Keeping His Word
Sermon
Sermons on the Gospel Readings
Series II, Cycle C
Object:
Keeping our word has a long and positive history in our nation. For generations, a man was known by whether or not he kept his word. His word was his bond. Deal after deal was made on that basis. The essentials of the business world found it always helpful and even necessary for commerce to run smoothly.
Some of us can remember vividly how these agreements functioned. Woe be unto that man who did not keep his word! If it happened more than once or twice and there were no extenuating circumstances, he was marked as a bad risk. Our fathers and grandfathers always knew instinctively what was at stake.
Our dear Lord points out to us without fanfare, "Those who love me will keep my word." He adds a whole new dimension to the business transactions, mostly of yesteryear, and the need of keeping one's word. He kept his word and now they (and we) are to keep ours. The prerequisite is love.
We get a firsthand preview into the dynamics of practicing the Christian faith. It sets in motion the way we are equipped to live in a conquering fashion among the foibles of human interactions. We are so blessed!
Our Savior and Lord prepares us for his physical absence. Many of his followers, according to holy scripture, witnessed him living, dying, and resurrected among them. If he would just stay as the risen Lord and minister to them, it would be a miraculous blessing! Don't you imagine there were many who not only wished for this but desperately hoped he would physically stay with them? All of them had already been through so much. Admittedly, not many of them seem to entertain the notion that he would arise from the dead. But he did, so that all would be as it should be.
Some may have begged him to stay. What would you and I have done under those unique circumstances? We can't be sure, of course, but in all likelihood, we would reflect those same desires and yearnings. Jesus, you are going to put us through hell on earth and then you are leaving us! That might be somewhat of a stretch. Yet, knowing human nature, it may be almost exactly some of their thoughts and feelings. Spiritual electricity is in the air and the voltage is impossible to measure. Since John's Gospel is written more in a mystical and devotional fashion, it is hard to perceive the timing of the writing. Of one thing we can be certain, and that is that substantial change is in the air we breathe.
Like none of the other gospels, John keeps reminding them of the very close relationship between Jesus and the Father. It is as though he wants to be certain there is no misunderstanding. Jesus relates carefully that both he and the Father will come to them and make our home with them. He is doing the will of the Father and the Word they hear is not his but that of the Father. Jesus did not come to the earth by his own will, but by the Father, who sent him. So, all the preparation is being done in conjunction with the Father. Perhaps there is no more clear place in the gospels which illustrates the uniqueness of John's writing. However, this should not be a problem because many of us have learned that even the synoptics tell individualized stories!
Soon, Jesus will be gone from their midst. How on earth will they get along without him? It must have been a sad moment drenched with apprehension and uncertainty. If they have on their listening ears, provision is being made for them. Something will come into their lives that may even make them wonder why there was any sadness whatsoever! The key is to love their Lord. Otherwise, they will be unable to keep his Word. The Word was given to the Son by the Father, who has loved all of us from the foundation of the world. It is reminiscent of the twinkling of an eye that seems to contain more -- far more -- time than can be measured.
Their Savior and Lord reveals the work of the Holy Spirit. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, is being sent by the Father in the name of the Son. The chief function will be to teach his disciples everything. Likewise, they will be reminded of all he has said to them. That is quite a tall order! While this precious Spirit would open the door to untold blessings, the abuse by the unscrupulous would wreak havoc among some of God's people. The purity of inspiration and guidance has been tested more times than anyone can count. Yet, our Lord's message is crystal clear. The Holy Spirit will be their teacher and act as a reminder of all Jesus has said to them.
Some view this promise as the creation of a divine pipeline to the Father and the Son. Through this conduit, the Master will continue to walk and talk with them. Others would even go so far as to call it a dispenser of practical truth for those adhering to the salvation of Jesus Christ. However we come at it or which descriptive phrases we use, one thing is sure and definite: They in the first century and all who follow have access to the guidance of our Savior and Lord. The provision has been made. You and I are the recipients. We are not neglected children who have to guess how to live our lives. Yet, dear friends, we do have to be receptive!
So much has been given to us. The Holy Spirit abides with us and provides for us. If we trust and obey, we are going to be happy in Jesus! The certainty of the promise is emblazoned in the Word of the living God. We might want to pause for a few minutes and begin to inquire just what more can we need. Our Advocate is permanently with us. Every day (and night) is a good one, filled with opportunities to serve God and all of humankind that touches our lives. What more can you and I possibly ask? The thrilling closeness of the Lord is beyond price tag. None of us may be saints or saintly but we know something about the riches of Jesus Christ.
Spiritually, we are only limited by our failure to listen and rejecting inspired powers of observation. Yes, it is possible to listen to hurting people and deal with intimate problems without gossiping! Yes, it is possible to have 20/20 vision and move to provide and/or enable healing to happen! Well, time is wasting, isn't it? We are behind and need to catch up. Our Lord has so many goodies in store for us and we nibble away at some stale carrot cake. Why are you and I so privileged? Well, we didn't earn any of it. It is all a gift from God. The secret is out (and it really wasn't much of one) that his will and ways are at work individually and collectively. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Their Savior and Lord leaves them his perfect peace and more. His good-byes are enshrined in the literature of the universe. They are forever relevant to all who would call themselves his disciples. A peace which passes all human understanding is given. It has a purity of purpose and perfection we can only kneel before in grateful expressions. We are in awe and earnestly hope it will descend upon us and never leave us. We learn, however, in our spiritual journey that we cannot contain or control it. Rightfully, like virtually everything the Master gives us, it is, in fact, a gift from God Almighty. Fortunately, for you and me, it is one that keeps on giving and we marvel at its tenacity.
We freely and openly admit that not all who call upon the name of Christ receive his peace that the world cannot give. Some seem to be afflicted at every turn in life. What went wrong? We are not to be judgmental and we are not to play the part of a guru dispensing esoteric wisdom. We are to be sympathetic and pray for the time they, too, will experience what we know in our lives. Truly, it is not because of our superior goodness. It is not because God just doesn't love them. Only the infinitely wise Creator of all has the answers. Let us humbly admit there are times we know little of that peace and we plead for its return. When it returns, how blessed we are!
As far as our hearts being troubled, we know plenty about that, don't we? Anxiety and even agony can smite us for days at a time. We have all wondered why. Some good souls will inquire day and night why this is happening. Again, what unassailable answer can we give? As we set our reason into motion, it is helpful to be reminded that our Lord's communication to us is in the form of a command: "Do not let your hearts be troubled." The clue presented is that you and I have a choice to make. Otherwise, he would have stated it differently. It is in our ballpark and we can choose whether or not to have a troubled heart. How like the Lord to show us that in this case we have freedom of will!
What is to be said about fear? The case is similar, as we notice the "Do not let them be afraid." A fearful heart is also a choice. Some of us have the tendency to back away from such an understanding and attempt to figure out a way for it to be a gift like peace. Is this splitting hairs and seeking to know how many angels can stand on a pinhead or some such thing? Are we dealing with an almost trivial approach to the matter? Not if we believe in the wording of holy scripture, coming to us by the best translators the world has ever known. Please, however, do not be too hard on those who try to make the choice and seem never to get any place. Our limitations are always with us.
Our Savior and Lord wanted them ready to receive the Advocate. The groundwork was laid for the continuation and perpetuation of his life and teaching. He was confiding in them before he went. His death will not be the end. Even his resurrection will not be the end! The Holy Spirit would bridge the gap between his going to the Father and all future generations. They would not be left, so they have nothing upon which to believe. There would be no chasm. Yes, there would not even be a break in the ministry of the Christ destined from the beginning to come to us. Merely not being physically present will not jeopardize the Jesus movement.
Since they had been counseled to be ready, there should be no crisis in belief. He left nothing undone to maintain that continuity would be manifest to all believers. No one could accuse him of not planning ahead! His successor would be in place and all of the power and unlimited variations are to be enjoyed and enriched by his disciples. Is there thanksgiving in our hearts? If there isn't, there should be. Is there a sense of being at one with the Lord and drinking from his bottomless well of blessings? If there isn't, why not? We are privy to secrets hidden for the ages, as Saint Paul says, and now they have been revealed. For some of us, this is so sobering; we wonder why some have not seen it before. But let us not judge.
So much of this text seems fuzzy for so many people! Only God can know the real reasons for their confusion and hesitation. It is imperative that those who do understand, at least to some extent, not be in any sense condescending or self-righteous. If we are, then we may be met by more than fuzziness. The wrath of God might descend upon our big heads! With the priceless tool of prayer, we are moved to aid our brothers and sisters in understanding what our blessed Lord intended. During prayer time, you and I shall also learn a thing or two. The Lord is so like that. You and I take dear ones to our sacred closets for quiet time in the Holy Spirit and we are taught new avenues of love.
Just to be honest, we would like to live on in our spirits also, wouldn't we? We desire -- sometimes intently -- for our loved ones through the generations to know us and what we have been about. At funerals, pastors pray that the memories left by the deceased will motivate better living in others. Yes, and some of us who have preached hundreds and even thousands of sermons want just a tidbit now and then to find a place in someone's heart and mind long after we are gone. Does this sound like an unworthy and perhaps unholy competition? Not on your life! For you see, dear friends, what Christians leave really should be a gift from the Holy Spirit.
It is a moment tantalizingly suspended between highly mystical phrasing and rationally stated commands. You and I can be emotionally exhausted by the heavenly strain placed upon us to understand the transition occurring long, long ago. We have had all this accumulation of the history of our faith to put these verses into perspective and some days we scratch our heads in bewilderment! We know to love him is to keep his Word, but then we fumble along, caught attempting to be in two places at the same time. Then, praise God, for some it dawns on them that Jesus has given us the answer in the Advocate or Holy Spirit.
Among the most touching and spiritually charged words in all of holy scripture are found here. We want his peace that the world cannot give! We do not want hearts that are troubled and afraid! If the Holy Spirit working in you and me can deliver all of that, how tremendously happy our lives should be. All of us have seen some evidence of the reality of such happiness from time to time. Oh, there is no perfection in the sense that there are those who are encompassed by these blessings all the time. It is painfully and incessantly an imperfect -- even evil -- world. Yet, colleagues in the cause of Christ, he has kept his word. It begins with love for him who first loved us. It is solidified by our consecration forever to him.
Some of us can remember vividly how these agreements functioned. Woe be unto that man who did not keep his word! If it happened more than once or twice and there were no extenuating circumstances, he was marked as a bad risk. Our fathers and grandfathers always knew instinctively what was at stake.
Our dear Lord points out to us without fanfare, "Those who love me will keep my word." He adds a whole new dimension to the business transactions, mostly of yesteryear, and the need of keeping one's word. He kept his word and now they (and we) are to keep ours. The prerequisite is love.
We get a firsthand preview into the dynamics of practicing the Christian faith. It sets in motion the way we are equipped to live in a conquering fashion among the foibles of human interactions. We are so blessed!
Our Savior and Lord prepares us for his physical absence. Many of his followers, according to holy scripture, witnessed him living, dying, and resurrected among them. If he would just stay as the risen Lord and minister to them, it would be a miraculous blessing! Don't you imagine there were many who not only wished for this but desperately hoped he would physically stay with them? All of them had already been through so much. Admittedly, not many of them seem to entertain the notion that he would arise from the dead. But he did, so that all would be as it should be.
Some may have begged him to stay. What would you and I have done under those unique circumstances? We can't be sure, of course, but in all likelihood, we would reflect those same desires and yearnings. Jesus, you are going to put us through hell on earth and then you are leaving us! That might be somewhat of a stretch. Yet, knowing human nature, it may be almost exactly some of their thoughts and feelings. Spiritual electricity is in the air and the voltage is impossible to measure. Since John's Gospel is written more in a mystical and devotional fashion, it is hard to perceive the timing of the writing. Of one thing we can be certain, and that is that substantial change is in the air we breathe.
Like none of the other gospels, John keeps reminding them of the very close relationship between Jesus and the Father. It is as though he wants to be certain there is no misunderstanding. Jesus relates carefully that both he and the Father will come to them and make our home with them. He is doing the will of the Father and the Word they hear is not his but that of the Father. Jesus did not come to the earth by his own will, but by the Father, who sent him. So, all the preparation is being done in conjunction with the Father. Perhaps there is no more clear place in the gospels which illustrates the uniqueness of John's writing. However, this should not be a problem because many of us have learned that even the synoptics tell individualized stories!
Soon, Jesus will be gone from their midst. How on earth will they get along without him? It must have been a sad moment drenched with apprehension and uncertainty. If they have on their listening ears, provision is being made for them. Something will come into their lives that may even make them wonder why there was any sadness whatsoever! The key is to love their Lord. Otherwise, they will be unable to keep his Word. The Word was given to the Son by the Father, who has loved all of us from the foundation of the world. It is reminiscent of the twinkling of an eye that seems to contain more -- far more -- time than can be measured.
Their Savior and Lord reveals the work of the Holy Spirit. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, is being sent by the Father in the name of the Son. The chief function will be to teach his disciples everything. Likewise, they will be reminded of all he has said to them. That is quite a tall order! While this precious Spirit would open the door to untold blessings, the abuse by the unscrupulous would wreak havoc among some of God's people. The purity of inspiration and guidance has been tested more times than anyone can count. Yet, our Lord's message is crystal clear. The Holy Spirit will be their teacher and act as a reminder of all Jesus has said to them.
Some view this promise as the creation of a divine pipeline to the Father and the Son. Through this conduit, the Master will continue to walk and talk with them. Others would even go so far as to call it a dispenser of practical truth for those adhering to the salvation of Jesus Christ. However we come at it or which descriptive phrases we use, one thing is sure and definite: They in the first century and all who follow have access to the guidance of our Savior and Lord. The provision has been made. You and I are the recipients. We are not neglected children who have to guess how to live our lives. Yet, dear friends, we do have to be receptive!
So much has been given to us. The Holy Spirit abides with us and provides for us. If we trust and obey, we are going to be happy in Jesus! The certainty of the promise is emblazoned in the Word of the living God. We might want to pause for a few minutes and begin to inquire just what more can we need. Our Advocate is permanently with us. Every day (and night) is a good one, filled with opportunities to serve God and all of humankind that touches our lives. What more can you and I possibly ask? The thrilling closeness of the Lord is beyond price tag. None of us may be saints or saintly but we know something about the riches of Jesus Christ.
Spiritually, we are only limited by our failure to listen and rejecting inspired powers of observation. Yes, it is possible to listen to hurting people and deal with intimate problems without gossiping! Yes, it is possible to have 20/20 vision and move to provide and/or enable healing to happen! Well, time is wasting, isn't it? We are behind and need to catch up. Our Lord has so many goodies in store for us and we nibble away at some stale carrot cake. Why are you and I so privileged? Well, we didn't earn any of it. It is all a gift from God. The secret is out (and it really wasn't much of one) that his will and ways are at work individually and collectively. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Their Savior and Lord leaves them his perfect peace and more. His good-byes are enshrined in the literature of the universe. They are forever relevant to all who would call themselves his disciples. A peace which passes all human understanding is given. It has a purity of purpose and perfection we can only kneel before in grateful expressions. We are in awe and earnestly hope it will descend upon us and never leave us. We learn, however, in our spiritual journey that we cannot contain or control it. Rightfully, like virtually everything the Master gives us, it is, in fact, a gift from God Almighty. Fortunately, for you and me, it is one that keeps on giving and we marvel at its tenacity.
We freely and openly admit that not all who call upon the name of Christ receive his peace that the world cannot give. Some seem to be afflicted at every turn in life. What went wrong? We are not to be judgmental and we are not to play the part of a guru dispensing esoteric wisdom. We are to be sympathetic and pray for the time they, too, will experience what we know in our lives. Truly, it is not because of our superior goodness. It is not because God just doesn't love them. Only the infinitely wise Creator of all has the answers. Let us humbly admit there are times we know little of that peace and we plead for its return. When it returns, how blessed we are!
As far as our hearts being troubled, we know plenty about that, don't we? Anxiety and even agony can smite us for days at a time. We have all wondered why. Some good souls will inquire day and night why this is happening. Again, what unassailable answer can we give? As we set our reason into motion, it is helpful to be reminded that our Lord's communication to us is in the form of a command: "Do not let your hearts be troubled." The clue presented is that you and I have a choice to make. Otherwise, he would have stated it differently. It is in our ballpark and we can choose whether or not to have a troubled heart. How like the Lord to show us that in this case we have freedom of will!
What is to be said about fear? The case is similar, as we notice the "Do not let them be afraid." A fearful heart is also a choice. Some of us have the tendency to back away from such an understanding and attempt to figure out a way for it to be a gift like peace. Is this splitting hairs and seeking to know how many angels can stand on a pinhead or some such thing? Are we dealing with an almost trivial approach to the matter? Not if we believe in the wording of holy scripture, coming to us by the best translators the world has ever known. Please, however, do not be too hard on those who try to make the choice and seem never to get any place. Our limitations are always with us.
Our Savior and Lord wanted them ready to receive the Advocate. The groundwork was laid for the continuation and perpetuation of his life and teaching. He was confiding in them before he went. His death will not be the end. Even his resurrection will not be the end! The Holy Spirit would bridge the gap between his going to the Father and all future generations. They would not be left, so they have nothing upon which to believe. There would be no chasm. Yes, there would not even be a break in the ministry of the Christ destined from the beginning to come to us. Merely not being physically present will not jeopardize the Jesus movement.
Since they had been counseled to be ready, there should be no crisis in belief. He left nothing undone to maintain that continuity would be manifest to all believers. No one could accuse him of not planning ahead! His successor would be in place and all of the power and unlimited variations are to be enjoyed and enriched by his disciples. Is there thanksgiving in our hearts? If there isn't, there should be. Is there a sense of being at one with the Lord and drinking from his bottomless well of blessings? If there isn't, why not? We are privy to secrets hidden for the ages, as Saint Paul says, and now they have been revealed. For some of us, this is so sobering; we wonder why some have not seen it before. But let us not judge.
So much of this text seems fuzzy for so many people! Only God can know the real reasons for their confusion and hesitation. It is imperative that those who do understand, at least to some extent, not be in any sense condescending or self-righteous. If we are, then we may be met by more than fuzziness. The wrath of God might descend upon our big heads! With the priceless tool of prayer, we are moved to aid our brothers and sisters in understanding what our blessed Lord intended. During prayer time, you and I shall also learn a thing or two. The Lord is so like that. You and I take dear ones to our sacred closets for quiet time in the Holy Spirit and we are taught new avenues of love.
Just to be honest, we would like to live on in our spirits also, wouldn't we? We desire -- sometimes intently -- for our loved ones through the generations to know us and what we have been about. At funerals, pastors pray that the memories left by the deceased will motivate better living in others. Yes, and some of us who have preached hundreds and even thousands of sermons want just a tidbit now and then to find a place in someone's heart and mind long after we are gone. Does this sound like an unworthy and perhaps unholy competition? Not on your life! For you see, dear friends, what Christians leave really should be a gift from the Holy Spirit.
It is a moment tantalizingly suspended between highly mystical phrasing and rationally stated commands. You and I can be emotionally exhausted by the heavenly strain placed upon us to understand the transition occurring long, long ago. We have had all this accumulation of the history of our faith to put these verses into perspective and some days we scratch our heads in bewilderment! We know to love him is to keep his Word, but then we fumble along, caught attempting to be in two places at the same time. Then, praise God, for some it dawns on them that Jesus has given us the answer in the Advocate or Holy Spirit.
Among the most touching and spiritually charged words in all of holy scripture are found here. We want his peace that the world cannot give! We do not want hearts that are troubled and afraid! If the Holy Spirit working in you and me can deliver all of that, how tremendously happy our lives should be. All of us have seen some evidence of the reality of such happiness from time to time. Oh, there is no perfection in the sense that there are those who are encompassed by these blessings all the time. It is painfully and incessantly an imperfect -- even evil -- world. Yet, colleagues in the cause of Christ, he has kept his word. It begins with love for him who first loved us. It is solidified by our consecration forever to him.
