St. John's Lutheran ChurchWarrenton, MO

Wed. Jan 22, 2014

DEVOTION: ¹⁵When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him." ¹⁶So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died: ¹⁷'Say to Joseph, "Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. ¹⁸His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants." ¹⁹But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? ²⁰As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people^[a] should be kept alive, as they are today. ²¹So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

I just love this little story. It reminds me of all the times I remember old sins that God forgave long ago and has completely forgotten. He has wiped those sins out of his own mind, yet Satan keeps bringing them back up in our minds.

Joseph's brothers thought that he was only being nice to them on account of his father. Now that his father was dead, there was no reason to be kind to them anymore. Surely he would now take his vengeance. The only trouble with that theory is that Joseph actually meant it when he forgave them 17 years earlier. He actually did forgive them.

We need to remember this story when it comes to our own forgiveness. We can't hold grudges. We can't plot our own vengeance for later. For our own sake we need to forgive just as God forgives us. There is nothing more liberating than that.

Let us pray: Lord God, help me to forgive as Joseph truly forgave his brothers. Amen.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TUESDAY'S QUIZ: What did Joseph do right before he revealed himself to his brothers when they came begging for food?

Joseph put silver in the sack of the youngest brother. He sent his men to bring back the thieves. When they were
returned, Joseph said he only wanted the youngest brother, the one who stole from him. The oldest brother
Judah, pleaded to take him instead because the loss of Benjamin would kill his father. At this time Joseph ordered
all to leave his presence. There was no one left in his presence but his brothers. This is when Joseph began to weep loudly and revealed who he really was.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: Name Joseph's brothers.

__________________________________________________________________________________

CALENDAR:
Wed- Choir 7pm
Fri- Assemble newsletter 9am
Sat- The Story Chapter 3 Study 4pm; worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school and Adult Bible class on The Story Ch. 3 9:45; High School Bible Study at Imo's 5pm
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND
Acolytes- 8:30- Austin Heitgerd; 11- Zack Hoelscher
Altar guild- Set up Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean up- Lois Boeger
Greeters- 8:30- Don Nolte; 11- Mike and Naomi Johnson
Elders- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11- Jim Rahn
Lay Readers- Sat- John Hachtel; Sun- Alan Hofeldt
Sat. Pianist- Molly Hendershot
Ushers- Scott Heitgerd, Tom Linke, Alex Heitgerd, Bob Linke
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
THE STORY: CHAPTER 3 "Joseph, From Slave to Deputy Pharaoh"

Learn all about the amazing story of Joseph and how God used him and his trials to bring about salvation for His people.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
STEAK DINNER AND AUCTION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 BEGINNING AT 6PM!!
Tickets are on sale in the narthex before and after worship or you can call the church office during the week to get yours! Come and enjoy a wonderful time, wonderful food, and get lots of good deals and on stuff that you will really use and need!!
___________________________________________________________________________________________
TRIVIA NIGHT THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 STARTING AT 6PM!!!
Form a team of eight and call Marilyn in the office to sign up or just come by yourself and we will add you to a team!!   Cost is $5 per adult and $2.50 for kids 18 and younger. Bring your own snack and beverages.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
WORK DAY THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 BEGINNING AT 8AM!
To connect the new lighting fixtures in the preschool room, and to work on a few other odds and ends that need to get done.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

HELP FOR PARENTS TO GUIDE THEIR CHILDREN THROUGH THE STORY
A big part of The Story experience is that the whole family grows together in it as each person in the family reads it, you will all literally be on the same page. yet, it may be hard to get discussion going or to help you get started together.   Are you looking for a way to connect with your kids as they and you read The Story together? There's help!

If you click the link below you will find parent pages for all age groups that you can use to connect with your kids at least once a week. Whenever your "together" time is, make it productive. It is a .pdf file of parent pages that goes from lesson one all the way through 31. Check it out and tell me what you think. I think they are excellent!!
https://assets1.mytrainsite.com/501196/the_story_parentpages_weeks1_31.pdf?r=1438

____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEW BIBLE STUDY DAY AND TIME ADDED TO THE SCHEDULE
In order to give everyone a chance to participate fully in The Story we have added a Saturday afternoon Bible study at 4pm. This is especially good for those who normally attend worship on Saturday evening, but is for EVERYONE who wants to attend!!
___________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS: (If you have a prayer request please reply to this email or call me at 636-359-1061)

DAVE CALLIES, undergoing knee replacement surgery on TODAY.

JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, as he continues to deal with cancer in his lungs.

MARY AUBUCHON who is back home and recovering from pneumonia.

DONNA HEITGERD recovering at Scott and Lani Heitgerd's from a broken hip.

WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to recover from pneumonia and other complications due to brain surgery.

PAMELA, a friend of Kathy Fischer, who is suffering with a different types of cancer and is recovering from surgery.

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Tues. Jan 21, 2014

DEVOTION: Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."   The Story, pg. 33

We often think that our abilities, whatever they may be, are ours because we have earned them or we have worked on them. But this is never the case. Every gift, every ability, everything that we get praised for is a gift from God and we should always treat it as such.

Joseph had an excellent response when Pharaoh asked him to interpret his dream. Joseph knew that it was God's doing throughout his life that got him to where he was. It was God that brought him from being sold as a slave by his brothers to being in charge of a whole nation of people.

What is God doing for you? Has he given you a special ability or talent? Are you especially good at listening? Do you like to work with your hands? Are you a good singer or reader? Are you a leader? How does God want you to use these things to His glory?

The best thing about using these gifts is the satisfaction and joy you get from using them to His glory. Try it today. See how it goes!

Prayer: Lord God help me to always acknowledge that you are the one who is working through my gifts. Amen.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MONDAY'S QUIZ: What did Joseph's brothers do to lie to their father and make him think Joseph was dead? They took Joseph's coat of many colors, slaughter a goat, and put the goat's blood on the coat. They then pretended that it was Joseph's blood and that a wild animal had killed him.

Sandy Robine was first to answer. Thanks Sandy
________________________________________________________________________
TUESDAY'S QUIZ: What did Joseph do right before he revealed himself to his brothers when they came begging for food?
____________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible Study 11:30-12:15; Council meeting 7pm
Wed- Choir 7pm
Fri- Assemble newsletter 9am
Sat- The Story Chapter 3 Study 4pm; worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school and Adult Bible class on The Story Ch. 3 9:45; High School Bible Study at Imo's 5pm
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND
Acolytes- 8:30- Austin Heitgerd; 11- Zack Hoelscher
Altar guild- Set up Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean up- Lois Boeger
Greeters- 8:30- Don Nolte; 11- Mike and Naomi Johnson
Elders- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11- Jim Rahn
Lay Readers- Sat- John Hachtel; Sun- Alan Hofeldt
Sat. Pianist- Molly Hendershot
Ushers- Scott Heitgerd, Tom Linke, Alex Heitgerd, Bob Linke
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
THE STORY: CHAPTER 3 "Joseph, From Slave to Deputy Pharaoh"

Learn all about the amazing story of Joseph and how God used him and his trials to bring about salvation for His people.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
COUNCIL MEETING TONIGHT AT 7PM!!!
Agendas are in the mailboxes of all of our officers and chairpersons.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
STEAK DINNER AND AUCTION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 BEGINNING AT 6PM!!
Tickets are on sale in the narthex before and after worship or you can call the church office during the week to get yours! Come and enjoy a wonderful time, wonderful food, and get lots of good deals and on stuff that you will really use and need!!
___________________________________________________________________________________________
TRIVIA NIGHT THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 STARTING AT 6PM!!!
Form a team of eight and call Marilyn in the office to sign up or just come by yourself and we will add you to a team!!   Cost is $5 per adult and $2.50 for kids 18 and younger. Bring your own snack and beverages.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
WORK DAY THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 BEGINNING AT 8AM!
To connect the new lighting fixtures in the preschool room, and to work on a few other odds and ends that need to get done.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

HELP FOR PARENTS TO GUIDE THEIR CHILDREN THROUGH THE STORY
A big part of The Story experience is that the whole family grows together in it as each person in the family reads it, you will all literally be on the same page. yet, it may be hard to get discussion going or to help you get started together.   Are you looking for a way to connect with your kids as they and you read The Story together? There's help!

If you click the link below you will find parent pages for all age groups that you can use to connect with your kids at least once a week. Whenever your "together" time is, make it productive. It is a .pdf file of parent pages that goes from lesson one all the way through 31. Check it out and tell me what you think. I think they are excellent!!
https://assets1.mytrainsite.com/501196/the_story_parentpages_weeks1_31.pdf?r=1438

____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEW BIBLE STUDY DAY AND TIME ADDED TO THE SCHEDULE
In order to give everyone a chance to participate fully in The Story we have added a Saturday afternoon Bible study at 4pm. This is especially good for those who normally attend worship on Saturday evening, but is for EVERYONE who wants to attend!!
___________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS: (If you have a prayer request please reply to this email or call me at 636-359-1061)

DAVE CALLIES, undergoing knee replacement surgery on TODAY.

JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, as he continues to deal with cancer in his lungs.

MARY AUBUCHON who is back home and recovering from pneumonia.

DONNA HEITGERD recovering at Scott and Lani Heitgerd's from a broken hip.

WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to recover from pneumonia and other complications due to brain surgery.

PAMELA, a friend of Kathy Fischer, who is suffering with a different types of cancer and is recovering from surgery.

Mon. Jan 20, 2014

DEVOTION:  "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God? The Story pg. 31

Potiphar's wife lusted after Joseph and wanted to have him. Joseph, on the other hand, resisted the temptation by thinking about what God would think of it. Yet, even though he resisted he still suffered the consequences of the sin, even though he didn't do it.

Sometimes those are the breaks. We live in a sinful world, and we ourselves are sinful, so even though we don't always commit a sin directly we still suffer the consequences of the sin indirectly. Which is ok, because we are really just making up for all the times we sin and don't suffer any consequences.

Don't think that God was unfair in what he allowed Joseph to suffer. And don't think he is ever unfair in what he allows you to suffer. He is working out your salvation even through these very hard times.

Joseph knew full well that God was working through even the most dire of circumstances to bring about His will and His grace to the lives of his family and millions of others.

This passage also gives us a very good way to keep ourselves from temptation. We should have it posted somewhere in our house, or written on our hand or tattooed somewhere where we can see it all the time. Every time we are tempted to sin we should ask this question! "How can I do such a thing and sin against God?"  Say this out loud next time you are tempted to eat that third piece of cake before bed, when you are tempted to click on that link on your computer that will lead you where you shouldn't go, the next time you think you don't need church or worship. Then thank God for His eternal and complete grace when you do sin.

Let us pray: Lord God, help us to resist temptation just so that we can love and honor you, and also help us to realize that when we face hard times you are teaching us and growing us in Your grace. Amen.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THURSDAY'S QUIZ: On what mountain region did Abraham almost sacrifice Isaac? Moriah (Someone besides Dianne really needs to step up and answer these questions!!)   haha
_____________________________________________________________________
MONDAY'S QUIZ: What did Joseph's brothers do to lie to their father and make him think Joseph was dead?
________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Mon- Confirmation 5-6:15
Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible Study 11:30-12:15; Council meeting 7pm
Wed- Choir 7pm
Fri- Assemble newsletter 9am
Sat- The Story Chapter 3 Study 4pm; worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school and Adult Bible class on The Story Ch. 3 9:45; High School Bible Study at Imo's 5pm
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND
Acolytes- 8:30- Austin Heitgerd; 11- Zack Hoelscher
Altar guild- Set up Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean up- Lois Boeger
Greeters- 8:30- Don Nolte; 11- Mike and Naomi Johnson
Elders- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11- Jim Rahn
Lay Readers- Sat- John Hachtel; Sun- Alan Hofeldt
Sat. Pianist- Molly Hendershot
Ushers- Scott Heitgerd, Tom Linke, Alex Heitgerd, Bob Linke
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
THE STORY: CHAPTER 3 "Joseph, From Slave to Deputy Pharaoh"

Learn all about the amazing story of Joseph and how God used him and his trials to bring about salvation for His people.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY AT 7PM!!!
Agendas are in the mailboxes of all of our officers and chairpersons.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
STEAK DINNER AND AUCTION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 BEGINNING AT 6PM!!
Tickets are on sale in the narthex before and after worship or you can call the church office during the week to get yours! Come and enjoy a wonderful time, wonderful food, and get lots of good deals and on stuff that you will really use and need!!
___________________________________________________________________________________________
TRIVIA NIGHT THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 STARTING AT 6PM!!!
Form a team of eight and call Marilyn in the office to sign up or just come by yourself and we will add you to a team!!   Cost is $5 per adult and $2.50 for kids 18 and younger. Bring your own snack and beverages.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
WORK DAY THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 BEGINNING AT 8AM!
To connect the new lighting fixtures in the preschool room, and to work on a few other odds and ends that need to get done.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

HELP FOR PARENTS TO GUIDE THEIR CHILDREN THROUGH THE STORY
A big part of The Story experience is that the whole family grows together in it as each person in the family reads it, you will all literally be on the same page. yet, it may be hard to get discussion going or to help you get started together.   Are you looking for a way to connect with your kids as they and you read The Story together? There's help!

If you click the link below you will find parent pages for all age groups that you can use to connect with your kids at least once a week. Whenever your "together" time is, make it productive. It is a .pdf file of parent pages that goes from lesson one all the way through 31. Check it out and tell me what you think. I think they are excellent!!
https://assets1.mytrainsite.com/501196/the_story_parentpages_weeks1_31.pdf?r=1438

____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEW BIBLE STUDY DAY AND TIME ADDED TO THE SCHEDULE
In order to give everyone a chance to participate fully in The Story we have added a Saturday afternoon Bible study at 4pm. This is especially good for those who normally attend worship on Saturday evening, but is for EVERYONE who wants to attend!!
___________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS: (If you have a prayer request please reply to this email or call me at 636-359-1061)

DAVE CALLIES, undergoing knee replacement surgery on Tuesday.

JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, as he continues to deal with cancer in his lungs.

MARY AUBUCHON who is back home and recovering from pneumonia.

DONNA HEITGERD recovering at Scott and Lani Heitgerd's from a broken hip.

WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to recover from pneumonia and other complications due to brain surgery.

PAMELA, a friend of Kathy Fischer, who is suffering with a different types of cancer and is recovering from surgery.

Update on Jonas Borchert

-------- Original message --------

From: B4eon@aol.com

Date:01/19/2014 6:15 PM (GMT-06:00)

To: JBllngh@aol.com,lindacallies@centurylink.net,dgwinter@centurylink.net,fritzi4e@gmail.com,ragjrg@att.net,molly_hendershot@yahoo.com,jmbiest@gmail.com,gretlsmom@sbcglobal.net,wkostman@gmail.com,kozhav@juno.com,jngk@frontier.com,lois.boeger@gmail.com,warrlutheran@centurytel.net,2msann@gmail.com,JeaneneMoritz@hotmail.com,Nevinelcj@aol.com,bnolte@att.net,gnjn@hotmail.com,revklaus@hotmail.com,Ragoss@SuddenLink.net,gdrapp@att.net,sayreet@sbcglobal.net,snsrobine@centurytel.net,rlgolter@yahoo.com,prkchopcop@aol.com,malveaux28@juno.com,damarwill@frontier.com,Witzl@aol.com

Subject: Fwd: (no subject)

Posted 1 day ago

The scans Jonas had on Wednesday showed that there was no new metastasis in his body. The radiation did reduce the one tumor in his right lung, but the cancer continues to grow and spread in the lungs in general.

Our new oncologist has put together a plan that would resemble something like the trial we were trying to enroll Jonas in. The first step is getting a biopsy of one of the tumors in the lungs and having it tested. They will check the tissue to make sure this is the same cancer- -Ewings Sarcoma - -that he has been treated for all along. (Chemotherapy, radiation, transfusions, etc....all of which Jonas has had.... can cause secondary cancers.) If this is a different type of cancer, we would need to attack it differently. The testing will also help to rule out drugs that will not work.

So, after scans on Wednesday, Jonas was scheduled for an immediate biopsy procedure. He went into the hospital on Wednesday evening, had laparoscopic surgery on Thursday, spent the Friday recovering and will be discharged this afternoon, Saturday.

Even though laparoscopic surgery is less invasive, it can still be very painful. In Jonas's case, they made three incisions into his left ribcage, under his left arm, through the spaces between his ribs to retrieve a slice of the largest tumor on his left lung. This tumor is attached to the lung but is growing outside the lung between the lung and the heart, extending out and attaching to the chest cavity wall. The surgery was very successful and they got a large slice of the tumor, but he is still pretty uncomfortable. He is well enough to go home today, recuperate tomorrow and start chemotherapy on Monday. It will take about ten days for the tissue to be analysed, at which point the chemotherapy regimen will be altered according to the findings.

For now, he's pretty doped up and resting comfortably.

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7 Message(s)

Posted 12 hours ago

by Susan Klene

Hope Jonas made it home today as planned and he's not too uncomfortable. That's good they are able to move forward next week with chemo before all the test results are back. We're thinking of Jonas and you all as he gets started with this new treatment plan!

Posted 20 hours ago

by Jenell Wright

Thank you for sharing this update on Jonas. I think of you and Jonas on a daily basis and pray. The plan you outlined makes sense and I hope Jonas' pain is reduced quickly. Sending love and prayers.

Posted 22 hours ago

by Terry Putthoff

Thank you, Kristin, for the update. Jonas, we love you!

Posted 23 hours ago

by WENDIE TRENT

A new plan is better than no plan...so sorry for all he has had to endure...love and hugs to all of you - especially for Jonas...

Posted 24 hours ago

by marilyn koshland

How much can any family endure! Well wishes to Jonas. If you have time, please call me. My friend and doctor who remembers Jonas from one of our outings, always asks about him...and told me to tell you to contact Senator Cleaver to get Jonas into any trial at Children's Mercy...Please follow thru, if you haven't done so already. Our hearts break for you all, but we remain hopeful. Merryland and Koshieland

Posted 24 hours ago

by stephanie nolte

So grateful that everything is moving forward. The best news is that he is able to come home. And also that he is resting comfortably. Still in my prayers. I know that he is a winner. It is so in him to thrive every breath he takes. Tell him that I keep wearing his bracelet and think of him often.
Love Aunt Stephanie

Posted 24 hours ago

by Deliece Hofen

You are in our prayers! Sending HOPE and Hugs!
Deliece Hofen

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About Jonas

Jonas is 15 years old now and was admitted to the hospital two
years ago to the day....with Ewings...

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The Lutheran Hour: January 19, 2014

-------- Original message --------

From: Lutheran Hour Ministries

Date:01/18/2014 9:16 PM (GMT-06:00)

To: revklaus@hotmail.com

Subject: The Lutheran Hour: January 19, 2014

Sermon Text for January 19, 2014

"Just in Time" #81-20
Presented on The Lutheran Hour on January 19, 2014
By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker
(Hate Our Father And Mother?)
Copyright 2014 Lutheran Hour Ministries

Text: John 1:29-42

Christ Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, is risen and reigns in heaven forever. And because of Him, we can have eternal life now and forever. Amen.

It's amazing in life that people, events, leaders often rise up and come along, just in time. Tomorrow the United States remembers the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For so many, for even a nation, he was a man who came just in time, wasn't he? He came with an eloquent voice, a Scripture-filled message, to address the injustice and violence of racism. For the politics of freedom and justice for all, Dr. King came just in time.

Many of his words spoken in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech still ring true today. King declared:
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character...

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with...with this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

Martin Luther King brought a fresh and bold word to a nation that needed mending just in time. Through his sacrifice and leadership, a nation was able to face up to its racial discrimination and inequities, to forge a new future that started to live up to the very ideals upon which it was founded, just in time.

500 years earlier, King's namesake, Martin Luther stood before the Holy Roman Emperor and the Pope of Rome, literally laying his life on the line so that all people could know not just temporal freedom, but the even greater eternal freedom that comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. That too was a moment where a man with a message was just in time. In many ways, the whole Western World was born in the Reformation that came through the fearless leadership of one man, Martin Luther.

Certain people arrive just in time. And when they do, many are glad, even saved!

Last summer, on a hot day in Brooklyn, New York, a one-year-old baby boy managed to crawl up to a window in his second-story home. This little tot pushed aside some cardboard blocking an opening next to an air conditioning unit and he squeezed through the gap. The curious boy wanted to look out that window. Then he climbed out the window onto the fire escape when a near-disaster took place. He fell. He plummeted from the fire escape. That's just when Cristina Torre happened to be walking by. She saw what was happening and she ran to help. The baby hit an awning of a yogurt shop and bounced right into Cristina's arms. She caught the little boy before he hit the ground. She saved his life. There she was, just in time, and it made all the difference in the world to that little boy.

Cristina happens to be the daughter of former Yankees' manager and former big league catcher Joe Torre. He pointed out that this was the most important catch in the family, to be sure.
Cristina was there, just in time. And people cheered.
That's what people do when someone arrives just in time to save the day!
That's what is going on in our text for today. The prophet named John the Baptizer is speaking to the people of his day, declaring as clearly as he can that the One Person this world needs to believe in; He has arrived, and it's just in time. He tells them, He tells you and me, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

And did you hear the reaction in John chapter one?

During John the Baptist's day, people were looking for the Messiah to arrive. They were hoping for one who would lead them to freedom, to prosperity. People were eager. People were excited. At first, because of John's bold preaching and unique character, many thought John the Baptist was that just in time leader.

Well, in John chapter one, we hear the priests and the Levites were sent by the Pharisees to clearly ask him if he was the Messiah. Could he be the one? After all, he was a miracle baby of Zechariah and Elizabeth. He was the prophet in the wilderness who preached eloquently and who called people to repentance. Could he be the Messiah? John the Baptist gave the answer.

"No, not me. I'm the one though, here to prepare His way." John made it clear that he wasn't the Messiah, but there was One who stood among them who was. Someone arrived just in time.

Wow! Who could it be? People were looking intently because they knew that if this One Person arrived just in time, it would literally change the world by changing lives, one at a time!

So, are you looking for the One who came just in time, just in time for you? If not, what are you looking for?

It seems like we're always looking for some leader, some guru, some politician to come in and save the day or change our communities for the moment. We do value just-in-time people who make the right thing happen for all by risking to do the right thing, by sacrificing their own comforts so that things might change for the better. On a day like tomorrow, we remember that on December 1, 1955, 42-year-old Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She was arrested for disobeying the white bus driver who told her to let white people take her seat.

But, did you know about the faith that was at the center of her actions; the faith that caused her not only to stay seated, but to act with dignity in the face of injustice.

Parks ironically never planned to be arrested for breaking a racist law, but when told to get up from the white section and give a white person her seat by moving back. She was convinced that to do that would be wrong. So she said, "Since I have always been a strong believer in God, I knew that He was with me, and only He could get me through that next step."

The story of Rosa Parks is a reminder of what a central role Christian faith has played in the civil rights movement. Dr. King was a Christian minister who turned the other cheek in the face of violence. And Jackie Robinson's Christian faith was what led Branch Rickey, another devout Christian, to choose him as the man to break the color barrier in baseball.

Don't miss the key, the central force in all their actions; faith. Faith in Christ. Today, people are looking for all kinds of things, all kinds of leaders. People are looking all over the place for anything that will make them feel better and fill the gaps of life. People are looking for the latest cell phone, the latest tablet, the latest big TV. Maybe those things will help them feel satisfied for a time; but what really can satisfy us deep in our souls? What can overcome the lasting problems that we face?

People are looking for peace in a violent, turbulent, war torn world. People are looking for security in a fragile and uncertain economy. People are looking for unity and honesty in politics and leadership. People are looking for a cure for cancer, for Alzheimer's, for Parkinson's, for depression. People are looking for healing, for love. People are looking for purpose; for friendship; for hope.

Yes, we're looking, but what's the most important thing of all to find? That's the question. I know you're looking for something, my friend, but John the Baptizer says there is One Person that you really need to meet, that you really need to listen to. John says "Look at Him!"

John "saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" (John 1:29)

John was thrilled. Here was the One he was told about. This was the One he came to prepare the way for. And now the Son of God, the Messiah, He had arrived. This was the One promised to Adam and Eve. This was the One who was of the line of King David who even David would bow down to as Lord. This Man was the One, the Savior for all.

The Bible says, "When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoptions to sonship."

Look! There He is! Behold, the Lamb of God!

That exclamation was a just in time moment. Here was the One who was to fulfill all God's promises and sinful humanities greatest hopes and dreams. This was the Lamb, the sacrificial Messiah who had come for all, just in time.

In the Old Testament, rams and lambs were often sacrificial substitutes for sinners. Remember the heart-wrenching story about Abraham when he was commanded by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Together they marched to the mountain where God told them to go. Even young Isaac asked where the ram was. He saw the fire and the wood, but where was the ram? His father told him, "God will provide for himself the ram for the burnt offering" (Genesis 22:8). Then, after Isaac was tied to the altar, Abraham raised his knife and the angel of the Lord stopped him and provided a ram, just in time. The ram of God, like the coming Lamb of God, arrived as a substitute.

Remember the lamb in the story of Moses; the children of Israel were in bondage in Egypt. Remember the Angel of Death was ready to descend upon Egypt for their willful disobedience to God? Pharaoh had rejected God's call to let His people go. His direct opposition to God brought on that final plague: the death of all the firstborn. The only way to be spared from the Destroyer was to take a lamb without defect, sacrifice it, and spread the blood on the doorposts. The sacrifice of the lamb would rescue them from the angel of death. The Lamb of God would save them (Exodus 12), just in time.

So, imagine what the first-century Jewish crowd heard when John the Baptizer declared, "Look! Look at Him! The Lamb of God!" Provision from God, just in time. Rescue from God, just in time. Forgiveness from God, just in time. It was beyond what they were looking for and it was exactly what they needed.

And He is exactly what you and I need too. New cell phones fade fast. New TVs become old news quickly. Cures to the most challenging illnesses are wonderful, but only temporary. Love and friendships are very good, but they end when life ends. But Jesus, the Savior, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, is eternal. The new life He brings, the hope He gives, the healing He provides, it lasts forever. The purpose He places into your lives brings satisfaction and peace that never fade.

So, what are you looking for today? As good as some leaders have been for us in the past, even their leadership and sacrifice can't overcome the ultimate challenges of sin, and guilt, and heartache, and brokenness in our lives. John says you will find God's answer to those things, now and forever, in the Lamb of God. You will find it in Jesus Christ.

That's what happened to John's disciples. They were searching. They thought John was the one. But then came Jesus, the Lamb of God. The Gospel writer tells it this way: Jesus turned and saw them following and said, 'What are you seeking?' And they said, 'Rabbi, where are you staying?' He said to them, 'Come and you will see.' So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which means Christ)" (John 1:37-41).

Everything they were looking for they found in Jesus. And they followed Him.

Friend, today your Savior comes to you just in time. He has heard your prayers. He shows up for you. In Him is everything you're looking for, everything you need. That's the message of the Bible. For Noah and his family living in the midst of evil and rebellion, God saved them just in time. For frightened people on the banks of the Red Sea, God brought them through the raging waters just in time. For the outnumbered army of Joshua, God showed him His power just in time. For three men thrown into the fiery furnace in Babylon, God kept the flames at bay just in time. For Daniel in the lion's den, God drew close with His protection and comfort just in time. That's the Savior God for you as testified to you in the Scriptures.

And even in our day, this is the Savior God who comes to us just in time. During a turbulent time in the history of the United States, a time of division and hatred, a just in time leader and pastor, called a nation to Christian brotherhood; not just to lip service, not to just hearing the Word, but to doing what the Word of God says. Martin Luther King was convinced that the scientific and technological advances of our day could easily distract us from the condition of our souls. Our laws can be wrong, our technology can leave us cold, our best efforts still need the power and purpose of God at the center to be a blessing to others. The spirit of Christian brotherhood, the spirit of Christ Himself was needed then and it's still needed today! In fact, it's even more necessary for our personal lives too.

So, what about your life? The Lamb of God, Jesus, is here for you right now. He is your help in times of trouble. He brings the word of encouragement you need. He delivers to you the news of forgiveness when you need a new beginning. He bestows upon you the certain news of eternal life for your heart of grief.

Yes, just in time. He is exactly what you need. He fills your empty soul. He restores your tired and weary heart. Just in time.

Jesus is just in time to you but He's also just in time through you.

Did you notice that Jesus changed Peter's name right away. Jesus said to him, "You are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas (which means Peter)" (John 1:42). To Simon's regular name, Jesus added "Cephas" which means "rock." A regular guy became a rock in the presence of Jesus. Something new was happening in Simon Peter's life because of Jesus.

The same is true for you and me. Something new is happening in you because of Jesus. Just think about it. He opens doors for you to serve others and to use your gifts. He provides people who believe in you. A new year is tough. People are looking for something new. They try health club memberships, and the workouts fade away. We make resolutions, and they are forgotten. We're hoping for the best in a new year, but a new year seems to bring the same old stuff. But you, my friend, not only can know this Jesus as the key to your life, now and forever, but through your life you can also bring Christ to those who need Him, too.

What we all need this new year and always; we need the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! We need Jesus! John says "Look! Here He is. He's the Answer. Our Hope. Our Savior. The Son of God. Jesus. Today in His living Word, in the living water of baptism, His body and blood at communion, here is the Lamb of God. He's exactly what we need, what we're looking for."

Here is Jesus! Just in time and He has come for you. If you want to know Him, know that He wants to know you, and we here at The Lutheran Hour are here to help you get to know Jesus Christ. Call us, write us, we're here for you because we want you to know and believe there's no one like Jesus and He is here for you and me, just in time!

Amen.

LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for January 19, 2014
Topic: Hate Our Father And Mother?

ANNOUNCER: Now, Pastor Gregory Seltz responds to questions. I'm Mark Eischer. Here's a question I've always had concerning this one passage in the Bible, Jesus says, 'If anyone comes to me but does not hate his father, or his mother, his wife, his children, yes, even his own life, he can not be my disciple.' How can Jesus tell us to hate, He's the Savior who came to love and to show us how to love others?

SELTZ: Wow, what a verse. I know this has troubled a lot of our listeners, too. But the first thing we need to understand is that this is a Hebrew figure of speech that was often used to make a point.

ANNOUNCER: So He might not be saying "Hate your mother and father" literally, but He's trying to make a point?

SELTZ: Yes, in fact Jesus is not saying "Hate father, and mother, etc." but speaks about it in reference to "being a disciple." So, it's not a general discussion about love and hate, it's a discussion about defining our ultimate loves.

ANNOUNCER: Could you explain that?

SELTZ: Will do. The love/hate statement has to do with what you give your ultimate preference, your ultimate allegiance to. Jesus is even saying, "If you love anything more than Me or anything in the place of Me, you can have no part of Me or the salvation that I have for you by grace."

ANNOUNCER: And that salvation is a reconciled relationship with God through Jesus and it's really the key to loving those that God sends into our lives.

SELTZ: It sure is. We know that Jesus teaches us elsewhere about love and how to loves others. He even says, "You should love God, and love your neighbor as yourself." At the cross, while being crucified to save the world, there He worried about His mother and made sure that she was cared for. But, Jesus' point here is, "if you want to love others, you have to have a relationship with God through Me," that's first, that's foremost in your life and that alone makes real love possible through your life to others.

ANNOUNCER: Which is another way of saying, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and then all these other things find their proper place."

SELTZ: That's an excellent way to summarize it, Mark. When Jesus says "seek first," He really is saying "Seek only the Kingdom of God." Again, priority, first and foremost talk.

ANNOUNCER: So why couldn't Jesus just say that? Why did He have to use such shocking language?

SELTZ: Well, it's important to put the phrase in context. Jesus was speaking to the crowds and many of them in the crowds had their own opinion about what He stood for. Some thought He was a miracle worker, a rabbi, a political leader. Many had their own idea of how Jesus should help them.

ANNOUNCER: But, He didn't come to just help them, He came to save them.

SELTZ: Exactly. The people had a political, even false religious view, of Him and He's trying to make the point, "I'm not here merely to help or give advice, I'm here to save you, to bring God's love and forgiveness to you as a gift." And so to make that very, very, very clear, He uses this either/or, love/hate language.

ANNOUNCER: And we find that language shocking to our ears, but I suppose they would have understood that as an idiomatic way of speaking and hopefully they got the point.

SELTZ: Yeah, they did and it was shocking to them for sure, but that's why it's also important for us to hear it properly too. Jesus is the One and only Savior. That's what He is saying. He is our Lord, our Messiah, our King. There is nothing in this world that should or could take His place in our lives. If anything or anyone does, the Bible would call that idolatry, that's putting our faith and our love in the wrong place. Such misplaced allegiances actually inhibit and constrain our ability to really love people too.

ANNOUNCER: Because, ironically, by putting our faith and trust solely in Christ, we're unleashing God's love in our lives and that enables us to better love those that He sends into our lives.

SELTZ: That's exactly right. Faith in Christ alone empowers a believer's true, lasting love to others. It's all about priority, about ultimate allegiances. It's about knowing where one's true resource for love really lies. When that is right, when our faith and love are focused on Christ, when we, another way of saying it is spurn anything else that demands our faith and focus more than Him, when we are focused on Him, we gain all those other things as well.

ANNOUNCER: So we can take Christ's shocking language not just as a warning, but also an invitation to receive and then share God's love in all its fullness.

SELTZ: Exactly.

ANNOUNCER: Thank you, Pastor Seltz. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Music Selections for this program:

"A Mighty Fortress" arranged by Chris Bergmann. Used by permission.

"Hail to the Lord's Anointed" From Music for the November Feasts by the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter's, Chicago (© 1995 The Order of St. Benedict, Inc.)

"To Jordan's River Came Our Lord" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)

"Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)