Pentecost—Birthday Celebration or a Fizzle?

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, the 50th day after the resurrection of Jesus. On this Old Testament festival (giving of the Commandments on Mt. Sinai and offering the first fruits of the harvest) the Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples (Acts 2), the first fruit of the nations. Jesus had promised it:

 “I’m sending you what my Father promised. Wait here in the city until you receive power from heaven.” (Luke 24:49 GW)

And now it happens! They are filled with the Holy Spirit.

This event is considered the birthday of the Christian Church. Do we celebrate or do we fizzle? Do we detract from it? It is surprising how easily we fall into ditches on either side of the road and in the process, we take away from the birthday, the Holy Spirit, and ultimately from Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately two movements misunderstand this text and have distorted and changed the message. And even more sadly, many in reaction to those two movements have denied the very essence of both parts. When we believe in Jesus Christ, we are part of that Church. Let’s avoid these distortions and not deny the reality; instead join the historic Church in power as we proclaim Jesus Christ.

“They spoke in many different languages”

On this day it means that they are able to speak in many different languages. They speak to the Jewish visitors whose native tongue is not Aramaic.

Stunned and amazed, the people in the crowd said, “All of these men who are speaking are Galileans. Why do we hear them speaking in our native dialects? We’re Parthians, Medes, and Elamites. We’re people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the country near Cyrene in Libya. We’re Jewish people, converts to Judaism, and visitors from Rome, Crete, and Arabia. We hear these men in our own languages as they tell about the miracles [mighty works] that God has done.” (Acts 2:7-11 GW)

What a miracle that must have been! Peter, James, Andrew, Bartholomew, and the rest were “unlearned men” for the most part. They knew 2-3 languages (Aramaic and Greek, and possibly a little Latin and Hebrew). But not these other languages. Yet the Holy Spirit gave them power to speak the languages. We don’t find this as the norm in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit can empower in any way, including languages. But it isn’t something that we initiate or demand. It is the Spirit who equips, empowers, and distributes for the good of His Church.

Some want to focus so much on this instance of the work of the Holy Spirit (“speaking in tongues”) that they miss when the same Holy Spirit is speaking through one person to another. Away from the spotlight, away from the spectacular, no “different language.” But the same Spirit is working through that person, just as the Spirit did in the disciples in Acts 2, speaking about Jesus Christ.

The End… and the distortions

Another distortion is that the Church is an intermediate, almost a “mistake,” but the real focus becomes Israel. The Church is supposedly raptured out of the world. According to this views, that is when the end times really begin—with a “national Israel.” Sadly the theology is wrong because it detracts from Jesus, and thus, the focus of the Church gets diverted from its original mission of proclaiming Jesus Christ and making disciples.

But what happens at Pentecost? In the reading for tomorrow,

[Peter said:] “Rather, this is what the prophet Joel spoke about: ‘In the last days, God says,…’” (Acts 2:16-17 GW)

The end times begin right here at this Pentecost festival. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit initiates the end times. Our purpose/goal is not calendar-watching and the latest news. Rather we join with the Pentecost Church, proclaiming Jesus Christ; we are empowered to speak, to make disciples, to live in as those who have died and risen with Christ.

“As they tell about the mighty works of God”

But the power is evident not just in languages spoken, but even more clearly “as they tell about the miracles [mighty deeds] of God” (Acts 2:11), and specifically Jesus Christ. In other words, the real focus on Pentecost is not on the Holy Spirit, it is Jesus Christ. Yes, we worship the Holy Spirit, and celebrate this great event. But we recognize that the work of the Holy Spirit is to reveal Jesus to the world.

[Jesus said:] “The helper whom I will send to you from the Father will come. This helper, the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father, will declare the truth about me. (John 15:26)

Sadly many have changed the focus of Pentecost to “witness,” but a far different witness. That is, “witness” becomes my story, or my faith, my change. But that is not the Pentecost story. The witness of these disciples throughout chapter 2 (and the rest of Acts) is on Jesus Christ. Read Acts 2:22-36 and see who is the center of the witness—Jesus. When I change “witness” to “me-focus stories” I am no longer being a witness to Jesus Christ, but to myself. And I leave the Pentecost Church and quench the Pentecost Spirit.

The people around us need to hear about Jesus Christ. Perhaps my “witness” (or story) may help me relate to someone that I am speaking to. But if I am pointing in any way to myself I have left the Pentecost Church. I am not living in the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter and Paul put it so well:

[Peter said:] No one else can save us. Indeed, we can be saved only by the power of the one named Jesus and not by any other person.” (Acts 4:12 GW)

[Paul wrote:] While I was with you, I decided to deal with only one subject—Jesus Christ, who was crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2 GW)

That is the Pentecost message! Let’s not be distracted by the side issues. Let us not fret about the end—we are living in it. Let us not deny the power of the Holy Spirit—He is given for this very purpose.

The Church is empowered to bring Christ to people—today. “Today is the day of salvation.” As we study, reflect, worship, celebrate on Pentecost, let us be drawn back to the foundation of the Church. It has not changed, and will not change.

Lord God, on this Pentecost festival we rejoice that You empowered the disciples in Acts 2 to speak boldly the truth about Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Grant us that same Holy Spirit so that we may speak the truth, not distracted by side issues, not diverted from our current mission, not taking our eyes off Jesus Christ. Fill us so that we might live a disciples who live and proclaim Him clearly; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen

Sing to the LORD a new song Psalm 96:1-2

Today we gathered as the people of God to celebrate the victory that Gayle Diani has in Jesus Christ. She died in the faith on May 7, 2012. Today we celebrated with Scripture, Song, and Prayer. While the death sentence, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a), extends to all, God also promised a Savior in Genesis 3; he would conquer Satan, sin, and death. Jesus is that Savior, fulfilling all for us, positively keeping the Law and negatively by dying for us the abandonment we deserved.

Thus, the old sentence of death is replaced the new declaration of life in Jesus Christ. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37-39).

Thus we sing a new song, even in a captive land.

Hymn: “Beautiful Savior”

Beautiful Savior, King of creation,  Son of God, and Son of Man,
Truly I’d love Thee, Truly I’d serve Thee, Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.

Fair are the meadows, Fair are the woodlands, Robed in flow’rs of blooming spring
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,  He makes our sorr’wing spirit sing

Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations, Son of God and Son of Man
Glory and Honor, Praise, adoration Now and forevermore be Thine

Invocation

P: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen
P: In Holy Baptism Gayle Diani was clothed with the robe of Christ’s righteousness that covered all her sin. St. Paul writes: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ were baptized into His death?”
C: We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. (Romans 6:3–5)

Psalm 95:1–7

Hymn: “The Old Rugged Cross”

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain: So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary. Refrain

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me. Refrain

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share. Refrain

Prayer

P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: O God of grace… through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.
C: Amen.

Old Testament: Isaiah 53

Epistle: Romans 8:31-39

Special Music: “There’s Just Something about that Name”

Gospel: John 14:1–6

Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen

Hymn: “Amazing Grace”

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures.

Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come;
His grace has brought me safe thus far His grace will lead me home.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace.

When we’ve been here ten thousand years Bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’ve first begun.

Sermon: “Sing to the Lord a New Song” Psalm 96:1-2

Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

(And we sang a cappella: “How Great Thou Art!” and “What a Friend”)

Prayers

P: Let us pray to the Lord, our God and Father, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead.
After each portion of the prayers:

P: Lord in Your mercy.
C: hear our prayer.

Lord’s Prayer

P: Taught by our Lord and trusting in His promises, we are bold to pray
C: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Nunc Dimittis (“Now Depart” — Song of Simeon)

P: Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25–26)
C: Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29–32)

Concluding Prayer

P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Let us pray… through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.
C: Amen

Benediction

Hymn: “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

I know that my Redeemer lives;  What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives my everliving head.

He lives triumphant from the grave; He lives eternally to save;
He lives all glorious in the sky; He lives exalted there on high.

He lives to silence all my fears; He lives to wipe away my tears;
He lives to calm my troubled heart; He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend; He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing; He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives, all glory to His name! He lives, my Jesus, still the same;
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from NIV, used by permission.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church

Rev. Richard P. Shields, Pastor
Rev. David Swarthout, Pastor Emeritus
Keyboard: Val Katkov
Soloist: Gail Saefke

Is Jesus Your Lord?

Well, we had nine people, that’s four more than I expected! We sang hymns, read Scripture (patterned after the Vespers service), and I preached for 2½ hours!

(well, not really, I just wanted to see if you were reading). It was refreshing for all of us; a time to enjoy worshiping together our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I noted that in Luther’s explanation of the second article of the creed he writes:

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true Man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord

As Lutherans we like to talk about the Savior Jesus, but not so much about Jesus is my Lord. But we cannot separate the two. The one who suffered and died and rose again as Savior is also the one who ascended into heaven and is reigning at the right hand of God the Father. He has all authority (Matthew 28:18)

So0, is Jesus your Lord?

Ascension Flash Mob?

After the post yesterday about the importance of the Ascension Festival, a few people have expressed interest in gathering informally for Ascension celebration tomorrow evening. So, if you are available, here it is:

Where: Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church

When: 7:00 PM

What: Scripture, Songs, Prayer

Come as you are… for our first-ever Ascension Festival!

The Forgotten Festival

Ascension—a day is worth celebrating. It’s easy to overlook Ascension Day in the liturgical life of the church. It is always Thursday, never fitting the Sunday cycle of worship and never fitting in with the Wednesday mid week services. At the same time it often is overshadowed by Mother’s Day and graduations.

That’s too bad. It is a pivotal event in the ministry of Jesus for two reasons. The first is often the only one given: Jesus ascends into heaven so that He can pour the Holy Spirit.

1) Pouring out the Holy Spirit

In my first book, Theophilus, I wrote about what Jesus began to do and teach. This included everything from the beginning ‹of his life› until the day he was taken to heaven. Before he was taken to heaven, he gave instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles, whom he had chosen.

After his death Jesus showed the apostles a lot of convincing evidence that he was alive. For 40 days he appeared to them and talked with them about the kingdom of God.

Once, while he was meeting with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for what the Father had promised. Jesus said to them, “I’ve told you what the Father promises: John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

So when the apostles came together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you’re going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

Jesus told them, “You don’t need to know about times or periods that the Father has determined by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to you. Then you will be my witnesses to testify about me in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he had said this, he was taken to heaven. A cloud hid him so that they could no longer see him.

They were staring into the sky as he departed. Suddenly, two men in white clothes stood near them. They asked, “Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking at the sky? Jesus, who was taken from you to heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw him go to heaven.” (Acts 1:1-11 GW)

2) Reigning until the end

But the second reason is critical as well. He ascends to His throne, having accomplished everything the Father desired. By doing so, Jesus begins to reign from that throne. Paul puts it this way:

Christ must rule until God has put every enemy under his control. (1 Corinthians 15:25 GW)

This is the background for Peter’s comment on that Pentecost when the Holy Spirit is poured out. Peter begins his response to the crowd with these words from the prophet Joel:

 In the last days, God says,

I will pour my Spirit on everyone.

Your sons and daughters will speak what God has revealed.

Your young men will see visions.

Your old men will dream dreams.

In those days

I will pour my Spirit on my servants, on both men and women.

They will speak what God has revealed.

How comforting it is to know that Jesus is reigning right now. While our eyes might deceive us into thinking that Jesus is not in control of anything, the reality is that Jesus is reigning. His reigning work is to bring about His saving work through the preaching of the Gospel “to the ends of the earth” (great commission focus).

The Lord isn’t slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn’t want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act. (2 Peter 3:9 GW)

In other words, the Ascension sets in motion two things: 1) pouring out of the Holy Spirit and 2) inauguration of the end times.

May we celebrate individually this year (May 17, 2012). Perhaps next year we can celebrate Ascension together as a congregation.

Mother’s Day Prayer

For mothers and those who love them…

Heavenly Father, we give thanks to You for mothers everywhere. We give thanks for their love, care, concern, and compassion. We lift up to You especially those who have struggled in their roles as mothers, where the path has not been smooth. We pray for those whose mothers perhaps failed in any way. Bring hope in the midst of their lives, whether as mothers or as children. For those relationships that are strained, grant reconciliation. Where there is pain, bring the healing of Your grace and mercy. As we reflect may our own hearts of love extend to all mothers everywhere; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen

Fruit of the Spirit—Gifts of the Spirit

Last Saturday our Basics of the Christian Faith class focused on the Fruit of the Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit. This was a helpful and enlightening study of two important topics. Sadly there is a temptation to ignore or downplay one or the other. But as we read in the New Testament, it is clear that both are part of the Christian life, and both are, no, must be, related.

Fruit of the Spirit: 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; (Gal. 5:22-23 NAS)

Paul offers the fruit of the Spirit as a contrast to the “deeds of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21). Note, first, that the “deeds of the flesh” refer to outward, sinful actions such as “drunkenness and carousing.” But even more, Paul identifies conduct in relationship to others including trying to manipulate and control others (“outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying”).

Thus, we might be tempted to think in terms of “the big sins,” and if we can avoid them, then we do not have a problem with “deeds of the flesh.” And yet, Paul wants Christians to see that the “squabbles” of ordinary life are just as destructive to our life in Christ. They indicate that we are following the flesh rather than the Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit focus on character issues, and specifically the character of Christ. Earlier in the letter Paul wrote:

Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. (Gal. 4:7)
My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you (Gal. 4:19)

In other words, the work of the Spirit in the life of the Christian is to form Christ in us. Each of the nine fruit of the Spirit are part and parcel of what it means to be Christian. We cannot pick and choose one or two and say, “that’s my fruit.” No, when you confess Christ, then the fruit of the Spirit (all nine) is ours, by faith in Christ.

Gifts of the Spirit

The gifts of the Spirit are mentioned specifically in three texts, Romans 12:4–8; 1 Corinthians 12 and 14; and 1 Peter 4:10–11. For the purposes of this discussion, I am not including Ephesians 4:11–16 (for a variety of reasons), and I am focusing 1 Corinthians 12. The starting point for the gifts of the Spirit has to be seen in terms of what Paul writes about confession of the faith:

Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:3)

Our starting point: We live in a jaded world in which we can “say anything we want!” But what Paul notes here is that in the first century for someone in a Roman city, to proclaim “Jesus is Lord” is to ask for a death sentence, for only Caesar was lord (κυριος kurios). Thus, the work of the Spirit begins with that confession. All else must be seen in light of that.

Paul then highlights the continuing work of the Spirit in the life of the believer:

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. (1 Cor. 12:4–6)

Diversity in gifts is not a sign of disorder; rather misuse of the gifts is (1 Cor. 14). And then Paul directs our attention in four ways, away from ourselves to the Holy Spirit:

But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Cor. 12:7)
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. (1 Cor. 12:11)

1) Each Christian has at least one spiritual gift. 2) The Spirit distributes the gifts (not the person demanding, expecting, but receiving). 3) The Spirit does this for the “common good.” 4) The Spirit distributes “as He wills.”

How well do we do in these four areas? Do we deny having a gift (#1)? Do we demand a specific gift (#2)? Do we focus on “our needs” or on the needs of the community (#3)? Do we ignore the work of the Spirit even in the area of gifts (#4)?

Fruit Related to Gifts

So how do the Fruit and Gifts relate? Based on Paul assertions in both Galatians and 1 Corinthians 13 (entire chapter is focused on fruit of the Spirit), we can conclude that the fruit control the use of the gifts. That is, to paraphrase 1 Cor. 13:1–4, “If I have the highest regarded gift, but do not exercise the fruit (i.e. love), I am useless, and it does not profit the body of Christ.” In other words, the character of Christ being formed in us motivates and guides us in our relationships with others. If we exalt the gifts above the fruit, then people become objects to help me achieve my goals. This contradicts the entire sense of what it means to be “in Christ” and “Christ in me.”

Even more, when “my gift” is center, then I belittle the Holy Spirit by usurping the Spirit’s desire to build up the body of Christ. The Spirit’s role is to point to Christ, who is not divided, who demonstrated the perfection of the fruit in all His earthly ministry.

The beauty of this proper relationship between fruit and gifts of the Spirit relationship becomes evident when someone in humility (meekness) seeks the greater good of the Body of Christ. When a person teaches for the benefit of others. When she exhibits kindness when none is expected as she exercises her spiritual gift(s). When he demonstrates gentleness when using his spiritual gift(s). Joy can permeate relationships, not the happy, clappy joy (although that may happen on occasion), but the deep joy that the Spirit is indeed working in our midst, bring glory to Jesus Christ, and growing each person to the maturity of the faith in Christ.

As we move forward in our walk of faith, I as pastor, will encourage your exploration of spiritual gifts. But even more, I will encourage your growth in faith through the Word and the Lord’s Supper, so that Christ be formed in you, and the fruit of the Spirit will characterize your walk of faith.

Palm Sunday Confirmation

Confirmation: Palm Sunday 2012

What a blessing our Palm Sunday was. Five adults were confirmed during the 11 AM service; and another recent member attended all the classes with them. We met Saturdays, 9:30-Noon from Jan-Mar.

Front Row:

Debbie Ballard (Isaiah 41:10), Louise Fox (John 12:26), Lynda Elmendorf (Galatians 2:20), Deana Riddle (Matthew 11:28-30)

Back Row:

Richard Ballard (Isaiah 41:10), Chuck Fox (Proverbs 3:6), Pastor Rich Shields

And they want to continue studying on Saturdays!

The resurrection matters to one

The fear, uncertainty, and dashed hopes of Friday hang in the air for all followers of Jesus. Peter, John, the other nine disciples, his mother, all are devastated by what they had seen and heard. But one in particular is distraught by what had happened, Mary Magdalene.

The empty tomb matters

Notice how we find her mentioned on that Friday on Golgatha:

 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. (Matthew 27:55-56 NIV)

She is listed first among the women at the cross. Not only that, but after Jesus dies, Joseph of Arimathea asked for Jesus’ body for a proper burial. And we read:

Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.  Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. (Matthew 27:59-61 NIV)

While the Sabbath would not allow anyone to be at the tomb, notice who is there immediately after the Sabbath ends.

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” (John 20:1-2 NIV)

Continuing the narrative in John’s Gospel (John 20:1-18), while she and others see that the tomb is empty, Mary is the first one to actually see the resurrected Jesus. When Jesus calls her by name, she recognizes that it is indeed Jesus standing before her!

And her response? To cling to him. Who wouldn’t! After all, before Jesus, Mary had been an outsider, a prostitute with seven demons.

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. (Mark 16:9 NIV, see also Luke 8:2)

She had no hope, no friends, no value as a human except to those who wanted to use her and abuse her. Everyone knew Mary, and even raised an eyebrow at the mention of her name. But Jesus changed all that. Not only had Jesus cast out the demons, he continued to treat her as one of the family followers, as a follower equal to others.

But with Jesus’ death, that was all changed. Imagine the fear that seized her. Would I go back to being the Mary of old? Would anyone even look at me again? How can I go back to that? Yet, without Jesus, how can I go on? And so she clings to Jesus, her new life, her only hope.

It sounds almost cruel on Jesus’ part when he says to her:

Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brothers and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’ ” (John 20:17 NAS)

But is it cruel? Or is his response far different? What Jesus had done for Mary was life changing for her. But Jesus was not yet done with his work for her (and everyone else). If she were still clinging only to the Jesus of his earthly ministry she would miss out on the greater thing. By saying “My Father and your Father, and My God and your God,” Jesus invites all his followers into a new relationship, adoption into God’s family. The family that Mary needed and saw with Jesus in his earthly ministry is now expanded.

As the Great Shepherd, he called her by name (John 20:16). Jesus had not forgotten her; he had not abandoned her. Rather Jesus enters into a new relationship with her, one that will sustain her for the rest of her life into eternity.

Mary hears about this new relationship first, even before Peter and John, even before Jesus’ own mother, Mary. The wonderful news that by Jesus ascending into heaven, what she had known of this new life was not taken from her, but continues to all eternity. Jesus’ life and ministry had changed Mary. But His death, resurrection, and ascension open to her the promise of His presence forever.

Now, no matter what happens, Jesus will be with her. Jesus’ Father is now Peter’s Father and John’s Father — and Mary’s Father. Jesus’ God is now Peter’s God and John’s God — and Mary’s God. As Paul wrote later to the Roman Christians,

There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24 NIV)

Sin was the great leveler to destruction, and Mary knew that well. Jesus was the great leveler in grace, and Mary was justified freely by God’s grace, her Father’s grace.

So, Mary needed to cling to Jesus, but not as she had known him in his earthly life, but even more so as the resurrected and ascended Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

The resurrection (and ascension) really did matter to one, Mary Magdalene!

Does the resurrection matter to you?

The Silent Saturday?

The excitement of Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the intimacy of the Maundy Thursday meal, the uncertainty of the coming betrayal, and the agony of Good Friday leave us in need of a break… not from God, nor from worship, but from ourselves.

We have been caught in the cycle of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, ______, and Easter. Saturday becomes almost an an anticlimax, rather than the continuity of the four days. So, how do we fill that time on Saturday? Rushing around to get ready for the sunrise service? Making last minute family meal plans, baking, traveling, shopping? … You get the idea.

But what of our spiritual life on this Saturday? What happens then? Throughout church history until the rise of Rationalism in the 17th century, the Christian Church observed the Great Vigil on Saturday. See this blog, Gottesblog for more on the history and value of the service itself. Two quotes give us a glimpse of what the historic Church has known for centuries:

The recovery of this ancient and venerable tradition has been a key ingredient in the rediscovery of liturgical beauty and importance for Lutherans.

The Vigil is a bit lengthier than a regular Sunday mass, but for those who are aware and appreciative of what’s going on, time does not seem to be a factor.

Note that I am not suggesting we have to observe the Great Vigil as a formality. This year we do not formally observe the Easter Vigil at Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church. But in a sense we need to examine our lives during this week, and today in particular, and see if we need a spiritual refuge to bridge the gap from the trauma of Good Friday to the joy of Easter Sunday. The Great Vigil can provide that bridge. But we can also do that as we read the Gospel accounts, perhaps some Psalms about “waiting on the Lord”—

Wait with hope for the LORD. Be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Yes, wait with hope for the Lord. (Ps 27:14 GW)

Surrender yourself to the LORD, and wait patiently for him. (Ps 37:7 GW)

Wait calmly for God alone, my soul, because my hope comes from him. (Ps 62:5 GW)

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and with hope I wait for his word. (Ps 130:5 GW)

Yet, the strength of those who wait with hope in the LORD will be renewed. (Isaiah 40:31 GW)

So, today becomes a day of waiting and hoping, anticipating the Easter victory of Jesus coming back to life. Rest in the Lord, wait for the Lord. It is worth your time, and when it comes to your spiritual welfare, “time does not seem to be a factor.”

An Orthodox Easter Song