GOSPEL:Matthew 20:1-16

Reading:

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Commentary: 

The complain of the hired servants who worked all day (against those who were paid the same for working only one hour), is the sinful charge of men who reason God is not fair to give heaven to those who convert at the very end of their life, while many believers suffer throughout their whole life because they are Christians. If heaven is truly a gift of God through Christ, who would dare complain if one is converted in the last hour? Rather faith rejoices!...as Jesus said, "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." We then who do believe should be willing to work and labor with all difficulties in God's vineyard all our life, suffering all things at every hour, merely for the glory of God who gave all things for our salvation. Those who count the hours and murmur within are not carrying their cross and such are in need of repentance. If only we look to Christ who suffered every hour of every day, carrying the burden of our sins, especially in those final hours on the cross (six), we will gladly suffer all burdens in the heat of the day, namely those days and hours of persecution. "Follow Me."

EPISTLE: Philippians 1:27-2:4

Reading: 

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. (chapter two) If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Commentary: 

It is not in our nature to be of one mind and one faith, one doctrine in fellowship with one another. The Gospel of Christ however does create such unity of spirit. Thus we must "strive together" for the pure doctrine of the Gospel, endeavoring to keep the unity of faith in the bond of the Spirit. Where and when faith rests upon the Gospel of Christ, His justification of us (His children) causes us not to be terrified by the persecution of adversaries. When they persecute us so that we suffer, yet they see we are not afraid of suffering for Christ, such is to them a token of their own damnation, and it also testifies we are the true children of God who inherit heaven. "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." Hence we are to constantly strive and work together in the love of Christ, "Having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." By faith and such common love we see not to fight with one another in a fleshly way which is only for ones own glory, "but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."

OT: Exodus 19:3-8

Reading: 

And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.

Commentary: 

As God delivered the children of Israel from their taskmasters in Egypt, "and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself", so the Lord by the Gospel has delivered us from bondage to the devil by the liberating call of the Gospel "and brought you unto Myself." As long as we keep His Gospel covenant by faith, we are to God "a peculiar treasure unto me above all people". We are even a "kingdom of priests, and an holy nation" unto Him. Let us therefore remember to keep His commandments and do His will saying, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. When Moses came down from the mount and told the people God's Words, "all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do." We too through baptism and confirmation have promised to obey and keep the Words of the Lord, with God's gracious help. Let us be diligent to keep to keep our promises to God by faith, remembering His first love for us. Many of the Israelites did not fulfill their vows and thus perished in the wilderness. Faith however says, "I do so intend, with the help of God."

SERMON:Luke 9:18-26

Reading: 

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

Ashamed of Jesus?

Beloved of the Lord......We do not know the future God has in store for us, nor do we know our earthly manner of death.  While God does grant the glorious death of martyrdom to some, He allows many more to pass away in less trying ways.  Nevertheless since we do not know our manner of death, but we do know the our enemies will daily tempt us to deny Christ, Jesus sincerely warns us, "Whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of Him shall the Son of Man be ashamed."  Not all who begin as Christians on earth remain faithful.  Some die in unbelief and are forever damned.  Some cast themselves away.  Jesus doesn't want this to happen to you dear believer, thus He warns you, edifies you, and gives you words of grace for strength, so you will be ready for death and die in the faith when it comes.  In today's lesson we must thus learn, we are not to hold more dear our earthly life as opposed to our eternal life in heaven which was purchased by God's own beloved Son.  IF the day then comes where the devil or this world threaten to take away our life,  unless we deny Christ, may God help us to hold faithful and fast to the end, confessing His name.  For "this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son."   "They that endure to the end shall be saved." 

I.  Do not deny Christ, but confess Him by word and deed.  The importance of confessing Christ in this world and not denying Him, is impressed upon us by Christ Himself in this lesson.  "Jesus was alone praying".  The twelve were there, but Jesus at first was apart, alone in prayer.  We are not told His words, but given His following conversation with the disciples, He may have been praying they would rightly confess His saving name among men to the glory of God the Father.  In our prayers, when we pray alone as Jesus did, let us also pray the Holy Spirit will help us to confess the saving name of Christ in both word and deed, all our days of our life. Even if our adversaries throw us in jail or with violence take our life, may God help us to hold faithful and true, for  Jesus promises, "ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."  "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." 

        After prayer Christ now begins a conversation with His twelve disciples saying, "Whom say people that I am?"  By this question and the following, Jesus will contrast the great difference between the opinion of the world concerning Christ, and the knowledge, faith, and confession of God's believing children.  "But whom say ye that I am?"  That is the question we concern ourselves with today, for we will either spend eternity in heaven by a true confession, or we will spend eternity in hell for our denial.  Do we confess Christ or deny Him?  Does the world even know we are Christians, or have we denied Him before the world?  Keep in mind it easy to confess Christ now, for there is little persecution.  While there is open persecution in Iran, certain Muslim countries, and also China, that is not happening here yet.  But what if it did?  If they threatened to torture or kill you for being a Christian, what would you do?  Would you confess Christ and endure faithful to the end?  Would you value your life on earth more than your eternal life in heaven?  And let us also beware of pride and self-confidence.  Remember eleven disciples forsook Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.  Pray for strength dear believer, "for the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

        When times were easy in today's lesson, Peter confessed Christ before Christ and His disciples.  That is no different from us confessing Christ to our fellow Christians here in church. That's not so hard.  There is little threat.  Yet God is pleased with our confession, as Jesus was when Peter confessed Jesus was, "The Christ of God."  The name Christ means Anointed, and Jesus was God's Anointed, anointed by the Spirit to be the Savior of the world.  John 3:34 says the Father, "giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him" namely Christ.  ALL of the Holy Spirit was there in that body of Christ, as well as ALL of God the Father, yet the heaven of heavens cannot contain Christ, neither the Father nor the Spirit.  Yet Colossians 2:9 is still true, "In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ."  By faith we put off the sins of our flesh by repentance, and we also strive by faith to do better. With our mouth we confess before the world Christ is the only way to heaven, and with our body we keep His commandments as good and obedient children of God.  Romans 12 therefore says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

        After Peter's confession now Jesus "straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected….and be slain…and be raised the third day."  They were to "tell no man", because the people in His day had overall a false understanding of the Messiah.  The general hope of the people was that the Messiah would restore the old glory of David's kingdom.  The Jews wanted heaven on earth. Even the twelve at this point held certain errors concerning Christ.  They expected a certain glory for Christ on earth, and they wanted glory for themselves.  For example, later in this same chapter James and John wanted the Lord to rain fire down from heaven upon the Samaritans for not receiving Christ.  Likewise in a parallel Gospel of today's lesson, when Jesus told His disciples how He would later go to Jerusalem and be killed by the chief priests, this idea of suffering chaffed Peter so, that Peter literally took Jesus aside from the other disciples, and rebuked Christ saying, "Lord this shall not be unto thee".  This is where Christ likewise rebuked Peter with a holy and righteous wrath saying to Peter, "Get thee hence from Me Satan!!! Thou art an offence unto Me, for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."

II.  Christ first suffered for us.  Here then we hit upon the crux of the matter, the cross of Christ's kingdom.  If you and I were to be delivered from eternal punishment for our sins, Christ would have to carry our cross and pay our price.  That is why you and I dear Christian, should be able to look at all that Jesus suffered on the cross, in a different light.  When the soldiers beat Christ with their fists, whipped Him so that His back was torn to shreds, or when the put a crown of thorns upon Him and mocked Him, that truth deeply hurts us, for faith alone says "This is what I deserve and Jesus is enduring this for me."  Likewise the cross, the nails, the blood dropping to the ground, the gasping for air, the thirst for relieve, the torments of hell, life seeping away from His sacred veins……it is all too much for us, yet we all speak of this cross too lightly.  We view if from a distance and we don't take it to heart.  Yet Jesus took it all to heart, for even as He suffered under the heat of God's wrath, He did it all "for the joy that was set before Him".  The prize at the end which Jesus desired, was forgiveness for all sinners, forgiveness for you and me.  Love, grace, and mercy for you dear sinners, is what kept Jesus on the cross.  And after the price was paid, Jesus really died.  His warm body became cold and lifeless, but He rose again on the third day.  Faith alone knows, all this Jesus did, "that I may be His own, and live under Him in His Kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness."

       

III.  Take up your cross daily and "Follow Me."  Thus, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross DAILY, and follow Me."  This cross in the narrow sense is this world's hatred and persecution of us, even to the death.  But our cross in the broad sense is every affliction or chastisement God Himself gives.  When we suffer sickness of body, depression of soul, loss of earthly goods or loved ones, misery of various types, these are God-given crosses for the benefit of our faith.  "For Whom the Lord loves He chastens" and "we shall through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."  But let us also remember not all we suffer on earth is a cross.  Sometimes we simply suffer as a consequence to our sin.  We reap what we so.  Luther said, "Suffering makes no martyr, but suffering for a right cause does."   While our flesh will never accept suffering, and the old Adam within will always whine and complain like a child, the new man within us knows, faith knows, "This is only for my good, and God will be glorified through such, therefore "Lord thy will be done".  Through it all then we remember Jesus said, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."  To deny ourselves then and take up our cross means we are to be willing every day to suffer the loss of any of God's blessings, including our health or wealth, honor among men, even the loss of spouse or children if God so requires.  For it is by such crosses that the Lord is leading us to the greatest trial of our entire life, the loss of our own life in the end, whenever that may be.  This is why Jesus said, "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it."  If our earthly life is more important to us than our heavenly life, we will deny Christ and lose heaven.  But if our life in heaven is more important to us that our life on earth, we will confess Christ to the end (by God's grace), and though our earthly life ends, our heavenly life begins. 

        Sad to say, if God required our earthly life right now by persecution, few if any of us would probably be ready, though God alone knows.  But the point is we must be ready if He so calls us, and we must better learn, "Into Thy hands I commend my Spirit."  Whatever chastisements or crosses God therefore now gives you believer, accept it cheerfully with a willing heart, as Jesus did for you.  God's not going to destroy your faith by it, but through it He will preserve and keep your faith unto eternal life.  Of what treasure is your physical life on earth which lasts but for a moment, compared to the everlasting treasure in heaven above?  Even now the angels are singing in that "city of God", and your fellow saints who have already triumphed, await your triumph over death into life everlasting.  Jesus Himself desires this for you with all His heart. Therefore in this world, do not be ashamed of Jesus, "For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed".  Rather "hold that fast which thou hast that no man take thy crown."  Whatever and whenever God grants and gives you your death, He will likewise grant and give you the faith to triumph to the end and persevere. Therefore in whatever way He calls you, cheerfully say, "Lord thy will be done" and "To God alone be glory."  "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."  May God grant it so for each and every one of us - for to God alone be glory.  Amen.

GOSPEL: John 3:22-36

Reading: 

After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Commentary: 

The disciples of John noticed Christ was now publicly preaching God's Word, and like John, Christ was also baptizing (through His disciples). This baptism would be the same as John, namely that of repentance and remission of sins. His disciples thus baptized in Christ's name. "John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven." Christ was merely doing as God the Father called Him to do. He had received from His Father in heaven the high calling or office of Savior. The difference between John's calling and Christ's, was John's call came from heaven, and Christ came down from heaven Himself. John was a friend of the Bridegroom, and his joy was full to hear and know the voice of Christ. "He must increase, but I must decrease." This too is our high calling in life, namely throughout we confess that we are chief of sinners, and we seek only to increase Christ in this world. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

EPISTLE:Romans 12:6-16

Reading: 

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Commentary: 

While the Lord gives all His children the same grace and forgiveness of sins through Christ, from this same grace comes different gifts in different measure by the Spirit. Whatever spiritual gifts God has given us, we are to use such to God's glory and not our own self-exaltation (which would be a gross abuse of grace). Following this there are general admonitions. Love without dissimulation is a true and genuine love, not feigned or false. We are also to be kind to one another, in "honour preferring one another." We honor or exalt other people, rather than seeking honor ourselves. We are also not to be lazy nor slothful, but fervent in the spirit. "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." When afflicted we should patiently wait in faith for the Lord's relief. "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." We are to have in our heart true and genuine sympathy for our fellow Christian who is hurting. If they are blessed with good news and joy, we also rejoice with them, though times may be hard for us. "Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."

OT: Deuteronomy 18:15-22

Reading:

The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Commentary: 

The future Prophet which Moses here refers to is none other than Christ, who here is called "a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren". Jesus was a Jew by race, a descendant of Abraham, "unto Him ye shall hearken." As both God and man in one person, Christ would speak all the words of God the Father, and "whosoever will not hearken unto My words which He shall speak in My name, I will require it of him." This agrees perfectly with the words of Jesus in John 12, "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father which sent Me, he gave Me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that His commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." No man on earth then should ever dare to teach anything contrary to the sacred Scriptures, for God will require payment for this transgression. Nor should we listen to or follow any prophet whose word contradicts God's Word. "The prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."

SERMON: John 2:1-11

Reading:

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

The Gift of Christ in our Marriage

Beloved of the Lord......Marriage is what we call a divine institution, a unique creation of God, with which God blesses all mankind.  Just as God has created a flower in such a way that its pollen fertilizes the seed in the ovary, so marriage is God's unique creation which naturally produces children.  To Adam and Eve, namely all mankind God said, "Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth."

        The FIRST PURPOSE of marriage however is companionship.  "It is not good that man should be alone".  It is hard to live alone, and there is great happiness in the companionship of spouse.  The SECOND PURPOSE of marriage is an outlet for our sexual desire.  First Corinthians 7:2 says, "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband."  While we don't have to get married if we don't want to, as long as we are able to contain ourselves, marriage is the normal course because God has implanted the desire.  Marriage keeps us from the sin of fornication.  Proverbs 5 says, "Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.  Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love."  When married people come together, their marriage bed is undefiled.  What happens there is neither dirty nor sinful, unless they actually do something perverse.  In marriage the body of husband and wife belong to one another, and the natural appetite is satisfied in marriage.  The Bible says, "Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency."  This means if both spouses agree not to come together for the sake of fasting and prayer (namely a limited time), neither sin as long as both agree.  But this time apart should not be long, for if the natural appetite is not satisfied, the heart falls into the sin of lusting outside the boundaries of marriage. 

        The THIRD PURPOSE of marriage is procreation.  Man and woman are uniquely created for that very purpose.  God has neither made nor created certain men or women as homosexuals,  but God made Eve a woman, by virtue of her own womb and even her breasts which give milk to a newborn.  All human life on earth comes forth from a woman's womb. Even Jesus came from the womb of Mary, and the name Eve means "mother of all living." Likewise God created man in a unique way whereby his seed is implanted in the woman, so her womb bears children, and "children are the heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward."  Christian mothers do a good work by bearing children and having them baptized into God's covenant of grace.  Raising them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, heaven is populated.  May God help all parents to teach their children the great love of Jesus!  Also let it be said, the best way children can honor their fathers and mothers, is to earnestly (by God's grace) stay and remain in the true faith of the Lord Jesus Christ.  His blood was truly shed to redeem all children from sin and death, even the power of the devil, and the Word of God itself is like a seed which God implants in our own heart.  "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."

        Today let us consider the "Gift of Christ in our Marriage".  FIRST we will look at the presence of Christ in our marriage, and SECOND the importance of prayer. 

I.  The presence of Christ in our marriage.  Since Mary and Christ were invited to the wedding, we assume they were relatives of the bride or groom.  "Both Jesus was called and His disciples to the marriage" and we know Mary arrived early.  Jesus had five disciples at this time:  John, Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanial.  We should not overlook the fact that Jesus was particularly invited to the wedding.  Surely the bride and groom were believers, and they wanted the blessing of Jesus upon their wedding vows.  Still today, when a believing bride and groom take their public vows before God and man, and they earnestly desire Christ to bless their marriage, He surely will.  God's support and strength will be in that marriage as long as man and wife continue to live in repentance and justification by faith alone.  While marriage is a good work, pleasing to God, we don't merit forgiveness of sins by marriage, as is taught in the Catholic Church.  Neither are marriages made in heaven.  God gives us the freedom to choose our own spouse, and we should make this decision carefully by faith and the blessing of our parents is of particular importance.  But once we have chosen and taken our vows, we must keep our promise.  This is why we always need Christ to be the constant Guest in our marriage, so our marriage lasts a lifetime.  And just as His grace is the cause of all the earthly blessings we enjoy, so His grace and mercy will uphold, protect, and prosper your marriage, for by grace are ye saved."  One pastor said it this way, "If you have Christ in your heart through faith, then God is with you, His blessing is with you, and with His help you can live a godly, rewarding blessed life" (Miller, #13, Bible History). 

        It goes without saying, as sinners who daily fall shortk, we daily need the love of Christ to live together in godly peace and harmony.  When man and wife live in a selfless and sacrificial way, each for the happiness of the other, this is a good witness on earth of our heavenly Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.  By the call of the Gospel, Jesus has promised Himself to us, namely we have the sure promise of our salvation by His own body and blood.  When the devil assaults us and terrifies us so that we feel all is lost and we are doomed to hell and damnation because of our sins, Christ is like a jealous Husband who steps between us and the devil like a shield to quench the fiery arrows.   The Bridegroom then declares with His Word, "This Bride belongs to Me!  I have bought her with My own blood, and clothed her in My righteousness.  Get thee hence from Me Satan."  Here the devil must vanish.  "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." 

        While all married couples commit countless sins against one another, and most of them we can't see, in your earthly marriage always remember your heavenly marriage with Christ by faith.  As the husband is the head of the wife, and she being the weaker vessel should always gain strength from the stronger, so Christ is the Head of the Church and also our strength, the Rock of our Salvation.  This why Ephesians 5 says, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."  Are unholy sins in marriage are always covered by the holy blood of Christ our Bridegroom.  We are arrayed in white.  Be sure then to clothe your own spouse in like manner, by forgiving their sins, covering them with charity in all sincerity.  "Charity shall cover a multitude of sins".   Also remember by your own strength you cannot keep your own marriage together.  Christ however is the unfailing tie that binds two hearts together as one.  "My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  Now….. 

II.  The importance of prayer in our marriage.  Sometime after Jesus and His disciples arrived at the wedding, Mary told Jesus "they have no wine".  Perhaps there were more wedding guests or poor preparations:  whatever the case there was a problem.  Mary didn't sin by asking Jesus for help, but her sin lay in the fact that she intruded into Christ's office as the Savior who hears our prayers.  Jesus answered, "Woman, what have I to do with Thee? mine hour is not yet come". Mary wanted Jesus to perform a miracle then and there.  She knew He could do it in faith, but the problem was she demanded the time.  She didn't pray "Jesus Thy will be done", but she prayed "Jesus they need it now and you must show them now who you are."

        So often and too often we pray in the same way.  We want this or that now, and in such a way, and we fail to trust God's ways are higher than our own.  As for Christ and the miracle, it wasn't time just yet.  Not enough people at the wedding felt the great need, and the great need must be felt before the gift is appreciated.  In His own time Jesus gave His instructions to the servants.  "There were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece."  This water was at the entry of the hall, and it was used to wash the feet of the guests as they entered.  Also the Holy Spirit makes the measure of wine very clear so we know the greatness of the miracle.  This water changed to wine was between 90 to 120 gallons.  "They filled them up to the brim.  And he saith unto them, Draw out now and bear unto the governor of the feast."  It was the job of the governor to oversee many things, including the distribution of the wine.  He would also limit the amount to any person who had too much, lest there be drunkenness, which God condemns.  This was the best he ever tasted.  Both in the quantity and quality we are to learn Jesus gives us the best He has and usually far more than we really need.  Thus when we pray let us remember we are beggars unworthy of blessings, yet our gracious King is always ready to give fare more than we ask or think.  "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages."

        That's really what our prayers should be all about "unto Him be glory", God's glory and not our own.  That's why in our prayers we do not dictate to God the time or manner, as Mary did. And when He denies us, we will or should in faith understand, this denial is for the glory of God and His Church, my salvation, therefore "Thy will be done."  "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory; and His disciples believed on Him." They believed already, but this miracle demonstrated more deeply that Jesus really was the OMNIPOTENT Son of God who had come to rescue and save them from sin.  God's glory, and again I say God's glory, is what our Christian life is all about.  We should then be like corrected Mary who did indeed yield to Christ's will.  It wasn't time yet…. leave the timing to God for it will be to His glory.  Learn then better dear disciple of Christ, to see what God gives you in life in answer to your prayer, or what God doesn't give you in life contrary to your prayer, THIS CAN ONLY BE TO GOD'S GLORY - therefore rejoice both in what He gives and doesn't give.  In the abundance of wine, see God giving you an abundance of gifts to your own marriage.  And just as Jesus has miraculously supported and upheld your faith by the Sacrament of your Baptism and Holy Communion, remember to support and uphold your own spouse, with the Word of God.  Absolve them of their sins when they are hurting, and confess your own sins, for we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.  God gave you your bride or groom from the abundance of His grace.  Flesh and blood cannot uphold or preserve your marriage, but Jesus Christ the Son of God, has all power and He will.  "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."  Invite Jesus to your marriage; let Him be a guest daily in your home, and love Him who first loved you with all His heart.  Amen.

Luther's words...Concerning the Law

He who has not tasted the bitter does not remember the sweet; and hunger is the best cook. Therefore as the dry ground thirsts for rain, so the Law makes troubled hearts thirst for Christ. To them Christ tastes very sweet; to them He is Joy, Consolation, and Life. Then men begin properly to appreciate Christ and His office. Therefore this is the best use of the Law, when a man can so use it as to humble himself and make himself thirst for Christ. For Christ calls for thirsty souls, whom He most affectionately invites when He says: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" 

(What Luther Says, #2350)

GOSPEL: Luke 2-41-52

Reading:

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Commentary: 

In his devotional book called "The Family Altar", F. W. Herzberger writes concerning this text, "Being pious Israelites, Joseph and Mary, no doubt, regularly attended the synagog at Nazareth on Sabbath-days. But when the yearly Passover Feast drew nigh, they journeyed from Nazareth to Jerusalem to worship God in His holy Temple….. 'At this age, according to the Law, the youth of a Jewish boy ended. In his thirteenth year he became 'a son of the Law' and began to assume the necessary duties and responsibilities. He was presented before the authorities of the synagog and given his phylacteries [little pieces of parchment with extracts of the Law]. The ceremony had a meaning similar to that of confirmation or reception into membership in Christian churches.' We see then, how anxious Jesus' parents were in giving their foster-child the religious instruction which God commands all parents to give the children whom He has entrusted to their care. Alas, so many, many parents neglect this most sacred duty." As for "Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business", such shows the purpose of Christ's life, to teach and preach the saving Word of God as His Father desired, Jesus being the Word Himself, for "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."

EPISTLE: Hebrews 3:1-14

Reading: 

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

Commentary: 

The writer of the book of Hebrews (perhaps Paul) is here working in the word to keep the Hebrews from hardening their heart against Christ and His Gospel. He points out that while Moses was a faithful servant in God's house, Jesus was a faithful Son over His own house (whose house are we by faith). Moses then is nothing in comparison to Christ, in that the Maker of the house is more important than the house itself. Since the Jews held Moses high by way of thinking they could save themselves by keeping Moses' law, the writer emphasizes Christ is of far greater importance, for "Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." Those Christians who turn away from Christ, hardening their hearts against Him by unbelief, will never enter God's holy rest (heaven). God has forgiven all sins through Christ, but the one sin which can never be forgiven is to die in unbelief concerning Christ. "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." May none of us be deceived away from Christ by our own heart, but let us fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on Him.

OT: Psalm 122

Reading: 

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.

Commentary: 

Three major church festivals were held every year in Jerusalem, and in this psalm David is happy to be told it is time to go to worship at the Temple in Jerusalem. As he approaches Jerusalem with others, he views the city, its beauty and compact nature. Other tribes are going there also to worship, "to give thanks unto the name of the Lord." Being the capital, Jerusalem was also the seat of judgment for the nation. "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem….peace be within thee." Jerusalem represents the True Church, the communion of saints. We stand "compact together" in the unity of faith, Christ being our cornerstone. He also is our joy, and the true beauty of the Church and we are His body, the Temple. From this spiritual Jerusalem (the True Church) a wonderful judgment is likewise declared in this world, that by the blood of God's only-begotten Son, God and man are reconciled. Jesus then is the peace within the walls of Jerusalem, even the walls of our own heart. "For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good."

SERMON: John 1:35-51

Reading:

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

Follow Me

Beloved of the Lord......Let us begin today by placing ourselves in the sandals of John or Andrew, Peter, Philip or Nathanael.  Imagine Christ comes to you, and He earnestly looks upon you with those calm eyes and He says in earnest "Follow Me".  When Jesus says "Follow Me", what do those words mean for you?  When the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep says to you personally "Follow Me"…..how do those words ring or resonate in your soul?  If you could choose one word that would describe what you ought to do when Jesus says "Follow Me", what would that one word be?.......I think that one word would be TRUST.  When we follow Christ we first and foremost TRUST He is our perfect and complete Savior from sin.  We also TRUST and "Fear not" He has a good plan for our eternal salvation, though our future on earth be the cross (for the cross leads to glory).  When life in this world then gets to be very hard and very difficult…..when there are countless troubles without and within, let us remember and rejoice, Christ is the ONE THING NEEDFUL, and….."Follow Me."  "I teach you how to shun and flee, what harms your soul's salvation, Your heart from every guile to free, from sin and its temptation.  I am the refuge of the soul and lead you to your heavenly goal."

I.  "They followed Jesus."  We often forget that John the Baptist had his own disciples, before Christ had His disciples.  When John was cast into prison, all of his disciples should have begun following Jesus, but not all did.  In today's lesson when John the Baptist therefore says "Behold the Lamb of God" this was not the first time he directed His disciples to follow Jesus.  As for the two who followed Christ, verse 40 reveals Andrew to be one.  We believe the other unnamed disciple was John.  This is because throughout the Gospel of John, John doesn't draw attention to his own name.  At the Passover for example, John gives the names of various disciples present, but he refers to himself only this way, "Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved."  John's own name then was not important to John himself, but it was very important to John to know Jesus loved him.  As Jesus loved John, Jesus loves us too for "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 

        And so while our personal names on earth are not really of great importance, but the saving name of Christ is, let us not forget Jesus knows us all by name and He holds each believer precious in that "great heart wherewith He loved us."  A true disciple of Christ is not a nameless person before Christ.  We are not just one of a billion in the world, but Jesus carries each sheep or lamb in His own bosom, His heart.  The very hairs of your head are numbered.  If we are sick or hurting inside, sorrowful or depressed Jesus knows it, and His heart feels it too. Through sickness and death we should then not be afraid to follow Him who loves us.  Just as Christ knew Peter and Nathanael before Peter and Nathanael knew Christ, we can be comforted knowing God has chosen or elected us for salvation "before the foundation of the world".  Yet this election of grace is in no way built upon our works or merit or faith, rather it is built upon the Rock of Christ, that solid foundation upon which true faith stands strong and true, like the name Cephas which means "stone". 

        Jesus then is called the Lamb of God, because lambs were used for sacrifice in the Old Testament.  This Lamb however is different, for He was, is, and ever shall be the Lamb OF GOD, namely sent by God to take away the sins of the world.  The Bible says of this Lamb, "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth."  Jesus didn't open his mouth or complain, for this was the very purpose of His coming, to be sacrificed for our sins.  He truly bore all our sins upon Himself.  And while it is good to picture Jesus suffering and dying for the whole world, "reconciling the world unto Himself", even if we were the only sinner left standing on the face of the earth, heading for hell and damnation because of our sins, Jesus would yet come to suffer and die FOR YOU, to SAVE YOU from sin.  Faith then, true faith takes the broad and universal  sacrifice of Christ for the sins of the world, and faith makes it personal and precious, saying, "this means Jesus died for me.  Jesus paid for all my sins with His own precious blood."  Ponder that thought for just a moment in your heart…..His precious blood was shed for you personally, and Jesus will suddenly become very precious to you. 

        Just then as Jesus knew Nathanael under the fig tree BEFORE Nathanael recognized Jesus to be the Son of God, so God called and elected His disciples before the foundation of the world, and in that moment of time He called us by the Gospel, bringing us grace and every blessing.  This is why we today are able to recognize and see that Jesus of Nazareth was not just a man, but the "Son of God….Thou art the King of Israel" as Nathanael said.  His name is now precious to us, and our name is precious to Him, so much so that Jesus said, "Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."  If we truly repent of our sins and truly place our faith in Jesus alone, the sure foundation of our justification, we will in triumph, GREAT TRIUMPH overcome this evil world and break forth in song in heaven when we die!  We know this because Jesus promised, "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."

II.  Disciples of Christ follow Christ.  Disciples of Christ then are followers of Christ, as those first two, John and Andrew.  In John 10:27 Jesus explains "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they FOLLOW ME."  When Jesus thus said to those two disciples, "What are you seeking?"  and they answered, "Rabbi where do you live?"  we learn disciples of Christ LIVE WITH CHRIST.  How do we live with Christ?  By faith of course!  By faith we truly live IN CHRIST and by faith Christ truly LIVES IN US.  By the same faith we daily walk in the path God has given us.  We walk by faith and love, keeping God's commandments and not breaking them.  Ephesians five thus says, "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."  Clearly then to be a disciple of Christ means our manner and way of life will be different from the world.  True disciples walk in the path of God's commandments, and unbelievers do not. While sin has dominion over all unbelievers, sin does not have the rule over believers.  The Bible says, "Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."  That is also why Christ is our Master.  Sin is NOT our master.

        This is very much related to the comment of Christ concerning Nathanael.  "Behold an Israelite indeed in whom is no guile!"  Jesus meant that Nathaniel was a true Israelite, namely a true son of Abraham by faith.  While there were many Israelites who did not believe the promises of God concerning the Messiah, Nathanael did.  He had true faith.  What then is guile?  Guile is "deceitful cunning" or trickery.  An Israelite with guile then pretends to be something he is not.  The same is true today regarding false Christians.  Not all who confess Christ to be their Savior inwardly believe Christ is their Savior.  Inside their heart, false Christians do not hate their sin but secretly love it and willfully continue in it without true repentance.  Sin still has dominion over such.  True Christians however hate all their sins and wish never to do them even once.  Sin is always present in us, but we do not willfully live in such sins.  Though we daily sin much and indeed deserve nothing but punishment, even those daily sins like worry, proud thoughts, sinful anger, lack of faith, or fear of the future,….we daily struggle with such but they do not rule us as they do unbelievers.  For the believer then there is no such thing as a small sin, for we know even one sin alone merits all of God's everlasting wrath which is damnation.  Yet for Christ's sake we do not despair, for "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from ALL sin", even ALL our daily sins with which we struggle and hate.  If then dear believer you have such terrible inward struggles and laments regarding sin, remember that by the Lamb of God you are washed, you are sanctified, you are justified "in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."  By grace it is still true, "ye are saved."

        To follow Christ as those disciples did, means we have to daily renounce our own life, our own will, our own way.  More often than not, our plans for our life on earth do not match up with God's plan for our own life.  God has our eternal salvation in mind, but our flesh wants to live happily ever after on earth!  God forbid!  When life therefore gets hard and difficult for you, when sickness is heavy upon you, or you are lonely, downcast, or dejected, listen carefully to that still small voice of Jesus who simply says "Follow Me".  "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."  "Come follow Me, the Savior spake, all in My way abiding: Deny yourselves the world forsake, Obey My call and guiding.  Oh bear the cross whate'er betide, Take My example for your guide."

        While it is true, none of us know what lies ahead in our future, Jesus does, and God has a good plan for you.  As Jesus miraculously foresaw Philip going to Nathanael, sitting under the fig tree, Jesus also has foreseen our future, and "Thou shalt see greater things than these" for "Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."  While it is comforting to know our future is in God's powerful hands, it is something far greater to see heaven is open to us by the precious blood of the Son of Man.  Therefore dear disciple of Christ, remember your names are written in heaven.  Whatever path God has chosen for you, even if it be most difficult, this path still leads to heaven.  Do not despise this path nor God's ways, bear your cross, and run with patience this race God has set before you.  His ways are higher than your own.  When you lack strength, look to your strong Good Shepherd, the Lamb of God who willingly bore your sins on His cross of Calvary.  His great love did all this FOR YOU and though He was and is God, it was not easy.  Your cross is infinitely smaller than His, yet His grace which helps you carry that cross is infinitely larger. When you are under the cross, look beyond the cross and see heaven OPEN.  Jesus is waiting there for you, "the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.  Amen.