September 16, 2024 -- Galatians 3:23–29 

“Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. So in Christ Jesus you are all children of G-d through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:23–29  

Paul writes: "before faith came, we were held in custody, or imprisoned, and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our guardian or disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith". The word translated "disciplinarian" in the NRSV is “paidagōgos” in Greek. In wealthy Greek and Roman families, a “paidagōgos” was a slave entrusted with the care and discipline of a child when the child was not in school, until the child reached the age of adulthood. The metaphor suggests that the authority of the law is transitory, lasting only until something is attained, reached – here it is understood to be until Christ came, so that then, once the law is abolished, we might be justified by faith. 

"But now that faith has come," Paul continues, "we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of G-d through faith". The word translated "children" in the NRSV is "sons" (in Greek “huioi”). Sons would enjoy full rights of inheritance from their fathers. Yet it is clear that Paul intends the meaning to be gender-inclusive because, now that Christ has come, the rite of entry into G-d's people is no longer circumcision (available only to “sons” or males) but the rite of entry is through baptism, available to everyone. And then Paul says that when we are baptized into Christ we have clothed ourselves with Christ. Here Paul uses language from early baptismal liturgy, in which the newly baptized were clothed in a white garment, symbolic of the righteousness of Christ. All who have been baptized into Christ are clothed with him, wrapped up in him, and incorporated into him so that Christ becomes our primary identity marker: not our status, not our wealth, and not our gender. 

"There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus". Here is where I wish more people could find their initial identity — as children of G-d. If we were to start there, would there be so many people who struggle to seek their identity — and choose paths that lead down difficult roads? I know identity is wrapped up in so many different thoughts and ideas today — and it is too simplistic to think this would solve all of societies woes. But, perhaps, it might relieve some minds and a lot of unnecessary angst. Our primary identity is found in Jesus Christ, who makes us all children of G-d. 

Pastor Dave 

September 17, 2024 – Galatians 4:1–20  

“Now I mean that the heir, as long as he is a minor, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything. But he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. So also we, when we were minors, were enslaved under the basic forces of the world. But when the appropriate time had come, G-d sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we may be adopted as sons with full rights. And because you are sons, G-d sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who calls “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if you are a son, then you are also an heir through G-d. Formerly when you did not know G-d, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not G-ds at all. But now that you have come to know G-d (or rather to be known by G-d), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless basic forces? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? You are observing religious days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you that my work for you may have been in vain. I beg you, brothers and sisters, become like me, because I have become like you. You have done me no wrong!” Galatians 4:1–12  

“But now that you have come to know G-d (or rather to be known by G-d), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless basic forces?” 

As Lutherans we teach that salvation is all about grace that comes to us through faith, alone. As such, it is G-d who finds us; we do not find G-d. G-d extends grace to us; we have nothing to offer G-d except our prayer, praise and thanksgiving. When we return to the wrong notion that we can earn G-d’s favor, we turn back the clock spiritually. 

Yes, there is always a tendency, a human desire to want to revert to the past. Somehow, someway, we think we need to earn our way to everything – even our acceptance through Jesus. That puts our salvation into our hands — but it is contrary to the Gospel. Many people need to trade in their “earned salvation” for the gospel of grace found only in the finished work of Christ on the cross. This is a bitter pill to swallow for those who are impressed with their self-effort — but it is a pill worth swallowing. Which is harder — knowing we have done enough to earn salvation — or trusting G-d that Christ has done it all? I know which one I will choose….. 

Pastor Dave 

September 18, 2024 – Galatians 4:21–31  

“Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. But one, the son by the slave woman, was born by natural descent, while the other, the son by the free woman, was born through the promise. These things may be treated as an allegory, for these women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar. Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written:  “Rejoice, O barren woman who does not bear children; break forth and shout, you who have no birth pains, because the children of the desolate woman are more numerous than those of the woman who has a husband.” But you, brothers and sisters, are children of the promise like Isaac. But just as at that time the one born by natural descent persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, so it is now. But what does the scripture say? “Throw out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman will not share the inheritance with the son” of the free woman. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman but of the free woman.” Galatians 4:21–31  

Freedom is what you have when there is no lack of opportunity, ability or availability. Yet in order to be truly free you have to have opportunity, ability, and availability. Let's take sky-jumping, for example. Suppose you are on your way to the airport to go up for your first real jump, but your car has a blowout. You are no longer free to jump because the opportunity passes while you wait for the tow truck. Or suppose you do make it to the airport, but you have no ability—you have never learned about the basics of parachuting. The opportunity is there, but you don't have the freedom of ability. But suppose that you make it to the airport, but upon arrival you learn that the sky-diving program has been closed due to a lack of funding. The opportunity is there, the ability and know-how are there, but your availability has ended because the program has ended.  

But there is one last requirement for full freedom. Suppose you get to the airport with no obstacle; you have all the know-how necessary; you see that there is one more opening in the sky-diving class. But as you jump, and as you are enjoying the free fall, without knowing it the person who packed your parachute packed it the wrong way — and your parachute malfunctions and will not open. Now, are you free? You have the opportunity to jump, you have the ability to jump, you have the availability to jump, but in jumping, you will die.  

Whether you know it or not, everyone is in bondage to something – especially to our eternal demise. In order to be truly free, it is not enough to have opportunity, ability, and availability. These are all fine, but if what we choose to do leads to death, then we just confirm our bondage to death. But even if we try to always choose life, we still will die. But if we die “in the faith of Christ”, then we live knowing that even though we all die, as people of faith we will be lead to life — eternal life — not eternal death. 

Pastor Dave 

September 19, 2024 – Galatians 5:1–15  

“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery. Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you at all! And I testify again to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be declared righteous by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace! For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait expectantly for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision carries any weight - the only thing that matters is faith working through love. You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you! A little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise! I am confident in the Lord that you will accept no other view. But the one who is confusing you will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. Now, brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those agitators would go so far as to castrate themselves!” Galatians 5:1–12  

The Galatian Christians appeared to have viewed circumcision as a ritualistic act which although painful and inconvenient, was a small price to pay to be more spiritual. Thank goodness we do not look upon circumcision the same way in our churches today. Granted, there are significant differences between the Galatian churches of Paul’s day and the church today. The Galatian saints only wanted to enhance their spiritual standing – to ensure that they were not forgotten by G-d. 

Many young couples today view baptism the same way — to remind G-d of their child’s existence. It is a legalistic not spiritual act if we view baptism in that manner. We cannot earn salvation by the “work” of baptism. Furthermore, baptism is not associated with additional duties and obligations. Circumcision for the Galatians however, carried with it far-reaching consequences which they did not seem to understand. They did not realize that circumcision implied certain binding obligations. It was Paul’s intention in this passage to point out the consequences of circumcision, showing them they had everything to lose from it and nothing to gain. 

As I said earlier, we recognize that circumcision is not an issue for the Christian today — it is more an issue of hygiene than a mark of belonging. Yet not all male children are circumcised because it is even being viewed today as a cultural practice. And yet Paul’s message is clear — to fall back into legalism is a particularly grave danger. As such, we must pay all the more attention to the warning of the apostle. Christ freed us in order that we might be free. Bondage is the opposite of freedom, and since the Law produces bondage, living under it is inconsistent with the gospel.  

And yet, that's the way a lot of professing Christians view baptism. They don't understand the relationship and the claiming that happens in baptism. Instead, they feel some social pressure or fear of hell for their child. So they want to “get their children done” — in other words they go through the motions to have them baptized not worrying about or understanding what baptism is all about — naming, claiming, identity and responsibility.  

It is important that we teach our fellow believers, and our children, that baptism is not a matter of “legal obligation” — it is a matter of the Spirit — and the beginning of a relationship with G-d through Jesus. 

Pastor Dave  

September 20, 2024 – Galatians 5:16–26 

“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of G-d!  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another.” Galatians 5:19–26  

We can put these “fruits of the Spirit” into three categories: 

1.    Love, joy, peace.  For the Christian our first love is our love for G-d, and this is demonstrated through love for our neighbor; our chief source of joy is the joy of the Lord; and our deepest peace is our peace with the G-d of all peace. 

2.   Patience, kindness, goodness.   Patience is sometimes called long-suffering: a suffering with a sense that it will end. Kindness is our disposition towards other people to do them good. Goodness is actually doing others good as there is opportunity. 

3.   Faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Faithfulness is reliability, loyalty, steadfastness; gentleness is being calm and humble; self-control is self-discipline over our lives. 

All these are “Fruit” of the Spirit — not individual fruits — but all one fruit. Imagine a fruit tree laden with fruit rather than individual pieces of fruit on individual branches. It’s a natural part of the life cycle of the tree — it produces fruit, like apples, or oranges, but there are multiple fruit that are produced in one season. It is “one” fruit. In the same way spiritual fruit in our lives should be a natural consequence of the Spirit-led life — all part of or produced in a season, in age of our lives. And just as it takes time for natural fruit to grow and develop, so it takes time for the spiritual graces to grow in our lives. 

Today and every day we should be striving to live by the “Fruit” of the Spirit – not individual fruits for individual days – but collective fruit for a lifetime. 

Pastor Dave   

September 21, 2024 – Galatians 6 

“Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. Carry one anotherʼs  burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else. For each one will carry his own load. Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches it. Do not be deceived. G-d will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.” Galatians 6:1–10  

In the first part of chapter six, Paul describes what life in community looks like when we live in the freedom Christ gives and then use that freedom to serve one another. Paul offers the example of dealing with a member of the community detected in a transgression. "You who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness". Gentleness, after all, is one of the fruits of the Spirit just mentioned at the end of chapter 5. The goal of dealing with the transgressor is restoration and healing. The Greek word for healing is “katartizo”. It is often used as a medical term, to refer to setting a bone or joint right so that proper healing can occur. As such, while seeking to restore the transgressor, community members are to take care that they themselves are not tempted to compare themselves to the fallen brother or sister — in other words, as the Pharisee prays, “Thank G-d I am not a sinner like that person” (Luke 18:11). 

Instead, we are to "Bear one another's burdens," Paul says, "and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ". Paul has a radical understanding of the responsibility believers should have for one another. They are to share all burdens, even the burdens of guilt and shame when one of them goes astray (another way of fulfilling the command to love neighbor as self). Loving our neighbor this way means resisting self-deception, recognizing that I am every bit as vulnerable to temptation as my neighbor, and every bit as dependent upon the grace of G-d. It means that rather than comparing myself to my neighbor, I should engage in self-examination: and we all know which is harder, Amen? 

Pastor Dave 

September 22, 2024 – Pentecost +18B 

“They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:30-37 

Can you imagine people arguing in the church? Can you imagine? People outside the church who witness or hear about the dissention within the Christian church usually point to such dissention as proof of our hypocrisy: “See, they are so holy and righteous – yet all they do is fight with one another.” But I am sorry to tell you this, I am sorry to burst your bubble, but we do argue in the church. We are not as holy and righteous as some outside the church will label us. Instead, we are just as human as the next person, and as such, we suffer from envy, selfish ambition, disorder and even wickedness, as James so eloquently puts it. Does this disappoint you? Well, let me ask you this—look around you: does this look like the Kingdom of G-d? As I look around, I do not see the Kingdom—at least as it is described in the scriptures. And I do not always see the kind of kingdom building we are all supposed to be a part of. However, we are on the right path. Our ministries point to this fact. But, like the disciples, we still argue—we still are afraid to ask enough questions. We still think more of ourselves than we should. And we still develop pecking orders in the church – and this clearly goes against the teaching of Jesus. 

My friends, the key to being the kind of disciple that Jesus is trying to foster in his followers is being a disciple who is NOT driven by insecurities, NOT driven by a need for greatness or power. We need to be “who we were born to be”—around our Christian brothers and sisters—as well as around those outsiders who come into our midst. We are flawed people. Our identity should not come from race, gender, or sexual orientation—our identity comes from being baptized children of G-d. This is not one of those arguments you need to have in your head, or with your spouse. G-d’s love is something you need NOT earn, nor be insecure about. Your worth and value need not be defined by earthly standards – we all need to fight our insecurities and worries about whether G-d loves us. G-d loves us all. Period. Amen. 

Pastor Dave 

September 23, 2024 -- Ephesians 1  

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you when I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the G-d of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him, - since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened - so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe, as displayed in the exercise of his immense strength. This power he exercised in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms far above every rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And G-d put all things under Christʼs feet, and he gave him to the church as head over all things. Now the church is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:15-23  

In verses 19-20 Paul writes that the power and strength which G-d exercised or “energized” is the power that G-d worked first when G-d raised Christ from the dead. What gives this statement its bite is the teaching that Christ’s exaltation and Lordship proceed from and are brought to completion upon his cross — upon his suffering and death. That word “exercise” or “energize” is typically translated as “work” or “work out” in the Greek language. The Greek word commonly was used to refer to the influencing power of a minor G-d in the Stoic system — in other words the power of a G-d that permeates and works itself out in the details of life. By stating that G-d’s energizing power is the very power that raised Christ from the dead, Paul proclaims that G-d’s triumph through Christ and the cross is what energizes all people and gives them new birth through Christ’s suffering and death. In raising Christ, G-d did not communicate that the suffering and death of Jesus was a bad mistake. Rather, Paul proclaims, G-d validated the suffering and death of Jesus as the defining act for G-d and for the very existence of those who live “in Christ.” 

This is why Paul will continue to encourage his churches, and us, to always live “In Christ”.  

Pastor Dave 

September 24, 2024 – Ephesians 2  

“And although you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you formerly lived according to this worldʼs present path, according to the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the ruler of the spirit that is now energizing the sons of disobedience, among whom all of us also formerly lived out our lives in the cravings of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath even as the rest — But G-d, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, even though we were dead in transgressions, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you are saved!” Ephesians 2:1–5 

Notice the details — the situation Paul observed of the Ephesians: 

1.    They were dead in sin — the Greek word for “dead” is “nekros”, which literally means a corpse or dead body. Since we know Paul is talking about a spiritual state (not a physical state), we must understand this deadness here refers to the spiritual life. The Ephesians were alive physically but dead spiritually. Paul chose this comparison because it accurately describes not only the nature of an unbeliever but, like any dead person, they cannot recognize how dead they are. Just as a corpse cannot revive itself to life, neither can an unbeliever revive his own spirit. 

2.   This state of spiritual deadness is part of their age — their known place in the universe. The word "course" in Greek is “aion”, which literally means age or a space of time. So, Paul explains that the natural state of every man and woman during “this age or time” is to be spiritually dead — at least preceding their introduction to Christ. Every person begins their life on earth in a state of spiritual deadness, and apart from G-d’s working in their lives, this state will continue uninterrupted until our physical death. 

3.   This state of deadness is according to the prince of the power of the air — namely Satan. He was the first to fall, and his deceptive influence contributed to the fall of Man in the Garden. Today, he rules the hearts of those bound in spiritual deadness, and he exerts his controlling influence through the fear of death. 

4.   We were all, everyone of us, living according to this dead nature.  No one is "born" a Christian. Every human being is a sinner, dead in their trespasses from birth. All humanity shares the same starting point as children of (G-d's) wrath. 

Thus it is all dependent upon Grace. By grace we are saved. It is part of our absolution statement — it is something we need to hear each and every Sunday — each and every day — it is by the Grace of Jesus Christ that we are saved. 

Pastor Dave 

September 25, 2024 – Ephesians 3  

“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles - if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of G-dʼs grace that was given to me for you, that by revelation the divine secret was made known to me, as I wrote before briefly. When reading this, you will be able to understand my insight into this secret of Christ. Now this secret was not disclosed to people in former generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, namely, that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel according to the gift of G-dʼs grace that was given to me by the exercise of his power. To me - less than the least of all the saints - this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ and to enlighten everyone about G-dʼs secret plan - a secret that has been hidden for ages in G-d who has created all things. The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church the multifaceted wisdom of G-d should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms. This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access to G-d because of Christʼs faithfulness. For this reason I ask you not to lose heart because of what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” Ephesians 3:1–13  

For Paul, revelation describes his entire life and calling. He preaches and preaches and proclaims the message that G-d has revealed this mystery to him. Paul mentions that he wrote about this mystery briefly before. It is not clear if he is referring to his statements in chapters 1 and 2 of this letter or if this refers to another letter to the Ephesians to which we no longer have access. 

Even if we are missing another explanation, thankfully, Paul’s description of his understanding of the mystery seems clear from the following verses. The Spirit has now made known “…G-d’s secret plan” — that what in former times was concealed, he is now proclaiming — that the Gentiles are now fellow heirs, fellow members of the same body, and fellow participants in the promises. 

It is time we begin to proclaim the same message — that everyone is invited to the table of Grace found in Jesus Christ. This is the revelation we keep too much to ourselves. It is a message our communities and our world needs to hear.  

Pastor Dave 

September 26, 2024 – Ephesians 4:1–16  

“I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you too were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one G-d and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he captured captives; he gave gifts to men.” Now what is the meaning of “he ascended,” except that he also descended to the lower regions, namely, the earth? He, the very one who descended, is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things. It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of G-d - a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christʼs full stature. So we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes. But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head. From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body grows in love.” Ephesians 4:1-16 

Paul, here uses two metaphors to express the joining and the resulting closeness with G-d: Jews and Gentiles form one body with Christ as its head; and a oneness with Christ as its cornerstone. This is the unity the church should reflect, or at least try to reflect. But Paul also makes clear that the perfection of the church is a process and not a completed event. Christ has equipped the church with gifts so that the church as Christ's body may reach maturity. The body metaphor of verses 12-16 is fully in line with Pauline thought: the church is depicted as growing into its own body. Christ is already "mature" (the Greek that the NRSV translates as "maturity" is more literally "the complete man"). Yet the church, which is Christ's body, must build up the body until it arrives at the “maturity” of Christ. Likewise, in verses 14-15 the image evoked is that of the body growing up to meet him who is the head, Christ. Paul then sees that the church is already the body of Christ, even as it continues to grow toward Christ as the head of the church. 

Every church should keep this is mind — we are in a process of growth to full maturity — even if we are in the declination of life, as people, and as the church. We will never complete the journey until we die — both us as individuals — and we, the body, that is the church. 

Pastor Dave 

September 27, 2024 – Ephesians 4:17–32  

“Therefore, having laid aside falsehood, each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger. Do not give the devil an opportunity. The one who steals must steal no longer; rather he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with the one who has need. You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of G-d, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk. Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as G-d in Christ also forgave you.” Ephesians 4:25–32  

Be Angry? Be angry, Paul says — but then he gives a caveat—but do not sin! For some people of faith who have a highly sentimental feeling and view toward their religiosity, they may believe that any type of anger is a sin. Paul surprises us here by recognizing that anger has its place. He also says that it has its limits. Even those with a superficial knowledge of the Bible recognize that there are many references about people (even G-d) who are moved toward anger. The prophets (Amos for example) can hardly contain their outrage at the way the people of Israel have violated G-d's covenant. G-d argues with Moses that G-d should smite the Israelites after the “Golden Calf” incident. Jesus was upset when he overturned the tables of the moneychangers — and when he encountered almost any form of self-righteous arrogance in religious leaders. And Paul himself was furious with the church in Galatians as it fell back into seeing the law as a way to please G-d (Galatians 3:1-3). Indeed, G-d may be slow to anger but this does not mean G-d is never angry. G-d gets upset — but even we know that, when love is betrayed, then there can be outrage. 

And yet we are supposed to be careful with our anger, as Paul warns the Ephesians not to "let the sun go down on your anger". He recognizes that anger can quickly become obsessive, intrusive, infectious, and insidious. Instead of being upset over a thoughtless word or deed, we have a tendency to make it "personal" in a hurry. We nurse a grudge and cook up schemes for revenge. Once we have slipped into this realm we have opened the door for the devil. The well-being of the community then becomes secondary, and our main purpose is simply to get even. Thus, Paul reminds us of the need to let forgiveness have the last word “…be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as G-d in Christ also forgave you.”  

I guess what needs to be said is this: there is a place for all emotions in the church and the life of the believer. It is inevitable. But if we do not keep them in check, especially those that fall on the negative side of our emotions, then we allow Satan to work his ways with us.  

Pastor Dave 

September 28, 2024 – Ephesians 5:1–20  

“Therefore, be imitators of G-d as dearly loved children and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to G-d. But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints. Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting - all of which are out of character - but rather thanksgiving. For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and G-d. Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things G-dʼs wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them, for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light - for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth - trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. But all things being exposed by the light are made evident.” Ephesians 5:1–13  

“Be imitators….of Jesus”. Imitators (the Greek word is “mimetes”) is translated as “an imitator, follower, actor, or impostor.” Mimetes means "do as I do." Plato said a mimetes was one who represents characters. Aristotle said it was one who is like another. A mime is one who acts a part with mimic gestures and action. 

And when Paul says we are “to be imitator”, the verb “to be” is in the present imperative…meaning it is a command calling for continual, ongoing action — and imitation. Now think about this for a second—how successful might we be if we try to keep this command, being imitators of Jesus, but solely rely in our OWN strength? My feeling is we will fail without Christ.  

The only way to imitate the life of Jesus is by relying on the same power Jesus relied upon—the power of the Holy Spirit. Note that just after Jesus' ministry was inaugurated through His baptism and the giving of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit filled Jesus and led Him into the wilderness and then “…all Hell broke lose”. The only way we can obey this command, to be imitators of Christ, is through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

As I noted earlier, Paul puts our imitation of Jesus into the present imperative — meaning it is a command — but more than that — it is to be a continual way of life. Paul says for us to continually "mimic" G-d's attitudes and actions — giving us direction in our life, knowing that we are not perfect. Like all of the commands, we will usually fall short of maintaining them, but they continue to be a sure guide for our daily living.  

Pastor Dave 

September 29, 2024 – Pentecost +19B 

“John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of G-d with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. “For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:38-50 

As I reflect upon this lesson, I am reminded of the Blue Man Group. Have you seen these guys? The Blue Man Group consists of three men who, as their name suggests, are blue – entirely blue from head to toe.  It’s a deep, rich color of blue.  What is interesting about their costumes is that it makes them all look the same – it is hard to tell one from another they look so similar.  And not only do they look the same while they perform, which involves drums, music, weird looking instruments, etc., but they act the same as well.  Each one of them has a wide-eyed sense of wonder about their world.  

As we talk about the Gospel lesson this morning, I want you to hold that image of the Blue Man Group in your head. Why? Well I think there is something to learn from the Blue Man Group. You see, although they look and act the same, they do not completely squelch their individuality.  As I watched the Blue Man show, I noticed that on occasion, while all three of them were doing the same thing, one of them would break off to do his own thing – usually learning something new about himself, or discovering something new in his environment. And in learning or discovering something new, it doesn’t divide them, it brings the three of them together in a new way. That is what I want us to consider this morning, how we can come together in new ways. As I prepared for this Gospel lesson this week, it is no wonder that I thought of the Blue Man Group. 

My friends, Jesus wants to be relevant in our lives – relevant enough to change us – to transform us so much that we live differently – that we stand out in a crowd because being a follower of Jesus should make us act differently and live differently.  But when life continues to pull us away from the church, and we think that our time does not really matter because nothing will ever change, then instead of being completely committed to the church, instead of looking like a member of the “Blue Man Group”, you know, being completely committed, the best we can do is leave a blue handprint here and there.  We try to commit, we try to volunteer, but we do it hurriedly, half-heartedly, last minute, we feel blue instead of looking blue.  And instead of being the hands and feet of Christ – all we can do is offer a hand now and again.  And the less we do, the more the blue handprint begins to slowly fade away.  No wonder I am feeling blue.  

But then I remember that Blue Man Group. Remember earlier I said that in the midst of their performance, one of them breaks off to begin doing something new. And in the process of doing something new he learns something new about himself, or discovers something new, and in doing so it brings them all together in a new way. I think it is time for us to consider a question – does G-d know a different way for us to exist – to thrive – to be Lutherans in this community so that we can leave our mark on them? 

The time you spend here each week, hearing the Gospel, sharing in some ministry should change you – even if just a little.  But G-d doesn’t want only a little of you. G-d doesn’t want you to have just a blue hand – G-d wants you to be completely blue. In other words, G-d wants all of you – all of your heart, your mind, and your very being. A little salt changes the flavor of food a little, but a lot of salt will make you go “WOW”. We each need to find our salt, what flavor of ministry we have inside us, and spread that salt – share it – and add it to the flavorings that other members of our church, and other Lutherans may have to offer. So with that in mind, if even just a little of Jesus, a little word, a little bread, and a little wine, changes you a little, imagine what more we can do when we ALL work together – a rainbow of colors of Christians, here at Zion, and together with other Lutherans from other churches, spreading the Gospel in our community, and the world. 

Pastor Dave 

  September 30, 2024 – Ephesians 6 

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. For this reason, take up the full armor of G-d so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of G-d. With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints. Pray for me also, that I may be given the message when I begin to speak - that I may confidently make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may be able to speak boldly as I ought to speak.” Ephesians 6:12–20 

The use of the term “spiritual” for evil forces is somewhat surprising. This is the only time in the New Testament that this word has a negative connotation — the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. More surprising still is that the struggle takes place “in the heavenly realms.” This does not mean a struggle in heaven, nor should we think of an area lower than heaven. Instead Paul is referring to a reality that encompasses life in relation to G-d. When we live in Christ, we have the “gifts of the spirit”, as well as the “fruits of the spirit” listed in Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Those who live in Christ have been given every spiritual gift enthroned with Christ in the heavenly reality. As such, those who live in Christ are to live  doing all we can against the forces of evil on this earth. Our enthronement with Christ then determines how we live on earth. Our struggle reflects the heavenly reality of the “age to come”, which means we struggle against evil powers every day.  

Paul was surely not thinking about structures of evil such as government, law, or social conventions. Rather, he thought of each and every person’s “personal battles of evil” that seek to disrupt life as G-d intended it. This is why we need to put on the full armor of G-d, especially the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. Use the Word of G-d as your personal armor every day. 

Pastor Dave