Genesis 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-16; Luke 12:22-34

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Does God already know? I chose not to expand this sentence because it applies to just about everything. Whether we’re talking about our personal struggles, the state of our world, a recent tragedy, or so on, the answer remains the same. In truth, God does know. He knows what happens in our life as well as throughout the world. God is infinitely aware of all that transpires on a daily basis.

But this is only half the story. For people will often follow up with another question, does God care? As many will posit, that God is indifferent to our world and the happenings within it. Even if God knows, because of all the evil in our world, many believe that God either doesn’t care or is unable to help us.

Yet, Jesus gives us a different answer. One that we really should take to heart if we desire to know God and what he thinks about us. As Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on,” Luke 12:22. Jesus tells us not to worry, which is easier said than done. Worry is such a large part of our life on this earth because we all want to know that everything is cared for, that we won’t fall on hard times. But also consider, as Jesus says, “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” Luke 12:25-26. Worry, while rational at times, really doesn’t help us at all.

There’s no doubt that we are worrisome creatures. But we must understand what is at the center of our worries. Whether it’s our worry about a job, about school, about friends, money, or so on, it all boils down to our worries of death. Yes, our worries are grounded on the desire to avoid death as long as possible. We know that we’re mortal creatures who have a risk of death at any time. 

But, doesn’t God know? Indeed, he does. And does God care? Well, yes! This is what Jesus shows us. God so cares for the ravens as he feeds them or the lilies of the field as he clothes them (Luke 12:24, 27). And if he cares for these things, how much more does he care for you? God who created the world still cares for all that he created. As Jesus says, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom,” Luke 12:32. Worry is something we don’t need as Christians if we truly know God and his care for us. Indeed, God is pleased to give us food and clothes and all that we need for he has also given us Jesus to die for us on the cross that even death may not concern us. Yes, God knows all that we need and he is pleased to give you this and so much more by his grace in Jesus Christ! 

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty and merciful God, it is by Your grace that we live as Your people who offer acceptable service. Grant that we may walk by faith, and not by sight, in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

Genesis 18:20-33; Colossians 2:6–15; Luke 11:1-13

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I’m always looking for the right words. It never fails that in conversations and writings, I can’t seem to think of the right words to express what I want. I juggle around other words to try to make up for the loss of vocabulary, yet they don’t do it justice because it’s not the word I was thinking about. It bothers me especially when it’s on the tip of my tongue, yet still won’t come to mind. 

Now, I know I’m not alone in this struggle for I’ve heard others tell me similar things. I’ve also found this is especially true when we’re talking about prayer. So many people have an aversion to praying, that is, especially praying out loud in front of a group. Growing up, in church youth group, it wasn’t uncommon for the leader to ask someone to pray. Right as they did, everyone would turn and look away, hoping not to be called on. You could say we were all at a loss for words.

Prayer is a funny thing. We all think it’s so hard to pray because we never know what to say. We don’t know how to communicate our thoughts and ideas. It should come as no surprise then that Jesus’ disciples were no different. In our Gospel reading this week, the disciples ask Jesus to give them the words to use that they may pray “better.” And of course, Jesus obliges. Hence, we have the Lord’s Prayer.

There’s no understating what a blessing this prayer is for the Christian. To have our Lord’s own words be given to us that we may pray is helpful for us to learn what prayer actually is. For you see, we should cherish these words as believers, but they shouldn’t be thought of as constricting. Our Lord’s prayer is a building block, teaching us greater and deeper truths.

In our Lord’s prayer, Jesus shows us that we have a Heavenly Father who is beyond gracious. God desires to give us all good things; things which are far greater than anything we could ever think or hope to ask for. He gives us daily bread. He gives us forgiveness. He gives us his kingdom by sending His one and only Son. Yes, our Lord’s prayer shows us that we don’t need the most sophisticated words, perfect phrases, or even a coherent thought. We can simply come before God with all that is on our heart and ask. For so Jesus says, “For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened,” Luke 11:10. Indeed, we know that God our Heavenly Father hears us and desires to give us the greatest things. Now, we have all the words we need to ask for and receive faith, forgiveness, and eternal salvation! 

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

O Lord, let Your merciful ears be attentive to the prayers of Your servants, and by Your Word and Spirit teach us how to pray that our petitions may be pleasing before You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

Leviticus 19:9-18; Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We all love being told that we’re doing a good job. We want to know that we’re moving in the right direction, that we’re doing the right thing, that we’re doing it well. Affirmation is actually a necessary part of child development, and remains a large part of our psyche even into adulthood. Yes, even adults want and need to know they are doing well. 

It shouldn’t be that far of a stretch to understand that many people wish for the same thing from God. We all want to know that we’re on the right track, that God is pleased with us. As confusing as life is, we know we’re trying our best. We’re trying to make the most out of what we’re given. But how many of us would love to simply hear from God some further affirmation?

Consider then the lawyer in our Gospel reading as he approaches Jesus with such a question. As he asks, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25. What do I need to do to know that God is pleased with me? What can I do to know that I’m on the right track? That’s what he wanted to know. Thus, Jesus responds, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” Luke 10:26. God has given the Law to show us the way to live so that we may be pleasing in His sight. It’s a straight forward answer, but one that gives us one of the best-known parables... the Good Samaritan.

Jesus gives us this parable to teach the lawyer and us what it means to fulfill the law. As the lawyer summarized, it’s all about loving God and loving our neighbor. But here is where we mess things up. The law isn’t so simple and easy for us. No matter how much we try to follow it, we will always mess things up and fall short. Doing what the Law requires of us is actually impossible... to love God and love our neighbor perfectly. God wants nothing less from us. But we must confess, we’re sinners. We haven’t loved God perfectly and like the priest and Levite in the parable, we all too often pass by those in need, often for our own selfish reasons.

Look to the parable now. As we often think about the parable, Jesus is telling us to be like the Good Samaritan. We must be the one to love and show mercy to all those in need. Yet, as clear and logical as this sounds, the problem with it is that it brings us right back to the Law. And we’re not capable of fulfilling it because we’re sinners. If we were to insert ourselves into the story, we would be the one beaten and left for dead by the side of the road. For the true Good Samaritan is Jesus. He’s the one who shows us mercy by bandaging us up, anointing us with oil, and providing for all of our needs. Jesus goes to the cross so that he may bring us into the holy hospital of the Christian Church. It’s purely by God’s grace and mercy that we become pleasing to God. It’s by Jesus’ perfect life and sacrifice that we are cleansed of all our sins so as to be made pleasing before God!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, in Your deep compassion You rescue us from whatever may hurt us. Teach us to love You above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

Isaiah 66:10-14; Galatians 6:1-10, 14-18; Luke 10:1-20

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Jesus chose sinners. We really don’t know why. It’s a mystery to us why he would have sinful men be responsible for a message so grand. After all, sinners mess things up, do the wrong things, say the wrong words. It’s all in the name. It seems much more logical to have someone more fit for the job be the one to do it. But no. Jesus chose sinners. 

In our Gospel lesson this week, this is the astonishing thing we read. Jesus chose sinners, seventy-two of them to go out and proclaim his message. These seventy-two men were sent ahead of Jesus “into every town and place where he himself was about to go,” Luke 10:1. Before they went, Jesus warned them of the harsh world into which they were going. “Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves,” Luke 10:3. Their task wasn’t an easy one. It was actually rather treacherous. They would face rejection by the people, persecution by the government, and every temptation of the devil. In short, the world would be against them.

For as wonderful it was to have these seventy-two men sent out, it still wasn’t enough. There weren’t enough laborers for the harvest at hand. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest,” Luke 10:2. This was no ordinary harvest; it was the Lord’s harvest. He wants to reap saints for his kingdom, yet to do so, he needs workers. He needs laborers to bring in the harvest. 

Without laborers, there was no guarantee of finding a tilled field, a strong crop, a rich harvest. Indeed, in Jesus’ day, laborers were required if a farmer was to receive ANY harvest. For the fact that we are sinners really says it all. We haven’t done the right things; we haven’t said the right words; we haven’t been the strong crop or rich harvest for the Lord. Pastors and people are no different in this category. We’re all sinners.

Yet, this is why it’s so amazing that… Jesus chose sinners. Jesus chose sinners to preach his word, saying, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ Luke 10:9. These seventy-two men went out, bringing peace and healing to the distressed. For these are the men Jesus chose to say… Jesus chose sinners. Jesus chose sinners to dwell with them, to bring them near that his kingdom may come to them. Jesus chose sinners to die for on the cross that he may forgive their sins and make them a rich harvest of saints! So pray. Pray to the Lord of the harvest that he may send out more laborers… even sinners… to declare to you the mercy and grace won for you in Christ! For when he does, when he sends you a laborer, that is a pastor, may we “rejoice that your names are written in heaven,” Luke 10:20. 

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty God, You have built Your Church on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. Continue to send Your messengers to preserve Your people in true peace that, by the preaching of Your Word, Your Church may be kept free from all harm and danger; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

1 Kings 19:9b-21; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

How many things do we do simply because they’re convenient? Think about how many things are marketed in our society today. Fast food, online shopping, curbside pick-up, and so on. Just about every story, restaurant, and business is trying to cater to the convenience of the shopper. For making something easier for someone to do makes it more likely that people will do it.

While convenience isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s also commonly said that “Nothing worth doing was ever easy”. It’s inevitable that difficult tasks will have fewer people actually follow through. In many ways, we give up way too easily because we want everything to be convenient and easy. Though, happiness and success always take hard work.

Much is true with faith also. Faith isn’t easy. Jesus shows us again the struggles and challenges that faith brings this week. “But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem,” Luke 9:53. Jesus was traveling through Samaria on his way to Jerusalem, but the people rejected him. Though Jesus faced rejection in many different places where he went. Because people reject Jesus, they will do the same for his followers. Following Jesus isn’t always convenient and easy.

Jesus doesn’t serve us with convenience. Following Jesus means giving up a home, as Jesus tells to the first man (Luke 9:58). Following Jesus means family ties no longer take precedence on your life (Luke 9:60). Following Jesus means nothing in all of creation can distract us from the work he puts before us (Luke 9:62). Everything we count on in life is upended by faith. Our priorities must be rearranged lest we become distracted from our Savior and be unfit for the kingdom of God.

Nothing worth doing was ever easy. Jesus knew this well. He looked at all he had to do and remain fixed upon it. “When the days drew near for [Jesus] to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem,” Luke 9:51. Jesus turned his face towards Jerusalem, that is his suffering and death that awaited him there. Here is where Jesus looks straight at all the “work” he has to do and commits to doing it no matter how hard and challenging it may be. For the reward was worth it to him. Thus, Jesus would go to Jerusalem. He would go and be arrested by the Romans. He would be condemned by Pilate, bear forty lashes across his back. He would carry his own cross all the way through the city only for the soldiers to nail him to it. Jesus would suffer upon the cross for three hours, bearing the weight of all of our sins. At last, he would die for us, giving up his final breath on our behalf. No matter how difficult a work it was, he remained fixed on it because it was the very salvation of the world! Thus, we must remain fixed on the cross of Christ, evermore looking to this mighty work of God which is our salvation and eternal life!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Lord of all power and might, author and giver of all good things, graft into our hearts the love of Your name and nourish us with all goodness that we may love and serve our neighbor; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

Isaiah 65:1-9; Galatians 3:23-4:7; Luke 8:26-39

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

It’s an odd fact of life that we all wish we were a different age. As children, we’re always wishing we were older. We’re looking forward to our next birthday (of course because of presents) but with age, we also understand there is more freedom. I find it generally true that most of childhood is looking forward to the next age benchmark. At the same time, once we grow up, many begin glamorizing their youth wishing they were younger again.

Of course, there are benefits and struggles at every age. We shouldn’t wish life away nor despise the maturity which age has brought. It is also true that with age comes greater freedom. We won’t let a four-year-old do the same thing as a forty-year-old. We restrict the actions of children because they haven’t developed the maturity to make every important decision.

This is much the same relation we have with God and faith. As Paul discusses in our Epistle reading this week, we’re all captive to sin under the law. As Paul declares, “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith,” Galatians 3:24. Because of our “immaturity” in faith, God gave us the law as a “guardian” or “parent”. We aren’t able to make the decision to believe in God or to do what is pleasing in his sight. Rather, we need someone to guide and instruct us.

Similarly, if we look at our Gospel lesson this week, we find a man who is demon-possessed. He’s literally a slave to the demons, and in turn the evil and sin which they promote. His condition is so extreme that he’s living alone among a cemetery, in the place of death. Likewise, we all find ourselves captive to sin and death. We’re captive to the law as well, which means that we’re always trying to work ourselves into paradise but never able to actually get there. 

Everything changes though when Christ comes. The demon-possessed man finds his release and freedom and so do we! Jesus enters this barren and death-filled land and finds the man held captive. By the word and command of Jesus, the demons must leave. Then we hear about the man, “Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid,” Luke 8:35. As Jesus comes to the man, instilling faith, he’s freed not only from demons, but the law and death. Likewise, before faith and Christ, we too are held captive to sin and death. But after Christ comes, after we’re washed clean in baptism, we too have freedom in Christ! By the cross of Christ, Satan and death must flee from us! As Paul says, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons,” Galatians 4:4-5. No longer are we slaves to the law and sin, but sons and daughters of God! 

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer: 

O God, You have prepared for those who love You such good things as surpass our understanding. Cast out all sins and evil desires from us, and pour into our hearts Your Holy Spirit to guide us into all blessedness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Acts 2:14a, 22-36; John 8:48-59

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Have you ever tried stuffing a box with more items than would fit? Trying to squeeze things into too small an area causes many issues. The box rips, the items are overflowing, and so on. It’s a challenge that has no answer... other than finding a bigger box. But if that option is taken off the table, we’re stuck.

This is part of our issue with our celebration of the Holy Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity is a key doctrine, one that is foundational to the Christian Church. However, it’s too “large” of a doctrine to every fully fit in our brain. The Trinity is one teaching that we teach but can never fully comprehend. To understand who God is, how He can be Trinity is something so far beyond our human comprehension. For God has no comparison or equal in all of creation, so any attempt to do so is futile.

This doesn’t mean we don’t know anything about the Trinity. As we will see in our readings this week, God has revealed himself in this way, as one God, yet three persons. Consider Jesus’s discussion with the Jews from John, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, “He is our God.” John 8:54. Jesus claims to be glorified by God (the Father), yet later he will claim to be God himself. But from Acts, we also read, “[Jesus] Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing,” Acts 2:33. While far from an exhaustive list, we already have established God the Father, Jesus (the Son), and the Holy Spirit, but a repetition that there is only one God.

This teaching will always confound people. It has made many doubt the Christian faith. But it remains central to understanding God and faith. For we hold that God is one, but is three persons. And these three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are all distinct from one another, but share in the oneness of the divinity. Without such a teaching, without confessing our faith in the Holy Trinity, we are left questioning the first commandment. Which God shall we believe in and worship? 

God has thus revealed himself to us in this way and we can speak no other way about God than how he has spoken to us. God is one. There is only one God, yet three persons. And this is important because it’s the Holy Trinity that offers us salvation. It’s the Father who has sent the Son to become incarnate for us. It’s the Son (Jesus) who has suffered for our sins and offers us forgiveness. It’s Jesus who has died on the cross and rose from the dead so that we wouldn’t have to taste eternal death. It’s the Holy Spirit who has come to dwell in our hearts to bring to us the victory of Jesus and the reward of life eternal! God has work for one purpose, the salvation of man. For this is the glory of God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that by His work in our world, we may have eternal life! 

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen!