He Wants to Be Bothered

Sermon for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost                                                                                     July 4, 2021
Text: Mark 5:21-24, 35-43                                         CW 3 Year Series B                                        21:2268
Theme: He Wants to Be Bothered.

Maybe it’s happened to you. I know it has happened to me. You pray for something most earnestly, something you feel is desperately needed. You pray and pray, but no answer seems to come from God. Then you wonder. “Why is He so slow? Am I just bothering Him? If He doesn’t answer soon, it will be too late!”
Why is God sometimes so slow in answering our prayers? The Bible gives us several answers to that. Consider just one example.
Abraham and Sarah waited years and years and years to have a son. At last Abraham was almost 100 and Sarah almost 90. Ladies, can you imagine the possibility of bearing a child at 90! “It’s too late!” they said. “We won’t have a son anymore.” Finally, God answered their prayers with a son. And the answer was better than what Abraham and Sarah had hoped and prayed for.
Why is God so slow? Are we at times just a bother to Him? No, there is always a purpose. In His infinite wisdom and compassion, He never comes too late with too little nor too soon with too much. He comes on time, His time with greater blessings than we could imagine. His purposes are always intentional, and His ways are just and beneficial, even when He delays.

I. He invites us to come and earnestly plead with Him.
His delays have purpose. In your bulletin today, in the Point to Ponder section, is a story told of a certain young man who was growing weary of that which life was giving him. Surrounded by all types of difficulties, he turned to his friend in frustration and said, “I’ve looked to the left, and I’ve looked to the right, but I can’t find help anywhere.” To which his friend replied, “Why don’t you try the upward look?”
The upward look to Jesus – we talk about it, but how often don’t we neglect it? In days of trial and trouble we find ourselves giving way to faithless worry, as though we had no Father or Son in the Father’s House above who could help us. Oh, we may raise a quick glance or lift a momentary prayer to His throne above, but how much more time don’t we spend looking for all kinds of human solutions to our problems rather than assaulting the heavens in prayer for divine help. We confess with our mouths that we need Him, but often overlook him by our actions. It’s almost like saying we don’t really need His help.
But we have a Savior “whose mercy and compassions for us never fail. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness” (Lam.3:22). He invites, yes, will even train us to come and earnestly plead with Him. He does that at times by taking us through the school of hard knocks so that He might tear down the human pride that prevents us from going to Him readily.
Look at Jairus in our text. He was probably one of the most prominent people on this side of the Sea of Galilee, a leader in the synagogue, a teacher of the people. For the most part it seems like such synagogue leaders had little need for Jesus and were opposed to Him. They did not seem to hold to Him as the Christ and certainly would not go to Him for help. Had Jairus felt the same way? We are not told. But the Lord Jesus graciously intervened in his life by sending Jairus through the school of affliction.
His dear, little daughter was near death. Why did he wait so long before coming to Jesus? We aren’t told. But now there was no other way to turn; his daughter lay dying. In desperation he ran to Jesus, fell at His feet, and earnestly pleaded with Him for help.
Now, notice what Jesus did, or rather, what He didn’t do. Did He turn Jairus away saying, “It’s about time you came. Why do you bother me now?” Did He scold him for his tardiness? Did He get upset with the interruption? No. But in divine love and never-failing compassion He spoke words of assurance and went with Jairus.
Oh, dear friend, what a tremendous view of the Savior is given for our comfort! He never stops the interruption, even if it’s late, but opens His arms to us that we might come and earnestly plead with Him. He wants to be bothered. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (Mt.7:7). “Whoever comes to me, I will never drive away” (Jn.6:37).
He does not turn away from those for whom He gave His life. And since He gave His life for all, there is no one from whom He will turn away when they come to Him. “Come to me,” He invites. He is never too busy for anyone.
This is the Savior who died for our sin. This is the Savior who
rose for our life. This is the Savior who “blesses us with every spiritual blessing” (Ep.1:3). This is the Savior who, “although He was rich, yet for your sakes became poor, so that through His poverty you might become rich” (2Co.8:9). He wants you to bother Him for every need of body, soul, and spirit. Those who do He will not turn away.

II. He teaches us to never become discouraged on the way.
Jesus’ response was immediate. He went with Jairus. But He also knew that Jairus needed more. He needed to be strengthened along the way. So, Jesus allowed something else to happen.
As they were on their way, messengers came with the crushing news: “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the teacher anymore?”
Too late! It’s over! Nothing can be done to help now! Can you see Jairus? Shoulders slumped, face contorted in anguish, confused as what to do next. It was over. His dear little girl was dead. What could anyone do now? To this point in His ministry, Jesus had not raised anyone from the dead. Who even considered that possibility? No one could do that – not even the best teachers of God’s Word.
That would be true, if Jesus were only a teacher. But He is more; He is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the Savior who desires that people place their complete trust for time and eternity in Him. With a simple, “Don’t be afraid; only believe!” He goes on to the house. He will let His people bother Him when all seems hopeless.
Soon they arrived. The mocking mourners were put out. When death strikes, what good do ceaseless tears do? True, we miss the one who was dear to us on earth. But through faith in Christ, we know that we will see them again. They will not come back to us. But in Christ we will one day rise to them (2 Sm.12:23) in God’s eternal Kingdom. There, peace and joy reign forever. We miss them for a time; but later we gain them for eternity. And their eternity has already begun. No need to despair! As this believing mother and father were in for a treat, we will be too – although later.
But for them, with a gentle seizing of the girl’s hand and the words “Talitha Koum – Dear One, arise!” – Jesus brought her back to life as easily as waking her from sleep. One day we will experience the same: “Talitha Koum! Dear One, arise!”
The power of such simple words from the lips of our Savior means so much. How can the believer forget them? Tuck them deep within your heart, dear friend. At the Savior’s word how quickly life returns, the body revives, and the spirit is made whole again. The Eternal One never runs out of time; He is never drained of mercy; He never feels bothered by us; His grace is always renewed. And in the process, He teaches us never to be discouraged on the way through this life.
No matter what interruptions or setbacks take place while we are on the way here, there is no cause for us to become discouraged. He’s a Savior who wants to be bothered. He will provide; our trust is in Him. To that end He invites us to come and earnestly plead with Him. Never give up or delay in going to Him.
“By the mercies of the LORD we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness, O LORD. Therefore, I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion (my inheritance); I will hope in Him’” (Lam.3:22f). God grant it to us in faith for Jesus’ sake. Amen.


 Zion Lutheran Church of Springfield

(A member congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)

4717 S Farm Rd 135 (Golden Avenue)

Church phone: 417.887.0886                                               Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244

www.zionluthchurch.com                                                    email: revelehmann@gmail.com

You can also find us on Facebook

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost     July 4, 2021     

 By the mercies of the LORD we are not consumed, for His compassions do not fail.   They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.   Lamentations 3:22-23

F o r   O u r     V i s i t o r s

The family of Zion welcomes you as we worship the Lord today. We encourage children to worship with us. However, if you need to leave with your child, there is a nursery room to the right as you exit the sanctuary. The rest rooms are located in the hallway between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. Visitors, please sign our guest book to the right, just outside the sanctuary. We’re glad that you are here and pray that through our worship the Lord grants you peace.

U p o n   E n t e r i n g   G o d’ s   H o u s e

“Shout joyfully to the LORD, you righteous. Thank the LORD. The word of the LORD is right. The mercy of the LORD fills the earth. Let all the earth fear Him. How blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33).

W h a t   T h i s   S u n d a y   i s   A b o u t

His Compassions Never Fail. When trouble brews on earth, power reigns in heaven. Here leaders can disappoint us, friends may desert us, health departs, our world collapses. But in His great love for us, Christ has compassion and never fails to help those who trust in Him.

Do you want proof? Look at the way the Lord saved us. In heaven He was rich in divine things. But for us He became poor and took on the human nature so that we could become rich in eternal things. Why was He willing to do that? Compassion drove Him onward. His compassion for the sinner never fails, whatever the need. Compassion drives Him to go into action on behalf of His people.   So don’t be afraid; only believe.

To that end we pray: O God, You have prepared joys beyond understanding for those who love You. Pour into our hearts such love for You that, loving You above all things, we may obtain Your promises which exceed all that we can desire; for Jesus’ sake.   Amen

 – T h e   W o r d   o f   G o d   f o r   T o d a y –

 Old Testament: Lamentations 3:22-33

Jerusalem was destroyed, the temple lay in ashes, but Jeremiah did not fall into despair. He sings a song of trust in the Lord because the Lord is compassionate and will not fail His people. There is always hope for a country and for those who wait patiently on Him.

Epistle Lesson: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9,13,14

In the midst of severe trials, the Macedonian Christians joyfully responded to the needs of their fellow saints. Paul encourages the Corinthian Christians to do the same. The Lord’s gift of compassion was upon them and spurred them on to help others in need.

The Sermon Text: Mark 5:21-24, 35-43

The Savior’s compassion becomes most evident in the hour of greatest need. We worry that the Lord’s delay in answering our prayers may end in catastrophe. But the Eternal One never runs out of time, as the raising of Jairus’ daughter from death shows.

O u r   P r a c t i c e   o f   H o l y   C o m m u n i o n

 Out of deep love for the truth of God’s Word and precious souls, we follow the practice of Close Communion in our congregation. This has been the practice of Christians for centuries and reflects the Bible’s teaching on unity of faith in the reception of the Supper (1 Cor.10:17). It does not judge a person’s heart but anticipates agreement in that which God says.   Since we do not wish to put anyone in the position of declaring such agreement with us before study in the Word is possible, we ask that only those who are communicant members of this or another Wisconsin Synod or ELS congregation come to receive the Sacrament.

The Organist: Jane Rips                The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann

Point to Ponder: “A young man was tired of life. Surrounded by difficulties which seemed insurmountable, he turned to his friend and said: ‘I have looked to the left and to the right, but I can find no help.’ To which his friend replied: ‘Why don’t you try the upward look?’

Often we forget it. We find ourselves giving way to faithless worry as though we had no Father in the Father’s House above. The first pleading glance of the troubled Christian must always be a vertical look toward heaven. There we have a compassionate Father who loves us for Jesus’ sake.” — adapted from Herman Gockel’s Eyes Lifted Toward the Father’s House

Outline of  Our Worship

The Preparation

Opening Thoughts on the Service

Opening Hymn: #618

Order of Worship:     The Common Service with Holy Communion: page 15-16

Prayer of the Day

The Ministry of the Word

Lamentations 3:22-33

2 Corinthians 8:1-9,13,14

Hymn Response: #259

The Gospel Responses: pg.18

Mark 5:21-24. 35-43

The Nicene Creed pg.18

Hymn: #446

Sermon: Mark 5:21-14, 35-43     He Wants to Be Bothered.

Our Response to the Word

The Offertory & Offering: page 20

Prayers & The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord Blesses Us

Order of Holy Communion  Hymnal pages 21-23

(Visitors: Please read the box on  page 2 regarding Holy Communion)

Distribution Hymn: #310

Thanksgiving Prayer & Blessing     Hymnal pages 24-25

Closing Hymn: #617

Silent Prayer


The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost – Series B

Old Testament: Lamentations 3:22-33 – Hope through God’s Mercy

22By the mercies of the Lord we are not consumed, for his compassions do not fail. 23They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.

24My soul says, “The Lord is my portion. Therefore, I will hope in him.” 25The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

26It is good to hope quietly for the salvation of the Lord. 27It is good for a man that he bears a yoke early in his life. 28Let him sit alone and be silent, because the Lord has laid this upon him. 29Let him stick his face in the dust. Perhaps there still is hope. 30Let him turn his cheek toward the one who strikes him. Let him be filled with disgrace. 31For the Lord will not push us away forever. 32Even though he brings grief, he will show compassion on the basis of his great mercy.

33Certainly, it is not what his heart desires when he causes affliction, when he brings grief to the children of men.

Epistle Lesson: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9,13,14 – Response to God’s Grace

1Now brothers, we want you to know about the grace of God that was given in the churches of Macedonia: 2In a severe test of trouble, their overflowing joy and their deep poverty overflowed into an abundance of their generosity. 3I testify that of their own free will they gave according to their ability, and even beyond their ability, 4pleading with us with an urgent request for the gracious privilege of joining in this service to the saints. 5And they did this not as we had expected, but in keeping with God’s will they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us. 6As a result we urged Titus, since he had already made a beginning, to bring to completion this gracious gift on your part. 7But just as you overflow in every way—in faith, in word, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you also overflow in this gracious gift.

8I do not say this as a command, but to test how genuine your love is, by comparing it with the eagerness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that through his poverty you might become rich.

13Certainly, our goal is not that others take it easy while you are burdened, but that there may be equality. 14At the present time, your abundance will provide what they lack, in order that their abundance will also provide what you lack—in this way there will be equality.

Gospel Lesson: Mark 5:21-24,35-43 – Jesus Restores a Girl to Life

21When Jesus had again crossed over in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him near the sea. 22Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet 23and repeatedly pleaded with him, “My little daughter is near death. Please come and place your hands on her so that she may be healed and live.” 24Jesus went with him….

35While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue ruler’s house arrived, saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher anymore?” 36But when Jesus heard this report, he told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid. Only believe.” 37He did not allow anyone to follow him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. 38They went into the house of the synagogue ruler, and Jesus saw a commotion with people weeping and wailing loudly. 39When he entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.”

40They laughed at him. But after he put everyone out, he took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41Grasping the hand of the child, he said to her, “Talitha, koum!” (When translated, that means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”) 42Immediately the little girl stood up and began to walk around. (She was twelve years old.) They were completely and utterly amazed. 43Then he gave them strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and he told them to give her something to eat.

The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) copyright © 2019 The Wartburg Project.


        C a l e n d a r     &     A n n o u n c e m e n t s     f o r     Z i o n     L u t h e r a n     C h u r c h

 

Today

July 4

Mon

July 5

Tues.

July 6

Wed.

July 7

Thurs.

July 8

Fri.

July 9

Sat.

July 10

Next Sun.

July 11

9:00 am

Divine Worship Service

on line – Facebook

with Holy Communion

10:15 am

Fellowship & Brief Bible Study

Pentecost 6

  11 am

Midweek Bible Class

5 pm

Confirmation

Choir

  9:00 am

Divine Worship Service

on line – Facebook

10:15 am

Fellowship & Brief Bible Study

  

Pentecost 7

A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today

It is when life is at its worst that we have opportunity to see God at His best. His mercy is new every morning and accomplishes the impossible—against all odds. Faith turns to God and responds with rich joy and amazing generosity.

The Old Testament Lesson: Lamentations 3:22-33 (answers are found on the back side)

  1. When things were miserable around him, from what did the writer get his hope?
  2. What good can God be accomplishing for us in sufferings?

Those We Remember In Our Prayers:   Dea Windsor; Clyde Johnson; Dave Ballou; Greg Miller; Lou Schulz; Norine Richardson; Barbara Long; Jodi Milam; William & Laurie Moon; Patsy Mickelson; Lance & Jodi Milam; Pauline Jaeger, Randy’s mother, diagnosed with cancer; Ken Burns, former member at Zion in hospice care in Iowa.

 No Face Mask Regulations Facemasks are no longer required in a church setting. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, especially with the upswing in Covid cases in our community, you may do so. Masks, disposable gloves, and sanitizer are in the narthex and the fellowship hall for your use. We are again passing the offering plate in our worship service.

Upcoming   Monthly church council meeting on Tuesday, July 13; Quarterly Voters and Women Working for Christ meetings after the worship service on Sunday, July 18.

 During the Upcoming Week elections will continue to be held on-line for Wisconsin Synod ministry positions.   During the past week Rev. James Huebner was re-elected as synod first vice president and Rev. Robert Pasbrig as synod recording secretary. Rev. Mark Schroeder remains as the synod president, a 4-year term that will be elected at the next synod convention in 2023. The second vice president will also be elected then. This coming week the remaining ballot for open positions in ministry leadership will be voted upon. You can find that on the synod website. Pastor Lehmann is a delegate this year, but because of the pandemic will not be attending in person. If you have suggestions or questions as to the election process or convention proceedings, please share them with him. A hard copy of the convention’s business at the end of July may be found in the narthex.

 Forward in Christ’s latest edition for July has arrived. There are plenty of copies for family and friends on the table in the narthex. Copies of Pastor’s Daily Devotions this past week from Psalm 150 will also be found there.

The Week in Review

Last Sunday’s Worship Attendance: 26; Bible Class: 13; Offering: $712; Midweek Bible Class: 5.

                       Next Sunday’s Lessons:                                             

Pentecost 7: Ezekiel 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Mark 6:1-6 (Series B)

Answers to Today’s Old Testament Lesson Brief Study:

  1. When we feel we have hit “rock bottom,” we too should be reminded that things would be far worse. God could have given us full punishment for our sins, all of them. It is because of God’s great love that you are still alive! But look around you. His mercies show themselves faithfully every morning in the sunshine and the rain—in the little joys that come our way. Look for it every day. Since His compassion will never fail us, we should wait patiently for the timing of His blessings.
  2. There is strength given in the testing field of suffering. It begins as the Lord strips away pride and self-righteousness and teaches us true humility and a greater dependence on God alone. (see Rom 5:1-6, Hebrews 12:7-11, 1 Pe 1:3-9).

          This week I am praying for……