“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh” (Romans 13:14, NIV).
Because I was the oldest sibling, the beginning of the school year meant a trip with mom to the local store to purchase a new set of school clothes. My brothers would tag along, for we all needed new school shoes, but I was the only one who needed pants and shirts. That’s because my brothers were of an age and size to wear my old set of school clothes. Over the years, outfits worn by students and teachers have changed. The dress pants and shirts of the boys and the skirts and blouses of the girls have been replaced by shorts, T-shirts, jeans and a variety of stylish garb. Teachers, too, have moved from coats and ties for the men and dresses for the women to a less formal, relaxed dress. Shoe styles have not been immune to change, with leather saddle shoes, penny loafers, and Mary Janes giving way to sports shoes and sandals. These changes have occurred for many good and logical reasons. But the move to a more casual, less proscriptive form of dress has initiated discussions about professionalism, safety, modesty and Christian image. More than one meeting has been devoted to hammering out what should and should not be worn by students and staff. Sometimes these discussions center on individuality versus conformity; at other times, they deal with freedom versus control, or safety versus comfort. After all is said, the outcome of these conversations has to do with an official school uniform. For some that uniform is a standardized, proscriptive outfit, which features school colors and logo. For others the uniform is merely suggested styles, fabrics and footwear. For still others, it’s more a matter of what not to wear -- the uniform in this case being limited to anything not prohibited. Sometimes these discussions on the visible uniform minimize the emphasis on the spiritual uniform we all wear as baptized Christians. Paul reminds us of this garment in his words to the Galatians, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27, ESV). Martin Luther reminds us of the meaning of these words when he writes, “Christ Himself is our garment … the garment of our righteousness and salvation.” Clothing styles change. People will continue to push back against rules and regulations. Culture will redefine appropriate dress. All these are givens. The only garment that never changes and offers an eternal hope is the garment of righteousness and salvation given to us, freely, by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us focus on how He would have us dress.
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Stress! The very word caused my heart to race. Stress; it is defined as "a number of normal reactions of the body (mental, emotional, and physiological) designed for self-preservation." Stress then is a good thing – it is the response that can save our lives, protect our loved ones, or give us the vitality to lead an active lifestyle. However when the body is subjected to a stress overload or we experience too many stresses, it can have a detrimental effect on the body.
Many factors cause stress in our lives: illnesses, anxiety, joy, rage, anger, happiness, and love create stress reactions in our bodies. Situations can also lead to stress reactions in our body: getting laid off from a job, death of a friend or loved one, birth of a baby, marriage and moving a household can cause the body to experience stress indicators. Yes, events we often consider happy times cause as much stress as those bad times in our life. Stress contributes to high blood pressure, anxiety attacks, heart attacks, and many other illnesses. Untreated stress can lead to death. I do not react well to stress. I tend to panic. I know that if I stop breathing in a hospital, lots of people come into the room – very fast. (Even if it is only for a panic attack.) I get lost in the city and announce, "That's it – we are going to die." (Even when I find my way home.) I see a police car and think, "That's it – I'm busted." (Even when I am not speeding.) My computer stops working and immediately I feel worthless and dumb. (Even when it can be fixed.) Why do I react so badly to stress? I don't know - I don't always. My head knows that my reactions are inappropriate. My heart needs to catch up with my head. The older I get, the calmer I can be. The years have taught me that most everything in life can and will be fixed. My experiences keep pointing me to the fact that God has plans for me – plans for good and not for evil. I have learned to say, "What is the worst thing that can happen to me?" Each time the answer is different, but each answer is similar – "And take they our life, goods, fame, child and wife, Let these all be gone, They yet have nothing won; The Kingdom ours remaineth." Nothing that I can lose on earth can compare to what I will gain in heaven. I do not have to worry about the future - I know where I will be. I can share this Good News with all I see. Do I experience stress? Yes. Will it destroy my life? Not for eternity. Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:
"'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? - Matthew 21:42 Jesus often taught His disciples through the use of parables – earthly stories with a Heavenly meaning. In Matthew 21, Jesus tells His followers about a landowner that built a vineyard and rented it out. The renters refused to pay what they owed. The landowner sent first some of his employees to collect the fees – didn’t work. Then he tried again, didn’t work. Finally, he sent his son, thinking that the renters couldn’t refuse the son, but they did. They rejected him. The landowner is God, the vineyard His creation. We are the renters. The son of the story is Jesus, the Son of God. The story pronounces judgment on the renters. So it is with us. Reject Jesus? Me? How can this be? I must confess that there have been times in my life when I have said bad things about my brothers. I wasn’t always happy with what they were doing and I got mad. I reject Jesus when I am angry at my brothers. I confess that I sometimes let my mind wander during church services. I confess that I am often selfish, refusing to share my things – especially the TV remote. I confess that I often talk about others, not always in a kind way. I reject Jesus. Jesus never rejects me. He paid for sins on the cross – He rose from the grave to give me life – He promises me eternal life. He will never leave me. That is awesome! Reject Jesus? – yes I do – that is sin. Saved by faith! – yes I am – that is salvation. Then he sent some more servants and said, 'Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.' - Matthew 22:4
Jesus again taught His disciples in parables. He told them the story of a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. This was no ordinary banquet – there would be exotic foods, lots of drink and entertainment. No expense would be spared to make this the “part of the year.” The guests would be pampered – treated like royalty. The time came for the feast and the king sent out the word, “Dinner’s ready – come on in.” But the unthinkable happened. The guests refused to show up. They all had things to do – places to go – work to be done. They couldn’t be bothered coming to the King’s party. What to do? The King sent his servants out to invite all they could find – the hall was filled. That is awesome. The parable applies to us today. God is the King. The wedding banquet is Heaven. The feast prepared for us in beyond our wildest imagination! But we don’t have to wait until we are in Heaven to experience the great gifts from our Heavenly King. Each and every day He showers us with abundance. We have clothing and food and drink and friends and family and books and fun and the list is very long. He provides for our needs. He also gives us a great share of our desires. I don’t need a computer – but I have one. I don’t need a closet of clothes - but I have one. I don"t need a multi-bedroom house - but I have one. I don't need a tool bench full of gadgets - but I have one. I don't need a HD TV - but I have one. The list of that which I don't need and have is very long indeed. God desires to give us awesome gifts. The greatest gift He has given us on forgiveness of sins through His Son Jesus Christ. My sins condemn me. His suffering saves me. My sins separate me from God. His cross connects me to God. All this not because I earned it – worked for it – did something special – I have it because the Heavenly King loves me! The One
St. Luke, the 15th chapter: 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Money was tight, and she needed a pair of shoes. So come Saturday morning they packed up the two boys and headed to the discount store. The oldest boy was just four years old – and he did what four year old boys do when entering a shoe store – ran up and down the aisles, climbing on the chairs and bending low to see his reflection in the mirrors built into the combination foot rest, stool and mirror. Dad chased him down while mom took charge of pushing the two year old in his stroller, trying to keep the stroller in the center of the aisle, away from little hands that liked to touch. She found a few pairs of affordable shoes that would work. While the clerk searched the back room, she nested into a comfortable chair. Deciding the little one needed to stretch his legs she lifted him out of his seat and smiled as he tottered around in front of her – his beaming face betraying the joy of being free. The clerk came and piled the boxes in front of her, blocking the view of her youngest. She called for dad and older brother to join her. The family gathered around for the serious business of offering opinions and sharing advice. It hit them both at the same time – where was the baby? He had been right there – busy pulling tissue from boxes. He was gone. They both jumped up – not wanting to panic, but furtively searching the aisles – looking for the telltale blonde head. He wasn’t in sight. They expanded the search – each one travelling a different aisle – soft cries of his name returned unanswered. Soon other shoppers craned their heads as his name was shouted out. The panic kicked in, the adrenaline building along with the fear felt in their gut. Through the open store door dad caught a glimpse of a blonde head heading to the parking lot. Dad’s relief at finding his son soon disappeared as he reached the doorway. His son was in the middle of the road; a car speeding towards him. A quick glance took it all in – the speed of the car, the distance between them – the roar of the engine accelerating down the road confirmed it – the driver did not see the small boy. Dad’s mind raced – what to do? If he called his son’s name – his son might stop – certain doom. The only path to safety lay in getting to the other side. With no thought for his own safety – dad leapt forward. The brakes screeched and dad felt the bumper scrape the back of his leg, but never broke stride as he bent over to grab up his son. Wrapping him close to his chest they reached the safety of the curb. He stood still, trying to catch his breath, his son resting quietly on his chest. The wife’s screams, the car horn blaring, the rush of customers to the doorway – all were ignored as he lifted his son in the air and lightly kissed him on the top of his head. He whispered a quiet, “Thank You, God.” His body was soon racked in spasms as the release of the adrenaline combined with the realization of just how close he came to losing his son. Mom walked over and gently took the now crying boy in her arms, hugging him tightly. As she turned her head to her husband, the tears overflowed onto her cheeks and cascaded down. He recovered, gathered his family together and announced, “Let’s go buy some shoes!” Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. This fear is reflected in the parable of the Lost Sheep. In the parable we see a loving shepherd gathering his sheep together, counting each one in turn. One can only imagine his thoughts as he reached 99 – where was number 100? Perhaps he called his wife to help him recount. Yes – one was missing. What would he do? He could rationalize – it was only one sheep – he still had 99. The sheep wasn’t that important in the larger scheme of things. It would probably turn up in the morning; after all, it was an animal, used to the elements. To set out and search for it now would mean taking time from his family – his relaxation. The best use of his valuable resources, time and energy would be to watch over the 99 – letting the 1 to fend for itself. After all, a tired shepherd is no good to anyone. He should really feed the 99, after all, they did what they were supposed to – they didn’t wander off. He owed it to his father and his grandfather – both who shepherded on these very hills – to continue the familiar routine handed down from the start of the shepherding business – the way it has always been done. Yes, the rationalization made sense – leaving the 99 would mean taking from them scarce and valuable resources – for what? Was one sheep worth so much effort? So he does the impractical – the unheard of – something the other shepherds would not understand – he leaves the 99 and sets out to search for the 1 lost sheep. I would imagine that as the shepherd searched, he had many doubts – why am I doing this when I could be at home kicking back with a nice glass of Merlot? Perhaps he replayed the taunts of the other shepherds as they yelled after him as he left – “Hey, sheep boy – what about the 99? You just gonna walk out and ignore them? You gotta take care of your own – what would your dad say? You hear me – we take care of our own – we don’t go out on wild sheep chases!” One can also imagine the joy the shepherd had as he came across his lost sheep. He bent down and gently lifted it on his shoulders, softly talking to the frightened sheep, “There, there, I am here. I won’t let anything happen to you. Let’s go join your brothers and sisters.” Isaiah, the 53rd chapter: We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. We are the lost sheep. We wandered away, following trails of our own making, ignoring the calls of the Good Shepherd. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He sent His Son to redeem us – to bring us back into the fold – to seek us who are lost – to wrap us in His arms and love us to safety. Before Christ ascended into Heaven, He made provisions for all those other sheep down through the centuries who would wander away: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” We confess that we often fail. We get so involved in serving the 99 that we ignore the 1. We plead ignorance, (I don’t know what to do or what to say) fear, (What if they reject me?) lack of resources, (I don’t have the time or the energy – we only have so much money – we have to take care of our own) and other excuses, (We do our part – let others do theirs) but the bottom line is we fail to seek the 1. Our community is filled with many lost sheep – now is the time we cast aside the excuses and reach out. Each one of us has the power of the Holy Spirit, each one of us has the power of the Word, each one of us has the promise of our faithful Lord to never abandon us – now is the time to share Christ, invite our neighbors to hear the words of eternal life. The shepherd didn’t execute the “lost sheep” plan – he went and searched. The shepherd didn’t wait for the professional shepherd to search for him – he went and searched. The shepherd didn’t do the safe and easy thing – he went and searched. But the shepherd didn’t just search – he found! Let us be bold in our searching. There was a time in American history that phrase would waft across college campuses. It was a rallying cry for a generation bent on changing society. It was a touch point for strangers that immediately identified one as a member of the group. "Keep the faith" still brings memories to many.There is another faith we need to keep - not "faith that we can change the system," but faith in almighty God. This God created us, gives us eternal life, and gives us the power to share our faith with others.
Sharing your faith in the '60s was easy - raise up two fingers or a fist and shout out, "Keep the faith!" Sharing faith in God in the 21st century is more complicated. Real men aren't supposed to get emotional about faith issues, so the stories of tear-filled, life-changing moments don't do it for men. Running up to another guy, hugging him, and declaring, "God loves you and so do I," is not for men. So what is a man to do? Live life and let people see your faith in your deeds. Take time to talk about your values, your beliefs, with children and other men. Use natural moments of discussions to bring up how important God is in your life and why. Driving your son to baseball practice is a great time to talk to him about how God saw you through rough spots in your life and how God does answer prayer - sometimes even helping a boy's best efforts to get a hit in a game. Condemnation, confrontation, and contradiction are not the best way to share your faith. Listening, sharing, and living your faith works - even if you think they don't. The clock numbers glowed – 11:00 PM. I turned and fluffed the pillow. I stretched under the sheets, straightened the blanket and laid my head down. I closed my eyes and concentrated on my breathing. Breathing is a good thing – in, out – in, hold it, out – in, out. I relaxed my muscles. I breathed. I willed my mind to turn off – to be still – to allow me the needed rest sleep would bring.
I sat up – sure I had slept through the alarm. I took a quick peek at the clock to see how late I was – 11:10 PM. I went through the routine again – fluffing, straightening, closing eyes and then jumping up to check the alarm – 12:00 AM, 1:15, 1:35, 1:55, 2:23, 3:07, 3:44. All night long the numbers mocked my efforts to rest. The alarm jarred me from a deep sleep – 4:30 AM. I had gotten only 46 minutes of deep sleep. Now I had to get dressed, run downstairs and meet Dad at the garage. We were off for a fishing trip – just him and me. Yes, my excitement had kept my mind working all night long. The anticipation of the joy of the event, the anticipation of the bonding we would experience, the anticipation of the fish I would catch took away the rest I needed. Over the years I experienced restless nights many times – vacation trips, wedding days, first classroom filled with pupils, birth of the children and election nights head the list. Each of us have experienced the tossing and turning of anticipation, excitement before a significant event. So it will be on Wednesday night. For Thursday is the start of the 2016 LEA Convocation. Hours, days, weeks, and months of preparation will be played out in just three short days. That which seemed as if would never come is here – is now. Wednesday night will be one of anticipation – excitement – wondering. Questions will pop out of the darkness – Did I sign up for the correct sectionals? Is the transportation set? Did I make enough arrangements for food? Will the teachers be excited? Will the speakers inspire? Will there be enough down time? What will be the weather? Will the exhibitors have cool stuff? What if one of my teachers doesn’t show up to attend? What will I wear? Yes, for many - Wednesday night will pass all too slowly. Ah, but next week at this time the convocation will be over. The glitches, the worries, the unexpected will all be history. Each will return to their respective ministries. remembering only that which was important to them individually. The handout bag will be filled and filed. The life of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod will continue – all the better for the gathering of the educators in convocation – sharing, learning, discussing and praying. The 2019 convocation of the LEA will be in the planning stages – building on the events of the 2016 convocation. The question could then be asked – why? Why would thousands of man hours, thousands of dollars and many sleepless nights be dedicated to a three-day event? St. Paul gives a glimpse of an answer as he writes in Philemon, “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” The LEA Convocation is not just a three-day event – a three-day party. The Convocation is an opportunity to share with one another – hear about the victories won in the name of Jesus – through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a time to have one’s faith strengthened and tested through sectionals, speakers, sermons, devotions, songs, Holy Communion and prayer. It is a time to experience the diversity of means and unity of purpose as we celebrate new missions – new outreach posts in the war against Satan. We share the good things we have in Christ. We have been redeemed! We have had our debt paid – our sins have been washed in the blood of the Lamb of Calvary. We have the hope of heaven. We have the assurance of His presence – every day, every night, even when we toss and turn with anticipation or worry – He is there! We are refreshed. Our minds are at peace as the Holy Spirit infuses us with His peace – the peace that passes all human understanding. We can look the world in the eye and smile – for the world would have us doubt – rejoice in our worries. We can claim His peace now – for eternity. We are ready. God has gifted us – gifted the schools of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod – with every good and perfect gift needed to share the Gospel. Yes, we can reach out with the hands of compassion – the hands of caring – the hands of sharing. We share our goods, we share our money, we share our passion for the Lord. We are ready to help expand the Kingdom – one soul at a time. “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers.” Thank you for all you do for the convocation – the leaders – the members – the Lord. |
AuthorRichard Cohrs Archives
December 2016
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