Dec. 30, 2001
|
|
|
|
December 30, 2001 Matthew 2:13-23 God's protection and guidance and keeping his promises. King Herod was brutal and he was a master in the art of assassination. Soon after he took office he annihilated the Supreme Court of the Jews. Later he murdered 300 court officers. He also murdered his wife and her mother and 3 of his own sons. It was not a surprise that Herod took action against the news that a child had been born who was going to be king. The ancient world had no doubt that God sent his messages to men in dreams. So Joseph was warned in a dream to flee into Egypt to escape Herod. To flee into Egypt was entirely natural. Often during times of trouble the Jews sought refuge in Egypt. Every city in Egypt had Jewish population and communities. When Joseph and Mary arrived there they could find many fellow Jews. When I am reading the text to prepare myself and to prepare my next sermon I am always asking if there is any connection to my life in the story? Is there any relation to the life experience of the congregation? How do you think the dramatic story of the holy family relates somehow to your life today? I remember from my early childhood bedroom a picture over my brother's bed. The picture itself was not great art but I remember it. It was a kind of print portraying two small children walking a narrow path on the edge of a deep cliff and underneath was a powerful waterfall. An angel with outstretched hand was there to protect them and guide them safely. This picture conveyed a clear message: God is with me during dangerous and difficult times of my life journey. In the story of how Joseph and Mary and the infant Jesus had to flee to Egypt in order to escape from the brutal Herod, it is told that an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream to advise him how to act in that dangerous situation. This is a lesson about God’s presence and how he takes care. Of course this story raises many questions. Do we believe in angels today? Do our dreams have any religious message? After some terrible experiences we might ask why God did not stop it? He was not there? Why did he not protect me? I myself have met many angels. I have not seen anyone with wings and in white robes. But I have for sure met many people that have acted like angels. They have warned me and advised me where to go. I think of my parents and grandparents, my Sunday school teacher and pastor, my bishop and for sure some others. Like an angel they brought a message from God into my life. I think God primarily is working through our fellow beings. He rather depends on his human servants to be his angels. The meaning of the word "angel" is "messenger". Many people have been sent to us from God. As we encourage other people and offer some kind of help we are God's messengers. But I believe it is possible for God to work differently. He can certainly speak to people in a more significant way. He can be present in one way or another. A few weeks ago my second cousin in Fargo was in a serious traffic accident. His car was crushed. He survived but his chest and head were seriously damaged. People there say; he really had an angel's guardian. It is God's miracle that he survived. God is a protecting God. How he does it may differ from person and situation. Jesus was the only child protected from Herod. We cannot figure out everything about God. Sometimes I have been visiting dying people who have been very strong. They have faith and hope of life beyond death and many times they have encouraged me. They testified about God's presence and protection in their life. He strengthened their faith and hope and empowered them to fulfill the journey in peace and joy. Joseph and his family changed their plans about time and place. Actually this was God's guidance. It was about where to go and when to go. This is really a lesson of God's guidance. In particular it is for young people. But we all are in need of divine guidance. As I look at my own life I have to testify about God's guidance at several crossroads up to now. As we listen carefully to the story for today we understand that what happened was for the purpose of fulfilling God's promises. Broken promises can only break down relationships. This is often the case in human relationships. I have talked to many couples about this issue of life. If you do not keep the promise it does not work out. In our relationship to God he has given some significant promises for him to keep. He kept his word to the people of Israel by sending Jesus. He kept his promise to Mary and Joseph. Christmas is about how God keeps his promises. He keeps his word to his church and to his children. God is faithful. Psalm 37:5 " Give yourself to the Lord, trust in him, and he will help you." 1.John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing." The Gospel for today teaches us how God is present for the purpose of protecting and guiding and keeping his promises. As we are to enter a new year let us not forget the Gospel of today. Amen.
|
The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church · 924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 · (612)874-0716 |