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.

Calling Considered

Rev. Dr. Scott K. Seidler

…[you] are called to belong to Jesus Christ.  Romans 1:6

A classic 1970s game show had contestants wagering how many notes it would take them to name a particular tune.  The contestant able to identify the song in the fewest notes would win.  The apostle Paul invites his readers to name the tune of his letter to the Romans.  Instead of notes, he uses words.  Instead of prize money, the reward is eternal life and a more faithful kind of Christianity.

No less than four times does Paul sound the same note:  called.  Paul is called to be an apostle.  He is charged with calling all nations to the obedience of faith.  He writes to those in Rome who are called to be holy, reminding them they are called to belong to Christ Jesus. 

You, too, are among those called to belong to Christ Jesus.  You, too, are called to be holy.  You have a calling that comes directly from God and is a life-changing gift.  This call to holiness is one which God accomplishes in you through faith in Jesus Christ.  We do not manufacture it.  Rather, God provides it to us freely.  The call of God truly is music to our ears.             

Great Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ, confirm us in the faith that You know us, love us and call us by name.  Amen.