Sermon February 14-15, 2026 - Transfiguration

Title: We were eyewitnesses!
Text: 2 Peter 1:16-21

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16b but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

On Oct. 15, 1783, the Montgolfier brothers launched a balloon on a tether with Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier, a chemistry and physics teacher, aboard.

He stayed aloft for almost 4 minutes, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

And about a month later, on Nov. 21, Pilâtre de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes, a French military officer, made the first free ascent in a hot air balloon.

Remember this is 1783!

The pair flew from the center of Paris to the suburbs, about 5.5 miles, which took about 25 minutes.

Benjamin Franklin wrote in his journal about witnessing the balloon take off:

"We observed it lift off in the most majestic manner. When it reached around 250 feet [76 m] in altitude, the intrepid voyagers lowered their hats to salute the spectators. We could not help feeling a certain mixture of awe and admiration."

https://www.space.com/16595-montgolfiers-first-balloon-flight.html

St. Peter writes in our epistle for today:

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

There is much to be considered here but also much that is said. The idea for many in our day and at the time of the apostles is that somehow these stories and accounts of Jesus were made up, didn’t happen, or were greatly exaggerated. Peter says a mouthful when he says,

,but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 16b

Today we celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord or as our bulletin says :

“The dazzling array of light at the Lord’s transfiguration makes known that Jesus supersedes even Moses and Elijah … and all the prophets [who] were sent to point us to Jesus.”

17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

Not a story you might hear or read about or speculate about without substance or evidence.

But Jesus … Transfigured … and Peter saw it with the others, and heard the very voice of God from heaven.

Now the word of the Lord in our Old Testament lesson for today coveys a powerful picture:

16 The glory of the LORD dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
17 Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel.
18 Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Exodus 24:16-17

Here in the transfiguration, the convergence of the Old and New Testaments come together. Moses and the book of the Law and Elijah along with Jesus who is the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets … come together …

and Peter is an eyewitness … an eyewitness of his majesty transfigured.

Peter, as he is writing is an old man. Reasonable dating for this epistle is 68 AD. It has been almost 40 years since the crucifixion. Peter may be in his early 70s and he is preparing to depart this earthly tent saying just previously to our epistle:

13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.

It is Peter’s hope to leave a lasting impression for the church so that - after [his] departure - you may be able at any time to recall these things.

That is Peter’s focus here as he recounts his presence with the Lord.

17 For when [Jesus] received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

This presence with Christ remained clear for Peter.

But Peter is clear here also, that he heard God’s Majestic voice and saw Jesus transfigured as his glory and honor were revealed because he along with the others [James and John] were with him on the holy mountain.

In Peter’s account the value of his eyewitness reporting is of much greater importance. He says in verse 15 one verse before our epistle for today:

15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

He writes this so that when he is gone the value of his knowledge and witness might be made known then and now through his prophetic witness as he points us to the scriptures.

In our day questions arise about God.

Where is he?
Is he in the world?

Has he created this place and then departed to leave us to fend for ourselves?
If he is a loving God, why does he allow suffering?

What God created perfect has been broken and corrupted by the fall into sin.

Through sin, death has come.

It is written on the hearts of his creatures, and evident in His creation, but by the Law we only come to know sin and how far we fall short.

But, by God’s Holy Spirit bestowing faith through His means of word and sacrament, we know Him as a loving God and His saving love for you and for me which is given in his Son our Lord Jesus.

As we gather where he has promised to be, and His gifts are given, we receive the blessed forgiveness and know the Good News that you and I have the favor of God on account of Christ by faith in Him.

C.S. Lewis makes a wonderful point when he wrote:

Believing things 'on authority' only means believing them because you have been told them by someone you think trustworthy …

… Every historical statement is believed on authority. None of us has seen the Norman Conquest or the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

Or, I might add, the ascent of the first balloon ride in France.

But we believe them simply because people who did see them have left writings that tell us about them; in fact, on authority.

A person who balked at authority in other things, as some people do in religion, would have to be content to know nothing all his life.

C.S. Lewis.

19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,

Peter brings to his hearers and us what God’s means is … his holy and prophetic word.

Do you believe it?
Do you trust it?

Peter says this word was not something made up but was given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

20 knowing this first of all that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation.

21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

God’s word says Jesus was transfigured before them in our Gospel reading for today.

God’s voice says:

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Friends,

God wants you to see no one but Jesus.
If you harbor doubt … let God lead you into His light by His word.
Trust the prophetic words of the eyewitnesses.
Do not live in unbelief anymore … but believe.
The word became flesh and dwelt among us.

Joy in the truth of the eyewitnesses, that your sins are forgiven by the one who was and is and is to come.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit

Amen

Sermon February 7-8, 2026

Title: The light of Christ in the world, is you!
Text: Matt. 5:13-20

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14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

January 27, marked the National Day of Remembrance of the liberation of the Jews from the Concentration camp at Auschwitz, some 81 years ago.

There is a story about rabbi, Hugo Gryn, who was sent to Auschwitz as a little boy. He was born in Czechoslovakia in 1930, in a home of great Jewish learning and warmth.

In the concentration camp, in the midst of the death and horror all around them, many Jews held onto whatever shreds of their religious observances they could, without drawing the ire of the guards. One cold winter's evening, Hugo's father gathered the family in the barracks. It was the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Feast of Lights.
The young child watched in horror as his father took the family's last pad of butter and made a makeshift candle, using a string from his ragged clothes. He then took a match and lit the candle.

"Father, no!" Hugo cried. "That butter is our last bit of food! How will we survive?"
"We can live for many days without food," his father said. "We cannot live a single minute without faith and hope. This is the fire of hope. Never let it go out. Not here! Not anywhere!"

Pulpit Resource, Logos Productions, Inc, 2005

In the gospel reading for today, Jesus, in talking to his disciples, speaks about salt and light as it pertains to those who follow Him. He points out, if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

There are a number of uses for salt:

Salt accents the flavor of meat,
brings out the individuality of vegetables,
flavors bland starches,
deepens the flavor of delicate desserts,
and develops the flavor of melons and certain other fruits.

No other seasoning has yet been found that can satisfactorily take the place of salt.

http://www.saltworks.us/salt_info/salt-uses-and-tips.asp

Jesus also speaks of the light that His disciples have in them by the power of the Holy Spirit calling them not to hide it, but to:

16 … let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

When salt loses its saltiness or a lamp is hidden the usefulness of either is no longer of value.

In the same way the disciples who no longer shine forth the light of Christ in their lives no longer reflect the Love of Christ that has been given them, but only the brokenness that this corrupted world brings.

A guitar without strings is of little value but string it up and the potential for wonderful music is there.

Years ago I use to attend the Chet Atkins Appreciation Societies convention in Nashville.

While there the first few years Chet would come in and socialize and take pictures with those who were attending. He would sit and play guitar by himself and with others.

One story I heard once while playing and inspecting a new guitar at a dealer’s booth, a man listening to him said:

“Man, that guitar sounds great!”
To which Chet stopped playing and responded,
“How’s it sound now?”

The beautiful sound of a guitar is impossible to hear, hidden in silence, until the musician moves the strings to bring forth the gift of music to the ears.

Our voices singing today, proclaim the blessings of God. With voices and mouths closed … no one could hear our praise.

So too a disciple of Jesus’ that no longer shines the light of the gospel and the pardon and forgiveness won for them at the cross in all they say and do, fails to shine the light of Christ in their life for others.

The merits of Jesus’ work remain hidden - and the word of God closed to the ears of those who need to hear.

When we fail to shine the light of Christ we bury Christ again in the tomb again, covering the light of Christ’s resurrection victory with the dirt of the grave and close the joy of Jesus with the stone of the tomb rolled back in place.

Jesus says:

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

And then He continues:

18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
So until heaven and earth pass away … until the end … you and I and all people are held to the requirements of the Law.

If we stand in our own righteousness, we reject the gift of God and hide the light of Christ that has been given to you and me.

19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

The scribes and Pharisees did all they could to keep the Law and they still fell short! But you have been given light; the light of Christ and His perfect keeping of the law.

God’s Law is fulfilled and kept perfectly for you and you have received it as a gift by faith in Christ, our redeemer!

Nothing to do … just believe and rejoice because God’s Holy Spirit is greater than the world, the flesh, and the Devil who tries to draw you away from Christ.

Jesus has given you the light of His righteousness and because of this gift of mercy and grace you can be salt and light to a world that is dying.

Shine a lamp into a dark room and there is no longer any darkness … it flees in the presence of light and so too the light of Christ which has overcome the darkness of sin that was laid upon Christ at the cross and buried in the tomb with Him no longer to sees the light of day.

Christ has risen and left your sin buried. His righteousness covers you so that you too can shine His light to those in need.

When a lamp in placed in front of a mirror the light is doubled. So too your light that shines in the world gets magnified in the lives of others and becomes a beacon which overcomes the darkness which flees having no place to hide.

The light of Christ in the world, friends is you!

Let it shine!

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit

Amen

Sermon February 1, 2026

Title: Just, kind, and humble is our God, Jesus!
Text: Micah 6:1-8

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8 He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

If you’ve ever been in a court of law, you know the humbling nature of the experience.

“All rise! The honorable Danial P. O’Brian presiding!”

The words rang out, in the Oakland County Courthouse. The Judge entered, and the proceedings began. A man came forward and pleaded his case and to the best of my recollection this is what was said.

“Your honor, I have 9 children, a home, a wife and a job. I am in treatment for my addiction to drugs and I am doing better and plead for leniency and probation! You honor, I am a changed man!”

Judge O’Brian pondering the plea, took a few minutes and replied.

“In considering your situation and your words, I must confess, that I would like to give you the benefit of the doubt - at least for your wife, children and your employer. But you said similar things in 1998, 2002, 2007, 2011 and 2016 and now again today. Sir you are a habitual offender. I find you guilty and sentence you to 2 – 5 years in the state penitentiary for your crimes!”

The gavel hit and the man was taken away in cuffs to serve his sentence.

For justice to be served a just God must be just. He must condemn sin and the offences against the Law and judge rightly. In God’s court the people are found wanting.

2 Hear, you mountains, the indictment of the LORD,
and you enduring foundations of the earth,
for the LORD has an indictment against his people,
and he will contend with Israel.

The Lord’s people had fallen short and had missed the mark. The mark of the Lord requires perfection. No error. Not a mark. Ever.

The last time I went target shooting I was surprised. I was terrible. Almost nothing hit the Bulls-Eye; Some shots hit the target and even a few were … shall we say … nowhere to be found!

In God’s perfection, there would be, centered on the target, only one hole, directly in the middle of the Bull-Eye, nothing else no matter how many times you pulled the trigger! All the shots would enter through the same hole, exactly on the same spot, in the center of the Bulls-Eye. That is the perfection God requires! Israel had fallen short.

3 “O my people, what have I done to you?
How have I wearied you? Answer me!

In the court of the Lord’s justice, he pleads his case. “What have I done to you?” All that God had done for his children Israel, had been good but was met with rejection and rebellion.

The work of the Lord was made manifest [or known] to them and now he recounts his works as a prosecutor laying out his case.

I brought you out of Egypt
I redeemed you from Slavery
I sent Moses, Aaron and Miriam to lead you
And whenever the King of Moab wanted you cursed by God’s prophet - I had mercy – and my prophet, Balaam the son of Beor, blessed you!

The Lord’s mercy had been evident they had seen it and heard of it.

He had led the children of Israel out of Egypt and protected and sustained them in the wilderness. And when Balaam, the prophet of God would not curse the children of Israel as directed by the king, King Balak of Moab went to plan B – leading the people to sin against their God - by temptation, sexual sin, and Idolatry [following after false gods].

What do we, who gather here weekly in worship hear from our God?

We hear:

God’s word proclaimed in all its truth and fullness.
We hear of God’s Just requirements
We hear of God’s loving kindness toward you and me in Christ
And we hear of God’s humble call for his children to – follow me!

But, do we listen and obey? Or, do we plan our own redemption like the children of Israel - to escape the wrath to come?

The case is laid out and the defendant replies:

6 “With what shall I come before the LORD,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”

Essentially saying: “What do you want from me? What can I give?”

We too try to appease God by what we do and what we give.

“Didn’t I give you this? Haven’t I done that? I’ve done much more than others have done. What more do you want?”

The prophetic word still rings true through the folly of preaching.
As St. Paul says:

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

In the football world this past week the Seattle Seahawks and Sam Darnold made it to the Super bowl. In 2024 he led the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-3 record but was not offered a contract for 2025 because the Vikings had drafted J.J. McCarthy.

I must admit, I felt sorry for Sam, who had a great year, but when the season was on the line he and Minnesota lost to the Detroit lions and Sam was the odd man out.

Sam became irrelevant to the Vikings.

But for Seattle?

Irrelevant has become, shall we say, very relevant!

The Lions and the Vikings are on the outside watching and Sam and the Seahawks are heading to the Super bowl.

How do we listen and hear what God has to say?

Is it relevant in our lives or do we hear it as irrelevant, old, and worn, or maybe just for a different time and people? Can we allow ourselves to be opened by God to hear his word in a new way that, through the folly of preaching God might make himself known to you and me.

22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

God’s word is power and made perfect in weakness.
God’s power in the weakness of the manger child.
God’s power in the weakness of the cross unto salvation.
God’s power in the weakness of sins washed away in the waters of Holy Baptism.
God’s power in the weakness of simple bread and wine united in, with and under the body and blood of Christ shed for you.
God’s power in the weakness of humble, loving, kind and merciful people of faith sharing the love of God to a world that desperately needs to hear.

8 He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what … the LORD require of you
… to do justice, … to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

God has given Jesus for the sins of the world and that includes you and me. In humble submission we walk, trust, speak and do that the lord gives us and when we fall short … we come again to the Lord, we repent, and we receive his gracious forgiveness on account of Christ and then we go out again in to the world to tell others the Good News.

Fools for Christ. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit

Amen

Sermon January 24-25, 2026

Title: Fools we are, but in Christ wise!
Text: 1 Cor. 1:10-18

 

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18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Webster defines folly as:

1. A lack of good sense or normal prudence and foresight.
2. Criminally or tragically foolish actions or conduct.
3. Evil, or wickedness.
4. A foolish act or idea.
5. An excessively costly or unprofitable undertaking.

Jesus even speaks of folly in Luke’s gospel in this way when he says:

28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

What a fool.

Paul knows a thing or two about fools, having done some things in his life that lacked good sense, were criminally or tragically foolish, evil or wicked, and in some cases just simply bad ideas that proved unprofitable.

In our text today he is calling those in Corinth and ultimately, we who name the name of Christ to a different standard.

10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

Now, what is Paul talking about?

Paul is not talking about which team to root for, or which place to buy your groceries, or even which political party might best provide for your safety, comfort, and wellbeing.

But he is talking about the church, and the divisions that were pulling apart those in Corinth.
He even tells them how he knows.
Chloe’s people told him!

Now who Chloe is, and who her people are, we don’t know; but I bet those in Corinth knew and I bet they were not happy being called out in this letter by Paul, because it shines a big light on what had been going on.

But the greater truth and the greater reality was a spiritual disunity in the family of faith there in Corinth.
They didn’t believe, teach or confess the same doctrinal truths.
They were basing doctrine and practice on other things.

Paul didn’t say, some of you want carpet and some of you want tile. Or, some of you want a greater budget and some want to reduce spending.

Those things can all have their place, discussions, and disagreements but according to spiritual matters we must agree – according to the word.

And friends, that is why we have denominations today!

Different understanding about scripture, practice, and doctrine or teaching of the word, can pull people apart and separate them one from another - and ultimately from Christ!

Paul writes:

12 What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”

The church divided by leaders. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it.

Paul and Peter, (Cephas) often are pitted against each other in arguments in the church. Some even disparaging Paul’s apostleship, though Peter even refers to Paul’s writings in his 2nd epistle as scripture saying:

15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.

Apollos too, is referred in scripture in the book of Acts:

2 Now, a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. Acts 18:24

Luther even writes in his preface to the book of Hebrews saying:

The author to the Epistle to the Hebrews – whoever he is, whether Paul or, as I think, Apollos – quotes the Old Testament most learnedly. (AE 8:178)

Whether Paul or Apollos, the letter to the Hebrews is no less the Word of God and that brings us to Christ.

13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Paul saying in a sense,
Take the light off me!
I am a servant!
I am a disciple!
I am a follower of Christ Jesus, my Lord!
Get your eyes on Jesus!

If you are on any side other than that of Christ, you are wrong!

I don’t know of any instance where there is a reference to Paul, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit; Or, even if the Corinthians were using a formula of Baptism where they might say:

“As Paul teaches, or Peter teaches, or Apollos teaches, about Baptism.”

But I can tell you that a similar type of emphasis can be put upon pastors in our day.

I’ve heard many times that pastor so and so did my baptism and my confirmation, I want him to do my wedding or wanting a funeral as if the hope is in him.

Now understand, it is alright to ask a pastor who baptized you to officiate at confirmation, weddings, and funerals but it is Christ who does the work! His participation doesn’t make it more valid.

So, when churches or members are not grounded in the word, the personality of the man who stands in the stead and by the command of Christ can stand out, front and center.

Remember the words of John the Baptist who pointed out - the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!

Saying:

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

At times I can’t remember who I baptized, as I always see the Lord as the active agent, and me getting to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a subservient way. I am grateful to simply serve.

In the same way, if we see our work as the focus of the act, we miss Christ and all that he enables us to do by his Spirit.

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Paul is not disparaging Baptism but the work that God has called and given him to do. Even saying – not with wisdom and eloquence – not to empty the cross of Christ of its power.

For pastor’s the work of Christ and his cross works through we who are privileged to serve. I bring no wisdom and eloquence of my own but simply serve the needs on the body of Christ here gifted in the way that our Lord has gifted me. So, at times you may hear a story, and I hope it reflects Christ and his glory!

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

So, lets now look at what Webster says about wisdom:

1. Marked by deep understanding,
2. Keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment

In the book of Proverbs, we read:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Prov. 9:10

May the Lord’s wisdom and understanding be yours now and forever.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit

Amen

Sermon January 17-18, 2026

Title: The Lamb of God!
Text: John 1:29-42a

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32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

This weekend we celebrate the gift of Life from conception to God’s calling us to our eternal rest. Whether in the womb, childhood, adult life or old age, life is precious and a gift of God.

We, who are born in sin unto death, receive rebirth by God’s work in Christ, bringing us in relationship to him and back to the original righteousness he intended.

We are his workmanship.

In the beginning of the book of Genesis we hear of:

God’s creating work.
God’s all-powerful word.
God’s illuminating Spirit hovering over the waters.
God’s breath of life, that was breathed into the formed dust of the ground giving life to Man which God had created,

Male and female we’re told he created them. Gen 1:27c

We think of Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, the fruit of the tree in the midst of the garden, the fall into sin … and death that came as a result.

The thing that gets asked all the time is why does a loving God, allow suffering?

I’ve asked it and I’m sure you’ve asked it. And we all know we’ve lived it.
My friend lost his first child, Diana, 48 hours after birth in 1979. He was devastated.
Young people who stare death in the face is so heartbreaking.
Parents taken from their children at a young age. How can we make sense out of it?

Doesn’t God care?
Couldn’t he do something?
What kind of God do we have?
The wages of sin is death.   It is the fall into sin

But God proclaims another truth through John in our gospel reading today:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

To remove sin is to remove death, a death that separates you and me from God. The problem is not in us, like we can find a way back but in God who is both Just and Righteousness.

How can he both condemn sin and forgive the sinner?

What God had created perfect, had been broken by the fall of man into sin. God has now in Christ, stepped into his creation through this Lamb of God, to restore all that was lost, through this Jesus!

So, it is not just a temporal death that we are saved from, but an eternal death that separated us from our loving God forever.

God has stepped into our lives and our reality.
Our joys and our sorrows.
Proclaimed and pointed to by John as God’s lamb, who takes away the sin of the world.

32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son[ of God.”

Jesus is the Lamb of God!

4 Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:4

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth. Isaiah 53:7

Jesus is the Sacrificial Lamb

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
1 Peter 1:18-19

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
1 Peter 2:24

Jesus is the Mighty and Victorious Lamb spoken of in Revelation.

… I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain … 9 And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,

for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:6-12

John’s testimony points to Christ

No longer is Jesus a babe in a manger
He is the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form. Col. 2:9
He is God for us.

He is God’s Son, marked for death so that you might be his child marked for life!

Jesus, is:

God in the flesh, God’s redemption, God’s Messiah, the King of Israel, the kingdom of God among you, God’s peace, and your redemption!

35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.”

It is God who desires all to see Christ.
At times it is during the trials of life that the Spirit makes him known.
It is at times in the lives of others, that we can see clearly by that same Spirit of God, work more clearly.

And it is at times like these that we need to share and shine forth all that God has made known and done for you and me through the Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world!

Andrew … found his own brother Simon and said to him,

“We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus.

The truly good news is that Jesus who seeks and finds and saves the lost!
Jesus has found you!
He has stood in your place.
He has called you to faith.
He will be with you always by the work of his Spirit until the end of the age

God’s love is not only temporal but eternal!

This Good News is something to shout about!
This Good News is something to share with others!

This Good News needs to be proclaimed and heard!

God has overcome the wages of sin, death, and the Devil so that Satan is defeated and by his Spirit you have eternal life in his name!

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit

Amen

Sermon January 10-11, 2026

Title: Our lives are lived as buried with Christ!
Text: Rom 6:1-11

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5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Monica and I went to a funeral this past Monday for her friend Sandra Malone. Though Monica was best friends with Sandra’s sister, Debbie, she had a long-connected relationship and history with Sandra and their family as well.

While this was not one of the readings used for Sandra funeral, it is a part of our funeral liturgy and I’ve recited these verses at all of the funerals I’ve officiated at as we remember our baptism and the baptism of those who depart in the faith.

3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

The service of remembrance was at St. James, Roman Catholic Church in Novi. It was the first time I’d been there and there is always a connection for me with my youth and the church I was raised in, and spent the first 40 years of my life connected to.

Interestingly, the Priest that founded St. James church was Father James Cronk who officiated at Monica and my wedding back in 1982. He has passed into the Lord’s care now, but seeing his picture on the wall reminded me of the greater connection we all have to the universal, catholic, small c, church, and the life of faith that unites us to Jesus.

So, while there remains a divided Christian church here on earth, with denominations and nondominations, there also remains only one Jesus who unites you and me and our lives to his through the means of Holy Baptism.

The priest who officiated at the funeral, Father Ed Zaorski, appeared to be older than me but we all know, looks can be deceiving. But it did remind me that the need for men to fill pulpits remains strong across all denominational lines. We continue to thank our Lord for his call to all who faithfully serve!

In our reading today, Paul calls all who have been baptized in Christ to live new lives as followers of Jesus.

6 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

Death and sin hang over us all.

I thought a lot about it, as I considered the 130 funerals or so I’ve officiated at over the last 13 years or as I ponder the beginning of the 14th year I’m now entering in to.

Death remains and so does the sinful self.
When Jesus came to John to be baptized and following John’s protest he said:
“Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
Christ’s fulfillment is your salvation!
It is all of Christ!
Nothing you do of say adds to it!

You simply receive!

Baptism is the ultimate unifier in Christ. It is also why as Lutherans we accept Holy Baptisms from other faith traditions done in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Christ’s words and his command are all we need.

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

St Ambrose in his writing on the sacrament of Baptism and emphasizing the invisible action of God writes:

"You entered; you saw the water …. Lest, perchance, someone say: ‘Is that all?’ – yes, this is all, truly, where there is no innocence, where there is all piety, all grace, all sanctification. You have been what you were able to see with the eyes of the body, with human perception; you have not seen those things which were affected but those which are seen. Those which are not seen are much greater than those which are seen.”

Later he put this in a structured form of the visible with the invisible:

You see the water,
But not all water heals;
But water heals, that has the grace of Christ.
One is an element,
The other, a consecration.
The one [is] a work,
The other, the worker

Augustine and the Catechumenate, William Harmless 1995 pg. 101

Friends, Baptism is the work of God and Christ the worker. We who have been marked receive his benefits!

When I came to the Lutheran church at St. John’s Lutheran church in Rochester, Michigan - my baptism, which took place at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic church in McKeesport, Pennsylvania when I was a baby came with me, reminding me that it is Christ who marked me as his own in Holy Baptism and it is Christ, through the work of the Holy Spirit, who continues to remind me that Jesus is with me always, even to the end of the age.

You too can hold on to the work of God in your baptism, no matter the years, place, or age that our God in Christ claimed you as his own. You are and remain his!

Martin Luther knew the importance of this as he wrote in the Small Catechism:

As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household

First
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.

Which is that word of God?

Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 28:19)

Second
What benefits does Baptism give?
It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

Which are these words and promises of God?

Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)

Third
How can water do such great things?
Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three:

“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5–8)

Fourth
What does such baptizing with water indicate?
It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?
St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six:
“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Rom. 6:4)

Having heard the word of God, dear friends and as those redeemed by Christ, make the sign of the Holy Cross as you begin and close each day remembering your baptism that you have been claimed by Christ and that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!

https://catechism.cph.org/ 

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit

Amen

Sermon The wisdom of God is found in Christ!

Title: The wisdom of God is found in Christ!
Text: Luke 2:40-52

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40 And the child [Jesus] grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

Last Sunday, our gospel told of the Father’s protection of Jesus and his family in Egypt and how God continues to protect us as his beloved children.

Today in our gospel reading, Jesus is now twelve years of age.

My dad used to say to me as my own children were growing up:

“Little children, little problems, big children, big problems.”

43 … as they were returning [home], the [12-year-old] Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.

Though not an ordinary youth, Jesus needs to be about his Father’s business. This causes some concern and hardship for those given into his care.
For any of you who have been on a trip and misplaced a child … it can be a very difficult and tenuous time to say the least.

Losing sight of my own children, even for a few seconds in a store, brought concern and some panic.

44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, [Mary and Joseph] returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.

You can understand as a parent, Mary’s frustration at Jesus staying behind in Jerusalem.

I can think of how I might have reacted if my son or daughter had done this to me. I would have not been happy to say the least, and here they find Jesus,

46 … sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

And we’re told:

47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

Of course they were amazed … Jesus was not your ordinary 12-year-old.

Though I remember being amazed at children in my life, guitar and piano students who excelled come to mind. Some quite young and playing beyond their years. Some would blossom into adult stars and others fade into memory, hopefully to achieve peace and joy in their lives in other ways.

At this moment Mary did not remember who she had carried and who she had given birth to. At this moment, she was only a mother concerned for her lost 12-year-old son and his safety.

A few years ago I remember watching another 12-year-old doing some remarkable things on the golf course. Charlie Woods, at the time the 12-year-old son of his father, Tiger.

At the PNC championship scramble, Tiger and Charlie also combined to shoot a 15-under par 57, making 13 birdies, an eagle and four pars, to finish second.

" … Charlie was hitting the ball unbelievable,'' said Woods, who acknowledged that the intensity ramped up as the day wore on. [Winning] would have had a special meaning in my heart for sure.”

That’s amazing play for a 12-year-old!

But this Jesus was a different 12-year-old where:

The wisdom of God is found!

Those who heard him were amazed. It is something we all need to be reminded of.
This child, born of Mary on Christmas day, is God in the flesh.

This coming Tuesday, January 6th, is the day of Epiphany. It is the day that Jesus is made known and recognized as the savior of all people.

It is why the wise men came to worship this child, Jesus and to bring him gifts. He is now manifest or made know to a world in need.

This young boy who was recognized as the savior and who was brought gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh as a young child, is now listening and teaching at the feet of the teachers, not as one who simply learned skills, copied what he heard, and used those talents to impress his teachers.

Or, like Charlie Woods, gifted as he is, but this Jesus, this 12-year-old, is the one who was and is the source of all wisdom and knowledge given from God on high.

The house of God, the Temple where Jesus sat and taught, is also here at Peace Lutheran church where the true word of God is made known through word and sacrament. And you also, are His Temple where God himself indwells all believers by His Spirit, pointing you and me to the finished work of Christ Jesus that by his Spirit, you see him for who he is …

… the savior of the world … and that by faith you trust his word of promise, so elegantly proclaimed in John Chapter 14:

14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Jesus is the wisdom and power of God!
Jesus is the one who makes a way for you and for me!
Jesus is the one that the Magi came to bring gifts to!
Jesus is the one revealed as the savior of the nation’s come!
Jesus is the one who at twelve years of age was, as the writer of the book of Hebrews put it:

2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.

And the next time we encounter Jesus on his trip to the cross, he will be Baptized by John as the Holy Spirit descends on him like a dove.

Being marked as the chief of sinners for you and me, Jesus will then go to Jerusalem taking your sins and mine to the cross and nailing them there, and proclaiming God’s finished work through him for our redemption!

It is true!

This is no ordinary boy sitting among the teachers, teaching with wisdom and power and gently reminding his mother that he needed to be in His Father’s house.

50 And [his parents] did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.
But, in submission, this God who made the world and all things obeyed his parents …

51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother [the Blessed Virgin Mary] treasured up all these things in her heart.

She, knowing who he is and what he was appointed to do, to be the consolation of Israel and the savior of the world as Simeon once held in his hands the Messiah, Jesus Christ, Emmanuel - God with us!

52 And Jesus [as he continued to grow], increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Friends, the wisdom of God is found in Christ!

God in Christ has been made know to you. May his peace and joy fill you each day of this New Year with hope and peace in the salvation that is yours in him.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit

Amen