Bethany Lutheran Church

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Sermon for Easter 7

Acts 1:12-26
Psalm 68
I Peter 4:12-19, 5:6-11
John 17:1-11

Your Ministry Office in Christ

Grace, Peace, Mercy from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

I wonder if Joseph (called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus) had a big loud sigh of relief when the lot that fell out of the jar had Matthias' name on it. I have read this account, the choosing of the one Apostle who would replace Judas Iscariot, Jesus' betrayer, assuming that both of these men wanted the job, like two people vying for the office of president of the United States. Then upon further reflection it probably did not happen that way. Perhaps both allowed their names to be placed in nomination quite reluctantly. Maybe both did not really want the job at all. Maybe both secretly rooted for the other guy. But someone had to take it the position because the Lord 'would would have His twelve!

Why did they cast lots to determine the who would get to step into that apostolic office. Maybe it went like this. The disciples are in Jerusalem after Jesus has ascended into heaven to be seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty and are waiting for the power from on high to descend on them. While they wait they pray and worship. In the middle of all this Peter stands up, maybe inspired in prayer, that the office that Judas Iscariot once held needs to be filled. More prayer ensues and out of the 120 gathered two names come forward, Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus and Matthias, They cast votes for one of the two. It results in 60-60 tie. What do you?? ''Lord, show us the one you have chosen,'' Two lots go into ajar and out comes the lot with Matthias' name on it. There is standing ovation. Matthias gives them a speech saying something along the lines of how humbled he to have been chosen and elicits their prayers as he undertakes this office. He is installed into the this Office; this Ministry of Apostleship. God had chosen Matthias. His name never comes up again in Scripture.

What happened to Matthias? When He receives the power from on high at Pentecost, He did preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem and then in Ethiopia and to back to Judea. He was eventually rewarded by being stoned and beheaded for His proclamation as Jesus as Lord and Savior. That is the Tradition.

I bring this up in this way because not only was Matthias chosen to fill a office of ministry, you too have been chosen to an office of ministry. Every one of you baptized children of God do have an office of ministry that God has chosen you for. Have you thought about that? These are your callings in life that goes on each and every day. These are callings that God has placed you in the ministry of the church. There are callings too that God has not placed you in to serve. Sometimes you are like Matthias and then maybe you may be like Joseph. Maybe you might want the callings that you are not serving at the moment, then you may not want the callings which you are currently serving in at the moment. And then there times when these calling might change throughout our lifetimes. Sometimes you happy and joyfully serve these callings and then there are times when you wished the lot would have fell to someone else. But remember this. It the Lord who has chosen you. And if it is The Lord's choice it is the right choice.

I know it is hard to believe isn't it. But when things are going well it makes things a little easier, but when the stones and darts start flying in your direction, you begin the wonder what you have gotten into. But don't be surprised when the trials and difficulty pop up in your life as a chosen Child of God. Because the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to devour. Don't be surprised in all your offices or callings, whether be a child or a parent or care giver (these are offices too), a worker or a student, married spouse, rich or poor, worker, or farmer, member of the council, if troubles fall upon you remember too, if it happened to Jesus Christ our Good Shepherd it certainly can happen to you.

As Peter puts it in our Epistle, If your sin has caused the problem, repent and stop the sin. If it comes because of other's sinning against you, forgive and keep on forgiving if necessary. If the troubles come because of the name of Christ which you speak in the presence of others, rejoice and know you are blessed, because the spirit of God's glory rest upon you. Where is the glory in that?

We are used to thinking if I do what God wants me to do all will go well, I will be free of all temptation and struggle. Life would be easy street. Is that what you want it to mean? That is what I want it to mean. That I would share the glory in Jesus which existed 'before the foundation of the World. But that is the glory that is to come. It is the glory after you have suffered a bit. It is the glory that we awaiting for God to take us to when His Kingdom is fulfilled in its fullness at the end of time. But for now all we can do is to do our best in taking part in God's work of Kingdom building.

It is the glory that Jesus is preparing for us in His prayer in our gospel for today. In our gospel the hour of Jesus' glorification is here where Jesus will fulfill his office of Prophet and Priest and King. He will as the High Priest be the Sin Offering for our sins and the sins of the whole world. He is your sin offering on the cross so that you might live and not die. He prays that the Father will keep the disciples and us too in His name. He doesn't pray to keep them or us in power, or in the might of the Father. He prays that we be kept in His name. And the name is the name we begin this worship and all worship, the Name we baptize and name you have been baptized into. And been mark with, ''Child of God.'' It is the name that has sealed you with His Holy Spirit, who calls, enlightens, keeps you in the one true faith, sets you apart for Our Lord's special purpose, to keep on keeping in your office or calling no matter how difficult it may become.

God has chosen you as His very own and will place you in various offices of ministry just as he chose Matthias. In these office it may get difficult, God doesn't place you in these callings to bring you harm, but you are placed there so that others might be blessed through you.

Offices: Prayer, Stewardship, reading of scripture, acolyte, administration, teaching, fellowship, care and concern for public health, music, preaching, hospitality, building and ground maintenance, support and encouragement, council, service, caring. Faith Mentor, did I leave any out?

What happened to Joseph? Though he was numbered among the 12 or even named a deacon he did slip into a office of proclamation of Jesus' name for as tradition tells us was martyred. He had his calling and lived the Easter faith. It is a faith that death cannot take away, a faith that places its confidence in the empty tomb that could keep our Lord Jesus confined. It is faith confident in heaven and glory that awaits us. And faith takes joy in serving our Lord and others in our various offices knowing we are one in him and he is with us, strengthening our weaknesses.

As we come to the completion of this Easter Season, with Pentecost just around the Corner, is a good time to reflect on your ministry office and your place where God has placed you to serve Him as we live with him under His Kingship.

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