil. In the words of the hymn, “Will Your Anchor Hold”: We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure as the billows roll Fastened to the Rock which cannot move Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s loveJesus doesn’t talk about wars, rumours of wars or natural disasters to scare us. He wants to prepare us for his Second Coming. We are not to be afraid. We are not to be led astray by false teachers or people claiming to be Jesus. We are to take advantage of the turmoil that will precede his return to spread the Good News of salvation. As I mentioned earlier, his return is not catastrophic for believers because his return will usher in their redemption. It will be a time for hope, anticipation and glory. On the other hand, his return will be catastrophic for non-believers because it will lead to a new world where evil will be ended and creation will be restored to God’s design. Jesus tells us to watch for the signs of his return, but in the meantime we have work to do. We must spread the Good News to a sin-filled world. We must also continue to prepare for Christ’s return.When we see natural disasters and conflicts, we can be sure that Christ’s return is near. We must be ready, because he could return at any time. The promise of his return offers us hope. There are times when we don’t believe that God offers hope, and some of you might be in that situation right now. We might like the outward appearance of Advent with all of the decorations, parties and shopping, but do we let Advent and its promise of Christ’s return change us? We need to let it get into our feelings and open our hearts. Many times Christians have expressed the desire for the day to just get here already. They want to end the wars and suffering… the waiting… and get on with Christ’s return. They read the Scriptures, looking for details, for signs, that Christ is coming soon. Groups form and debates rage about the finer details of the end times.God appreciates our interest in and desire for his arrival, but do we really know what we’re really asking for when we say that we want him to hurry up and return? Are we really ready? Is the world really ready? If we had to stand before Christ tomorrow, would we be ready? Would your life reflect service to him? Love of him? Submission to him?

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013)

2. ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

3. Exegesis for Luke 21:25-36. Retrieved from http://www.lectionary.org

4. Larsen, B. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol.26: Luke (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1983)

5. Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NKJV (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles, 2005)

6. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, NASV (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing; 2006)

7. Jude Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions, First Sunday of Advent (C).” Retrieved from http://www.preacherexchange.org

8. David Lose, “Commentary on Luke 21:25-36.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=480

9. The Rev. Dr. Susan Andrews, “A God’s Eye View.” Retrieved from http://www.day1.org/488-a-gods-eye-view.print

10. Swindoll, Charles R.: Swindoll’s New Testament Insights on Luke (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; 2012, pgs. 473-474)

11. Sarah Phillips, “The Last Days.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z.” Hailey looked at her three-year-old brother. “Okay, Curtis, now you try.”

Curtis looked like he was thinking intensely. “A!” he suddenly shouted, and then, after a pause, “Z!”

“Ugh!” Hailey put her hand on her head in frustration.

Dad, who was watching the whole thing, began to laugh.

“I’m glad you think this is funny,” Hailey said. “I’ve been working with him for an hour, and he’s just not getting it.”

“Why is it so important that he know the alphabet right now anyway?” asked Dad.

“Jenny and I are having a race,” replied Hailey. “I’m trying to get Curtis to learn the alphabet before she teaches her dog to sit and roll over. If Curtis learns the alphabet first, I get to pick the movie we watch this weekend.”

Dad chuckled and shook his head. “You guys are silly.”

Hailey laughed. “Yeah, I guess.” She put her head in her hands and sighed. “Yesterday Jenny asked me a question that made me feel really silly. She asked me how old God is. I didn’t know what to say.”

Curtis walked over to where Dad was sitting, and Dad picked him up and put him in his lap. “Well, Curtis just told you the answer,” he said.

Hailey gave her dad a confused look. “But all he said was, ‘A, Z.’ That’s not a number.”

“In the Bible, Jesus says He’s the Alpha and Omega–the beginning and end. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, like our A and Z. God is A to Z, just like Curtis said. He always was, is, and will be. He doesn’t have an age.”

“So God has no beginning or end?” Hailey asked.

“That’s right.” Dad’s eyes twinkled. “And yet, He was born–and also died.”

“But wait, you just said…” It took Hailey a moment to realize what Dad meant. “Oh, I get it–you’re talking about Jesus! He was born as a baby and died on the cross for us.”

Dad nodded. “Jesus is God, who is eternal with no beginning or end, but He was willing to become human and die for us so we could have eternal life.”

“Wow,” said Hailey. “He really sacrificed a lot to save us!”

Today-Sunday, November 25, 2018-marks the end of the church year. Next Sunday-December 2, 2018- the season of Advent starts. Advent is a season when we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago and his eventual return to be our king. Today we celebrate Reign of Christ Sunday, also known as Christ the King Sunday.

It is not an ancient festival in the Christian calendar. In fact, it was only established by Pope Pius XI in 1925. It was established at a time when Europe was in chaos. Inflation was rampant, and colonialism was at its worst. The seeds of evil that would eventually grow into the Holocaust and World War II were being planted. Pope Pius XI established the Festival of Christ the King to declare that Jesus Christ is king. He is the goal of human history, the joy of all who hear, and the fulfillment of man’s aspirations.

Every king must have a kingdom. It is there that we come into play. God’s kingdom is all around us and we are called to give faithful witness to it. We are members of the kingdom and we are called to show others this glorious kingdom that they too are a part of even if they don’t realize it.

Revelation 1:4-8 has four descriptions of Jesus:

1. The author of grace and peace
2. The faithful; witness
3. First born of the dead
4. Ruler of kings on earth

John then goes on to describe Jesus as the one who loves us and who has set us free from our sins by His blood. The word “blood” means that Jesus:

1. has made us a kingdom
2. has made us priests
3. has received glory and dominion forever
4. is coming again as our king

John gives us a look into the kingdom theology of the New Testament. God’s kingdom is seen in terms of our relationship with God. Ordinary people who accept Christ as their Saviour will become Christ’s servants and His kingdom in the world

 Jesus Christ is described as the one who loved us, freed us from sins and lifted His people up. The word “washed” could more literally be translated as “loose” or “freed.” The word also recalls that the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. Jesus has likewise freed believers from their sin. This action makes us a kingdom and makes us priests to serve Him. We live our kingdom role when we love and live as Jesus our King would have us love and live. We are priests when we intercede on behalf of other people in prayer and share the Gospel of forgiveness in Christ. Our identity as priests is shaped by Christ’s identity as our king.

 Only in the Book of Revelation is Christ given the title of “faithful witness.” He was a genuine martyr, faithful unto death. Jesus’ earthly throne was a cross. Jesus chose the way of obedience and humiliation, but in doing so He was exalted to God’s right hand where He is our Lord and King, ruling over all the rulers of the earth. Kings protect their subjects, including dying for them. Revelation 1:5-6, with its emphasis on love, service and sacrifice, captures the essence of Jesus. He loves us unconditionally. He has freed us from sin forever. He cares about the intimate details of our lives, just like kings care for their subjects. He has made us in His image to serve God in His kingdom here on earth.

 Verses 7-8 present the theme of the entire book: the return of the King and establishment of his rule over the kingdom. The word “coming” expresses the return of Jesus. It describes the arrival of the king and the changes in the situation that His arrival produces. Believers of Christ are called to become united under the rule of Christ. Christianity and the world don’t always align. Our allegiance to Christ must take priority, even if it means resisting a political regime, an economical organization or cultural systems.

The words “Alpha” and “Omega” are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Here they point to the eternity of Christ and to His all-inclusive power. Jesus is the boundless, timeless, and powerful One. He is the most important person in the entire universe because He is our King. He thinks that we are important. He gave His life for us because He is our king, and as our king He loves us.

 We must not forget about our responsibility for Jesus’ suffering. We caused it because of our sin and we need to have our broken relationship with God restored. Those who crucified Jesus will see His loud, thunderous return and mourn. For those who have accepted Christ as their Saviour, the days of mourning will be over. When He returns, He will bring peace just like good rulers do.

In worldly terms, the reign of Christ was a failure, but in reality it wasn’t a failure at all. We understand Christ’s kingship in the light of the cross. In His darkest hours, when He was abandoned by His followers and underwent one of the cruelest forms of death known to mankind, He revealed His eternal kingship to the world. His death and resurrection were the manifestation of Christ’s glory.

If we know that God loves us with an unconditional love, nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ our king. King Jesus will make all things right in the world when He returns. Right now we can’t see Christ the king, but he is there on the throne at the centre of the universe, ruling all things according to the plan of God. Grace and peace are ours. He will come again, as he left, “with the clouds.” Though only the disciples saw him go and no one sees him now, everyone will see him when he returns-even those who crucified Christ. Grace and peace will be ours then too.

This is not a holy day to celebrate a day to come, but rather it is a holy day that reminds us that at the very end of all one thing has remained constant and will forever remain constant-Christ is king! Christ is a good and faithful king who has been with us through it all. Christ is not just a future king that will one day come. Christ is the current king who has reigned forever and ever and will reign forever and ever.

 With Jesus as the faithful witness and our Saviour, we are members of a kingdom that will last throughout time and beyond time. We can find comfort in knowing that Jesus reigns now and forever, in both the good times and the bad times. Our understanding of who Jesus is will determine our eternal destiny after death. Is Jesus the king of your heart?

 Bibliography

 

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p.1838)
2. Palmer, E.F. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 35: 1,2&3 John/Revelation (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982; pp. 110-114)
3. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers: 2006)
4. “How Old is God?” Retrieved from info@keysforkids.org
5. “Receive.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com

1. “The Grandness of God.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
2. Anne Graham Lots, “Just Think on Jesus.” Retrieved form www.angelministries.org
3. Ron Moore, “The Revelation.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
4. Kenneth L. Samuel, “Facing Injustice.” Retrieved from dailydevotional@ucc.org
5. Joni Eareckson Tada, “The Second Advent.” Retrieved from communications@joniandfriends.org
6. Dr. Charles Stanley, “An Introduction to Christ.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
7. Fr. Robert Verrill, O.P., “A Pope’s Hope.” Retrieved from www.torch.op.org
8. Tracey Hinkel, “Revelation 1:4b-8.” Retrieved from communic@luthersem.edu
9. Pastor Jack Hibbs, “Revelation 1:8.” Retrieved from wttw@calvarycch.org
10. Stan Mast, “Revelation 1:4-8.” Retrieved from http://cep.calvinseminary.edu/sermon-starters/proper_29b/?type=lectionary_epistle
11. Violet Nicolet-Anderson, “Commentary on Revelation 1:4b-8.” Retrieved from www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1468
12. Brent Neely, “Revelation 1:4b-8.” Retrieved from www.aplainaccount.org/revelation-14b-8/

 

Hello boys and girls!

This coming Sunday-November 25, 2018- is a very special day in our church year. It will be Reign of Christ Sunday, and that’s the day when we celebrate the fact that Christ is the King of our lives. Now there are good kings and there are bad, evil kings.

It will also be the church’s version of New Year’s Eve. The following Sunday-December 2^nd, 2018- will be the first Sunday of Advent. Not only does it mark the beginning of another year in the life of the church, it also marks the beginning of the season where we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In other words, we prepare ourselves for Christmas.

Now, at the risk of upsetting your parents and grandparents, I’m going to ask you a question. Are you starting to get excited for Christmas? Well boys and girls, I’m going to tell you a little story about someone else who got excited.

How many of you have seen the movie “The Lion King”? Well then, you might remember that Simba was anxious to become king because he did not want anyone to tell him what to do. He didn’t want to hear anyone saying, “Do this” or “stop that.” He wanted to be free to run around all day doing everything his way.

It wasn’t just that Simba didn’t want anyone to tell him what to do; he was also looking forward to telling everyone else what to do. Just listen to what he says! “I’m going to be a mighty king so enemies beware! I’m going to be the main event like no king was before. I’m brushing up on looking down. I’m working on my ROAR! Oh, I just can’t wait to be king!”

I think that Simba had a very poor idea of what it means to be a king. You see, the real role of a king is to look after the needs of his people. A good king is more concerned with caring for his people than he is in being served. [1]

During his last days on earth, Jesus was arrested and put on trial. When he was asked by Pilate if he was a king, Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world.”

Yes, Jesus was a king, but he wasn’t interested in running around free and doing things his way. He was only interested in doing the will of his Father. In other words, he did what his Father told him to do.

I’m going to tell you a story about someone else who did not like being told what to do. It’s about a boy named Johnny. Now Johnny’s father took him to the park to play in the big sand pile. “Johnny,” he said, “you stay here and play in the sand while I sit on the bench over there.” So, his father took his newspaper and sat on the bench. Johnny took his little shovel and put sand in his bucket. Then he went over to a girl who was also playing in the sand.

“Want some sand?” he asked. “Okay,” the little girl said. Johnny put his shovel in the bucket and scooped out some sand. “Hold out your hand,” Johnny said to the little girl. The little girl held out both hands, and Johnny poured the sand into her hands. It ran down her arms and through her fingers and she laughed.

“You want some more sand?” asked Johnny. “Okay,” said the little girl. So, Johnny took another scoop of sand, but this time when she put out her hands, he poured the sand on her head. She began to cry. Her mother came right over. She got down so she could look right in Johnny’s eyes and said, “That was not nice. If you can’t play nice, you may not play in the sand pile.” You know what Johnny said back to the lady? He said, “You aren’t the boss of me.”

That night when Johnny and his father were getting ready to say prayers, they talked about what had happened that day in the sand pile in the park. “That lady isn’t the boss of me,” Johnny said again.

“Who is the boss of you, then?” said his father. “You are,” said Johnny. “And who else?” asked his father. “I don’t know,” said Johnny.

“What about Jesus? Is Jesus the boss of you?” asked his father. “I guess so,” said Johnny.

“So what would Jesus say to you when you dumped sand on the girl’s head?” asked his father. “I don’t know,” said Johnny. “Think again,” said his father.

“Maybe he would tell me to stop,” said Johnny.

“That’s good,” said his father. “I’m proud of you. You know what Jesus would say. Now, what would you do if Jesus said stop?” “I would stop,” said Johnny.

“So, maybe that lady was telling you for Jesus,” said his father. “Did you think about that?”

“No,” said Johnny. “I didn’t think about that.” “Johnny,” said his father, “you know when we bow our heads in church; you know what that means?” “It means we are praying,” said Johnny. “Yes,” said his father, “and it also means Jesus is the boss of us.”[2]

Boys and girls, Jesus was born to be king, but his kingdom is not on this earth — it is in heaven. He only came to earth to make a way for us to live with him in heaven.

Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes for a moment of prayer. Dear God, thank you for being our king. Thank you for telling us what to do, what to say and what to think. Give us the wisdom to always obey you, even though at times we don’t want to. We ask this in the name of your son our Saviour Jesus Christ, AMEN

Bibliography

 

• “Crown Him King!” Retrieved from www.Sermons4Kids.com

• Children’s Sermon for Pentecost 26, 11/25/2012. Retrieved from www.mcgregorpage.org

 

 

 

This coming Sunday, November 25, 2018, Christians will celebrate the church’s version of New Year’s Eve-also known as Reign of Christ Sunday. The following Sunday-December 2^nd, 2018-marks the start of Advent and Year C in the three year cycle of readings from the Revised Common Lectionary. It is a day when we remember that Jesus is the king of our lives. It is not an ancient festival in the Christian calendar. In fact, it was only established by Pope Pius XI in 1925. It was established at a time when Europe was in chaos. Inflation was rampant, and colonialism was at its worst. The seeds of evil that would eventually grow into the Holocaust and World War II were being planted. Pope Pius XI established the Festival of Christ the King to declare that Jesus Christ is king. He is the goal of human history, the joy of all who hear, and the fulfillment of man’s aspirations.

The conversation between and Jesus and Pilate allows John to proclaim in his Gospel that Jesus is a king with a divine authority. Jesus was accused of plotting to overthrow the government, and he was being questioned by Pilate. This gave Jesus a chance to tell his side of the story. Jesus argues that his kingdom is founded on truth. This is in contrast to earthly kingdoms which are founded on power.

In fact, Pilate’s “kingdom” was based on power. In his mind, truth was what the powerful said it was-and the same is often true today. Jesus offered Pilate the same choice he offers us today-advance your status on earth or walk in the light of truth. The choice we make will determine which kingdom we will serve-God or man.

Jesus saw the world differently that the way the world sees the world. He defied logic by the way he lived and by what he taught. He taught that truth is the cornerstone of healthy relationships and strong communities. If something or someone claims to be truth and has violent intentions or acts in a coercive manner, then it is not truth. Truth may be attacked but it cannot be harmed. It is not “of this world”. This is how the gospels speak of truth, and this is why John’s Gospel calls Jesus “the true and living way”.

Healthy relationships require confidence that both partners will tell the truth. We have to trust that individuals will do what they promise to do. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, especially with politicians. We often manipulate the truth to serve to serve our purposes-both by what we say and what we don’t say. In contrast, Jesus always speaks the truth.

It is hard for us to know what truth is in today’s world. To make matters worse, it is also hard for us to know who to trust. There are few honest heroes anymore. Just look at former Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. He had fame and fortune, but he lost it all because he chose to win by using illegal, unethical means. There are few authority figures anymore. Everyone seems to have his or her own agenda. Truth is essential to life. It is essential to a successful marriage. Society needs integrity in order to survive. Think of the terror that would exist if police officers were thugs. What would happen if pharmacists were to dilute our prescription drugs in order to sell contraband out the back door?

We must remember that we are citizens of another realm, with a different ruler and a different rule. When it comes to spiritual things, truth is Christ. We leave behind anything else that has power over us. We follow the one who gives us a freedom that no political power can grant. This kingdom is one where Jesus will rule over our lives and the new heaven and the new earth.

One day Jesus will return to earth to set up his kingdom-one where he will rule firmly and deal justly with sinners. Until then, his kingdom focuses on redeeming the hearts of the lost. So what does it mean to say Christ is the King of this world? It means that this is an unfinished world. There is unfinished business because the world is made up of unfinished people. Even when we are at our best, we are not all that Christ intends for us to be. Christ came into this unfinished world and made the ultimate sacrifice for us. He has commissioned us to be in his army to see that this unfinished world becomes the kingdom over which he will reign forever.

Our gospel text focuses on part two of the dialogue between Pilate and Jesus. When Pilate asked Jesus if he was the king of the Jews, it was a political question. If Jesus presented himself to the people as a king, he was a rebel in Pilate’s eyes and needed to be dealt with accordingly. Jesus was a king, and indeed he is still a king. He is a king who has come to judge all earthly kings and kingdoms. He is the king of heaven and earth. He is full of grace and truth. He is our champion. He fights our battles for us. He leads us to victory over Satan and sin. He sets us up to lead his kingdom on earth until he returns. His kingdom occurs when we freely choose to serve him. This is in contrast to a worldly kingdom where power is obtained by self-centeredness and self-esteem. To love God is to become humble by paying the price of leaving people free to be who they will be.

Jesus does not wink at our sins. Paul reminds us in Romans 1:18-32 that even now Jesus is pouring out his wrath against those who think they can make better sense of their lives than he can. As his ambassadors on earth, we have a duty to live consistently by our Christian faith and speak against anything and everything that is contrary to it.

This text is about the clash between the earthly kingdom and the heavenly kingdom. We have to choose which kingdom we will serve, but we must remember that if we choose to serve an earthly kingdom, we will lose the struggle, because just like Christ was victorious over death, he will be victorious on earth when he returns to set up his kingdom. Jesus was a king, but he was not a typical king. He was a servant king. The symbol of his kingdom is the cross. Jesus takes the worst we have to offer-and the worst form of torture imaginable-and changes it into life and hope.

The challenge of the kingdom is for each of us:

1. To let God be God…in us
2. To let God be God…in our church
3. To let God be God…in our neighbourhoods
4. To let God be God…in our lives, our families and in our world

In order to find meaning, peace and purpose in our lives, we must keep asking ourselves, “What is Jesus telling me to do with my life?” When we do ask and listen for the answer, then we are experiencing the power of his kingdom in our lives.

It is the duty of us as Christians to represent Jesus here on earth. The church does best when it imitates Jesus who had no place to lay his head and who brought sight to the blind, helped the lame to walk, cleansed the lepers, made the deaf hear, raised the dead and brought good news to the poor. Just as Jesus’ power was in the cross, so the church’s most effective witness is in service and sacrifice to people in need. It is not in political connections, spectacular connections or great architecture.

 When we are in Christ’s presence, we should feel a sense of humility. Christ is our friend and our big brother, but we can’t appreciate Christ’s friendship and Christ’s role as our big brother unless we acknowledge that he is our Sovereign, our Saviour and our Lord.

In John 18:37, the themes of John’s Gospel are restated-incarnation, glory, truth. John’s Gospel is more concerned with Jesus’ origin than his birth story. Although he was born of the Virgin Mary, the greater reality is that he came from God. He came from a great king, and he is a great king. He came into this world to show us a new kind of king. His was the power of love, not the power of the sword. He came to rule not from a throne, but from the cross. He came not on a great horse, but on a donkey. He came not catering to the powerful but catering to the poor and the less fortunate. He chose his inner circle not from the powerful, but from the lowly and the meek. He calls us to be just like him. He calls us to take command and wield authority like he did. He has called us to give instead of take. He calls us to love instead of judging others. He calls us to care instead of ignoring the plight of the less fortunate.

 The truth to which Jesus testifies is the truth of the cross. Ever since the dawn of Christianity it has seemed strange that a man would become king by dying on the cross. Paul called it the foolishness of the cross, but Jesus called it the truth.

 I’m going to close this message with a story from World War II. Sportsman and best-selling author Pat Williams, in his book The Paradox of Power, tells about one man who deserved to bear the name Christian. In fact, that was his name, Christian X, king of Denmark during World War II. The people of Denmark remember him the way any of us would want to be remembered, as a person of character, courage, and principle. Every morning, King Christian rode without bodyguards in an open carriage through the streets of Copenhagen. He trusted his people and wanted them to feel free to come up to him, greet him, and shake his hand.

In 1940 Nazi Germany invaded Denmark. Like so many other European nations, this small Scandinavian country was quickly conquered. But the spirit of the Danish people and their king proved unquenchable. Even after the Nazis had taken control of the nation, King Christian X continued his morning carriage rides. He boldly led his people in a quiet but courageous resistance movement.

On one occasion, the king noticed a Nazi flag flying over a public building in Copenhagen. He went to the German commandant and asked that the flag be removed.
“The flag flies,” the commandant replied, “because I ordered it flown. Request denied.”
“I demand that it come down,” said the king. “If you do not have it removed, a Danish soldier will go and remove it.” “Then he will be shot,” said the commandant.
“I don’t think so,” said King Christian, “for I shall be that soldier.” The flag was removed.

On another occasion, the order came from the Nazis that all Jews were to identify themselves by wearing armbands with the yellow Star of David. King Christian said that one Danish person was exactly the same as the next one. So the King donned the first Star of David, and let it be known that he expected every loyal Dane would do the same. The next day in Copenhagen, almost the entire population wore armbands showing the Star of David. The Danes saved 90% of their Jewish population.

Later, the Nazis decided that all eight thousand Jews in Denmark would be rounded up and sent to concentration camps in central Europe. A German diplomat with a troubled conscience secretly informed King Christian of the Nazi plans. So the king organized a resistance effort that smuggled 7,500 Jews to Sweden within a single two-week period. The remaining five hundred Jews were rounded up by the Nazis and sent to an internment ghetto in Czechoslovakia. King Christian interceded on their behalf and all but fifty-one survived their treatment at the hands of the Nazis.

King Christian paid a price for his bold courage. The Nazis imprisoned him from 1943 until the fall of the Third Reich in 1945. An old man in his seventies, imprisonment was hard on his health. He died two years after his release, but he willingly paid the price for truth, as did other World War II heroes such as Corrie ten Boom. If people like King Christian, Corrie ten Boom and Jesus can willingly pay the price for what they believe in-namely, the truth-shouldn’t we as Christians also be willing to pay the price, especially when we are called by Christ to fight for the truth? After all, he is the final authority and power in the universe. Christ is King!

Bibliography

 

• Swindoll, Charles R.: Swindoll’s New Testament Insights on John (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan; 2010)

• Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASV (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.; 2009)

 

1. Pete Briscoe, “How to Live a Life that Defies Logic”. Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
2. Jude Siciliano, O.P. “First Impressions, Christ the King (B)”. Retrieved from www.preacherexchange.org
3. Michael Youssef, PhD, “Thy Kingdom Come”. Retrieved from www.leadingtheway.org
4. T.M. Moore, “Ambassadors from another Realm”. Retrieved from www.colsoncenter.org/thecenter/columns/viewpoint/15752-ambassadors-from-another-realm
5. Dr. Philip W. McLarty, “What is Truth?” Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.com
6. The Rev. Dr. Wiley Stevens, “Thanksgiving in Three Tenses”. Retrieved from www.day1.org
7. Lectionary Homiletics, Oct./Nov. 2012 (St. Paul, MN: Luther Seminary)
8. Exegesis for John 18:33-37. Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.org.
9. King Duncan, “Christ the King”. Retrieved from www.esermons.com
10. King Duncan, “Held Hostage”. Retrieved from www.esermons.com
11. King Duncan, “What is true and Who Can You Trust?” Retrieved from www.esermons.com
12. King Duncan, “A Strange Kind of King”. Retrieved from www.esermons.com
13. Steven E. Albertin, “Having the Last Word”. Retrieved from www.esermons.com
14. John Shearman’s Lectionary Resource, Year B, Season after Pentecost, Reign of Christ. Retrieved from www.lectionary.seemslikegod.org/archives/year-b-season-after-pentecost-the-reign-of-christ.html
15. Roland McGregor, UMC, McGregorPage #886, Pentecost 25, 11/25/12. Retrieved from www.mcgregorpage.org
16. Daniel B. Clendenin, PhD, “Yes, I am a King”: The Anti-Politics of Christ the King. Retrieved from www.journeywithjesus.net

 

 

 

 

The mother of four young children was running errands on a Saturday. She had groceries to buy, dry cleaning to pick up, and a long “to-do” list to tackle. After a couple of hours, the troops became restless. Two were fighting. Two were crying. In between traffic lights, she was trying her best to placate everyone. Then it hit her: the kids are hungry. We’ll get some lunch, and then we can finish our errands.

She drove into Wendy’s with one mission in mind: to feed her children. She ordered “fun meals” all around, drove to the window, and picked up the food. Before she was back on the freeway, one of the children began to wail. “I didn’t get a burger! There’s no burger in here!” Mom quickly retraced her route, wheeled up to the fast food restaurant, and marched inside with her incomplete fun meal in its Wendy’s bag. “My girl didn’t get a burger when we came through the drive-through just now. Put a burger in this bag, please.” The girl behind the counter just stood there and stared. “Maybe you didn’t hear me,” the mother said, more firmly this time. “I need one more burger. Put it in the bag and hurry—I’ve got four hungry kids in the car.” No response. The mother’s patience was almost gone, and her choleric personality kicked in: “I said, I need another burger. Put it in this bag RIGHT NOW!” Without saying a word, the young lady at the counter reached back, got a hamburger, and dropped it in the bag. “Thank you very much,” the mom said sarcastically, and she turned and walked out of… McDonald’s.

It is amazing what can be accomplished with a clear cut sense of purpose! I know of no one who ever rivaled Jesus Christ for a sense of purpose. He came for one reason, and one reason only…and He never lost sight of His mission. Those who hindered Him, even friends, soon understood that His focus was unwavering and strong.

In Matthew 17:22-27, Jesus talked about His purpose. He told His disciples that He would be betrayed and killed, but that He would also rise again. The disciples didn’t understand this for three main reasons:

1. They were strongly attached to Him, and they were sorry that He would soon leave them.
2. They weren’t willing to believe it.
3. They couldn’t see how He could be the Messiah and yet be put to death in this manner.

When Jesus and the disciples reached Capernaum, they were asked by the Pharisees to pay the temple tax. The temple tax was a fee given each year by every adult Jewish male to maintain the temple, based on the instructions of Exodus 30:11-16. Jesus replied that “kings do not tax their own sons. This tribute money is taken up for the service of my Father. I, therefore, being the Son of God, for whom this is taken up, cannot be lawfully required to pay this tribute.”

The disagreement between Jesus and the Pharisees was really a conflict between the kingdom and will of God (as represented by Jesus) and the evil nature of mankind. Jesus didn’t fit the mold of the Pharisees’ religious system. They saw Jesus as a threat that had to be eliminated. By eliminating this threat, the Pharisees unknowingly helped Jesus fulfill His purpose.

 Jesus, as the Son of God, was not bound by human regulations; nevertheless, to avoid offense, He appointed Peter to fish for the money to pay the tax. This is similar to the incident recorded in Matthew 22:17-21, and both events are reminders that Christians should support those in authority as mentioned in Romans 13:1-7.

The fact that the money to pay the temple tax was found in the mouth of a fish is proof that Jesus had divine characteristics. If He knew that the first fish that came up would have such a coin in its mouth, it was proof that Jesus was all-knowing. It is by no means absurd that a fish could have swallowed a silver coin. Many fish bite eagerly at anything bright and would not hesitate ot swallow a coin. If Jesus created the coin for the occasion and placed it there, then it was proof that He had divine power.

 Now that we are children of God, the Holy Spirit lives in us, causing us to love and serve our neighbours-even when we don’t have to. We are part of the new kingdom that Jesus created. We answer to Jesus our King. The relationship with God was superior to the relationship to the temple, and God as sovereign King and Lord over the temple does not exact payment from His Son or the sons of the kingdom, with one exception. He exacted payment from Jesus for our sins, and that payment was Jesus’ death on the cross.

Bibliography

 

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p.1313)
2. Barnes’ Notes on the New testament. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.
3. Augsberger, M.S. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 24: Matthew (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982; p. 18)
4. Pastor Ken Klaus, “Pay Your Taxes?” Retrieved from www.lhm.org
5. Dr. Ed Young, “The Power of a Clear-Cut Sense of Purpose.” Retrieved from ministry@winningwalk.org 

We’re getting closer to the end of our church year. In fact, Sun., Nov. 25, 2018 is Reign of Christ Sunday, which is the church’s equivalent to New Year’s Eve. As we draw closer to the end of the church year, our Gospel readings begin to emphasize the signs of Christ’s Second Coming. In fact, Jesus talks about some of these signs in Mark 13:1-8.

In a sermon often called the Olivet Discourse (because it was delivered on the Mount of Olives), Jesus gave the disciples and us a look into the future. The sermon spoke to both the destruction of the temple by the Romans in 70 AD and the destruction to come when Christ returns. Jesus’ sermon focused attention on preparedness, readiness to suffer, and trust. Jesus began his description of the events to come by emphasizing that many people will claim to be Him. All of them will deceive the people. As the time of Christ’s return draws near, wars and rumours of wars will escalate in number or intensity or both. These conflicts will involve both nation states and ethnic groups. Natural disasters will gain more worldwide attention.

One of the signs Jesus talks about is the destruction of the temple, and he uses that sign to describe what things will be like on earth as the Second Coming draws closer. Many of the stones in the temple were the same weight as a large jet. When the disciples commented on the size of the stones, they were likely expecting a messianic takeover of the temple. They were looking forward to a life of power and prestige. Unfortunately, they still did not realize the true nature of Christ’s kingdom.

The destruction of the temple was the result of its misuse by its leaders. The sacrificial system of the temple could not make sufficient atonement for the sinfulness of mankind. The disciples could not believe that one of the architectural wonders of the world had lost the grandeur of the spirit. Jesus’ conversation about the destruction of the temple was symbolic of the systems and institutions that oppress and exclude people. He was talking about the end of the status quo and the beginning of justice, freedom, and the redistribution and/or redefinition of power and wealth.

When our world is falling apart, God is not through with us-not by a long shot! Jesus reminds us not to create treasures here on earth. We must create treasures in heaven. Things that we think are permanent in our lives are only temporary. Material goods are temporary. They can be taken away. Our journey through life is short. We are travellers passing through. Our true home is in heaven and our true wealth is in knowing Jesus’ love and care for each of us.

The false teachers represented the religious cultism that results from man’s search for spiritual meaning outside of God’s world and word. Man’s self-interest often leads to social upheavals. Natural disasters often occur when the ecological system is upset by things such as pollution. These signs are constantly happening, so Jesus told the disciples not to see them as signs of final judgment. He told them that these signs are precursors to the end-time wrath.

Jesus expects his disciples to be the first people to counter false prophets, condemn war and show compassion to the victims of natural disasters. False prophets arise in every war, cult or natural disaster. If we ignore what they teach, they won’t survive. The main reason why false teachers can thrive is because of our secular society. People do what they please, and they have no time or place for God. All we have to do is look at our congregations on Sunday mornings to see that this is true. People make time for other activities on Sunday but they don’t make time for God. People want to do what they please, and God makes that uncomfortable. They try to gain satisfaction from earthly things such as possessions, status, position or wealth, but the only thing that gives us true satisfaction is faith in God.

When Jesus referred to the pains of childbirth, he was referring to the frequency of the signs of the end time. When a woman is in labour, her contractions are infrequent at first and become more frequent as the baby comes closer to entering the world. In the same way the signs of the end times will be infrequent at first but will escalate to massive and tragic proportions just before Christ’s return.

God’s answer to trouble is trust. He wants us to trust him in times of trouble, especially as the Second Coming draw closer. Faith is the link between heaven and earth. This world is a place where our faith will be refined and where our hope will rest on our future heavenly home-one that will never perish or be destroyed. God is up to stuff that is beyond our ability to understand. Our job is to be alert for it.

This passage from Mark’s Gospel was not meant to make us worry about the future. It was written to offer comfort to first century believers who were struggling to make sense of their world and their lives. We have the same struggles, so this passage gives us comfort as well. A prophet speaks both to their own generation and to future generations. When Jesus spoke to the disciples about the destruction of the temple, the troubles leading up to that day and of the signs that the terrible day was upon them, he was speaking to both their generation and ours. We live in the interim between Christ’s ascension and his return, and in this interim we will experience the same circumstances that Jesus promised his disciples. We will experience false prophets, wars and rumours of wars, natural disasters and persecution.

Jesus reminded the disciples that buildings are only stones and bricks. What really matters is what goes on inside. Life-giving waters are splashed and stories from the Bible are told-stories that are meant to give us guidance while we are on our faith journey. A simple meal of bread and wine is given to all of us, and we gather together to bring all of our joys and concerns and thanksgivings to God.

The destruction of the temple was not the end. It was the beginning. It was not about dismantling God. It was about new beginnings in faith. A building may be destroyed, but the place where God dwells can’t be destroyed because God lives in Jesus and his word as well as in the hearts and minds of all believers.

Our hope is in Christ’s return, which will be the main event of the end times. We must be careful not to be deceived by world events. Instead, we must look forward to the greatest event in history-Christ’s return for his church!

Bibliography

 

• Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013)

• Collin Wimberly, “Life in the Last Days.” (Preaching Magazine, September/October 2015, pgs. 49-50)

• ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

• McKenna, D.L. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 25: Mark (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982)

• MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, NASV (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

• David Jeremiah, “Troubled by trouble.” Retrieved from turningpoint@davidjeremiah.org
• Pastor Bob Coy, “Earth: Don’t Get Too Comfortable.” Retrieved from www.activeword.org
• Micah D. Kiehl, “Commentary on Mark 13:1-8.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1419
• David Lose, “Apocalypse Now.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/craft.aspx?post=1629
• Brian P. Stoffregen, “Proper 28-Year B; Mark 13:1-8.” Retrieved from www.crossmarks.com/brian/mark13x1.htm
• The Rev. Dr. Kathi Martin, “Flip the Script.” Retrieved from www.day1.org/490-flip_the_script.print.
• Dr. Mickey Anders, “Everything Nailed Down is Coming Loose.” Retrieved from http://www.lectionary.org/Sermons/NT/02-Mark/Mark-13.01-8-NailedDown-Anders.htm
• Pastor Vince Gerhardy, “The End is Still to Come.” Retrieved from http://www.lectionary.org/Sermons/NT/02-Mark/Mark-13.01-08-EndCome-Gerhardy.htm
• The Rev. Dr. James D. Kegel, “Sic Transit Gloria.” http://www.lectionary.org/Sermons/NT/02-Mark/Mark-13.01-08-SicTransit.-Kegel.htm
• Dr. Jeffrey K. London, “Joy Ahead.” Retrieved from http://www.lectionary.org/Sermons/NT/02-Mark/Mark-13.01-08-JoyAhead-London.htm