Grace Lutheran Church Sermon Second Sunday in Lent, March 4, 2007

The Rev. Evan Gaertner

Second Sunday in Lent “The Prophetic Word”

March 4, 2007 Jeremiah 26:8-15

The season of Lent is a time of repentance as we prepare for the gift of the cross and the joy of the resurrection. This call to repentance can be difficult to hear though because of arrogance. Our society has lifted to an art form the practice of supporting an individual in who he is; regardless of sin.

How to speak with a prophetic word about problems, frailty, immorality, corruption, or other sinful conditions is increasingly difficult. But before we think that things used to be easier, consider the prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah was threatened with death by the authorities of Jerusalem for telling the truth.

You have heard it said, “If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all.” This proverb has truth to it surrounding mean-spirited, destructive words that are meant to tear down a person. But how does this proverb apply to a prophet that has been called to tell the people to repent and believe?

Jeremiah was commanded by the Lord to speak. Jeremiah records in v. 2 “Thus says the Lord: Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the house of the Lord all the words that I command you to speak to them; do not hold back a word. It may be that they will listen, and every one turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the disaster that I intend to do to them because of their evil deeds.”

Did you hear in that passage what the desire of God was? The Lord wanted Jeremiah to speak the truth of the peoples evil ways with hope that they would listen and so turn away from their evil ways. The Lord desired repentance so that he could forgive. It is not the goal of the prophetic word of judgment to bring destruction to a person. The goal of Jeremiah’s words was to restore the people back to the Lord.

After Jeremiah had finished speaking the priests and official prophets and all the people laid a hold of him, saying, “You shall die!” This aroused the politicians of Judah who came up from the king’s house to the house of the Lord and took their seat of judgment at the New Gate. The religious officials told the political officials, “This man deserves the sentence of death, because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.”

Jeremiah spoke to all the officials with the confidence that he spoke with the Lord’s hand upon him. He said, “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words that you have heard. Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the disaster he has pronounced against you.”

Jeremiah is straightforward with the people for why he spoke harshly. They must listen to the word of the Lord because the path they are on is a path of destruction.

IF you saw someone going on a path that led to destruction would you speak up or would you allow him to continue to his death?

The book of Proverbs speaks about discipline in these ways:

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15)

“Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.” (Proverbs 12:17)

“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” (Proverbs 12:19)

“Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 19:27)

Each of these proverbs connects wisdom, knowledge, truthfulness, with the ability to listen. But it can be hard to hear words of correction. But the greatest spiritual danger is to stop up our ears to the word of the Lord. It is dangerous to become deaf to the words of discipline found in the Bible. As the second proverb I read states, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”

During the season of Lent we are called to repent. Repent means to turn away from sin, to express remorse for wrong-doing.

Not a single one of us is above needing a corrective word. Jesus first sermon after his baptism was very simple, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt. 4:17)

What role does the church now have in bringing a prophetic voice to individuals and to communities? In what can we speak words of discipline, correction, reproof to each other?

Certain people are going to have a gift from the spirit to be able to do this in a way that builds each other up. Others seem to be more motivated by the spirit of the devil, using such an occasion to bring division and hatred to the surface.

Recall what purpose Jeremiah spoke to the people that day at the temple? It was so that possibly some might listen and turn away from their evil ways. The goal of discipline is to bring about repentance. Our Lord and God speaks through the prophets, the scriptures, and in the very coming the flesh of the Word of God in Jesus, for the purpose of bringing us to repentance and to faith in Him as our Lord and God.

This same purpose of restoration must characterize any words of correction that are spoken. Martin Luther directed in his explanation to the 8^th commandment that “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” saying, “We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest possible way.”

To explain everything in the kindest possible way is not a command to whitewash wrong doing. We are commanded to always seek the best possible explanation instead of immediately assuming your neighbor is an ax murderer because you saw him carry an ax into his house and then a few hours later carry out a few heavy looking black plastic trash bags.

My concern is that people do not take these words about having a prophetic word as an invitation for finger-pointing. Jeremiah was not interested in pointing out faults in others. He was not about sticking his noise in other peoples business. Jeremiah was about restoring people back into a relationship with their Lord and God.

I was talking this week with some guys about how to correct someone when they are doing something wrong. These guys are plumbers and are tough with each other, but all of them agreed that they want to do a job the right way. So they are interested in listening to how to do something a better way. But they suggested the first question might be, “Hey, I’m interested, why are you doing it that way?” This question demonstrates a humbleness, that there may be value in what the other person is doing but that he just doesn’t immediately see it.

Calling others to repentance in the church begins with humbleness. When it is evident that we are seeking to serve our brother or sister they will be more ready to listen. But if we are demonstrating an attitude of better-than-thou, well don’t be surprised when your efforts are rebuffed.

Jesus came to serve, not to be served. He came not to be master over all things. When Jesus proclaims, “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand,” we hear these words with his love and care. On the day of Pentecost when Peter preached to the crowds, they asked him and the other disciples, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter answered, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off.” (Acts 2:37-39)

We have a prophetic voice. St. Paul encouraged St. Timothy to use Scripture saying, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

With care and concern for one another this Lent we are gathering together with repentant hearts to hear the good news of the forgiveness of sins through our savior Jesus Christ.

Soli Deo Gloria

Grace Lutheran Church Sermons