Pentecost 4 (July 6, 2025)

Sermon Goal (Purpose Statement):

To encourage and equip hearers to live as Christ’s sent ones—undistracted by fear, rejection, or personal performance—and instead focused on faithfully proclaiming His peace, trusting that His Word works and our names are secure in heaven.

Undivided Attention: Part 4

“Undivided Mission”

Text: Luke 10:1–12, 16–20 Date: July 6, 2025

Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Dear friends in Christ,

You may recall that in our last gathering, we reflected on the profound example of undivided commitment demonstrated by Elisha. We were reminded to burn away those proverbial plows in our lives—those things that hold us back from wholehearted devotion to God. Elisha's radical commitment invites us to fully embrace our God-given identity in Christ, empowered by His Spirit.

Today, we shift our focus slightly from what it means to commit to God individually, to understanding how God extends His mission through us collectively. 

You’ve probably heard the saying:  “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.”

That’s often true in human projects.

But in God’s kingdom, Jesus does something very different.

Just as Elisha was called to a new path, so is each of us called. But this isn't just about inward transformation; it's about outward action. Jesus, in His ministry, involved His followers in His mission, taking those devoted hearts and sending them out into the world.

He chooses to involve His people in His work. He doesn’t do it all Himself—though He certainly could. Instead, He sends.

He sends the Twelve… He sends the seventy-two… And now, He sends you.

As we explore today's message about the mission of God and the people He sends—whether the seventy-two or us today—it’s a continuation of our undivided attention.

We must consider how our undivided commitment to God informs our participation in His divine mission. For as we learn from Scripture, it is not our accomplishments but our faithfulness to His call that truly matters.

I. The Mission Is the Lord’s

Luke writes:

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of Him, two by two, into every town and place where He Himself was about to go.”

The workers are sent—but the work is not theirs.

They are preparing the way for the One who is coming. They proclaim His kingdom. They speak His peace. They represent His presence.

As Jesus says:

“Whoever listens to you listens to Me.” “Whoever rejects you rejects Me—and rejects the One who sent Me.”

As we reflect on the nature of the mission, it becomes clear that the mission is profoundly and fundamentally the Lord's.

The seventy-two were sent not under their own authority but as representatives of Jesus, proclaiming His kingdom, speaking His peace, and embodying His presence.

This divine representation underscores an essential truth: while God graciously involves us in His work, the ultimate success and ownership of the mission rest with Him.

Yet, even as we embrace this sacred calling, there's a tension that emerges— a human struggle that often hinders our participation in God's mission. Despite the clarity of the call and the authority with which it is given, our hearts can become divided and our joy distorted. We are sometimes slow to respond, hesitant to engage, and swayed by fears and distractions.

Let's now explore how our own divided hearts can cloud the joy that comes from faithful obedience and how we are often tempted to measure our efforts by worldly standards rather than by the faithfulness God desires.

This is where the law of God challenges us, as it exposes our reluctance and calls us to a deeper trust and engagement with the mission that is not ours but His.

II. Divided Hearts, Distorted Joy

We are not always willing workers, are we?

We are slow to pray for the harvest. Slow to answer the call. Slow to encourage men into pastoral ministry or Slow get behind people going into missions.

Why?

Because we are distracted… divided… discouraged.

We fear rejection more than we fear silence. We prefer safety over sacrifice. We often judge mission by results, rather than faithfulness.

Let me illustrate what I mean:

Noah: He preached for 120 years without a single convert outside of his family. By worldly standards, he was a failure, yet he was found faithful (Hebrews 11:7). His faithfulness in completing God's command was what truly mattered.

Jeremiah: Known as the "weeping prophet," he faced continuous opposition and discouragement. His ministry was marked by a lack of visible results, yet he remained faithful to proclaim God’s word (Jeremiah 7:27-28).

Jesus: In John 6, after teaching some hard truths, many disciples turned away from Him. Despite the loss of followers, Jesus remained true to His mission, focusing on obedience to the Father rather than numbers or popularity.Jesus

You see, God's attention is consistently drawn to the inner life of His people rather than their outward achievements. This theme is prominent throughout the Bible.

1 Samuel 16:7 states, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

This message was delivered when God chose David, a humble shepherd boy, to be king over Israel, highlighting that God's criteria for leadership and success differs from human expectations.

We can also be like the seventy-two at times, we confuse power with purpose, success with significance.

Our sinful nature causes us to think: 

“If only we could see results…

if only people would listen…

if only we felt more equipped…”

But friends, the mission does not begin with us. It begins with Christ Jesus.

And the call is not to succeed, but to go—in faith.

III. Sent as Lambs—But Not Alone

Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat the task.

“Behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.”

That’s not exactly a motivating slogan from how to win friends and influence people.

Lambs among wolves will not last long— This deliberate vulnerability serves as a reminder that the mission is not about human strength or cleverness, but about trusting in God's providence and protection. The real "strength" of a Christian isn't in physical power but in spiritual dependence.

Being “lambs in the midst of wolves” is not a call to fear but to faith, knowing that the Good Shepherd, Jesus, watches over His flock (John 10:11-15). The presence of the Shepherd changes the equation entirely, as His authority overshadows the threat. Someone stronger is always watching over them.

And someone is.

Jesus sends them with nothing: No purse, no bag, no sandals…

Only His Word.

Only His peace.

Only His promise.

These are Jesus’ tools. These gifts are the real 'equipment' needed for the mission, surpassing any physical preparation or possession.

And that is more than enough.

I would like you to think of a time when you were vulnerable? In my over 25-years of pastoral ministry there were several occasions when the pressure of being a lamb amongst wolves has been particularly difficult.

>Accusations…

>Modern-day Jezebels seeking to destroy reputation…

>Not to mention the continual pressure to quit and get a regular job…

In each and every case I wanted to react! I wanted to get even! To get my pound of flesh for lies spread in an attempt to discredit the ministry.

But in each and every case God’s Word reminded me of His love and acceptance, which resulted in peace and strength during these difficult times.

You see, Jesus is teaching reliance on His provision rather than material security. This counterintuitive approach highlights that their mission’s success does not depend on worldly resources.

Because the power is not in the personality of the messenger— but in the message. Not in the methods—but in the mission itself.

The people go ahead of Him. And He will come—He always comes.

IV. Rejoicing in What Matters Most

When the seventy-two return, they are full of excitement.

“Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name!”

They’ve seen results.

They’ve felt power.

They’re on a high.

But Jesus doesn’t rebuke them—He redirects them.

“Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you. Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

This is the heart of the text:

Dear friends, it is understandable that we would get excited and feel happy about successful ministry endeavors, but our ultimate rejoicing should be grounded in what Jesus has accomplished through His death and resurrection.

Your joy is not in what you do for Christ— It’s in what Christ has done—and is doing—for you.

Your identity does not rise or fall with earthly results. Your worth is not measured in spiritual victories. Your joy rests in this eternal truth: Your name is written in heaven.

Written in the blood of the Lamb. Inscribed in grace. Unshakeable. Secure.

Friends, even when faced with setbacks or failures in ministry or personal life, our joy is intact because it’s founded on Christ’s finished work.

This provides encouragement for ministry as it fuels perseverance in ministry— knowing that eternal impact matters more than immediate results. It frees us to serve without the weight of performance anxiety, resting in God’s approval, evidenced by the fact that your name is written in heaven.

V. Faithful Participation in the Mission

So now, what does that mean for us?

It means this: You are sent — ἀποστέλλω — apostello

Maybe not into foreign missions. Maybe not into public ministry— though some men are, and we need them. And maybe God is calling you into public ministry

Men, even if you feel you’re too old to move into the arena of public ministry, consider that I was 40-years old before I said “Yes” to God’s call on my life. Pull me aside after the service so we can talk about it!

And if God is not sending you to public ministry, He guarantee you He is sending you to participate in His harvest field in  

your home,

your neighborhood,

your school,

your workplace.

You are sent with the peace of Christ.

And yes, you are also called to support  those men who are sent into public ministry.

Pray for them. Encourage your children, your grandchildren. Support our seminarians. Speak well of those who bear the Word.

One theologian—Gerhard Aho—put it this way:  “This mission continues today in the Word and Sacrament ministry of the Church. Support it, because through it, Christ is given.”

VI. The Urgency Is Real—Because God Is Near

Yes, the mission is urgent. Not because God is weak, or absent… But because God is gracious—and near.

His Word is still going out. His harvest is still ripening. And He is still calling workers.

And maybe He is calling you: I would encourage some self-reflection on on this subject of service and ministry.

[PAUSE FOR BRIEF REFLECTION]

Are you driven by a desire for recognition or a sincere commitment to God’s calling?

Remember, you are modern-day "lambs" sent into a world that can be hostile or indifferent to the faith.

Just as the early disciples were not left alone, neither are we. He still promises and it is everlasting:

“Lo, I am with you always…”

Conclusion

As a kid in Sunday school we learned this simple song:

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

All around the neighborhood, [motion to the congregation] “I’m gonna let it shine.”

Brothers and sisters, You are "Torchbearers," who carry the light of Christ into a world often overshadowed by darkness.

Like a torchbearer in a relay race, they are part of a greater mission, passing the light along to illuminate the path for others. And so it is with you and me.

The phrase “if you want something done right, do it yourself” is transformed in God’s kingdom. Here, it becomes "”f you want something done in the fullest, let God work through you.”

As torchbearers, you are not doing the work yourselves; God's light shines through them. I encourage you to carry it boldly into you daily life, illuminating hearts and minds of those around them.

Allow me to conclude with a challenge:

"As you leave today, ask yourself— where will you shine God’s light? In whose life will you be a beacon, guiding them to the Good Shepherd?"

So, dear people of God—do not fear the wolves. You are sent by the Good Shepherd, who is with you. Go as bearers of His light, confident that our Good Shepherd walks with you, guiding your steps and ensuring that His light within you will never be extinguished.

This is Christ’s mission.

And this… is your joy.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayers of the Church

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost – July 7, 2025 Theme: Undivided Mission

P: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

For the Church and Her Mission:

Lord of the harvest, You send Your people into a world in need of peace, truth, and grace. Strengthen all whom You have called into public ministry and awaken in every Christian the courage to live as Your sent ones. Guard us from fear, distraction, or discouragement. Let Your Word do its work, and let our joy be found not in earthly results, but in the assurance that our names are written in heaven. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For Our Nation:

Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for this nation and the blessings of liberty, peace, and good order. As we remember the gift of freedom on this Independence Day weekend, teach us to use it in ways that honor You. Grant wisdom to our leaders, protection to those who serve in the military, and unity to our citizens. Make us ever mindful that true freedom is found only in Christ. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For the Sick and Suffering:

Gracious Lord, look with compassion on all who are ill, hospitalized, those awaiting tests, or in need. We lift before You:

Cal Bauer, as he looks forward to further testing and treatment.

Mike H, following neck surgery and fusion.

Gabe Jensen as he continues his treatment in Rochester.

We thank you for sustaining Chet Lund, during his surgery thi s past week and we pray for a swift and complete recovery.

Those facing chronic illness, pain, or waiting for answers.

Sustain them with Your peace and strengthen their trust in Your promises. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For the Grieving:

Compassionate Savior, we commend to You the Weiss family, mourning the death of Your servant Tom Weiss. Comfort Sandi, Nancy, Kathy, Doug, Carroll, and all who grieve with the promise that death does not have the final word. Grant them rest in Your resurrection and hope in the life to come. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For the Baptized and Newly Born:

We praise You for the gift of life and new life. Bless Jamison Michael Fretheim, who was recently baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection. We praise you for the birth of Truett Scott LaRoque, and bless Emma and Paydon as they prepare to bring him to the waters of Holy Baptism, and nurture him in love. And for the birth of Jackson Lee Richard; watch over and protect him as he continues to grow in the neonatal care unit in Minot. Root all our families in Your Word and make our homes places of faith and peace. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For the Faithful Reception of the Sacrament:

Lord Jesus, as we come to Your Table, prepare us by Your Spirit to receive Your true body and blood with repentant and believing hearts. May all who commune today be strengthened in faith, united in love, and renewed in joy. Let this holy gift equip us for faithful witness in the world You send us to serve. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

For Our Congregation and Community:

Almighty God, bless this congregation as we strive to keep our eyes fixed on Christ. Renew our zeal to support the mission of the Church, to encourage those considering ministry, and to live as those who are sent. In every vocation, give us courage to speak peace and live boldly in Your name. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our prayer.

Final Petition:

Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. C: Amen.