Some Things Stay the Same.

by Pastor Edwin Lehmann on November 27, 2021 in

The First Sunday in Advent                                                                      November 28, 2021
Text: Luke 19:38                                       CW-21 3 Year Series C          21:2289
Theme: Some Things Stay the Same.

We live in an ever-changing world. Ours is a generation of restlessness, confusion, and upheaval. We see it in the rise and fall of nations, in the uprisings of people, in the shifting of opinions and ideals, in the passing of customs and traditions, and in the changes in society which are often mistakenly proclaimed to be progressive. In every field of human activity – social, scientific, political, educational, industrial, and commercial – there is often an instability that leaves people numb, without hope of ongoing peace and rest. This is life in a fallen, ever-changing world.
But some things stay the same. Deeply buried below the noise of our world lie the same fundamental needs of the human soul that have existed from the beginning. Man’s basic problems are no different today than they were thousands of years ago. People still long for peace, security, and love. That does not change.
Neither does God. He does not change like shifting shadows (Ja.1:17). For every human question, God has the final answer. For every human problem, God has the perfect solution. For every human need God has a full supply and provides a cup that runneth over. Some things stay the same for they are eternal as He is.
That truth confronts us with special emphasis as we begin a new year in the Church. Today is the start of a new church season. But it doesn’t change in scope from last year. Today we return to the beginning of God’s story of salvation. Over the year, one by one the tremendous events that reveal the love of God and His marvelous plan to redeem, restore, and lead us home to Him will again unfold. These truths don’t change. They stay the same and bring comfort, hope, and strength amidst the problems, upheavals, and restlessness of our age. God doesn’t change nor do His promises. These are things that stay the same, beginning today with this truth:

I. Heaven’s King is coming to us.
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” the people cried in our text. There is comfort and stability in these words that stay the same and never change. It revolves around the term “King.”
In our world today, you and I have little understanding and
appreciation of the importance of a king. But there have been times and circumstances when the words of our text meant a great deal in earthly things. For an ancient nation to be without a king meant tragedy and disaster. We can see that in the condition of Israel at the time of our text.
Israel’s glory as a nation had departed long ago. Its power was broken; its prestige among the nations of the world lost. It was open to foreign invasion and oppression as the people lacked leadership. Its future was uncertain at best and hopeless at worst despite the intense longing of its patriots for a restoration of its former power and glory. Israel had no king. It was a lost nation.
In so many ways that is a picture of what mankind is by nature. Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve into sin, by nature people are without a king in the spiritual sense of the word. By nature, man is lost in sin and oppressed by enemies. His glory as the crown of God’s creation is departed; his strength is broken. Because of it, he is exposed to the tyranny and oppression of the devil, without leadership, and with an eternal future that is hopeless.
This is what God meant when He warned Adam and Eve about disobedience to Him before they gave into the devil’s temptations: “You shall not eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, for on the day that you eat from it, you will certainly die” (Gn.2:17). Ignoring the warning, doubting God’s word, they ate anyway, and they died and brought death upon us all for, like they, we all have sinned. There is no one who is righteous anymore in himself. All have turned away from God. (Rm.3:11f). That is death.
Oh, it is true that within us there is a natural groping for the light and for the glory of God. But there is no hope of success for finding Him within ourselves for by nature we are dead in trespasses and sin. By nature we all live in the passions of our sinful flesh as we carry out the desires of the sinful flesh and its thoughts. It is not a pretty picture for us according to our human nature. Our fallen nature is incapable of finding or returning to God on our own. As St. Paul warns, “We are by nature objects of God wrath” (Ep.2:1-3). Frightening, isn’t it? Without God, without a right King, man is a lost generation, as lost as the nation of Israel was.
But do not despair! Here is a message of comfort and hope: “Look, your King is coming to you, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Mt.21:5). Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Now we have hope! Now we take comfort! Now we have someone to look to for our defense, for power, for blessing, for protection, for deliverance, for peace and glory that will not change.
Heaven’s King is coming to us.

II. He comes to save us.
And what a King He is! He is not by nature a fallen earthly king. Yes, human, but He is not like other kings. He comes humble, gentle, with the Spirit of God resting on Him. There is nothing frightening, fearful or threatening in Him. Human, yet divine. He comes in the name of the Lord to save. It’s the reason He came to Jerusalem – to die on the cross for sin, to rise again for life, to give us new birth from above. In His grace and mercy this was God’s promise ever since the Fall. He would crush the head of the serpent and restore fallen mankind to Himself. And here He comes to do it. Some things never change. The promise stayed the same.
In such a loving way He wants to draw near to the gate of our poor, sinful hearts again this coming year. It is true – we cannot do anything to make Christ come to us any more than Jerusalem made Christ come to them. What did those people do to get Jesus to enter there? Nothing. He came on His own accord without them doing anything. He came willingly, lovingly, on His own, even when many did not want Him. And when they finally came out to meet Him, He had already begun His entrance there – freely, un-commanded, of His own. He came in His mercy and grace to save.
In such a way Heaven’s King comes to us, too – through Word and Sacrament: to preach good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release for those who are bound, to comfort all who mourn and give them a crown of beauty and joy (Is.61:1f). He makes us dead people alive; He sets us prisoners free; He declares us sinners righteous. And after our King has come to save us, we should openly show to the world that we have such a holy and important Guest within.
The disciples took off their garments and spread them on the way. They cut down branches and strewed them in His path. They would not stop singing His praise. With heart and hands and voice they paid tribute to the King who came to save them.
Although we cannot stand by the roadside as Jesus passes by and add our coats to the ones that cushioned His entrance into the city, still the Spirit has opened our eyes in faith to behold Him as the Savior. Should we not also respond while we wait for the time that we can join our voices to that glorious throng that has gone before us? Join the procession, sing His praise, offer Him your gifts. Do this and more for the life you now live, you live by faith in the Son of God who loved and gave Himself for you.
If you want no other guest in your heart, He is with you. Look upon Him with eyes of faith and hope again this year and joyfully praise His goodness. In an ever-changing world, some things stay the same. Heaven’s King is coming to you again this year, coming to save you in His grace. And one day when He comes again, you will enter with Him through the open doors of heaven to the eternal peace and glory that awaits in the highest! God grant it to us in faith for Jesus’ sake.


Zion Lutheran Church of Springfield

(Member 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

The First Sunday in Advent           November 28, 2021

 “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:38

F o r   O u r     V i s i t o r s

We extend a warm and sincere welcome in our Savior’s name. Please sign our guest book, located to the right just outside the sanctuary. If you desire more information about Zion or are in need of spiritual guidance, please call upon our pastor at any time. We are delighted to have you join us today and invite you to return soon.

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

“Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, he will receive blessing from God his Savior….Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The LORD almighty – He is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24).

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

When the Lord Comes Near, He Humbles Himself. “Advent” is a Latin word that means “coming.” It points to Jesus’ comings. The first time He came into our world, He came as a tiny baby, born in a manger at Bethlehem. The second time He comes, He will come in heavenly power and glory, coming as judge of all. What is it like to meet Him?

He is almighty and holy.   He loathes sin. No wonder that when God appeared to people in the Bible, their first response was often terror. But when Jesus came the first time, He hid His glory and power as God and humbled Himself so that sinners could be drawn to Him rather than driven away in fear. Even now when He comes to us in the humble form of His Word and Sacrament, He comes to draw us near to Him in faith.

To that end we pray: Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us by Your strength and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen

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

The Old Testament Lesson:   Jeremiah 33:14-16           

Jeremiah prophesied that the days of Christ’s First Advent were near.   Although the line of kings from David’s family seemed gone, God would raise up one more descendent from David who would fulfill His promises. He would provide the righteousness needed to save His people eternally and make them secure forever.

The Epistle Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Paul gives thanks and rejoices over the faith of the Thessalonian Christians.   He prays that God will find a way for him to come to them and further instruct them in the Word. It will keep them strong in faith and growing in love until the day that Jesus returns in glory at the end.

The Gospel Lesson: Luke 19:28-40          

On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding as a peasant would on a donkey. Although He is the Lord over all things, He humbled himself and came to His people to save them from sin. By His death, the Lord of all became the Savior of all.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Organist: Jane Rips                 The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann

Point to Ponder:   “O Jesus, in Your name we today again enter upon a new church year and with heart and mouth praise Your mercy, which during the past year You have shown our souls. But where shall we seek and ask for new help and grace for the new year except from You?

Ah Lord, what would it help us to live longer if your grace were not with us? Without Your grace our life would be a death, the earth a hell. Therefore, we pray, ‘Lead us not where Your face will not go before us.’

Let Your glory go before us. Send us Your Word and Sacrament pure and clean, and let it at all times be a power in us. Through these means preserve in us always a repentant heart which ever realizes and feels its sin and unworthiness so that we may steadfastly comfort ourselves in Your grace.

O Lord, come near. Come into our hearts and make Your dwelling place there. O Lord, hear; O Lord, help and let things turn out well. Amen and Amen!”                    — CFW Walther prayer for the new church year

Outline of  Our Worship

 Lord, Hear Us

Opening Thoughts on the Service

Opening Hymn: #4

Today’s Order of Worship:     Morning Praise: Hymnal pg.45

Lord, Feed Us

Psalm of the Day: #24    Hymnal pg.73

Jeremiah 33:14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Hymn Response: #47 st. 1&5

Luke 19:28-40

Sermon Hymn: #2

Sermon Text: Luke 19:36-38     Some Things Stay the Same.

Lord, Accept  Our Response

“We Praise You, O God”    Te Deum Laudamus:     Hymnal pg.48

“Lord, Have Mercy”

Prayers, Lord’s Prayer  & Prayer for Grace     Hymnal pg. 50

Lord, Bless Us

The Benediction     Hymnal pg. 51

Closing Hymn: #12

Silent Prayer

WELS Connection Video on the Hymnal


The First Sunday in Advent – Series C

 Old Testament: Jeremiah 33:14-16 – The Lord Will Fulfill His Covenant

14Listen, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the good promises that I have spoken to the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah.

15In those days and at that time,

I will cause a righteous Branch to grow up from David’s line.

He will establish justice and righteousness on earth.

16In those days Judah will be saved,

and Jerusalem will dwell securely.

This is what she will be called:

The Lord Our Righteousness.

Epistle Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 – Paul Prays for the Church

9Indeed, how can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have before God on account of you? 10Night and day we are praying earnestly to see you in person and to supply what is lacking in your faith.

11May God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 12And may the Lord increase your love and make it overflow for each other and for all people, just as ours does for you, 13so that he may establish your hearts as blameless in holiness before our God and Father, when our Lord Jesus comes with all his saints.

 Gospel Lesson: Luke 19:28-40 – Jesus Enters Jerusalem in Humility

28After Jesus had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29As he came near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples ahead, 30saying, “Go to the village ahead of you. When you enter it, you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you will say this: ‘The Lord needs it.’”

32Those who were sent ahead went and found things just as he had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”

34They said, “The Lord needs it.”

35Then they brought the colt to Jesus. They threw their robes on the colt and set Jesus on it. 36As he went along, people spread their robes on the road. 37As he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began to praise God joyfully, with a loud voice, for all the miracles they had seen, 38saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

39Some of the Pharisees from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

40He replied, “I tell you, if these people would be silent, the stones would cry out.”

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

Nov. 28

Mon

Nov. 29

Tues.

Nov. 30

Wed.

Dec. 1

Thurs.

Dec. 2

Fri.

Dec. 3

Sat.

Dec. 4

Next Sun.

Dec. 5

9:00 am

Divine Worship Service

online -Facebook

10:15 am

Fellowship & Brief Bible Study

  

Advent 1

   

 

 

 

11 am

Midweek Bible Study

 

4:30 pm

Confirmation

Choir

 

  9:00 am

Divine Worship Service

with Holy Communion online – Facebook

10:15 am

Fellowship & Brief Bible Study – Church Decorate

Advent 2

 

A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today

Advent refers to “coming.” In these readings, Jesus comes first to supply us with a righteous, perfect life that God applies to us through faith. Then He comes through His Church to have that gospel affect the lives of others. And finally, He comes to remove us from the pain and problems of this world and share with Him the perfect life with Him in eternity.

The Epistle Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (answers are found on the back side)

  1. What is Paul asking the Lord to do within the Thessalonian congregation?
  2. What is the underlying concern?

 Those We Remember In Our Prayers:   Clyde Johnson; Greg Miller; Lou Schulz; Norine Richardson; Jodi Milam; William & Laurie Moon; Pauline Jaeger; Dave Ballou now in rehab at Quail Creek Nursing Home; Lois Wiese; Barbara Long; John Workentine, Schulz’s brother-in-law, undergoing surgery tomorrow, also the Schulz’s son Brandon with spinal injuries, and 6 year old nephew, Jameson, recovering from pneumonia; Khendra Murdoch; Paul & Patsy Michelson with Covid..

Two Types of Advent Devotions Once again the pastors and professors at Martin Luther College have written a series of Advent Devotions that begin on December 1. Pick up a copy in the narthex or fellowship hall. Also, the next series of Meditations Daily Devotions, beginning today, will be found there.

No Face Mask Regulations Facemasks are not required in a church setting in Springfield. If you feel more comfortable wearing a face mask, you may certainly do so. Masks, disposable gloves, and sanitizer are in the narthex and the fellowship hall for your use.

Do You Know what’s in the recently published Christian Worship Hymnal?   There are vibrant hymns, old and new; liturgical settings that follow the historical pattern of worship; an array of more psalms; personal prayers; daily devotionals; there is even Luther’s Small Catechism. Along with the Psalter book containing settings for all 150 psalms, the recently published Christian Worship Hymnal is rich in devotional materials for both the church and home. We invite you to examine copies in the fellowship hall or go online at https://www.christianworship.com

Upcoming Events

Next Sunday, December 5, after Bible Class: Church decorating for the Advent/Christmas Season

Tuesday, December 14: Church Council Monthly Meeting at 6:30 pm

The Week in Review

Sunday’s Worship: 25; No Bible Class; pre-Thanksgiving Dinner: 18; No Midweek Bible Class; Sunday Offering: $868.

Next Sunday’s Lessons: When the Lord Comes Near…                                      

Advent 2 – He Humbles His People: Malachi 3:1-7; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6 (CW-21, 3-Year Series C)

 Answers to Today’s Epistle Lesson Brief Study:

  1. Paul had already mentioned how the gospel produced among them great evidences of faith, hope, and love (1:3, 3:6). He not only looked for their inner life to become stronger but that it also overflowed to increasingly splash its love on everyone who would come into contact with them.
  2. He wanted to know that their faith was alive and well and that they would be ready to join the “holy ones” when Christ returns to earth.

     This week I am praying for……      


 

Pastor Edwin Lehmann

Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann