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Are you helping or hurting? The 8th Commandment tells us not to bear false testimony against your neighbor. This even applies to telling the truth about your neighbor. If you’re really trying to help, maybe you should talk to them privately instead of telling everyone else. Even if it’s true, destroying your neighbor’s reputation doesn’t help.
Questions or Comments? Contact Pr. Goodman via our Contact Page or through Facebook.
Learning to walk in newness of life is not any easy task. By nature, we are sinners who naturally hate God and even our brother. In fact, the first murder was carried out by Cain who hated his brother, Abel. Our fallen inclination is to get even and get revenge on those who have done us wrong. We do not need to be taught to hate those who hate us or to hurt those who hurt us. It comes naturally. It is not natural to love those who hate us. It is not natural to love our enemies. Thus, God instructs us saying, “You shall not murder.”
We are warned about walking in our own way and being led astray from God. The Holy Spirit warns us, “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness” (1 John 2:9). And again, “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:15). Jesus warns us, “If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). In Christ, we are being taught to do something that does not come naturally.
Christ comes to do something supernatural. He is incarnate love. Yet, Christ was hated and murdered by His own brothers. Just as Cain killed Abel, the sons of Israel put Jesus to death on the cross. Instead of acting like sons of Abraham, they acted like sons of the serpent who was a murdered from the beginning. It was the devil who deceived Adam and Eve robbing them of their lives. In Christ, we are no longer sons of darkness but sons of Light, because Jesus is the Light (John 8:12). As we walk in the Light, the blood of Jesus covers us. The blood of Jesus speaks a better word than the blood of Abel (Hebrews 12:24). The blood of Jesus speaks forgiveness, salvation, and life. Jesus is our true Brother. He is our Keeper who supports us in our physical needs. More than that, He keeps us and supports in our spiritual needs. He comes to heal those who have been hurt and harmed in both body and soul.
As we learn “to fear, love, and trust in God above all things” (Small Catechism: 1st Commandment), we begin to appreciate all the great gifts that God gives to us and to others. He has given to us the gift of Himself, His Name, and His Word. Likewise, He has given to us the gift of our parents through which we receive the gift of life. Thus, we move our attention from the Fourth Commandment to the Fifth Commandment. We are starting to recognize that every good gracious gift comes from God. He establishes His order and institution for distributing these gifts and for retaining these gifts. “For all of this it is our duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him” (Small Catechism: The Creed, 1st Article). Without Christ and the Holy Spirit we cannot begin to keep this Commandment. Christ stands as our High Priest to interceded for us and pour out the Spirit of Intercession upon us. We pray that God would enable us to forgive. We pray that God would give us our daily bread to help and support us in our physical needs. As God blesses us, we can bless others to help and support them in their physical needs.
They say that the teenage years are the best years of one’s life. Well, that’s what people say. In reality the teenage years can be some of the most difficult and challenging years of one’s life. Teens hurt and harm each other faster than they can text each other. Who wants to be hurt or harmed? Who wants to be hated or harassed? As we are instructed to walk in God’s way, we begin to understand the golden rule. We do unto others as we want them to do unto us. Let’s face it, a friend today might become a frenemy tomorrow. Even worse, a BFF tomorrow might become a foe the next day. Even worse than that, a member of the youth group, a fellow brother or sister in Christ, might do something that causes you to stew and brew inside with disgust and dislike. The teenage years are filled with antagonists, bullies, backstabbers, and haters. Haters gonna hate. Sinners gonna sin.
However, the forgiven gonna forgive. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 8:5). While we were still enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son. In Christ, we are learning not to hate, hurt, or harm our neighbor. In Christ, we are beginning to resist the temptation to sin and starting to forgive those who sin against us. In Christ, we are instructed to let the hatred go. By the power of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit leads us as beloved children to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1). We are learning to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving as God in Christ forgives us (Ephesians 4:32). We are being taught to walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us (Ephesians 5:2).
God is life. God’s Word gives life. Life is a gift from God. In the Fifth Commandment, we first recognize that God gives life, and then we rejoice in the gift of life. In this Commandment, the gift of life is to be preserved. God has given the gift of life to us and to others, even our enemies. As baptized children of God, we desire to help others keep the gifts that God gives to them.
Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier serves as pastor at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Los Alamos, NM
GB 049: Judges 14:1-16:14
How The West Was Nuts
The Judge went down to Timnah, he was lookin’ for a girl to steal; he drug his parents along ‘cause he was too headstrong and he was willin’ to make a deal. In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke venture through the show “Judges Gone Wild,” er, the life of Samson. It’s got everything: bad riddles, post-mortem donkey mandible wielding contests, foxes… on FIRE! And more besides.
In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks Pastor why we can have wine when Sampson can’t (even if he constantly behaves as if he’s had too much).
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By Rev. Eric Brown
“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to Him and make our home with him.”
So often today when we hear that word “keep” we simply replace it in our minds with “do” or “obey”. Which is a shame, because that puts the focus on our actions, when in reality the word “keep” points to something other than ourselves. To “keep” something isn’t merely to do actions, but it is to view sometime as vital, important, and worthy of your attention.
Consider – in soccer there is the “goalkeeper” – and goalkeepers don’t do any goals, but rather their job is to pay attention to and protect the goal. Or a housekeeper – they don’t do or make a house, but rather they look after the house, pay attention to it. Or perhaps you have a “keepsake” – something that is precious to you, that you keep close to you.
While striving to obey commandments is a fine thing, it’s not the full point. Jesus wants you to keep, to pay attention to His Word. All of it. Not only the Law but also the Gospel as well. And why? Because it is precisely through the Word that you receive the love of God. It is through the Word that the Father and Jesus come to you and make their home with you – how the Lord will bless you and keep you.
In fact, that really is the point of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is given so that we are made to pay attention to the Word. And really, this keeping of the Word isn’t our action, it isn’t something that comes about by our reason or strength, but the Holy Spirit calls, enlightens, sanctifies, and… keeps us in the one true faith by making us hear the Word. In fact, what’s the first thing Peter does when the Spirit comes upon him on Pentecost – proclaim the Word of God – cite the prophet Joel.
The Word is God is precious, it is the promise of His love to us over and over in Christ Jesus, who has taken away our sin by His death and given us life by His resurrection. Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word!
Rev. Eric Brown is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Herscher, Illinois and the co-host of the HT Gospeled Boldly Podcast.
GB 048: Judges 12:1-13:25
No Grapes for You!
Study your vocabulary words – pronunciation can cost you your life! In this episode, Pastor Eric Brown and Thomas Lemke see how covetousness caused infighting and grudges amongst the people of God. Then, a woman is approached by the Preincarnate Christ to talk about what food not to eat (sound familiar?).
In the Backwards Life, Thomas asks Pastor to riff on the concept of aliens!
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Salvation – FOR YOU
Historically Lutherans don’t mess around with the Liturgy much. We don’t really have a “Lutheran” liturgy – we have what has been passed down through the ages. Yes, Luther made some alterations and removed the theologically objectionable elements – but for the most part, we Lutherans have kept what has been handed down to us.
Except in this one case – the Nunc Dimittis.
This is a Lutheran contribution to the Liturgy. We sing the Nunc Dimittis after having received the Body and Blood of Jesus in Holy Communion. But why? Why add it at all? And why do we sing it there and then in the Liturgy? It’s important to know what we do and why we do it. The Liturgy teaches us so much. It forms us. It delivers to us the gifts from Jesus. However, if we don’t understand the “Whys” of what we do – what we do loses its significance. So, what’s up with the Nunc Dimittis?
Joseph and Mary go to the Temple for the purification 40 days after Jesus was born (Luke 2:22-39). When Simeon is given the 40-day old Jesus – he speaks these words:
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
Simeon had been waiting for the promised Saviour. After seeing him and holding him in his hands he spoke these words. With Spirit-wrought faith he knew he had seen Jesus, the promised One. In his hands, in this 40-day old baby boy, was the salvation of all people. Therefore, Simeon knew he could depart in peace for he had seen and held his salvation.
This is why this canticle fits so well for us to sing after receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus in Holy Communion. Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, comes to us. His Body put into our hands and mouth, His blood poured down our throat. With the same Spirit-wrought faith that Simeon had we too can say that we have seen Jesus, the promised One. We too have received the salvation of all people. And therefore, just as Simeon did, so we can depart in peace for we have seen and held salvation.
We can depart from the altar after having received the Body and Blood of Jesus knowing that in Jesus our sins are forgiven. And there is no room for doubt here – the Body of Jesus was put into your mouth, the blood of Jesus was poured down your throat. Not someone else’s. Yours. For you. The Body and Blood of Jesus – FOR YOU. The forgiveness of sins – FOR YOU. Salvation – FOR YOU. Life – FOR YOU. Not the next guy… FOR YOU. So, why can you leave the altar in peace? Because you know that from Jesus forgiveness, life, and salvation has been given to YOU. Personally. Individually. FOR YOU.
We Lutherans don’t mess with the Liturgy that has been handed down. This small Lutheran contribution, however, is a beautiful confession of faith and trust in Jesus. It is a strong and powerful “Amen” to what Jesus has promised with His Body and Blood in this sacrament. That is why we sing the Nunc Dimittis when and where we do.
His gifts – FOR YOU. Depart in peace.
Rev. Michael Keith serves as pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church and SML Christian Academy in Stony Plain, AB Canada.
Honor Your Father and Mother
The Fourth Commandment is something we learn at a very early age. But have we really heard what God expects out of us? Sure everyone knows that we should honor our father and mother, but what application does this have in our everyday life? Does it apply to more than just our mothers and fathers?
To start let’s take a look at what Dr. Luther says in his small catechism:
Honor your father and your mother.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.
Without a doubt you have seen the trend in modern society to “challenge authority”. We can see it in politics, civil government, and even in our own homes. Even young children find ways to defy their parents by throwing temper tantrums or downright disobedience. In the family application the use of the Fourth Commandment seems obvious. This is not only so they learn good discipline, but also for their safety.
But is this really a Godly or right attitude to have towards our civil government or law enforcement officers? The Bible tells us that all earthly authority is established and ordained by God. In John 19, Jesus had been arrested and brought before Pontius Pilate. Jesus, despite all his power, obeys the Father and submits himself the authority of Pilate. Pilate at one point, sensing that Jesus is an innocent man and not defending himself, tells Jesus that he has the power to preserve his life or kill him. Jesus rightly informs Pilate that he would not have authority if the Father had not given it to him. Obeying and respecting our governing authorities is also giving honor to God who established these earthly positions. God, in His love for us, has established all earthly authority. Our civil authorities are God’s servants, whose vocation is one of governance. They are not only God’s servants to rule us, and maintain good order, but also protect us, and punish wrongdoers (Rom. 13:5-7, Titus 3:1, and 1 Peter 2:13-14).
Sin stalks us relentlessly and the old Adam wants to defy authority. We unfortunately, no matter how hard we try, cannot keep this commandment or any other. Often we are overcome with feelings of disrespect to our boss, teacher, or parent, or we are tempted to disobey them. We want to do what we want to do! God has even attached a promise that we may live long and good lives to the command to honor our father and mother (Ephesians 6:2-3). But how can we avail ourselves of this promise when this commandment is so hard to keep?
Jesus, who was the perfect child, honored his earthly mother and father. Jesus also honored His Heavenly Father and went to the cross for you and for me, including the times we did not honor our parents or other authorities. It is because of Christ Jesus; who obeyed his Heavenly Father, and subjected Himself to earthly authority, who was unjustly crucified on the cross for your sins, that you may have eternal life! We may falter in keeping the law that God has given us to honor, love and cherish our parents and authorities, but God has forgiven these sins because of the crucified Jesus who fulfilled the law for us.
Paul Norris worked for 10 years as a police officer in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. He now works as the administrative assistant at Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas.
Higher Things presents the next set of Daily Reflections for Pentecost, June 4th, 2017 through the week of Trinity 4, July 15th, 2017. Reflections are available as a printable booklet and in a variety of other formats below.
Download the Reflections for Pentecost through Trinity 4 2017 as a booklet by clicking here or in a variety of other formats at higherthings.org/reflections.
In Christ,
Rev. Aaron Fenker
aaronfenker@higherthings.org
Media Executive
Higher Things, Inc.
Judge not lest ye be judged. Everyone knows it. Most people confusing knowing sin with judging sin. Knowing is to study God’s commandments. Judging is action, either in condemning or acquitting. It is good to know sin. You’re just not allowed to punish it.
Questions or Comments? Contact Pr. Goodman via our Contact Page or through Facebook.
‘Judge not lest ye be judged’ has everything to do with the 8th commandment. God says your reputation is valuable enough to defend. It’s sinful to attack the reputation with words every bit as much as it’s sinful to attack the body with weapons. Breaking the 8th commandment is punishing your neighbor by hurting his reputation. It’s judging. Worse, to judge in this way is to speak against the judgment of forgiveness won upon the cross. Judge not, but find your neighbor’s judgment with your own on the cross. You are forgiven.
Questions or Comments? Contact Pr. Goodman via our Contact Page or through Facebook.
