The sixth in the Lenten Midweek series:  Coming Home From Exile:   the Exoduses of the Scriptures.  (Theme and theme text by Rev. Carl C. Fickenscher II, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN).

 

Today’s Scripture

Passion:  The Crucifixion – John 19:16b-42

Psalm 66         Isaiah 11:11-16           John 14:1-6

 

            I read recently in the business section that Papa John’s, a pizza franchise, is planning a thousand new stores, in China.  A member spoke the other day about being on the phone to India in regards to a computer glitch.  In the 70’s and 80’s Wrigley corporation established the first library of international packaging regulations as they entered into world-wide marketing.  A friend of mine has worked the last several years with South Africa, helping them set up an efficient school business and financial model for their school systems based on those in Illinois.  Immanuel’s e-messenger has reached to Japan and Moscow.  We are outsourcing and importing to and from all corners of the world.  Today we live in a world economy, a world communications network, a world travel network, and a world business society.  We are connected in so many ways with all parts of the globe, and all parts with us and each other.  In Des Plaines there are more than 40 languages spoken in the homes of our residents.  How many different ethnic food stores are there in our vicinity?

 

            Cosmopolitan is “common to or representative of all or many parts of the world; not national or local.”  (Webster’s New World Dictionary).

 

            As we gather here weekly, we concentrate on what Jesus did for each one here.  We concentrate on what Jesus has promised for each one here.  We concentrate on what Jesus is doing today for each one here.  But in our services we use a cosmopolitan word, communion.  It means bringing all together as one.  That simple word that we all too often speak without thinking of its meaning and repercussions means just this, Jesus is joining all who partake as one with him.  Therefore, all who are one with him are one with each other.  Therefore, all who are one with each other are the same body.  As Jesus is eternal, outside our understanding of time, therefore all who partake of this are one eternally, joined together in Christ for that eternity. 

 

            In today’s Psalm, we relive the Exodus that brought Israel from Egyptian slavery to freedom in the new land.  God performed a miracle beyond anything that man could imagine.  All people knew what God had done for his people.

 

            In Isaiah, we do not look back, but are pointed forward to another exodus.  This one will be the exodus from this world.  God speaks through Isaiah that his people, who are scattered across many nations and geographic locations, will be drawn back together as one people.  The picture painted here is a cosmopolitan exodus, one from all points of the earth.

 

            This is great comfort to believers then, believers today, and believers of all times and places.  No matter where we are in this world, God will bring all together to his place.  We will not need to worry about the weather, the plane schedules, the terrain and oceans to cross.  God will take care of that. 

 

            Jesus stated that he will draw all people to himself [John 12:32].  Paul reminds us that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven, on the earth and under the earth [Philippians 2:10].  When Jesus speaks to those around him about their sheep pen and how he protects them, he reminds us that he has sheep in other places too.  “…I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd,” [John 10:16].  Note that he says, “…I must bring them also.”  Jesus is compelled to bring his sheep from all places.    He also commands all disciples to go into all parts of the world teaching and baptizing, the acts that the Holy Spirit works faith and sanctification through. 

 

            Christ died for all [2 Corinthians 5:15].  He has promised to come and take his disciples to be where he is [John 14:3].  He will gather his people from all nations, al places, from the four quarters of the earth.  For those who question how they will know the way, Jesus has given the simple answer, “I am the way and the truth and the life,”  [John 6:6].  The only way to the father is through him.

 

            Beginning Sunday we follow the final events that consummate this plan.  Jesus enters Jerusalem as king.  He is our king as our heavenly father has placed all things in heaven and on earth in his hands.  We know his kingdom is not of this world as he states clearly to Pilate on Friday morning.  We are given the body and blood that joins us with him and each other in the evening meal.  That body and blood is given freely and completely for all on the cross on Friday.  The victory is completed on the first day of the new week, the first day of the rest of all lives in the resurrection.

 

            Cosmopolitan.  God’s love in Jesus is not for a select few, a select society or nationality, but is for all people of all places of all times to the exodus from a sinful world to life eternal with him in heaven.  That includes you.

 

            In Jesus’ undying love.              Amen.