Jesus is the Message!
Third Sunday of Advent (12/14/08)
Rev. Steven D. Spencer – Pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church
Isaiah 61:1-4
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.
Grace, peace and mercy from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!
I. Introduction
Have you noticed anything different about our service this morning? This of course is a communion Sunday and we do things a little bit differently from non-communion Sundays. We use the Nicene Creed during communion Sundays don’t we? But today we didn’t use it. Instead we used the Apostles’ Creed. Why? Let me give you a hint. It wasn’t a mistake or because I wanted to make a point it out in my sermon. It’s the church’s tradition to not use the Nicene Creed during Advent. Why?
II. We Believe
Have you ever noticed the differences between the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds? The Nicene Creed emphasizes the connection of Jesus to His divinity and the Apostles’ Creed connects Jesus to His humanity. During Advent we emphasize God reaching down to humanity thorough Jesus Christ. A quick question for you: “Was Jesus 100% God or 100% man? The answer is YES! He is both 100% God and 100% Man! Jesus Christ is true God, begotten of the Father from eternity and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary. The Nicene Creed puts it this way. “And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made;” You see there was never a time when Jesus wasn’t God’s Son! You might recall the passage in John 8: “Before Abraham was I AM” (John 8:58).
Before the creation of the universe and the angels and archangels, all the host of heaven, the Christ is. The Father is eternal, the Son is eternal and the Holy Spirit is eternal, not three eternals but one. Three persons that what the Athanasian Creed tells us, three yet only One God Who always is and was always.
III. It’s all about a Purpose Driven God!
Our society has striven to produce a formula for peace and security. Books have been written about how to have A Purpose Driven Life, How to Be A Better You, Living Without Worry but they haven’t cured the problem. Mankind is broken and unable to cure itself. I recall the commercial from about 10 years ago, and before I go on let me say this, I am not trying to offend anyone, but maybe you remember the commercial, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up! I’m not saying that the advertiser is prophetic but the message is valid. We are fallen and can’t get up. In and of ourselves we cannot get up.
It is into this fallen state, this fallen nature of ours that God sends His Son. Jesus is sent forth to be the redeemer of the world. From Genesis 1 to Isaiah 61 the LORD God is with His people. His Word has been one of Law that always accuses the old Adam and delivers the Gospel that bestows grace, mercy and peace. In Isaiah 61, the Son of God – that is, the Christ, who is the Messiah – preaches a sermon.
We need to realize that this sermon was given centuries before Jesus would become flesh in the temple of Mary’s womb, centuries before Jesus would stand in the Jordan River and be baptized by John. Centuries before the Holy Spirit would descend upon Him and the Father would declare publically, “This is my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased.” Later the Father would use those same words on the Mount of Transfiguration but add to them, “Listen to Him!”
But centuries before all this happened God spoke to a servant named Isaiah. If you listen to Isaiah’s words you will hear very the words of Jesus. A sermon from the very mouth of God. Please listen carefully these are the words of our Lord.
1The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. So far the word of the Lord!
Dear friends in Christ Jesus, although there is only One God and One Christ. Although there is only one Gospel and one message of glad tidings of great joy for all the people, and although it’s been said many times, and in many ways, the eternal God and good news for the sinner is still Christ Jesus. He is still the Son of God who was made flesh and who has become flesh to grant us forgiveness of all of our sins.
As I look into the sanctuary I see brothers and sister in Christ, I see family those I love and the message is so important, please know that there is but One God and One Christ. Only one Gospel, the world would tell you differently. There is only one message of Good Tidings and great joy which is for all people. And even though it’s been said many times, and in many ways, the eternal Good News is still the justification of a sinner before God by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
IV. The Message is Jesus
The eternal message of salvation is not about Jesus, it is Jesus! The world would love to tell you that if you do enough, care enough, that’s good “enough.” But God tells us something else. “Your works, your righteous acts, your focus on self, won’t do it! God says, I have a better plan, “MY SON”. Trust me; you don’t have to do it all. I have sent Jesus to bind up your wounds. I have sent Jesus to proclaim liberty to the captive and to release those who are empoisoned.
The Son of God said that He is sent to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. That’s you and that’s me. In order for our souls to be freed from the curse of the Law and the accusations of Satan, Jesus is bears the lashing that should have been ours. By His stripes and by His wounds, we are healed. The iron bars of sin and guilt are no more for the gates of heaven are opened. And even if we should be incarcerated in a prison of this world, we are free. For the Son of God has said, “The Spirit of the LORD God is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring Good Tidings to the afflicted; He has sent Me to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God.” One does not have to wait, for it is written that we are to "seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6). “For He says: “‘At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the Day of Salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the Day of Salvation’” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Dearly beloved, there’s no time like the present when Jesus is present. For Jesus is present, Jesus is the message, the message of your salvation. In Jesus name, amen and amen!
May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, now and forever. Amen.