June 5, 2016
Bethlehem Lutheran Church—Bremen, KS || AUDIO
Immanuel Lutheran Church—Bremen, KS || AUDIO
INI + AMEN.
((5. O!:)) Death reigns.
We see death reign out in the world. It reigns in creation. The LORD God blessed His creation and said, “Be fruitful and multiply,” but sin has messed that all up. Now there’s endangered species, animal protection groups, etc, and it’s not because everything is on the up and up! It’s not just “creation” though. Death reigns in humanity too! There’s “Ice Bucket Challenges” for ALS, hospitals, and cancer doctors. And you can’t go to any city, town, or even driving past some sections without finding what? Cemeteries. Castles and strongholds of death’s kingdom. There he is Lord.
((4. U!: We can’t escape death.))
But death doesn’t just reign “out there.” It’s not just Egyptian airs or the Muhammad Alis. The truth is it reigns even among us. It’s not just the aches and pains as we get older. Because whether we’re young or old, whether it’s cancer or just old age, whether it’s peaceful in your own bed or in a tragic accident, whether you did well for yourself in this life or not so much—none of that matters, you’re going to die. We’re all going to die. There’ll be a casket that’ll hold your body, a gravestone will have your name on it. No matter how hard you try, no matter what you do, you can’t escape it. Death will claim us all.
((3. A!: The Lord visits His people.))
What’s to be done? Well, Jesus comes. When the people saw what Christ did, they said, “God has visited his people!” Now, this isn’t just “visit” like you visit someone in the hospital. No, this is Old Testament language that God shows up and does something: He saves! That’s Jesus. He takes death head on. He allows death to take Him, destroying it from the inside out. He bursts death’s belly. No stone, no seal, no guard could keep Him in the tomb. All those were removed to show what He’d already done: rose from the dead three days after dying by crucifixion for you. Even before His death and resurrection He can’t let death have a say. He saves even then! He has to: “when the Lord saw her, He had compassion.” The Lord stops death in its tracks. He visits His people. He saves. Death must flee before him. No funeral processions for Jesus. He brings the power of His death and resurrection to bear before He actually does it. Jesus’ death and resurrection is like a rock dropped in the pool of time. He brings it to bear because
((2. W!:)) JESUS IS THE LORD OF LIFE!
That’s what we see from Jesus today. He’s not some religious guru, just a prophet, a nice guy, or a fairy tail character. He’s the Lord God Himself in human flesh. He’s the Lord of Life. He created it. He restores it. He resurrects it! JESUS IS THE LORD OF LIFE.
((1. Y!: He bestows life too!))
Death’s reign is temporary. He flees from the Lord of Life. Jesus’ tomb was empty. That young man from Nain rose from the dead. He will flee from you too! He must! For those who are baptized, those who are absolved, those who receive Jesus’ body and blood, those who trust in those gifts and the Lord who gives them, have life and will receive life from Jesus, the Lord of Life. He bestows life. His resurrection was washed over you at the Font. You’ve received His absolution: the it-is-finished, tomb-is-empty Word of forgiveness. You’ve received His body and blood, which give you forgiveness of sins, new life, and eternal salvation. {Jacob and John,}{Carson, Kenzie, Caden, Shaleena, Johnny, and Grace} this is the trust you’ve received. This Life is what Jesus gives to you and will give to you. Not just them, but all of us. What happened at Nain will happen to all graves on the Last Day. It will happen to your grave. What we just sang will be for you.
The ranks of death, the Lord of Life
Stand face to face that hour;
And You take up the age-old strife
With words of awesome pow’r.
“O saint, arise!” You order loud,
And death defeated lay.
And you, dears saints of God, shall then cast off your shroud
And stride from death away.
INI +
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