The Service of the Resurrection - In Memory of - Stephen Chandler Hawkins

 

The Service of the Resurrection

In Memory of

Stephen Chandler Hawkins

October 23, 1955 – June 23, 2023

 

 

Collections

Steve was a collector. He collected many things. Steve collected Legos, Toys, Comic Books, Fiction and more-so Non-Fiction Books, Music of all sorts, Guns, War Memorabilia, Coins, Model cars, bowling balls, dumb jokes, trivia facts, cats, boxes in his basement, outdated food and beverage, even visions of the stars and planets, and many things that I’m sure I was not aware of. Collecting was a lifelong hobby for Steve that brought him joy.

But it wasn’t until the time that he started collecting these Monster kits, that it hit me. Sure, in my childhood, I put together car kits. You know, the ones you break the pieces off of a plastic tree, paint and glue everything together, put the decals on and then, there you have it… a model Mustang, or Avanti or a model whatever, car. As Steve was telling me about how he put together Monster kits the same way. I didn’t do that, myself, and really wasn’t aware of these model kits. Steve told me he remembered a time or two putting these kits together with his dad, Speedy.

Recently, it hit me. Steve’s interest wasn’t really in this model monster kit. Steve was having a memory of a different kind of collection.

Steve was collecting this stuff, for sure, but really all of this stuff he was collecting wasn’t the point of anything. It was all just a bunch of stuff. Useless worldly stuff. You see, Steve was really collecting relationships. In collecting these Monster Kits, Steve was reminded of what he was really collecting.

Steve was collecting a relationship with his dad, putting together the Monster Kit.

So, lately I got to thinking…

Steve began his collection of what really mattered, with his mom and dad.

Then he collected a sister. Along the way, Steve collected cousins, more sisters, school friends and neighborhood friends, church friends, sprinkle in a few brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, drinking buddies, bowling buddies, car enthusiast buddies, sports friends, work friends, drive-thru customers, Facebook friends and on and on I could go again.

Steve wasn’t collecting stuff… the stuff didn’t matter. The detailed facts and figures and what seemed to me to be a bunch of trivial crap, wasn’t what Steve was collecting. He was collecting links that led him to his real collection that mattered… Relationships with people. The stuff was just stuff. But the people collection was what really mattered the most to Steve.

Steve could recall more people’s names and details about each person. Where they lived, what they did or are doing in life. How they died, how they live, the houses they lived in and what they looked like now or in the past. Steve knew these people he collected through life in stunning, amazing detail that never ceased to amaze me as he would recall them in conversations with Sue and myself many an evening, around our animals and the kitchen table. Steve could talk about people to late in the evening and into early in the morning. So much so, that I termed the phrase… “Steve Leave.” He would say he had to go, but really never left because he continued to talk in detail about someone he had collected and his relationship with that person, before he would ever leave. And he could go on and on and on. Standing by the door with his hand on the door knob. It was one of those fun and funny things that were actually a delight… a “Steve Leave.”

When Steve was in the hospital earlier this month. I asked him how he was doing. I didn’t mean in terms of his health. It was obvious his health was horrible. Steve told me he was worried about the story of the weeds and the wheat.

 Matthew 13:24-30

Jesus put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

I came to see that Steve realized that along the way of life, he had not only collected stuff, people, and relationships; but he had also been collecting sins. He was worried about his sin. Was he wheat or weed? Will he be collected to be burned?

We all collect sin. Steve was facing his collection of sin as we all face our own collection of sin. And he was afraid!

I told Steve… that just by you mentioning this subject, you have turned. You have turned to face Jesus in the midst of your sin. Is that right? He whispered yes.

And then the conversation went on. I told Steve, we all come into this world as sinners. We all go out of this world as sinners. That’s not the point. You have turned towards God in your sin to face him. You know now that your sin is your death. --- Steve nodded yes --- Have you prayed about your sin to God? --- Just a look from Steve – then a nod yes.

So, Steve, here’s the deal. In the name of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit… All your sins have been forgiven. I can, and will always say this, because I can. I love to say this stuff. I can say it not because of me… nope… I’m a sinner as well… I can say this because Jesus says I can. As Jesus was speaking to his disciples, he told them…

 

John 20:23

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Matthew 16:19

I (Jesus) will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

James 5:16

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

Why? Why do I say this? Well… Jesus is a collector too. We live our life in a collection of sins. But Jesus took all of that sin we have been collecting and takes it upon himself. God knows that we can’t help ourselves. We collect sin every day of our lives. I have a huge collection by the end of each day. I collect sins that I know about and sins that I don’t know about. And so do you. Every one of us here collect sins. Some people hate their sin and other people just love their sin. And then there are those who hate their sin, then turn to the voice and face of Jesus.

I told Steve that God loves him so much, even in his sin, that he takes his sin upon himself.

Jesus collects, and has already collected the sins of all, and took that sin into himself, and put it to death on the cross, once and for all time. When Jesus was with all the sins upon himself, he declared at his death, "It is finished!" And he meant it! No fooling! The power of sin was dead forever.

Huh? Then why do we all still sin?

We still live in a world of sin and evil, but the power of sin to lead us into hell was defeated in Christ. In Christ we need not fear eternal death and the fires of hell.

We know we are sinners and not gods. We know we need God.

I reminded Steve of the “Thief on the Cross.”

Luke 23: 32-43

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Steve doubted his faith… yet it’s not even about faith. We can’t muster up enough faith to buy this story. God gives us the faith we need in order for us to be able to believe in him and receive salvation through him alone.

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this(faith) is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

As we turn to Jesus, in the midst of our sin… Jesus grants us faith and paradise.

Jesus grants us paradise not because we did something to deserve paradise. No! He grants Steve, You and You and You and Me, paradise, because he loves each and every one of us and wants more than anything that we live in relationship with him. Jesus collects souls too. Souls to live with him forever in paradise.

So, Steve, nodded and smiled.

In life we can always turn and listen and see and believe.

So, Steve, rest in peace, rest in paradise, there’s more to come. Much more to come as you rest with all God’s Children together.

1 Corinthians 15:20-24

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  For as by a man came death by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.  But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.  Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.

Steve, we struggled with you in these last few years to see a doctor. We could hardly even get it to happen. Little did I realize until now…

You didn’t want to see A doctor. Nope! You knew something we didn’t. You knew you needed THE Doctor.

Thanks, Steve that you made me part of your collection. And thanks for this eternal conversation that you let me have with you in God's presence.

I'm sure each of you will be reminded of your own eternal conversation that you have had with Steve. Cherish it, write it down maybe, hold it close, collect it in your mind, because it's worth so much more than any stuff you will ever collect.

And thanks be to God that he has collected Steve and You and You and You and Me into his saving arms! Turn to Jesus and believe… even if you only have a mustard seed of faith, given to you from above.

Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

Commendation

Let us commend Steve Hawkins to the mercy of God our maker and redeemer.

Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant, Steve. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. --- Amen

Rest eternal grant him, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him.

Merciful God, you heal the broken in heart and bind up the wounds of the afflicted. Strengthen us in our weakness, calm our troubled spirits, and dispel our doubts and fears. In Christ’s rising from the dead, you conquered death and opened the gates to everlasting life. Renew our trust in you that by the power of your love we shall one day be brought together again with our brother Steve. Grant this, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. --- Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those

who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil,

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

 

Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever. --- Amen

 

 

 

 

*Evangelical Lutheran Worship Copyright 2006 Augsburg Fortress, Publishers

*Biblical passages ESV

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - Matthew 10:5a, 21-33 - Exciting Life in Two Worlds

 

Exciting Life in Two Worlds

Matthew 10:5a, 21-33

These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them,

Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Wow! What a week I just endured. Another one of those full life cycle weeks that seem to happen right around my birthday. I went from a birthday celebration, as best as we could live, to the death of a dearly loved Brother-in-Law. He was my wife's dear friend, protector and childhood lifetime buddy and a great friend of mine for more than half a century. We lived close to each other both physically and in spirit and cared for one another throughout life.

As I studied this weeks Gospel passage; little did I realize how it would hit so close to home for me this week. So, here goes... my humble layman's study of this weeks Gospel Word. Please read the passage above and I'll let you fill in the gaps between my thoughts with the Word you hear from God for yourself. Law and Gospel are sprinkled throughout. You will need to pick up on it for yourself.

First off, be willing to suffer for the Truth. Notice the cap on Truth. Truth is Jesus in this case. Jesus suffered for you, and you will suffer as you are a disciple of Jesus.. But, remember... In the midst of persecution in this sinful world... remember Jesus... look to Jesus. Jesus suffering was NOT for nothing. Jesus suffering was FOR everything!

Next, don't expect to be treated better that Jesus was treated. We are Jesus disciples. We are Jesus followers. We are Jesus students. He is our Master. We are becoming "like" Jesus not by our own works, but through Jesus works in us and for us. We are not disciples in this world alone. As disciples we have Jesus with us and in us. Our Master, our Teacher, our Savior, is always with his disciples.

As disciples of Jesus he teaches us to have no fear as we proclaim his grace and love for all the world. Disciples of Jesus will be mistreated and persecuted. But... we know... as disciples... persecution can't touch the soul. The power of fear stops at the flesh and we know through Jesus, the we are MORE than flesh.

Jesus having given us the confidence we need over fear sends, us out of our small group of disciples into this sinful world to proclaim the reality of Jesus love all over the world and all over the place. Be bold! Be strong! Go in the confidence that only our Master can give to each one us. Proclaim the free love of God in Christ Jesus to all the people God gives to you each day of your life on this globe.

We are spirit in flesh. We are flesh bound to the Truth (Jesus) to the living God. 

(Now here is the part that struck me square in the face this week as I witnessed life and death.)

The body may die but the man does not die. God will keep us until his work is done and will gather us to take us home at death. Disciples face the fear of death. Jesus will give the faith needed to overcome fear. You can't muster up enough faith on your own to overcome the fear of death. We don't become faithful by our own works. Faith is a gift from God that shows us the Truth of God that we may turn to God in our sin and believe in God and God alone to overcome sin, death and the devil.

The spirit of man is beyond the earthly threat of death and separation from God. A disciples flesh and spirit are both in the hand of God. 

This sinful world has set a trap for disciples of Jesus. The more proud you become of yourself the less valuable you become. Stop it! Don't gaze on yourself! Rather, turn around and stare at God. God will provide all that you need... not you!

You see, God doesn't mass produce stuff. Everything God makes is uniquely made by God's own hands. God is the Etsy Master of all the universe.

In our uniqueness before God, disciples turn to God in conversation. Each day, turn to God, confess your sin. Only God can remake you. You can't make yourself "right." You just can't. It won't work. Only God can remake us... make us "right." So, each day, turn to God and face him. And as you face God, humble yourself. Humble yourself in love for God and love for all that God gives to you each and every day.

When we confess God on this earth; Jesus confesses his belief in us at the throne of God in heaven.

Proclaim the free loving grace of God's love to all the world. God loves it all and us all and gave his flesh and very life to defeat our own sin, our most grievous sin, through the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus, to make us his own... to open paradise with him... to rest in peace until we all are resurrected to new life with God forever. 

It's an Exciting Life in Two Worlds for us. Life is NOT boring. Life is a drama taking place in two worlds... today... tomorrow... and forever!

Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus, Lord and Savior of all, in all the worlds, and throughout all time and eternity!!! --- Amen

Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-20) - Third Sunday after Pentecost - Hearts overflowing

Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-20) ---(Please read link)

Gospel for the Third Sunday after Pentecost

"Hearts Overflowing"

Tell the story of Jesus. That's it! The Story will do it's own work. If people know about Jesus they will love him.

The characteristics of Jesus ministry is to Teach, Preach and Heal. These characteristics move beyond the body and include the soul. Jesus has compassion for all people. Jesus' motive is compassion both towards body and soul. A love for us here and now and a love to take us with him into eternity.

In Jesus we can find a compassion that means so much more than caring. Jesus has a compassion that is the pain of love. Jesus loves the "common" person because he knows the "common" person to be "uncommon." Uncommon enough that Jesus' compassion took him to the cross. This is a compassion in the pain of love.

In no way do we people, born into a world of sin, our own sin, and who die in our own sin, in this world of sin; deserve this compassionate pain of love through Jesus. But, Jesus loves us so much that he freely gives to us eternal life in his presence, both here and now, and forever with him, by taking upon himself our sin and putting it to death on a cross. And then... and then... he rose again in new life, promising a resurrection, with all who believe in him, to be with him forever, in perfect freedom and grace in resurrected bodies; perfect in his righteousness. Not our righteousness. but through him alone, will we be righteous.

But we are here and now. And Jesus chooses to use his disciples. Jesus' followers who believe in him rather than themselves. Jesus sends us to "Sow" the Word of God to all the world. We are Jesus' laborers or perhaps his farm workers, in this world in which we live. Workers sent to "Harvest" the field. The "Harvest" is often a symbol of the age to come. That age of eternity, in our own resurrection, as we live with Jesus into eternity.

Let's talk about disciples for a moment, working our way towards apostles. 

Disciples are ready to respond to the Gospel. The people of this world in which we live, are God's field in this illustration. People in this field of here and now, made for life with God. 

Disciples are ordinary people, but their greatness is in Christ. A disciple does not make a name for him or herself. A disciple lives out and through the name and works of Jesus. Disciples are diverse in temperament and gifts. Some disciples lead, some follow. All disciples need encouragement and correction. Together, disciples are like an orchestra, each different and vital to Jesus mission in the field.

Disciples are learners, and Apostles are sent out. Apostles are Disciples sent out into the field to harvest for Christ. Both are called to surrender their human pride and follow Jesus.

Jesus message does not stop at our lips. Jesus message proceeds from our joy overflowing our hearts in what God's grace gives to all the world. A sent disciple can't help themselves. God gives the grace of everlasting life freely to the underserving sinners who are disciples. As a result disciples can't help but to freely give God's grace to all in the field of the world in which we live today. Freely we receive Jesus, so freely we give to the world the grace of Jesus through us from Jesus. God's kingdom is only ours as we share it --- like in the field in which we live today.

As a disciple, we can't hug our salvation for ourselves. My salvation is not mine, My salvation is not something I earn or even gain by my own faith. My salvation is not from anything I do but rather it is a gift from God. In salvation the joy moves disciples to share it and give it freely in the harvest field of this world to anyone that would receive salvation's graceful love from God.

In this harvest field of God's grace, God gives all of us the universe to see with our eyes

AND

God gives Jesus for our soul.

Both are immeasurable gifts from God. See what God has done! See what God has done both for body and soul. We belong to God and God claims us as his own and loves us to death. God proved his love for all of us in this harvest field of life, God proved his love, especially for sinners, in giving himself all the way through, body, soul and into eternity.

So, as a disciple sent into the "Harvest Field," we trust God for the spoken Word he gives to and through us, that all may come to see the Grace of God in Jesus, to eternal life with him... today... tomorrow... and forever.

Hearts Overflowing - Thanks be to God!

Matthew 9:9-13 - Second Sunday after Pentecost - "In the Midst of Life"

 Matthew 9:9-13 English Standard Version

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

In the midst of life I look back and reflect on Sunday's Gospel. Sometimes it gets busy. Even at this moment as I come out of the fog of a couple of medical procedures, I realize, life gets complicated. It's the same way for most all of us. Life can get complicated, yet, as I reflect back on my past week's study of this passage, I can hear the voice of Jesus.

I take time each week to look ahead to the Gospel of the next Sunday. I read the Gospel each day and research, just a little bit, from Bible resources and commentaries. I listen to the Word spoken from the pulpit, from the pastor on Sunday. What I reflect upon here in this Blog, is just my thoughts and what I pick up throughout the week, and sometimes what I hear on Sunday. It all depends on when I write this Blog. My intention is to write ahead of hearing the message from the pulpit. But, sometimes I just get caught in the "Midst of Life."

I love that Jesus got caught up with Matthew in this week's Gospel, "In the Midst of Life." Jesus joins us in the "Midst of Life." Pretty much every day Jesus joins in with me in my life, wherever I happen to be, to call me, direct me, and most importantly, to love me. So, I turn to face Jesus. I face Jesus as the sinner that I am and listen. I face Jesus to be loved by him and to love him in return. I face Jesus with my sinful friends as we feast at the table "In the Midst of Life."

Jesus loved Matthew, a despised sinner, and called Matthew. I can relate to this love, as I too, am a despised sinner. Jesus cleanses Matthew and myself from sin and loves us. He loves us, not because we are good. I'm not all that good. I loves us because we are sinners and need him.

Matthew and I live by faith. Faith that God freely gives. I can never presume that my faith can save me. It's not about my faith. Faith is given to me and to Matthew and through this gift of faith, Matthew and I, and all the sinners at the Table of Life, can trust God to lead and guide us. We don't walk alone in this life. As we are "In the Midst of Life," we need a guide. And Jesus is our Guide, calling us to follow him. 

Jesus seeks out me, Matthew, and the group of sinners that I walk "In the Midst of Life" by my side with.  

Jesus treats people as individuals. Jesus has the cure for my sinful wickedness. Jesus gives this cure as a healing gift. A gift, to me, Matthew, and my fellow sinners, "In the Midst of Life."

I know my unrighteousness and turn to face righteous Jesus, and live in him. I live being fully convinced that God is able to do all he promises. I live to listen to God teach me good judgment and knowledge. I listen to Jesus Word... and return to face God in my sinfulness with a steadfast love that I see Jesus show me in accepting my as the sinner I am, yet loving me to death and new life in him. Not by anything I have done. My sacrifices are worthless to God. It's only through the mercy of God's love for me, for Matthew, and for all sinners, "In the Midst of Life," that we may live.

Jesus wants mercy not sacrifice. So, I'm called by Jesus to love in mercy all those God gives to me in this space and this place of my life. I'm called through the love of Jesus to emulate that love to the sinners that I live with "In the Midst of Life." I'm called "In the Midst of my Life" and in the "Midst of the Life" of those I am with to sit at Table, and Love as Jesus loves all of us.

As Jesus joins, me, Matthew, and you, "In the Midst of Life;" we gather in love with one another and in the love of Jesus to live out our lives... here... now... in this space... in this time... together.

Lord, thank you for loving me and all the sinners of this world. May we all live out your mercy and love together, "In the Midst of Life," today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen

Doubt in Dirty Flesh - Matthew 28:16-20 - Holy Trinity Sunday

 

Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.  And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Oh boy! Doubt! How much I doubt! Doubt can haunt my soul. But I still doubt. 

This passage of scripture gives: 

direction... to the mountain... 

worship and doubt... 

authority... 

the Triune God... 

and Jesus' eternal presence.

It's the doubt that trips me up. I doubt! Sin clouds my faith. Faith that God graciously gives to me, not faith from my own actions or mind. Sin clouds the faith God has given to me and makes my eyesight towards God dim. Was the resurrection really true? Did I really see Jesus? Enter... DOUBT. I think this same doubt was with the disciples in this passage as well. And if all of us are honest about it... We all doubt.

In doubt there is something good however. In doubt, I am acknowledging the God exists. In doubt, I have already seen God. The opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is cynicism. When I doubt, I actually have turned towards God. When I turn towards God, I pray about my doubt and God lovingly looks towards me and gives me faith. It's not my faith. it's God's gift of faith to me that counts.

And then Jesus gives authority to the disciples throughout time. It's not WWJD... No! It's WWJHMD!

What Would Jesus Have Me Do

So, I pray in the midst of my doubt for God to lead and guide me each and every day. What is the will of God for me in this life God has given me today. Lord do what?

And then the disciples, into eternity, are sent to share the joy of Jesus with all the world! In the daily goings of life share your joy of Jesus with all the people God gives to you. As you are going through this life, in this world of sin and death, go and baptize and teach the joy of Jesus.

We move beyond the Stone Tablets of the Law, to the Law made flesh and fulfilled in Jesus. The Holy Spirit moves us to give God's gift of Baptism, to Teach God's gift of Grace in the living flesh of Jesus, our new Law.

God gathers the disciples, new, old, and yet to be, in the power of God the Creator, Redeemer, and Advocate. God gathers people in the Baptism of intimate love in the Triune God. God comes to us, despite our doubt and sin, to give us this baptism of life in him.

And... Jesus is always present. Jesus is here, and with us... Living... not dead... Forever and Always.

Lord Jesus, as I go... Lead and guide me to the people you give to me in this place and in this time to share the Joy of you... the Joy of the Trinity in Baptism and Word... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen!