Sunday, June 22, 2008 - Matthew 10:5a, 24-33

We heard Jeremiah say that God’s Word is like a burning fire within him. He cannot hold it in. It must be spoken. Paul tells us that we are no longer slaves to sin, but are slaves to righteousness. Not only are you compelled to speak God’s Word, but you are compelled to “present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.”

Taking God’s Word seriously and having a firm grasp of the importance of Holy Scripture comes in many forms. One need not be a Doctor of Theology in order to be a serious student of the Word. Jeremiah was but a youth when God called him.

And unfortunately in our world today, the majority of theological “experts” do not qualify as serious readers of Scripture. If you watch the typical cable TV religious history presentation -- “Mysteries of the Bible” and such -- you know what I mean.

I believe that one can only be serious about God and His Word if God and His Word are important to that individual. And I believe that God’s Word is deemed important only by those who are willing to bow to the authority with which God speaks. The student cannot be above the teacher...the servant cannot be above the master.

God’s Word is not like other documents or writings. The Bible is not like the Constitution of the United States of America. No matter how strongly the majority desires an amendment to God’s Word, none shall be granted. The Bible is not to be ruled on or judged by any person. However, we find ourselves in a world filled with people who desire to create God in their own image.

Those who have pet sins suppose that God has granted the use of White-out during Scripture readings. There is an attitude that we are not the ones who need to change our behavior, but rather it is God and His church that needs to “step into the 21st Century.”

For all too many people, both outside the church and inside the church, Jesus Christ is just some guy whose picture grandma has on the wall. Or perhaps, in a great statement of faith (please note the sarcasm), the person will wear a cross or crucifix around their neck or in their ear -- but they will have no concept of what bearing a cross means.

Simple outward trappings -- wearing an icon is not the sign or mark of faith. Just as acknowledging that there is a God out there somewhere is not a confession of faith. Just as being the best neighbor and most virtuous person does not make you right with God.

Now, wearing a cross, acknowledging God, and being a good neighbor are certainly not frowned upon. But there is so much more to a life of faith.

Taking God’s Word seriously must include trusting in what Victoria received today -- the grace of God; the washing away of sin. It is in the gift of mercy and forgiveness that we find the true nature of our Lord. This is who He is. Only when we see how He changes us on the inside are we able to see His true nature and acknowledge God for who He truly is.

We have a Father who loves us. We have a Brother who laid down His life for us. We are never alone in this world because the Holy Spirit lives and dwells in us.

We are called to be God’s children. Which means that like children, we will sometimes be disobedient. But like loving children and good students and good servants, we are called to be respectful of the will of those in authority over us, to humble ourselves, and bow to the authority of those greater than us. Selfish people are incapable of love.

Our love for God is no different. Like any healthy relationship between child and Father, respect and love are most clearly demonstrated in our willingness to accept second place. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.”

God says, “I know everything about you, even the number of hairs on your head. And without Me you are lost.” We say, in the words of the Psalmist, “I am Your’s. Save me.” And He does.

We witnessed that this morning with Victoria. We witness every day the saving work of God. Not only are we alive, but we are alive in Christ. The Word of God fills us, and we “acknowledge Him before men.”

Christ says He will acknowledge us before our Father in heaven. He will speak on our behalf. The debt of our sin is paid in full. We are forgiven and righteous in His site.

On this day, the washing of renewal of Baptism is not just for Victoria. Living under the grace of our Baptism, we daily emerge in the newness of being born again. Each day we rise in the purity and cleanness which Victoria experiences right now. And each day we are given the opportunity to share that Word which burns within us. Amen.

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