Pilot Knob Lutheran Cowardly 10/23/2024
A passage that is often used at funerals is Revelation 21:1-7 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
This is a beautiful description of what is in store for every follower of Jesus Christ. Pain, mourning, sickness, death, and sin will not exist. Heaven is a place in the presence of God where there is deep satisfying peace, security, and joy. We will see Jesus in his glorified body and God the Father and Holy Spirit will be in relation with us without fear of punishment. Everything will be new and absolutely perfect: the world, heavens and all manner of life. Best of all it is not temporary, but eternal.
Verse 8 sets up a contrast which describes those who will not inherit eternal life. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” This is not an exhausted list but a summary describing all unbelievers. What I find interesting is what tops the list; the cowardly, it comes before idolaters and magic arts (Satanism). Who are the cowardly in this context? They are unbelievers with no faith in Christ. It would include people who were Christians at one time, but were cowards in the face of persecution and joined those who denied their Lord for the sake of saving their own neck or reputation. Personal comfort in this world and safety is more important than faithfulness to Christ. The stuff and honor or respect from the world is more important than loyalty to Christ.
It is becoming increasingly unpopular or acceptable to be a follower of Jesus Christ and promote His truth. Too many Christians remain silent in the face of secular opposition, and intimidated by those who promote evil. Today and everyday is a time to take a stand and speak truth no matter one’s response.
We must not become cowards but show the faith and love for God the disciples showed, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and others showed.
Erwin Lutzer in his book, No Reason to Hide, wrote: “Always remember that the opposition we experience often positions us for new opportunities to witness about our faith.” In the hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” Martin Luther wrote:
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever!
A good note to ponder this Reformation Sunday.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today, 4:30. Confirmation class.
Sunday 27, 9:00 AM Morning worship service. Sermon: Reformation
10:20 Sunday school for all ages.
GriefShare Sunday, 3 2:00-3:30. For more information go to: https://www.griefshare.org/findagroup or contact Pr. Bob or Sue Reese.
If you have any article or God sighting you would like to share with the congregation please submit it for publication in the Briefings.pastorbob@pilotknob.org
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran
