God will help

Posted on October 1, 2013 by David Nuottila

beggar signAnd [the rich man] called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.” Luke 16:24

(Note: One would do well to read the entire parable, Luke 16:19-31)
Once there was a rich man or woman, clothed in a warm sweater and leather shoes who drove their new Ford, Chevy, Toyota to the market. At the entrance to the parking lot was a homeless man named Lazarus. Lazarus wore clothes that had not been washed for some time. He was dirty, had a long scraggly beard and held a sign in his hands that simply said “Help, I’m hungry.”

Does this sound familiar?

Being a pastor, people often ask me for a faithful way to interact with those on the street who might be looking for help. Most times they are viewed as beggars in search of handouts. The truth is, wondering how to respond is a tough call. On one hand, Jesus teaches us we are to care for the needy, feed the hungry and offer help to the poor. One the other hand, we don’t know if the person begging from us is truly in need or if they are trying to take advantage. You see, it isn’t always that easy to figure out.

But today, Jesus teaches us that we should be kind to those in need. We should be willing to share what we have for the sake of the lost, the poor and the hungry without casting judgment upon them. Our street corners and super market parking lots seem to be a haven for seemingly poor people who beg for assistance with food for their children, gas for the car, or medicine for a particular ailment. Yet, focusing on Lazarus, the man we drove by as we entered the mall parking lot, consider this; in Hebrew, the name Lazarus means “God will help.”

No, we won’t always make the right decision. We won’t always be willing to let go of those precious dollars we worked so hard to get. But we have Moses and the prophets. We have God’s commandments and we have stories of King David, Solomon and also the parables of Jesus. We know that sometimes our wants get in the way of our needs, and when they do we often fall short of God’s glory. But God helps. God helps even us.

In the parable, Father Abraham told the rich man that his brothers that if they are not convinced by Moses and the prophets, neither would they listen to someone who has come back from the dead. Yet, there is one who once was dead but lives. One who died on the cross and has come back from the grave in order that we might be freed from the consequences of our sin. Remember, the rich man and his brothers from Jesus’ parable are characters through which Christ teaches us.

In our retelling of the parable today, it is easy to find our place in the story, but in searching Jesus’ of The Rich man and Poor Lazarus, it might be difficult to pin point exactly where we fit in. In doing so we must remember something very important; it’s not the characters, but the teacher of the parable who makes the difference.

The Holy Spirit calls us to study God’s word. God’s Word reveals Christ. Christ calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves. The parable didn’t necessarily change the view of those who opposed Jesus. But the message of God love for his people, his mercy and forgiveness does change the way we look at ourselves and others. As we consider Lazarus, we remember that God will help. This is where we find ourselves in the parable.

Rich or poor, God helps because he knows we are all sinners in need of a savior. Rich or poor, God helps us and calls us to love God and love one another. Rich or poor, God helps because nothing that we have is truly our own. We all come to the gates of the kingdom as beggars. We all depend on God’s grace, mercy and love.

Thanks be to God we have a Savior who, through the true richness of heaven, opens the gates and satisfies the people of God. Thanks be to God we have a Good Shepherd who leads us by streams of living water. Thanks be to God that our precious Savior Jesus Christ would dare to dip his finger into the cool waters of life and touch our tongue so that we should never thirst for his righteousness. Thanks be to God that through the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we beggars are made rich and welcomed into the house of the Lord forever.

Photo credit unknown

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Seeking things above

Posted on September 25, 2013 by David Nuottila

rainbow -carsonIf then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:1-2

The past few days have brought with them plenty of sunshine, beautiful skies and pleasant temperatures. They have been the sort of days bathed in what we sometimes call “chamber of commerce weather.” Have you ever noticed how chamber of commerce weather lifts attitudes among people? Smiles seem more prevalent and people seem to have a “sunny” disposition. Life is cheerful and bright when the skies are clear and sun is shining down. But such days don’t last forever.

This morning, daybreak brought with it heavy dark clouds and few breaks in the otherwise grey skies. The forecast indicates the probably of rain lasting well into tomorrow. Already, having driven into work and meeting a few people I have noticed a change in the sunny disposition. Life seems a little more difficult, a bit more serious and for some perhaps just a little worrisome. What happened? Is it because the world all of a sudden became more sullen? Or could it be that people just seem to enjoy light over darkness?

The same thing happens to the people of God. As we continue living in the light of God’s grace, we see the world differently. With our eyes fixed on the love of God, the compassion of Christ and the peace of the Holy Spirit, Christians cannot help but live with the joy of God’s salvation and reflect the light of Christ upon those whom we encounter. Sharing the love of God through sharing our faith becomes second nature and there just seems to be a little more bounce in our step. Yet, just as the weather changes, so also our focus on Christ.

It isn’t long that the gaze of some is turned away from God and life in His kingdom. Earthly distractions beg our attention and often lead in a direction opposite from God’s desires. As these things happen, the joy of our salvation is often overshadowed by the worry of our earthly existence. For this reason, the apostle Paul reminds the people of God to fix their eyes upon heavenly things seeking the love of God, the compassion of Christ and the peace of the Holy Spirit.

Living the life of discipleship is filled with such joy that no shadow can overcome it. Even as dark clouds and threatening skies bring with them the probability of storms, the light of Christ continues to conquer the darkness. With our attention fixed heavenward, the people of God never lose sight of the promise of God’s mercy and grace, and we continue to live in the light of Christ and the joy of our salvation.

I wonder how many, remembering the promise of our heavenly father, kept their gaze turned heavenward this morning and through the break in the clouds saw His rainbow?

Photo credit: This morning my daughter took this photo as she met in prayer with her friends before school.

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God and wealth

Posted on September 24, 2013 by David Nuottila

legal-tender[Jesus said] “No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Luke 16:13

One of the ironies of living a Christian life is that in order to make effective use of God’s blessing, disciples of Jesus must gain control of those earthly things that attempt to control us. Our hopes and dreams for a life in Christ cannot be misguided by our wants and desires for earthly goods. So much of what we own becomes a distraction up to the point where we begin to live for the sake of our worldly pleasure, rather than the joy of sharing of our faith.

Today’s verse is a reminder that when we get anxious about money, social status, power, the car we drive or the clothes we wear; when we focus on such things, we end up using our gifts and talents for ourselves alone. In short, we become selfish. Christians are human and are also susceptible to temptation and sin. Even followers of Jesus must acknowledge that we at times become selfish, trying to build or retain our earthly wealth. Even while doing the work of the gospel we often find it difficult to let go of that which has hold of us.

For example, reach into your pocket or purse and take out a one dollar bill, or a five, ten or twenty; the larger the better. This money we hold in our hands is precious to us; we work hard for it and it provides a sense of security. But it also brings out the worst in us at times. Often just bringing it out in the open can change the atmosphere within a group. When faced with having to reveal our money we will go to great lengths to guard and keep it. In fact, once we focus on our money we soon realize we want more of it. Money has that kind of power and influence.

Looking closely at the front of your bill you’ll see that our currency is backed by the promise and standing of our government. On its own the bill is worthless. It is the power and influence of the government that gives money its value. On the face there is also an inscription that reads, “This Note is legal tender for all debts, public and private.” The power and promise of our government sanctions the use of this currency to settle the debts we owe no matter to whom they are owed.

Now flip the note over and notice the back of the bill. The bill’s denomination is still perfectly evident as is the power and promise of the government. Yet there is another inscription, “In God We Trust.” This inscription means many different things to many people. Most in our country probably don’t realize that these words have not always been inscribed on our currency. Still, we who are Christians always understand the value of our money, but sometimes forget to acknowledge its source.

What would it look like if before making a purchase, we actually remembered the words “In God We Trust?” What would happen if before we spent our money, paid a debt or gave it to a beggar, we prayed for the person we handed it to and that that our actions would be acceptable to God? Would it change our attitude toward earthly wealth? The power and influence of our money certainly has a strong hold on us, but can we overcome this power through prayer and trust in God? Certainly so!

Returning to the front of the bill you have in your hand, look again at the inscription concerning legal tender. Here is where the people of God come to the reality of our human condition. Even as our currency claims the power of satisfying our debts, it cannot in truth claim to satisfy ALL debt. Our chief debt, the debt we owe to our heavenly Father can only be satisfied through the power and promise of his Son Jesus Christ. Through his precious body and blood given in sacrifice for our fallen world, Christ has purchased and redeemed us, making all who believe heirs to God’s kingdom. In thanksgiving we recognize the value God has placed on his people and the richness of his blessing.

Our thankful response to God’s grace through Christ is that we serve our Lord and Master, joyfully and cheerfully sharing that which God has provided. As we do, we followers of Jesus Christ soon realize the abundance with which God blesses us. The Church of Christ and all who follow him are entrusted with much. In Christ we are freed from the power of earthly wealth, so that we can serve God and others through these gifts.

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God loves you just the way you are

Posted on September 12, 2013 by David Nuottila

DSC_0008For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12

Everyone wants to be loved. Everyone needs to be loved. Sadly, not everyone feels they are loved. We hear so many stories these days about kids who have run away from home because they feel unloved or unwanted. We hear even more stories about people who, for one reason or another have fallen out of grace and become shunned for something they’ve done. The sad truth is, the world is filled with people who perceive themselves to be misfits, outcasts and undesirable. “If only I were good enough, someone would love me.”

Have you ever tried to convince someone who fits the above description that they truly are loved? Have you ever been faced with the difficulty of giving someone the assurance of God’s love? It isn’t as simple as it sounds. People who are convinced they are undesirable have built up walls surrounding them that are nearly impenetrable. Breaking down the barrier of doubt and low self- esteem is a dauntless task. Change is needed; transformation must take place for both, the unloved and the community that shuns them.

Several times in my reading this morning I have come across a commonly used sentence that always seems to give me trouble. “God loves you just the way you are.” This sentence gives the connotation that, even though I am not good enough for people, I am good enough for God. Now on the surface of this statement there is an element of truth, God does love us unconditionally. But simply telling someone that God loves them just as they are does not tell the whole story.

Ever since Adam and Eve bit the forbidden fruit, a barrier has existed between God and humanity. Sin is the great separation, the deeply driven wedge breaking the relationship between God and people. There can be no mistake, God hates sin and we are sinners. God does not love us just the way we are. God does not love us as sinners continually turning away from the relationship he established with creation in the beginning. This is a difficult message to hear and even more difficult to accept.

Certainly, God loves us. After all, we are people created by his hand in his image and likeness. But God does not love us just as we are. God does not love our sinful human condition. In order for God to love us just the way we are, change is needed. Transformation must take place. The deeply driven wedge between God and people must be removed and the wounds of sin healed forever. This is why God sent his Son into the world.

One of the aspects of the Lutheran Church I cling to is our emphasis and focus on the cross of Christ. Even as Jesus was fully human, subject to the same temptation, hunger, and pain we feel, he did not surrender unto sin. Jesus accomplished what humans cannot; he remained obedient to God even unto death. God loved Jesus just as he was; sinless, blameless, perfect.

As we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, change occurs, transformation takes place. God receives us into the one true body of Christ Jesus and forgives us all our sin. God sanctifies us with his Holy Spirit, claims us as his own and gives us the assurance of his love forever. It is in this truth that humans can rightfully say, “God loves us just the way we are.”

In Christ, God’s people are no longer lost, no longer broken.  We sinners who are washed in the waters of Holy Baptism and redeemed by the blood of Christ Jesus are made a new creation.  Through this gift of grace through faith, those who believe and are baptized can honestly say God loves us just the way we are.

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No Greater Love

Posted on September 11, 2013 by David Nuottila

Firemen_Mychal_Judge_ChaplainI appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conform ed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God– what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

We don’t speak out often enough about those people who work to preserve the public’s safety and well being. The men and women who serve our communities as firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians certainly give a lot of themselves in order to serve and protect people whom they have never met.

I am sure we can remember the outpouring of sympathy and gratitude for those who gave their lives in New York on September 11, 2001. It is a shame that it takes a tragedy in order for we citizens, the public that they serve, to show how much we appreciate these fine people and the service they provide.

I remember a conversation I had with some friends a while ago about how we don’t pay these people enough for the work that they do. Many police officers, firefighters and EMT’s eke out simple lives as they live on modest salaries. Many others serve as volunteers. But unless I miss my guess, they really aren’t in it for the money.

Sure, these men and women deserve a competitive wage, and they more than earn every dollar. I am sure many wish the pay was better, and it should be. But that doesn’t seem to matter when they are facing a life or death situation, rescuing us from a horrific accident or perhaps even from our own neglect and stupidity. At times such as these, it seems that they are content to be our guardians and our help in times of trouble.

To tell the truth, I don’t believe we can pay these men and women enough for what they do; not in dollars any way. I think money falls way too short of what we owe these people. Along with generous compensation, we owe them honor and respect. We owe them our gratitude; to an extent we owe them our lives. These are the things we ought to pay them as often as possible. We should give to them as unselfishly as they give their lives for us; people they don’t even know.

In the fifteenth chapter of John’s gospel, Jesus says, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13). Jesus teaches us that in order to love someone as God loves us, we should be ready to give of ourselves, even if it means surrendering our life for our neighbor. The apostle Paul affirms this sort of self-giving love and even instructs the Church that as God’s people we ought not think too highly of ourselves. We should instead tend to our neighbors needs as we are able, presenting ourselves as living sacrifices unto the Lord. Simply put, God’s people should live their lives for the sake of others in need.

Twelve years ago today, many put the needs of their neighbor ahead of their own. As thousands of innocent people fell victim to terrorism, many lost their life. Still, many lives were saved through the efforts of those who gave their lives for the sake of their neighbor. Jesus says there is no greater love among people.

Today we remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Yet we also give thanks and praise to God for those who come to the aid of people in times of great need. We continue to pray for the safety of those who respond to emergencies, putting their needs behind the needs of those in peril. Thank you God for raising up such people among us, and thank you Lord for the gift of your grace through the sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ.

Photo courtesy of saintjohnmychaljudge.blogspot.com  Fr. Mychal, chaplain to the FDNY was the first confirmed casualty of the attack on the World Trade Center, September 11, 2001.

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