Today’s Scripture

Psalm 23         Acts 13:15-16, 26-33  Revelation 7:9-17        John 10:22-30

 

 

            We raised animals on our farm.  I remember with both chickens and pigs, there would invariably be a number of weaker chicks or a runt pig in the litter.  Occasionally a cow would shun her calf and not feed or care for it.  The healthier animals would pick on these weaker ones and would have eventually killed them if we had not taken them aside and given them special care.  It was not unusual to bring a handful of baby chicks or a weak piglet into the house and care for them there, sometimes on the kitchen floor.  We were able to raise to healthy stock many of these young animals that left on their own would not have survived their ordeal. 

 

            At the beginning of each confirmation year, one of the first things we cover with the students is that we are all dirty lousy sinners and that we cannot breathe without sinning.  That does not sit well with any of us to be reminded of that truth and that bluntly.  Our world of survival and high achievement does not have much room for people who are perceived in that condition.  In the world’s view, those are the people we need to kick to the side.  They are dispensable.  We don’t need weak people slowing down progress.  Contrary to that predominant conception, the apostle Paul writes, “For when I am weak, then I am strong,” [2 Corinthians 12:10].  And, as good Lutherans, we ask, “What does this mean?”

 

            In God’s word we study and learn about his plan of salvation for all through Jesus Christ.  We learn from God’s law, his law of love given us in the Ten Commandments, that we have missed the mark given us, and that we fail miserably in keeping his commandments.  We are conceived and born sinful and walk in that sinfulness through our thoughts, words and deeds every step of our lives.  We are, in light of God’s law, a bunch or helpless and hopeless runts.  In regards to being able to save ourselves or to present oneself in God’s holy arena, not one of us has any power whatsoever to even call on his name.

 

            But, by God’s grace, he has given you a kind and loving and faithful shepherd, his dear son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  While a self-righteous world shoves repentance out of the way, Jesus leads the repentant sinners to feed in green pastures and beside quiet waters in his word and sacraments.  When you are beat down by unattainable standards, he restores your souls.  As mortals you know that death is imminent.  But by his death you now know life to the full.  When temptations and ways of the world leave you hungry inside, he prepares a table even in the presence of your enemy, and feeds you with the bread of life.  When you are oppressed, feeling defeated on all sides, he anoints your head with oil and fills the victory cup to overflowing.  For those who are faithful even unto death, he gives the crown of eternal life in his house forever.

 

            Today we are blessed with vibrant and beautiful reminders of God’s love for you, his dear children.  Next to the pulpit is the foundation of the Christian faith, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God,” [Ephesians 2:8].  God loves you so much that he has done everything to save you. 

 

To save you, your sins must be removed completely.  On the lectern side is the baptismal banner showing his promise, how he does just that, and the gifts he gives in that baptism.  Today, our young adults confess for themselves the faith they were baptized in.  Together with them, we all confess our faith in the Triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

1. God who made us. 
2. God who redeemed us. 
3. God who sanctifies us, makes us holy again to receive his greatest blessings, forgiveness of sins and eternal life with him. 

 

In faith given and sealed in baptism, each one receives the forgiveness of sins and the new life in Christ.  Each day we begin life anew in that baptism, knowing the sins of yesterday are washed away and the blessings of eternity are at our doorstep.  In faith in that baptism, we are changed people, changing each day as we grow in God’s word and strengthened in that faith each time we receive the body and blood given and shed for the forgiveness of sins. 

 

Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners,” [Mark 2:17].  “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost," [Luke 19:10].  Jesus is a shepherd for the runts.  He seeks out the lost.  He feeds and nurtures the weak.   He gives of his strength, his perfect love, to save those who cry out for God’s mercy.  He is the Good Shepherd who alone can say, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand,”  [John 10:28].

 

           

Welcome to Jesus’ table.  It is a table for the weak, those who cannot save themselves.  It is a table freely given to all who believe that in that table, life and salvation are given.  It s the table he prepares for you, even in the presence of your enemy, Satan who tempts and tries to distract you every inch of the way.  It is the table that, when you do not have the strength to come to it, Jesus bends down and brings this heavenly treasure to you.  It is the table that strengthens and preserves you in the one true faith to life everlasting.       Amen.