My Last Sermon at Concordia

Mark 9:35

Rev. Dr. Scott K. Seidler

“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

I won’t be cruel.  This weekend will NOT be my last sermon at Concordia.  It will, however, be my “last” sermon at Concordia.  I offer this tongue-in-cheek humor given all the farewells we’ve had.  In fact, this weekend I look forward to capturing the heart Jesus has for our constant demotion in the eyes of others—our increasingly becoming last so that others may be more first.

Preaching messages which further the cause of our becoming last in the kingdom is the constant calling of every pastor.  For many, the value is making people “feel good” and offering an “uplifting message”. 

The joy of the Lord may be our strength, but the character of our discipleship gets marked by our place on the human totem pole.  Being last and feeling last are not the same.  Sacrificial service for the sake of others brings great spiritual and emotional reward.

Consider in closing the writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews.  “Consider Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the Father.  Consider Him who endured such opposition so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Jesus Christ not only serves as our premier example, but offers is sin-destroying death and resurrection as the source of such sacrifice-inducing energy.