Preachrblog

Lent 5, March 25th , 2012   Mark 10:32-45 “ Game of Thrones” There's a popular series of books and tv shows out there called “Game of Thrones”. In it, rulers and would-be rulers of various kingdoms jockey for position and influence. And you can imagine why our pop culture goes crazy for stories like this. We all have those desires for power and glory. We all have our own little game of thrones. It's part and parcel of our sinful nature to seek out power and control, to go after glory. Take James and John, they come to Jesus with a request. And you know its going to be trouble when they try to get him to agree before they even say what it is. But they're gunning for their spot in the game of thrones. They want the best seats in the new kingdom. When Jesus conquers the Romans, they want to be at his left hand and his right hand – his #1 and #2 go-to-guys. They want the power and the glory and the influence that they deserve for being his faith...

Lent 4, March 18 th , 2012   Numbers 21:4–9 Look, and Live!   Ungrateful. Maybe that's the best way to describe the people of Israel. After all God had done for them. They grumbled. But let's just remember: He had sent not 1, but 10 miraculous plagues. He brought Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the world, to his knees. In all of the plagues, God protected the Israelites. Then he brought them out of Egypt. First they took spoils from the Egyptian people. Then he led them safely across the Red Sea, on dry ground. Oh, and destroyed their enemies who were right behind them. He brought them to his holy mountain, Sinai. He gave them his law, and a system of sacrifice for them to deal with their sins. Oh yes, and he was bringing them to the promised land, where the promised Messiah would be born and live and die for them. But none of that mattered. Because they didn't like the food. The food that God provided for them, each and every ...

Lent 3, March 11 th , 2012 John 2:13-22 Cleaning House Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Get out of my house! He yells. He makes quite a scene. Overturns tables. Change goes jingling on the hard ground. Animals go scattering everywhere. Oh, and he's got a whip. Jesus takes charge of his Father's house. He puts the smack down on the money-changers. This is a house of prayer, not a swap meet. This is a place of God's holy presence in and among his people, not a den of thieves and robbers. Get. Out. Now. The disciples start to piece it together, “Wasn't there a prophecy about this? Zeal for your house will consume me?” Yes, disciples, all Scripture is about Jesus. “ And just who are you?” They ask, “What gives you the authority to do this? Who do you think you are?” Not that they argue the substance of the point. When you know you're in the wrong, shift the focus ...

Lent 2, March 4 th , 2012 Mark 8:27-38 A Lenten Epiphany (Guest Preaching at St. James, Overlea, MD) (Audio for this sermon is available here) Grace and peace to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. And greetings from your brothers and sisters at Grace Lutheran Church in Racine, WI. It's always an honor and privilege for me to return to St. James, where I grew up and was confirmed, and share the Gospel among you. Today, we are but a week or so into the season of Lent. Our preparations for Holy Week and Good Friday, and ultimately Easter Sunday – have begun. The paraments are purple. The Alelluias are gone for a while. And the Wednesday night services are back on. Maybe you've given up something for Lent. Or maybe you're taking some extra time to pray or read the Bible, or some other spiritual discipline. Lent is a sober time, a serious business. But I have to admit, I like it anyway. Not that ...