Today’s Scripture

Psalm 116:1-1-9         Isaiah 50:4-10             James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18        Mark 8:27-35

 

Read Luke 15:3-10, the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin.

 

            From 1970 comes one of those famous quotes in American history:  “Houston, we’ve had a problem.”  The Apollo 13 flight was 203,980 miles from earth on a lunar mission when things stopped going well.  This space capsule was on a course to become lot in space.  In the ensuing days the ingenuity and resourcefulness of NASA personnel here on earth the three men aboard Apollo 13 brought that capsule safely back to earth.  The men’s lives were saved from being forever lost.

 

            These parables of the lost sheep and lost coin are followed by the parable of the prodigal son.  These are recorded in succession as Jesus tells us that there is a problem here.  These parables are recorded as Jesus tells us there is a joyful end to this problem here.  Today we put these parables together with the Jesus’ question to the disciples, “Who do people say I am?” vs. “Who do you say I am?”  In this we see there is a problem here.

 

            The people Jesus asked about saw him as another prophet.  They did not know who he really is.  We have a problem here today in that many people around do not know who Jesus really is.  When someone does not know who Jesus really is, that person is lost.  Looking around you in your neighborhood, your place of work and/or study, where you do your business and shopping, the people who sit on the bleachers with you, the person in the vacation lot next to yours, does that person really know God’s love to them in Jesus Christ?  Or, is that person another of the crowd who see Jesus as something other than who he really is?  Or, does that person not have a clue at all?  Being lost from God is like being lost in space.  Only these people are lost right here in our own realm.

 

            In Jesus’ questioning with his disciples, he is preparing them to be the first ones to go out and proclaim to all of these people who Jesus really is.  That comes from Peter’s response as he speaks on behalf of his cohorts, “You are the Christ.”  Peter and the other disciples did not fully understand what all of this meant and how Jesus would soon show who and what the Christ is and how God’s plan of salvation will be fulfilled in him.  Jesus will then send the apostles out to spread this good news to the lost sheep so that they are found and brought back.

 

            In the parables, the lost items are precious.  Just one lamb could cost the shepherd his job.  Just one lamb eventually means wool for clothing, food for the table, income for a family.  The lost coin is one day’s wages.  The woman had only ten.  That one coin was precious.  She invited her friends to rejoice when she found it.  Both the woman and the shepherd held what they were responsible for as precious.  This tells us something about how God holds each and every person.  Each one is precious.  His will is that all who hear Jesus’ name and believe on him will be saved.  “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”  Angels celebrate over each lost soul that is brought into God’s love, forgiveness of sins and everlasting life in Jesus.

 

            When Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do you say I am?” he is preparing them to witness who he is when the time comes.  Today’s words from Isaiah comfort us knowing that the Lord has given us instructed tongues.  He has given us exactly the words to say.  Isaiah answers the question about those who ridicule and persecute believers in Christ, “Who then will bring charges against me, it s the Sovereign Lord who helps me.”  Paul reminds us to let Christ be the stumbling block.  It is not you unbelievers speak against, but God himself..

 

            Today we celebrate the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.  Their sole purpose is to bring the word of Jesus Christ to others both here at home and throughout the world.  They do not need fancy slogans to catch the hearts of unbelievers.  They bring the message proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world.  The “mites” given add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.  The simple prayers offered by each of many women are heard as God answers those prayers, bringing loved ones at home and persons from distant places alike to hear the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ who is their brother and savior too. 

 

            Likewise it is God whom you witness about in your living and in your confession of faith.  As you are here right now, others see your presence as a witness of your faith.  But there is a problem out there as many either do not know who their savior is or who reject Christ as the Son of God, the savior of the world.  How will they return from their lost voyage to be at home with the Lord?  It is only by someone speaking the truth in faith to them in deed and in words.  It is only by someone praying for and with another, to bring a lost person into faith in Jesus for eternal life.  There are lost souls all around us in Des Plaines and throughout America, let alone in this world.  God has given you his word to share with them.  God sends his Holy Spirit to work faith in their hearts through hearing that word from you.  Angels in heaven rejoice each time a lost soul is found, comes to faith and repentance and believes in the Son of God for that forgiveness and eternal life.  Although we have a problem here, God has given the solution. 

 

In Jesus’ undying love.

 

Amen.