Rev. Dustin ParkerThe Watchman and His People
Our Savior Lutheran Church,
Bellflower, Ca
Advent 1, November 28,2010
The Installation of Deacon Mark Jennings
Behold! The Lamb of God!
Ezekiel 3:16-21, Romans 10:8-18, John 1:35-42a
IN THE NAME OF JESUS, SON AND SAVIOR
May the revelation of God’s grace be so clear in this place, that the one proclaiming it, and the people who hear it, know the riches of God bestowed upon them, the riches of
Star Wars “Watchman”
The lone sentry stands at the edge of the red rock cliff, the lush green forests of the planet below him, the sky a soft reddish orange. He is alert, aware, knowing that “it” is coming. Surely others are watching as well – at outposts throughout the system. Still he stands there, this solitary sentry, ready to raise the alarm. Inside the mountain people live, and prepare for the battle of their life.
Mark, you knew I had two ways to go with the sermon today. I could either talk about the Victory, and use the example of the greatest college football team, yes the Sooners. Or I could use something we both like. Star Wars.
The passage your wife read, a few moments ago from Ezekiel describes a watchman, not so much different that the sentry on Yavin’s 4th moon. It seems odd to place a lone sentry on a cliff edge, in view of the threat of a death star. Perhaps it is not much more different that to place you as the deacon here, ministering to people as a watchman, as the threats of sin, satan and death assault them in their lives.
We have a God who uses that which is often overlooked , to minister to His people, for instance, a man best described as a sheep being led to slaughter, to free all men from that power of sin, the stinging assault of the Adversary, and the fear of death.
You are not unlike Ezekiel’s watchman… and you have the same duty… to warn and urge that people be ready for the Advent.
The Watchman
The loneliness
The hard, lonely duty
Your judgment… if you do not.
Mark, as you heard God tell Ezekiel of his duty as watchman, I hope you felt the weight of the message God has for Ezekiel. Fail in doing your duty, and you share in the guilt of your people. Those who are sinners you need to warn about the ongoing threat to their life. A threat not just against their life here, for while that is affected by their sin, the effect that is eternal is far greater. Those who are righteous are not exempt from warning – for they can turn from that – and need to be encouraged to cling to the righteousness they know – the righteousness found in Christ Jesus.
Some may listen… some will not… in both cases, your heart will break with the weight of the job.
Your duty to each is the same – to use scripture and the Law in its purest form to help them realize the track they are on, a track with devastating results. It won’t be easy, there will be the temptation to overlook the threats, just because facing them is painful. There will be the temptation to cut and run – for this ministry has its costs to you, and to your family. It is hard work, this ministry which you will share with me, and with your brother. You know a little of it already, but it will take on new dimension.
Even as you proclaim the law, the need for people to realize that we cannot be righteous on our own, that being good is an illusion in view of our sin, the sting will it you as well. This message you preach, in church and in person, will also convict you – it will strip you, and humble you, and you will wonder why God has put you in this pulpit, and entrusted that altar to your watch. You will hear people criticize you for being to hard on their sin, or too soft on those other sinners.
Your task remains the same – for it is to the broken that healing can come. Those who think they need not be healed will never stand still for the examination, never mind the diagnosis, nor will they know the sweetness of the healing balm of Christ’s mercy.
Be faithful – look to Christ, who has brought you to this place – and put us on watch.
The “Beautiful Feet”
Really He does
This sermon is not just “to” Mark, but it is to you, the people of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Bellflower as well. You will hear Mark preach God’s message to you – both as he confronts sin with God’s law – and that will sting. Endure it, for Mark will complete each message with a gift for you that is beyond anything you will ever receive from anyone else, the gift of God’s love and grace, His forgiveness, and Life, Life abundant – lived in His presence, for the gift of the Holy Spirit comes as well.
You need to know something very intimate about Mark – so intimate that only God and his daughter really know this well. Mark has beautiful feet!
Seriously – I guarantee it!
Don’t take my word for it- take God’s! The truth about Mark’s feet is found in scripture, a scripture read a few moments as well. For these feet come to you shod with the gospel of peace, and according to Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, that makes them beautiful.
You will rejoice, even after the sting of realizing you have broken God’s law, as Mark shares with the news that it is for this reason that Christ first came, and was born of Mary. As he does this, you will find joy and peace flooding your life, as you know God is with you, that you can trust in Jesus, and that faith which results in your salvation is very simply that trust in Jesus to do exactly which He promised. As you grasp this, your joy will overflow, and you will find yourselves involved in conversations where you have to share this great news.
These massive feet are beautiful not because of a pedicure given to them, or the medical care once given, but because they travel here with a purpose. To share with you the love Mark has realized is for him, and for you. To share with you the love of God – who loved you so much that He did the unthinkable – He gave up His only begotten son for you, giving Him up that His body would be broken by torture and crucifixion, His blood poured out as the offering for every one of your sins, indeed, the sins of the world.
You need to hear that it is your sins…that were paid for, dealt with, separated from you and sent as far as the east is from the west.
And you will…
For Mark will keep watch, and minister to you, and proclaim to you that it is coming, and should you hear, and trust in God as you cry out to the Lord, as a church you will rejoice!
Not the Death Star to Behold..
At this Altar – behold the Lamb!
Maranatha – Behold the Lamb!
As the death star and Darth Vader near Yavin IV, the Alliance saw it on their sensors, it brought about fear, and awe, the promise of certain destruction. The watchman of God also warns of a coming, but not of certain destruction.
It is cool that this day, this first day of Advent, officially begins Mark’s ministry in this place. For the purpose of Advent is to look at the need of the first advent, that time in the darkness of sin, darkness swept away by the glorious light of a King’s coming, and with the testimony of the host of heaven.
Mark’s ministry is the same as John the Baptist’s – to not preach about himself, but to declare as we heard in the gospel – “Behold the Lamb of God” – who takes away the sin of the world!
As your watchman, the one who ministers to your needs, Mark will point out that Lamb, the insignificant carpenter’s son who was really the only begotten son of God. In Mark’s sermons – it is that which is pointed out, this Lamb – the chance for our salvation! And with angels and archangels and the who company of heaven, you will praise and glorify His name, testifying to His holiness, as you come to His feast.
As your watchman, the one who ministers to your needs, Mark will point out Christ’s 2nd revealing to come as well – when we will be gathered around the throne, and join in again with that marvelous hymn, testifying to God’s holiness and His glory and honor and power.
This is Mark’s reason for being here, it is the reason you need someone to minister to you – for the chief purpose of your ministry together is to…..
(Mark better say – to teach people what they need to know about Christ.)
To say to you – Behold, This is the Lamb of God! To someday point to the sky and say – Behold the Lamb!
That you would know the grace of God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, knowledge you can pass on to all those you love, and those you don’t! The gift of love, and mercy, and as we live in His presence, the Holy Spirit’s presence assured of His peace.
The peace of God which passes all understanding, and guards all of our Hearts and Minds, secure in Christ Jesus.
AMEN?
Bellflower, Ca
Advent 1, November 28,2010
The Installation of Deacon Mark Jennings
Behold! The Lamb of God!
Ezekiel 3:16-21, Romans 10:8-18, John 1:35-42a
IN THE NAME OF JESUS, SON AND SAVIOR
May the revelation of God’s grace be so clear in this place, that the one proclaiming it, and the people who hear it, know the riches of God bestowed upon them, the riches of
Star Wars “Watchman”
The lone sentry stands at the edge of the red rock cliff, the lush green forests of the planet below him, the sky a soft reddish orange. He is alert, aware, knowing that “it” is coming. Surely others are watching as well – at outposts throughout the system. Still he stands there, this solitary sentry, ready to raise the alarm. Inside the mountain people live, and prepare for the battle of their life.
Mark, you knew I had two ways to go with the sermon today. I could either talk about the Victory, and use the example of the greatest college football team, yes the Sooners. Or I could use something we both like. Star Wars.
The passage your wife read, a few moments ago from Ezekiel describes a watchman, not so much different that the sentry on Yavin’s 4th moon. It seems odd to place a lone sentry on a cliff edge, in view of the threat of a death star. Perhaps it is not much more different that to place you as the deacon here, ministering to people as a watchman, as the threats of sin, satan and death assault them in their lives.
We have a God who uses that which is often overlooked , to minister to His people, for instance, a man best described as a sheep being led to slaughter, to free all men from that power of sin, the stinging assault of the Adversary, and the fear of death.
You are not unlike Ezekiel’s watchman… and you have the same duty… to warn and urge that people be ready for the Advent.
The Watchman
The loneliness
The hard, lonely duty
Your judgment… if you do not.
Mark, as you heard God tell Ezekiel of his duty as watchman, I hope you felt the weight of the message God has for Ezekiel. Fail in doing your duty, and you share in the guilt of your people. Those who are sinners you need to warn about the ongoing threat to their life. A threat not just against their life here, for while that is affected by their sin, the effect that is eternal is far greater. Those who are righteous are not exempt from warning – for they can turn from that – and need to be encouraged to cling to the righteousness they know – the righteousness found in Christ Jesus.
Some may listen… some will not… in both cases, your heart will break with the weight of the job.
Your duty to each is the same – to use scripture and the Law in its purest form to help them realize the track they are on, a track with devastating results. It won’t be easy, there will be the temptation to overlook the threats, just because facing them is painful. There will be the temptation to cut and run – for this ministry has its costs to you, and to your family. It is hard work, this ministry which you will share with me, and with your brother. You know a little of it already, but it will take on new dimension.
Even as you proclaim the law, the need for people to realize that we cannot be righteous on our own, that being good is an illusion in view of our sin, the sting will it you as well. This message you preach, in church and in person, will also convict you – it will strip you, and humble you, and you will wonder why God has put you in this pulpit, and entrusted that altar to your watch. You will hear people criticize you for being to hard on their sin, or too soft on those other sinners.
Your task remains the same – for it is to the broken that healing can come. Those who think they need not be healed will never stand still for the examination, never mind the diagnosis, nor will they know the sweetness of the healing balm of Christ’s mercy.
Be faithful – look to Christ, who has brought you to this place – and put us on watch.
The “Beautiful Feet”
Really He does
This sermon is not just “to” Mark, but it is to you, the people of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Bellflower as well. You will hear Mark preach God’s message to you – both as he confronts sin with God’s law – and that will sting. Endure it, for Mark will complete each message with a gift for you that is beyond anything you will ever receive from anyone else, the gift of God’s love and grace, His forgiveness, and Life, Life abundant – lived in His presence, for the gift of the Holy Spirit comes as well.
You need to know something very intimate about Mark – so intimate that only God and his daughter really know this well. Mark has beautiful feet!
Seriously – I guarantee it!
Don’t take my word for it- take God’s! The truth about Mark’s feet is found in scripture, a scripture read a few moments as well. For these feet come to you shod with the gospel of peace, and according to Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, that makes them beautiful.
You will rejoice, even after the sting of realizing you have broken God’s law, as Mark shares with the news that it is for this reason that Christ first came, and was born of Mary. As he does this, you will find joy and peace flooding your life, as you know God is with you, that you can trust in Jesus, and that faith which results in your salvation is very simply that trust in Jesus to do exactly which He promised. As you grasp this, your joy will overflow, and you will find yourselves involved in conversations where you have to share this great news.
These massive feet are beautiful not because of a pedicure given to them, or the medical care once given, but because they travel here with a purpose. To share with you the love Mark has realized is for him, and for you. To share with you the love of God – who loved you so much that He did the unthinkable – He gave up His only begotten son for you, giving Him up that His body would be broken by torture and crucifixion, His blood poured out as the offering for every one of your sins, indeed, the sins of the world.
You need to hear that it is your sins…that were paid for, dealt with, separated from you and sent as far as the east is from the west.
And you will…
For Mark will keep watch, and minister to you, and proclaim to you that it is coming, and should you hear, and trust in God as you cry out to the Lord, as a church you will rejoice!
Not the Death Star to Behold..
At this Altar – behold the Lamb!
Maranatha – Behold the Lamb!
As the death star and Darth Vader near Yavin IV, the Alliance saw it on their sensors, it brought about fear, and awe, the promise of certain destruction. The watchman of God also warns of a coming, but not of certain destruction.
It is cool that this day, this first day of Advent, officially begins Mark’s ministry in this place. For the purpose of Advent is to look at the need of the first advent, that time in the darkness of sin, darkness swept away by the glorious light of a King’s coming, and with the testimony of the host of heaven.
Mark’s ministry is the same as John the Baptist’s – to not preach about himself, but to declare as we heard in the gospel – “Behold the Lamb of God” – who takes away the sin of the world!
As your watchman, the one who ministers to your needs, Mark will point out that Lamb, the insignificant carpenter’s son who was really the only begotten son of God. In Mark’s sermons – it is that which is pointed out, this Lamb – the chance for our salvation! And with angels and archangels and the who company of heaven, you will praise and glorify His name, testifying to His holiness, as you come to His feast.
As your watchman, the one who ministers to your needs, Mark will point out Christ’s 2nd revealing to come as well – when we will be gathered around the throne, and join in again with that marvelous hymn, testifying to God’s holiness and His glory and honor and power.
This is Mark’s reason for being here, it is the reason you need someone to minister to you – for the chief purpose of your ministry together is to…..
(Mark better say – to teach people what they need to know about Christ.)
To say to you – Behold, This is the Lamb of God! To someday point to the sky and say – Behold the Lamb!
That you would know the grace of God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, knowledge you can pass on to all those you love, and those you don’t! The gift of love, and mercy, and as we live in His presence, the Holy Spirit’s presence assured of His peace.
The peace of God which passes all understanding, and guards all of our Hearts and Minds, secure in Christ Jesus.
AMEN?
