Good Shepherd sermon. August 9 / 10, 2025. Luke 12. 32-40
“Being Prepared”
Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God, the Creator, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, thru the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
So…what is the message Jesus is sharing with his disciples then, and us today? Allow me to share two of them, with the first a rather obvious one, as it is almost screams,
“Choose me! Choose me!”
That would be Jesus saying, “Do not be afraid.” I know, it’s easier said than done; don’t get hung up with fear, as God’s got everything under control. Plus, to back this possible message up, you may have heard it stated that the phrase, “Do not fear,” or “Have no fear” is in the Bible 365 times. You know…a verse a day reminding us not to fear. Frankly, I have read on more occasions that the “Don’t fear” claim isn’t quite true. Whether it is or not, I think the preacher who preaches not-to-fear as the predominate message, can be spot-on. But, not for us today.
What might be another message Jesus is sharing in these nine verses?
I’m thinking “to be ready” or “be prepared.” I mean, in terms of preparing our homes against thieves, we can install locks and burglar alarms. If you have a sliding glass door in your home, it wouldn’t surprise me to see an old broom handle between the end of the door and the door frame so if someone tried to slide it open, no deal. An inexpensive way to keep the crooks out.
What about in terms of the coming of the Son of Man? How do we prepare for Jesus’ return? We need to remember that the Jesus who is coming in the future is also the Jesus who came in the past and who comes in the present as we gather in his name, proclaim the gospel, and share today’s sacrament of Holy Communion. Those who experience Jesus’ presence now through the means of grace should not be fearful of Jesus’ coming in the future. And, isn’t the Lord’s Supper a tremendous way to prepare our hearts for Jesus’ return?
But, let me toss this idea out to you: we prepare for the Lord’s coming by letting him prepare us for the coming. That thought gives me the chills.
Think about it.
We prepare for the next – final – coming of Christ by totally surrendering ourselves to him. Let’s check out a few examples.
A HUGE example would be Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, who would fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah, saying, “The voice of One crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight.” Yes, prepare.
John’s preparation is centered on repentance, baptism, forgiveness, and something that is quite difficult for many in our world today – change. We change our thoughts from things that are more self-centered to a life that is Christ-centered. Is this a model we can adapt to for Jesus’ coming? Believe me when I tell you I still struggle with this today. Perhaps it’s because we are surrounded by a culture built on, “What’s in it for me,” rather than, “How is this good for all people?” The only way to have this change made manifest in our lives is via the grace and love of God.
Rose-colored glasses? Some may think so, but don’t you agree this is also what Jesus wants? More equity for humankind?
If what I just said rings true, then the following should be valid: Self-examination should be a part of preparation. Where else do we know of repentance, but by introspection; honestly looking at ourselves and determining what needs to be changed.
And, if that is successful, then this additional part of preparation is nicely taking hold: humility. I never said this would be easy, did I? 😊 Right!
If we are letting God serve us, we are then learning how to serve ALL humankind without judgment or trying to figure out some angle on how we can be better served by those we should be serving. Being humble is never about being weak as some have said in the past. Being humble is being thankful for all that God has given us, giving it to others without wanting anything in return.
Having been addicted to alcohol many years ago, humility was not a characteristic I embodied. If you know an alcoholic or addict, then you probably know that the polar opposite – selfishness – is true.
However, once we better understand that we are not the fulcrum that makes the world work, the more we will understand the need to give. It is God Almighty who is the center, the pivot point on which we base our faith and subsequent actions. It is the Resurrected Prince of Peace that resurrects you and me. (I feel like asking for an “Amen!”)
Finally, I mentioned The Lord’s Supper a couple of minutes ago. If that sacrament is a “coming” of Jesus — especially as we understand it as Jesus coming to serve us — I think it relates well to today’s text. How do we prepare for this sacramental coming?
When I arrive at church for either service, Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning, the first place I go is to the altar and see that the elements are in place. I have never been disappointed. Our team of devoted people on the Worship team and Altar Guild have prepared the Table with the bread and wine or juice in their places. And, Jenny, God bless her, has begun to bake bread for worship, rather than use wafers. These preparations further our opportunity to receive the invitation to “Come, the Meal is ready.” Are we ready? Are we prepared?
So, we prepare our heads and we prepare our hearts not just for worship but for the day, the week, dare I say for the rest of our lives. I mean, it is the love of God in Jesus that continues to prepare us for the experiences we face every day. And, may we pray that the same love which flows thru us help others feel – and, know – the precious love of God that prepares us every day.
Amen.