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August 22, 2010

Christian Journey : Destination - God's Kingdom

Text: Luke 13:22-30

It looks so easy. When I watch Magic Johnson slam dunk the basketball, I'm sure I could do it too. When I listen to Kenny Rodgers sing or Neil Diamond sing and perform, I'm sure I  could do as well. When I watch a tennis, golf or basketball pro in action, it looks so easy. To tell the truth, maybe it looks easier than it is.

Most pros have gotten where they are by the right combination of talent and a lot of striving. Much hard effort and practice. So many things seem like they should be easy.

For instance, isn't God "easy"? I mean, isn't it easy to get to know God, to be on His side, love and accepted by Him? Well, sure! But on the other hand, perhaps it looks easier than it is.

We know God accepts us sinners as we are, forgiving us according to His great love in Christ.

On the other hand, it would be wrong to assume that being a Christian excuses one from striving to do better. What Luke writes is more than a mere introductory note: "He went on His way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem." We call His name here at Grace. We come to sit and reverently hear His word. We study in Bible Class, sing, confirm, memorize passages, learn Luther's pure teachings, understand right doctrines.

But God doesn't owe us salvation because we know Jesus' name or by knowing the road map. He gives us salvation and the privilege of being part of His gracious rule.

Some of Jesus' friends overlooked their own failures. We should hear and perform. Jesus calls us to repentance. It means: Thus, we must stop doing things that leave other people out of the picture, and be fair and just with one another, to preach and teach. He calls the church to be responsible to get out the message. No person can serve two masters. We must serve the Good News. He calls us to live under the cross.

Who originates our salvation? The answer is "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." We are rescued by faith alone, by grace alone. The kingdom belongs to the King. His standards are the only ones that count. Christ made His journey. Now He bids us to follow Him on the way to His kingdom. Get on with it and show that our religion is genuine by confirming our creeds with our deeds.

The bottom line is that characteristic which Jesus indicates -- serving God and others with the love of our Savior should be our goal. Our final call shall come. Let's all strive to be under the Divine Word and see the good work that workers in God's kingdom have done through the workings of the Holy Spirit.

Let the Spirit bring treasures to administer to the household of God. All of God's purposes and promises will be fulfilled. His kingdom is the one great pearl of inestimable worth. May we strive to enter the narrow door. We shall, by the power of the Holy Spirit, enter into the joy of the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God enable you to be such a faithful household in the kingdom of God.

And now may the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds on the one true faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. May you strive to enter by the narrow door.

Amen.