St. John's Lutheran Church LCMS

We made it to July. On Monday, July 22, 2013, the Christian Church will honor Mary Magdalene.  Mary was from the town of  ”Magdala”, which means, “tower” or “fortress.”  It is situated on the western shore of Lake Tiberius (Sea of Galilee).

Mary Magdalene enters the Gospels out of nowhere, with certain other women, who were delivered from demons and infirmities. These women in turn ministered to Jesus and His disciples out of their private means. (Luke 8:2-3)  It is recorded that Mary Magdalene was freed from seven demons. Mary always remembered how badly she suffered being demon possessed, and how awesome it was to be set free, and always remembered, that it was Jesus who set her free.
 
The event of being healed at the same time as the other women, created a strong bond between Mary and these faithful women. There also exits a strong bond and relationship between all Christians. This is why we are referred to as,” One body in Christ”, and the “Family of God.”
 
Not much is said about Mary Magdalene and the other women until the death and resurrection of Christ. This is the very Gospel which forgives sins, defeated Satan, and provides salvation.  So, we find Mary Magdalene standing at a distance seeing the suffering and agony of the death of Jesus (Luke 23:49).  Mary Magdalene had such devotion for Jesus as her Lord, that she remained at the cross until Jesus died, saw His body taken down off the cross, wrapped in a linen cloth, and then placed into the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. (Matthew 27:56)

Early on Easter Sunday morning Mary, with Salome, and Mary, the mother of James went to the tomb of Jesus to anoint His body. (Mark 16:1)  The tomb was found empty, and the women encountered the Angels. (Matthew 28:5)  Mary then ran back to Jerusalem and told Peter and John what she had seen and heard. (Luke 24:10)  She then ran back to the tomb with Peter and John. Peter and John looked into the tomb and found it empty. (The empty tomb gave witness that Jesus had been resurrected from the dead.)  Peter and John then went back to Jerusalem. Mary remained at the tomb. Then, Mary looked again into the tomb, and she saw two angels. They asked her why she was weeping?  Mary replied, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Turning back, Mary saw Jesus who appeared as a Gardener. Jesus then asked Mary, “Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you looking for?” The Jesus said, “Mary.”  Mary replied, “Rabboni” which means Teacher.

You and I are a lot like Mary Magdalene. We too have been set free from slavery to sin, Satan, and death. We too have witnessed the death and resurrection of Christ in our Baptism, when He called us by our name. So, how devoted and committed are we to Jesus?  How grateful are we?  Finally, do we like Mary Magdalene, know that when we too are confused, numb, and lost, Jesus will not forsake us, or abandon us, but always remains by our side, and provides for us what we need?

  Have a great July  
Pastor Brad Rick

On Monday, June 24, the Christian Church celebrates the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.

All births and infancies are unique and special. This holds true, especially, concerning St. John the Baptist. He came into being, shrouded in mystery and miracle. The Priest Zechariah, had been chosen by lot to served in Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem. To many, it seemed like simply a random outcome. But in reality, the Almighty had already decided that the Priest Zechariah would serve in Herod’s Temple, and that he and his wife, Elizabeth, who were both, “Upright in the sight of God” (Luke 1:6a, meaning that they believed in the Promised Messiah) were going to be the father and mother of St. John the Baptist.

While the Priest Zechariah served in Herod’s Temple, and Angel of God appeared and stood on the right side of the altar. The Angel told Zechariah not to be afraid, and that his prayer had been heard (and was about to be answered by God). He and his wife, Elizabeth were going to have a baby boy, and they were to name him “John”.  He would be great before the Lord. He would turn the hearts of many of the children of Israel back to God. He would also be the forerunner of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the very Messiah. St. John the Baptist would do the turning, through the preaching of the Law, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand”, followed by the Gospel, “Come and be Baptized in River Jordan for the forgiveness of your sins”.  In doing this, the people of God were cleansed and purified, and made read to receive Jesus as their King.

It was awesome news. The Priest Zechariah, and his wife, Elizabeth, were at long last going to have a child.  Also, the long awaited, promised Messiah, was about to appear.

But then, the rational mind of Zechariah kicked into gear. This is impossible he thought. Elizabeth is too old to conceive and bear children. Doubts and fears filled the heart and mind of Zechariah. He did not believe the word and promise of God. So, the Angel told Zechariah, that he would not be able to speak until all things had happened.  And it was so.

Lest we think too badly of Zechariah, the same thing also happens to us. Sometimes the words and promises of God seem too abstract and impossible for us in the midst of the hard cold reality in which we live. Yet, our God always keeps all of His promises no matter what, even in the midst of our doubts and fears.

St. John the Baptist went on to leap for joy in womb of Elizabeth when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited Elizabeth. The faithful always are filled with joy when in presence of the Lord.

St. John the Baptist was unique and set aside for a special purpose. The same is also true for you and me.

Have a Great June       Pastor Brad Rick