Good evening, Internet. Forgive my absence these past couple of days. It's finals week here at my university, which means absolute insanity for the next week. But I'm back, and here to talk to you today about the Creed.
In the course of his earthly ministry, Jesus put this hard question to
his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" He wasn't asking for the
opinions of the crowds. He wanted a confession of faith. In reality,
this confession is no different than the confession of sins. In both, we
acknowledge that what God has said is true. When we confess our sins,
we acknowledge the truth that God speaks about us--that we are sinners.
When we confess the faith of the church in the creed, our confession
speaks about God--who he is and what he has done.
In every age,
the same question is put to the church: who do you say that I am? As we
open our mouths and begin, "I believe in God, the Father Almighty . . .
," we confess a profound truth that has passed over the lips of
Christians in every generation. This confession of the triune God is the
property of no single individual, but of the whole church, including
the whole company of heaven. There are more than a few saints and
martyrs who put their lives on the line as they defended the truths that
we confess in the creeds. Think of Athanasius, that faithful
fourth-century pastor and confessor, who was exiled numerous times for
his defense of the truth against the false teachers of his day. Or
Luther, who stood firm against the combined might of the Roman Church
and the Holy Roman Empire. In our own day, there are faithful Christians
who risk their lives--and sometimes die--to confess these truths.
In
the Revelation to St. John, we find confession going on in heaven. Just
listen to the snippets of the grand confession that swirls around God's
throne: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! (4:8b) Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created (4:11). Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth (5:9-10).
In the same way, as we stand on holy ground where Jesus comes in his
Word and Sacraments, we join that noble company of saints and martyrs,
confessing these holy truths concerning the triune God.
Blessed Eastertide,
Manny Tovar
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Series on Liturgy part 5: The Word of God and the Sermon
In most Evangelical churches in the United States, this part is the central focus of the church service. In liturgical services, it is not. That is not to diminish the role Holy Scripture plays in the life of the Church, for we hold it in high regard. But the true center of the service is yet to come. Today I would like to talk about both the public reading of Holy Scripture and the sermon. They occur at different times in the liturgy, but they both deal with the same topic, which is the Bible, so I've decided to include them as one.
Frequently we conclude the reading of Holy Scripture with the phrase, "This is the Word of the Lord!" More than just a "word" from God, this is his revelation in which he makes known to us his will, most specifically, his merciful will that desires our salvation. Ultimately, this word points us to the Word, the incarnate Son of God. He is God's final and full revelation to us, the mirror of the Father's heart. That is the point that the writer to the Hebrews makes in the opening verses of his epistle: "In many and various ways God spoke to his people of old by the prophets, but now in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son" (Heb. 1:1-2a). Only through him--God's only Son--are we able to know the Father's favor and grace.
In the sermon, the Word of God is brought to bear on the lives of the hearers. This is the equivalent of sitting at the feet of Jesus. But it's more than mere instruction. Through the sermon, God speaks to us with his two-edged sword of condemnation and promise, Law and Gospel. The subject of the sermon is both God and us. Through the sermon we come to a better understanding of ourselves, especially our need for God's forgiveness. But we also come face to face with God's mercy and love. Week after week, God's faithful hear the voice of their Good Shepherd, preparing them, in a sense, for that final day when Jesus calls them to their eternal reward.
Blessed Eastertide,
Manny Tovar
Frequently we conclude the reading of Holy Scripture with the phrase, "This is the Word of the Lord!" More than just a "word" from God, this is his revelation in which he makes known to us his will, most specifically, his merciful will that desires our salvation. Ultimately, this word points us to the Word, the incarnate Son of God. He is God's final and full revelation to us, the mirror of the Father's heart. That is the point that the writer to the Hebrews makes in the opening verses of his epistle: "In many and various ways God spoke to his people of old by the prophets, but now in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son" (Heb. 1:1-2a). Only through him--God's only Son--are we able to know the Father's favor and grace.
In the sermon, the Word of God is brought to bear on the lives of the hearers. This is the equivalent of sitting at the feet of Jesus. But it's more than mere instruction. Through the sermon, God speaks to us with his two-edged sword of condemnation and promise, Law and Gospel. The subject of the sermon is both God and us. Through the sermon we come to a better understanding of ourselves, especially our need for God's forgiveness. But we also come face to face with God's mercy and love. Week after week, God's faithful hear the voice of their Good Shepherd, preparing them, in a sense, for that final day when Jesus calls them to their eternal reward.
Blessed Eastertide,
Manny Tovar
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Series on Liturgy part 4: The Hymn of Praise
Good evening, internet. Today I want to talk about the hymn of praise sung after the Kyrie. The Lutheran Church traditionally has used the hymn Gloria in Excelsis Deo, which is Latin for “Glory to God in the highest".
On the night of Jesus’ birth, the angels let loose their earth-shattering song of praise: "Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." On that specific occasion, their praise gave utterance to the good news that the Son of God had come in the flesh. Heaven had come down to earth! And ever since, the Church has continued to rejoice in this miracle of our salvation.
The opening words of the Gloria in Excelsis are followed by a hymn of praise to the triune God. One can imagine the faithful singing these words in heaven: "We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory." Our focus is on the incarnate Son of God, the only-begotten Son, the Lamb of God, and only Son of the Father. And if that isn’t enough to name this One who is the object of our worship and praise, twice we sing, "you take away the sin of the world." There it is, the heart and substance of the Christian faith. In heaven we will be gathered around the throne and the Lamb, confessing that he alone is holy, he alone is the Lord.
The opening words of the Gloria in Excelsis are followed by a hymn of praise to the triune God. One can imagine the faithful singing these words in heaven: "We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory." Our focus is on the incarnate Son of God, the only-begotten Son, the Lamb of God, and only Son of the Father. And if that isn’t enough to name this One who is the object of our worship and praise, twice we sing, "you take away the sin of the world." There it is, the heart and substance of the Christian faith. In heaven we will be gathered around the throne and the Lamb, confessing that he alone is holy, he alone is the Lord.
Blessed Eastertide,
Manny Tovar
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Liturgy Series Part 3: The Kyrie
Kyrie, eleison. One of the many Greek words that have come to us through time. It's Greek for "Lord, have mercy". I would like to expound on this thought of asking for mercy.
In this world of sin and death, Christians have plenty of opportunities to join in the brief, yet all-encompassing prayer of the Kyrie: "Lord, have mercy." All around us we see the results of hatred, envy, lust, and greed. Surely, the world is in need of God’s mercy. It’s no wonder that the Church, in her worship, pleads before God on behalf of the whole world. It’s a prayer that no one else is going pray.
Yet, when we cry out, "Lord, have mercy," there is confidence in our voices because we know that God is indeed merciful. He desires to bring relief to the suffering that is all around us. Our prayer may not always bring an immediate response–at least, not the response that we are seeking–but even then, we commend ourselves and the whole world to a merciful God.
Like the confession of sins, however, our cry for mercy will be silenced in heaven. There we will see the results of God’s mercy, as before the throne and in front of the Lamb will stand all the redeemed–not one of them worthy of the honor.
What a wonderful assurance during this Easter season.
Blessed Eastertide,
Manny Tovar
In this world of sin and death, Christians have plenty of opportunities to join in the brief, yet all-encompassing prayer of the Kyrie: "Lord, have mercy." All around us we see the results of hatred, envy, lust, and greed. Surely, the world is in need of God’s mercy. It’s no wonder that the Church, in her worship, pleads before God on behalf of the whole world. It’s a prayer that no one else is going pray.
Yet, when we cry out, "Lord, have mercy," there is confidence in our voices because we know that God is indeed merciful. He desires to bring relief to the suffering that is all around us. Our prayer may not always bring an immediate response–at least, not the response that we are seeking–but even then, we commend ourselves and the whole world to a merciful God.
Like the confession of sins, however, our cry for mercy will be silenced in heaven. There we will see the results of God’s mercy, as before the throne and in front of the Lamb will stand all the redeemed–not one of them worthy of the honor.
What a wonderful assurance during this Easter season.
Blessed Eastertide,
Manny Tovar
Monday, April 21, 2014
Series on Liturgy part 2: Confession and Absolution
Confession. It's something all of us struggle with, Christian or not. And you may be wondering, "Why is this a part of the liturgy"? We as human beings have sinned before almighty God. Confession and Absolution forces us to acknowledge our sinful flesh, and we receive the assurance of God's forgiveness given through the lips of the pastor.
We can indeed approach God with confidence. And yet, because we stand on this side of our Lord’s final return, we still have with us the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh. We have not yet faced the final judgment. And so, with sin still working in us, the condemnation of God’s Law must still confront us, lest we have any delusions that we might have something to boast of before our mighty Judge.
Above all else, Confession and Absolution keep us honest–honest with ourselves and honest before God. The act of confession is not some work that we lay before the Father’s throne; rather, it is the simple acknowledgment that God’s Word is true and right and that when we measure ourselves against its demands, we come up short. God’s Word says "you shall not give false testimony," but in truth we have lied and gossiped and slandered." And so, the Christian confesses: "Lord, Your Word is true; I have sinned."
There are three basic ways to handle sin and guilt. One is to ignore or minimize them. We’ve all been tempted in that direction more than a few times. Isn’t that, after all, what our sinful human nature is all about? Another way is to institutionalize them, especially the guilt part. After all, if you can keep people feeling just guilty enough, you will keep them coming back for more.
The third way is to give sin and guilt their proper due, and then to silence them. That is the way of God’s absolution. With his forgiveness, our sin is removed from us as far as the east is from the west. Christians know that, but they also need to hear it often. We need to be reminded that those familiar words, "I forgive you all your sins," are not just some impersonal announcement. They say what they mean and accomplish what they promise. Jesus himself said to his disciples that the sins they forgive are forgiven (John 20:23).
The last and greatest absolution that will ever be spoken to us will be at the last judgment. In the final pages of the Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis provides a marvelous description of this event. As each individual comes before Aslan–the lion who is Lewis’ figure for Christ–one of two things happens: either the person gazes directly into Aslan’s face and recognizes his forgiving countenance, or, upon seeing the lion’s stern demeanor, passes into his long shadow, forever to be separated from Christ.
In the Confession and Absolution we are being readied for our appearance before Christ on the Last Day. And hidden behind those comforting words that our sins are forgiven is the invitation, "Come, you who are blessed by my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Mt. 25:34). When our Lord speaks those words to us at the Last Day, Confession and Absolution as we know it will cease, for we will then bask in the eternal absolution of the Lamb.
Blessed Eastertide,
Manny Tovar
We can indeed approach God with confidence. And yet, because we stand on this side of our Lord’s final return, we still have with us the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh. We have not yet faced the final judgment. And so, with sin still working in us, the condemnation of God’s Law must still confront us, lest we have any delusions that we might have something to boast of before our mighty Judge.
Above all else, Confession and Absolution keep us honest–honest with ourselves and honest before God. The act of confession is not some work that we lay before the Father’s throne; rather, it is the simple acknowledgment that God’s Word is true and right and that when we measure ourselves against its demands, we come up short. God’s Word says "you shall not give false testimony," but in truth we have lied and gossiped and slandered." And so, the Christian confesses: "Lord, Your Word is true; I have sinned."
There are three basic ways to handle sin and guilt. One is to ignore or minimize them. We’ve all been tempted in that direction more than a few times. Isn’t that, after all, what our sinful human nature is all about? Another way is to institutionalize them, especially the guilt part. After all, if you can keep people feeling just guilty enough, you will keep them coming back for more.
The third way is to give sin and guilt their proper due, and then to silence them. That is the way of God’s absolution. With his forgiveness, our sin is removed from us as far as the east is from the west. Christians know that, but they also need to hear it often. We need to be reminded that those familiar words, "I forgive you all your sins," are not just some impersonal announcement. They say what they mean and accomplish what they promise. Jesus himself said to his disciples that the sins they forgive are forgiven (John 20:23).
The last and greatest absolution that will ever be spoken to us will be at the last judgment. In the final pages of the Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis provides a marvelous description of this event. As each individual comes before Aslan–the lion who is Lewis’ figure for Christ–one of two things happens: either the person gazes directly into Aslan’s face and recognizes his forgiving countenance, or, upon seeing the lion’s stern demeanor, passes into his long shadow, forever to be separated from Christ.
In the Confession and Absolution we are being readied for our appearance before Christ on the Last Day. And hidden behind those comforting words that our sins are forgiven is the invitation, "Come, you who are blessed by my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Mt. 25:34). When our Lord speaks those words to us at the Last Day, Confession and Absolution as we know it will cease, for we will then bask in the eternal absolution of the Lamb.
Blessed Eastertide,
Manny Tovar
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Easter Sunday
“Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!” If you're not familiar with this greeting, you should familiarize yourself with this greeting, since it's not going away any time soon. At least for the next 50 days. This is known as the Paschal greeting, and it replaces the traditional sharing of the peace in liturgical churches during the Easter season. Yes. I said “season”. Like Christmas, Lutherans (and other Christians) don't observe Easter only today, but for the next 50 days, and today is simply the beginning of this most glorious season.
Blessed Eastertide,
Manny Tovar
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Holy Saturday
“Rejoice now, all you heavenly choirs of angels; rejoice now, all creation; Sound forth, trumpet of salvation, and proclaim the triumph of our King. Rejoice too, all the earth, in the radiance of the light now poured upon you and made brilliant by the brightness of the everlasting King; know that the ancient darkness has been forever banished. Rejoice, O Church of Christ, clothed in the brightness of this light; let all this house of God ring out with rejoicing, with the praises of all God's faithful people. It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places, with all our heart and mind and voice, praise You, O Lord, Holy Father, almighty everlasting God, and your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. For He is the very Paschal Lamb Who offered Himself for the sin of the world, who has cleansed us by the shedding of His precious blood. This is the night when You brought our fathers, the children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt and led them through the Red Sea on dry ground. This is the night when all who believe in Christ are delivered from bondage to sin and are restored to life and immortality. This is the night when Christ, the Life, rose from the dead. The seal of the grave is broken and the morning of a new creation breaks forth out of night. How wonderful and beyond all telling is Your mercy toward us, O God, that to redeem a slave You gave Your Son. How holy is this night when all wickedness is put to flight and sin is washed away. How holy is this night when innocence is restored to the fallen and joy is given to those downcast. How blessed is this night when man is reconciled to God in Christ. Holy Father, Accept now the evening sacrifices of our thanksgiving and praise. Let Christ, the true light and morning star, shine in our hearts, He who gives light to all creation, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.” (The Exsultet)
Blessed Easter, Manny Tovar
Friday, April 18, 2014
Good Friday
Good Friday. The day when the Church commemorates the Passion and death of our Lord. If you have the opportunity to attend a Good Friday Divine Service, it will change how you view Good Friday. Why is it that the day is called "Good" Friday? Jesus dies today, and that is anything but good. But it is good, for it is in Jesus' death that He overcame sin, death, and the devil. The Gospel reading for Good Friday, according to the LSB (Lutheran Service Book, the most used hymnal in LCMS churches) is the Passion account according to John's Gospel. It is too long to put here, so I'll include a link to the entire account below.
You'll realize that the title of today's post does not include the prefix "Lenten Journey". Why is that? Because yesterday, Holy (Maundy) Thursday, oficially ended Lent and began what is called the Triduum, or the Three Days: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. As I contemplate the holy life and bitter sufferings and death of the Lord Jesus Christ, I am nearly brought to tears. For I am just as guilty of putting Jesus to death as the Romans are, for it was for MY sins that He died!
You'll realize that the title of today's post does not include the prefix "Lenten Journey". Why is that? Because yesterday, Holy (Maundy) Thursday, oficially ended Lent and began what is called the Triduum, or the Three Days: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. As I contemplate the holy life and bitter sufferings and death of the Lord Jesus Christ, I am nearly brought to tears. For I am just as guilty of putting Jesus to death as the Romans are, for it was for MY sins that He died!
 |
| Christ on the Cross by Carl Heinrich Bloch
Blessed Good Friday,
|
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: Maundy Thursday
And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Mark 14:22-26)
Now, while the Sacrament is the main thing emphasized tonight, it is not the only thing happening tonight. Amidst all of the excitement and anticipation for the reception and celebration of the Blessed Sacrament, this is also the night when our Lord agonized in the Gethsemane. Here to relate the account is the apostle St. Matthew.
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” (Matt. 26:36-46)
Blessed Holy Week
Manny Tovar
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: The Wednesday of Holy Week
Good evening, Internet. Tomorrow is Maundy Thursday, the day when the Church commemorates the institution of the Lord's Supper. It is something that I am excited to participate in. But I want to focus on today. Again, today's lectionary Epistle reading is one that grabbed my attention.
“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person–though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die– but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:6-8) Humans are reluctant to sacrifice for others. A few people might die for one who seemed particularly righteous or for one who had done them some good, but those are rare occurrences. Christ died, not for righteous people or for those who had helped Him, but for sinners. This is grace.
Blessed Holy Week,
Manny Tovar
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: The Tuesday of Holy Week
Good evening, Internet. As I mentioned yesterday, I have been reading the lectionary readings for each Sunday devotionally throughout the year (a practice I highly encourage), and it has really helped me in my Bible reading time. Again, the Epistle reading for the Tuesday of Holy Week, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, just peeled my eyes wide open. This time, it has to do with preaching. St. Paul says this about what him and the other apostles were preaching: "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing? How can that be? Because the image of God allowing Himself to be killed is something that the world does not understand. Frankly, it's something that I don't understand myself. But I thank God that He has not called me to understand everything, but to simply trust Him. What a relief that is! While there is nothing wrong with wanting to see proof for some things in life, there are some things that we as humans just cannot grasp. And that's all right. Verse 23 sets the standard for what should be preached in the pulpit today: "We preach Christ crucified..."
As a future pastor, this verse is applicable to me, even as I am still studying for my bachelor's degree. I am taking Hermeneutics (the science of biblical interpretation) this coming fall. To make sure that my sermons have a proper distinction between Law and Gospel, as well as to preach Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins is something I want to get a good handle on as early as I can. The Christian Church needs faithful men to preach what the Bible actually says, not what people want to hear, and unfortunately that is what I hear when I hear some well-known preachers. For this, I ask for your prayers, that I would be found a faithful preacher of God's Word. I ask any Christian who reads this post today, to pray for your pastors, that they may preach Christ and Him crucified, not what they think people want to hear.
To finish up tonight, I want to leave you with the last part of the Epistle reading for today. Have a wonderful day/evening/night, wherever and whoever you are.
Blessed Holy Week,
Manny Tovar
As a future pastor, this verse is applicable to me, even as I am still studying for my bachelor's degree. I am taking Hermeneutics (the science of biblical interpretation) this coming fall. To make sure that my sermons have a proper distinction between Law and Gospel, as well as to preach Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins is something I want to get a good handle on as early as I can. The Christian Church needs faithful men to preach what the Bible actually says, not what people want to hear, and unfortunately that is what I hear when I hear some well-known preachers. For this, I ask for your prayers, that I would be found a faithful preacher of God's Word. I ask any Christian who reads this post today, to pray for your pastors, that they may preach Christ and Him crucified, not what they think people want to hear.
To finish up tonight, I want to leave you with the last part of the Epistle reading for today. Have a wonderful day/evening/night, wherever and whoever you are.
Blessed Holy Week,
Manny Tovar
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (I Corinthians 1:20-25)
Monday, April 14, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: The Monday of Holy Week
Good evening, internet. Today was a good day. As we draw closer to the Easter Triiduum (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday), the work of the cross is become an ever-present reality. I have been reading the lectionary readings devotionally for some time now, and the Epistle reading for today really struck me. It's Hebrews 9:11-15 (I won't quote it here, but it is worth it to look it up for yourselves). But in this section, the author makes the argument that Christ's sacrifice excels far greater than the Old Testament animal sacrifices. This verse really caught my attention: “... He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by the means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption” (italics mine). With His sacrifice, Christ freed us from our imprisonment. Because His sacrifice is eternal, it needs no repetition like the Old Testament sacrifices. When Jesus said, “It is finished”, He meant it.
Blessed Holy Week,
Manny Tovar
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: Palm Sunday
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” (Matt. 21:1-11)
Good evening, Internet. Today is Palm Sunday (also known as the Sunday of the Passion), the first day of what is called Holy Week. The passage quoted above is taken from Matthew's account of the Triumphal Entry, which marked Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. This day, as I mentioned, is also referred to as the Sunday of the Passion, for this week culminates on Good Friday, when the Church commemorates the redemptive sacrifice that Christ made on sinful man's behalf. All throughout Lent, we are invited to join Jesus on the via dolorosa, or sorrowful way. This is somehow more intensified during Holy Week, when the days count down until Good Friday, when we behold our Savior enduring the sorrowful way to the end. But Good Friday is not the end of the story. But it is a necessary stop on our journey with Jesus. For without Good Friday there cannot be an Easter Sunday, and vice versa. But I fear I am getting too far ahead of myself, so I will attempt to focus back on today's events. Matthew says that what has been spoken by the prophet has been fulfilled. Which of the numerous prophets is he referring to? He is referring to a prophecy made by Zechariah, in which he describes the way in which the coming King is to come. Not as the people envisioned him, high and mighty, but low and humble (see Zechariah 9).
So, on this Palm Sunday 2014, here is a promise from God's word: Your King is coming. He came before, as the babe of Bethlehem, and He is coming again, but this time as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Blessed Holy Week,
Manny Tovar
Friday, April 11, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: The Friday before Holy Week
Good evening, Internet. This evening I would like to talk about repentance. It's a pretty important theme in Lent, I mean, after the passion of Christ, repentance is one of the central themes in the season of Lent. I want to look at a well-known prayer of repentance found in the Scriptures. Psalm 51 (50 in the Latin Vulgate), is King David's most well-known Psalm, having to do with his repentance and detest of his sin of adultery with Bathsheba.
Traditionally, this Psalm has been referred to as the Miserere, taken from the opening words of the Psalm in Latin: Miserere mei Deus, secundum magnam misericordiam tuam. This prayer has been a source of consolation and contrition for millions of Christians in the entire world, for it deals with something that we as humans know all too well: sin. This Psalm strikes to the heart of our issue and forces us to accept something we wish were not true; namely that we will never be perfect in this earthly life. From the time we are born, we are destined for judgment, for we are born sinners (Ps. 51:5). When we sin, we offend God with what we have done, and have two options. Either we can remain in our sin and live in rebellion to God, or we can acknowledge our sin, and repent for having commited it. It really is up to the person. Scripture is filled with warnings and admonitions for both of these outcomes.
Let's take a look at both scenarios, one by one. Let's say that you, a Christian, commit a sin. You know full well that what you have done has offended God, but you are unwilling to repent and turn away from your sin, instead choosing to live a life in rebellion to God, continuing in a sinful lifestyle. What is the outcome? The author of Hebrews gives us this sombering admonition: "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay.' And again, 'The Lord will judge his people.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:26-31) But let's say that you, after having commited the sin, recognize what you have done, feel contrition for your actions, and repent to God, asking for His forgiveness and mercy. What can that person expect? The apostle St. John, in his first letter, gives us this assurance: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Repentance. It is a scary thing, for it forces us to have to deal with the monster that dwells within us, sin. And sin always brings death and separation from God. How much more blessed our lives could be if, when we commit a sin of any kind, realized that we have sinned against almighty God Himself, and pray for His mercy and forgiveness? So, as the days dwindle down until the beginning of Holy Week, let us remember the wonderful Gospel message: that Christ died to bring forgiveness of sins and everlasting life to all who would receive it. Christ died for you, dear reader, to forgive you of your sins. There is not one sin that Christ did not die for.
God bless,
Manny Tovar
(Here is a link to the Latin Vulgate's translation of Psalm 51: Psalm 50 in the Latin Vulgate)
(Here is a beautiful rendition of Psalm 51 set to music)
Traditionally, this Psalm has been referred to as the Miserere, taken from the opening words of the Psalm in Latin: Miserere mei Deus, secundum magnam misericordiam tuam. This prayer has been a source of consolation and contrition for millions of Christians in the entire world, for it deals with something that we as humans know all too well: sin. This Psalm strikes to the heart of our issue and forces us to accept something we wish were not true; namely that we will never be perfect in this earthly life. From the time we are born, we are destined for judgment, for we are born sinners (Ps. 51:5). When we sin, we offend God with what we have done, and have two options. Either we can remain in our sin and live in rebellion to God, or we can acknowledge our sin, and repent for having commited it. It really is up to the person. Scripture is filled with warnings and admonitions for both of these outcomes.
Let's take a look at both scenarios, one by one. Let's say that you, a Christian, commit a sin. You know full well that what you have done has offended God, but you are unwilling to repent and turn away from your sin, instead choosing to live a life in rebellion to God, continuing in a sinful lifestyle. What is the outcome? The author of Hebrews gives us this sombering admonition: "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay.' And again, 'The Lord will judge his people.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:26-31) But let's say that you, after having commited the sin, recognize what you have done, feel contrition for your actions, and repent to God, asking for His forgiveness and mercy. What can that person expect? The apostle St. John, in his first letter, gives us this assurance: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Repentance. It is a scary thing, for it forces us to have to deal with the monster that dwells within us, sin. And sin always brings death and separation from God. How much more blessed our lives could be if, when we commit a sin of any kind, realized that we have sinned against almighty God Himself, and pray for His mercy and forgiveness? So, as the days dwindle down until the beginning of Holy Week, let us remember the wonderful Gospel message: that Christ died to bring forgiveness of sins and everlasting life to all who would receive it. Christ died for you, dear reader, to forgive you of your sins. There is not one sin that Christ did not die for.
God bless,
Manny Tovar
(Here is a link to the Latin Vulgate's translation of Psalm 51: Psalm 50 in the Latin Vulgate)
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: The Thursday before Holy Week
Good evening, Internet. Today has been a wonderful day. Classes went well, without a hitch. Tomorrow is Friday, which gives me oodles of joy just thinking about it. I'm starting to understand that things are not as difficult as we make them seem. This seems especially prevalent in the Christian world today in regards to the will of God. The will of God is something every Christian would like to know for their life, myself included. But knowing what God's will for our life is is not as hard as people make it seem. For example, do you want to know who you should marry? Here's what God says about it: "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14). Are you torn between two gorgeous females (or males)? Are they both Christians? If so, then it's simple: choose the one you like the most! It really IS that simple! Are you wondering how to be a better spouse? "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church..." (Ephesians 5:22, 25). I don't really understand why human beings have to go around making things more difficult than they have to be. But I'm guilty of this too, so I guess I need to analyze myself, too. One of the things that drew me to confessional Lutheranism is the doctrine of vocation. A summarized explanation of this doctrine is given by Dr. Gene Edward Veith is this: "The purpose of one's vocation, whatever it might be, is serving others.
It has to do with fulfilling Christ's injunction to love one's
neighbor." Before this turns into a mini-sermon, I'm going to end it now. I hope you have a good day/evening/night, dear reader, and I shall see you tomorrow.
To end, I leave you with a Lenten prayer by Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "God of the day and of the night, in me there is darkness, but with You there is light. I am alone, but You will not leave me. I am weak, but You will come to my help. I am restless, but You are my peace. I am in haste, but You are the God of infinite patience. I am confused and lost, but You are eternal wisdom and You direct my path; now and for ever. Amen."
God bless,
Manny Tovar
(Here is a link to a great article by Dr. Veith on the doctrine of vocation: The Doctrine of Vocation: How God Hides Himself in Human Work)
To end, I leave you with a Lenten prayer by Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "God of the day and of the night, in me there is darkness, but with You there is light. I am alone, but You will not leave me. I am weak, but You will come to my help. I am restless, but You are my peace. I am in haste, but You are the God of infinite patience. I am confused and lost, but You are eternal wisdom and You direct my path; now and for ever. Amen."
God bless,
Manny Tovar
(Here is a link to a great article by Dr. Veith on the doctrine of vocation: The Doctrine of Vocation: How God Hides Himself in Human Work)
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: The Wednesday before Holy Week
Good evening, Internet. Lent will soon draw to a close, and with it, these chronicles of my journey through my first Lent. It truly has been an honor to share my thoughts and reflections with you all these past forty days, but alas, all good things must come to an end. (We're not done yet, so don't fret!) I had the opportunity today to talk to two of my guy friends who I truly respect and admire. Both conversations were absolutely amazing. One of them is a sort of accountability partner, while my other friend is someone who I hadn't talked to in a while, and we just took the time to catch up and talked about pretty much whatever came to our minds. It truly made me thank God for friendship. Sure not all people will be your friend, but the people who are, and especially those who you consider good friends, are people you need to thank God for, for it is He who gave you them in the first place. It made me consider and ponder on the diversity in the Body of Christ. All of us (Christians) are in different walks of life; we all come from different ethnic backgrounds, from different countries, and from different cultures. But God is able to take a bunch of people, who in normal circumstances, wouldn't even give a second look at a person in Spain, for example. But because of Christ and what He has done for us, those of us in His Body are able to relate to each other on one thing we hold in common, which is the most important link of all: Christ. Like any family, we have our disagreements, and we may even argue sometimes. But realizing that we are all in this together and to give room for our disagreements is something that is crucial if we want to live as Christ would have us live.
"Now you [all] are the body of Christ and individually members of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27).
God bless,
Manny Tovar
"Now you [all] are the body of Christ and individually members of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27).
God bless,
Manny Tovar
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: The Tuesday of the fifth week of Lent
Good evening, internet. This post will be fairly short: God is faithful.
God bless,
Manny Tovar
Monday, April 7, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: the Monday of the fifth week of Lent
Good evening, Internet. It's Monday. Another start to yet another week. And at times, it gets boring. University life is not all it is cracked up to be. I love reading as much as the next guy (ok, maybe a bit too much), but even I have my limit. Being at a Christian university, you would think that would lighten the load. It doesn't. There is just as much pressure at a Christian university than at a secular one. It's awesome having Jesus at every corner, but that doesn't help deal with the agony of papers. As Holy Week draws ever so closer, I seem to be appreciating the little things a bit more. For what Christ did was no little thing, but through that, I can appreciate and thank God for the little things He does in my life, like giving me breath thus far. Christ has paid the price, my friend. Nothing and no one else can take that place. And that includes you.
God bless,
Manny Tovar
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: The Sunday of the fifth week of Lent
Good evening, Internet. This week next Sunday begins Holy Week, the culmination of what Lent has been preparing us for: the cross of Christ. During this week before, we prepare our hearts in advance to ponder anew the sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf. I have learned much about myself this past week, and I pray to the Lord that what I learn this week will help me to recognize my need of Him even more. I have realized what a sinner I am without Christ, and what a sinner I am with Him. You may say, how are you a sinner with Christ. Just because I received Christ doesn't mean that I stop being a sinner. This is what Luther referred to as simul iustus et peccator: Simultaneously saint and sinner. And to be honest, it is one of the most freeing concepts I have ever learned about.
God bless,
Manny Tovar
God bless,
Manny Tovar
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: The Thursday of the fifth week of Lent
Good evening, internet. Tomorrow is Friday. That makes me SO happy. I am SO excited for this week to be over. It has been a long week, and I cannot wait for Holy Week to arrive! But, alas, I must wait. God is still working on my heart, and from the looks of it, He'll be working on it long after Lent is over. But that is fine. I've come to realize lately how much I need God. Which is a good realization, right? I pray for continued perseverance in the faith, and for God to give me the strength to love Him with all my heart, strength, and mind, and to love my neighbor as myself. That will take awhile. I want to leave you with this: dear reader, Christ has died for YOU. Whoever you are that is reading this, Jesus Christ bled and shed His blood on the cross for you.
God bless,
Manny Tovar
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: the Wednesday of the fifth week of Lent
Good evening, internet. Today was an awesome day!!! All my classes went without a hitch, and I met with a guy I really admire. His name is Kyle, and he is a vicar at the church which I attend. In Lutheran lingo, a vicar is a man who is in seminary studying to be a pastor. He has an entire year of hands-on-experience, called a vicarage, in which he gets to work with a pastor in learning the ropes of how to be a pastor. We had some coffee, and chatted for around two hours. I got some really great insights from him about my future seminary career! Then my church had a Wednesday Lenten service, and that was amazing, as well. This upcoming week is the last week of Lent, and thus the last week of my first Lenten journey. I leave you now, and hope you have a great day/evening/night, wherever and whoever you are, dear reader.
May the love of Christ, the peace of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.
Manny Tovar
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Lenten Journey 2014: the Tuesday of the fourth week of Lent
Good evening, internet. Today has been a great day. I find myself in anticipation for Easter Sunday, when the Church proclaims the fulcrum of the Christian faith: “Alleluia, the Lord is risen!” But to get to Easter Sunday, we must traverse through Good Friday, when the salvation for all mankind was obtained by a Man upon a cross. A cross that changed the course of history forever. For Christ in that second was able to undo the curse which took only a second in the Garden. Christ, no matter which way you look at Him, is the Paradox of paradoxes. And that's perfectly fine with me.
God bless,
Manny Tovar
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)