Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
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A few months ago I did a wedding, technically it was a vow renewal. See, the couple was supposed to get married during COVID but delayed because… then she got pregnant so we did the wedding albeit on a much smaller scale.
At the rehearsal, one of those big fancy venue’s with a professional planner, the planner asked the bride and groom 1000 questions and then turned and looked me square in the eye and said ‘Have you ever done a wedding before?’ I said, well, I did theirs a year ago.
I suppose that’s kind of how today feels. Today we celebrate our 65th anniversary but truth be told, we’ve been 65 for some time now. Somehow it feels off. No special speakers, no flashy brass quartet. Just a group of people assembled again- like they have done for 65 years- we didn’t even vary from the appointed readings of the day.
In a way, it’s appropriate that the anniversary of CLC is this way. Not that Covid or time got in the way but that we quietly assume the role that God has always had for us because He is the one that really did the work. Isn’t that just the way Isaiah 50 demonstrates? Isn’t that the way Mark 9 works? Isn’t it true that what we do here every Sunday- indeed every day of our lives is both incredibly ordinary- thats the season we’re in - ordinary time with its green paraments, but really it is all extra-ordinary because God has done it?
I suppose I should correct myself from earlier- you are not just people and this is no ordinary gathering. Since the beginning of creation our God has called, gathered, and enlightened His people and nourished them with His gifts lavishing US with His own son.
Concordia Lutheran church has been in the communion of Saints for 65 years. Concordia will be in the communion of Saints into eternity- not because you were such a wise and innovative people, don’t get me wrong you’re wonderful but really, we are here today because our God is faithful.
This is what Isaiah 50 and Mark 9 points out. Isaiah 50 is about God’s faithfulness. In a rhetorical question God proves His faithfulness to Israel:
Thus says the Lord: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce, with which I sent her away? Or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities you were sold, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
God’s point is that He has not divorced His people nor sold them down a river. 65 years has not been easy for this corner of the kingdom, it certainly was not easy during the fall of Jerusalem and Isaiah.
I personally know the last two living Pastors of this church and both of them have relayed their own personal and communal challenges and joys. Our congregation had Pastors die while holding the office, some of you may have felt like death listening to our sermons, and we’ve had numbers of saints die before the return of our God. We’ve experienced ballooning numbers and watched those pews quickly and quietly deflate.
In the midst of it all- God’s Word is central and His faithfulness is unwavering. The role of the church is to gather as His guests and receive what He graciously gives. In the midst of Joy or Strife we do the same thing we always do- seek the Lord.
The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
In Mark 9 the faithless generation is gathered around Jesus and what does Jesus do? He heals the young boy. God is faithful. He reminds them that belief, trust in His faithfulness is all that matters.
And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”
When people gather around the Lord- God shows up and accomplishes mighty things.
For 65 years, for generations, God has been faithful to His people. Concordia is one such story.
Video
Friends, God has entrusted you with this church, with His saints. What will it look like 65 years from now? The Psalmist reminds us that we Walk before the Lord in the Land of the living.
Where are we going?
I’d love to hear where you think God’s church is going, I’ll tell you this, we won’t accomplish anything unless His Word does it.
All things are possible for one who believes. I believe we’re going to be here for eternity I hope you take comfort in that truth.
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.