Well, welcome here this morning. This first 4 weeks of August we’ve been answering big questions about life and about faith, and so we’ve talked about seizing life and about joining community and we’ve talked about deepening our faith last week. (it’s been great).
Well this week we’re also gonna answer a couple very big questions that I get asked at least 50 times every year.
How can I understand God more fully.
And what do I do with my past.
And so this day’s message is all about being lost and then found, and it’s all about finding forgiveness that leads to freedom.
These next moments are for anybody who’s ever felt guilt or
shame and found themselves in need of God’s grace. And I think (at least the last time I checked) that’s all of us – so lean in and hear this and feel it this morning.
Start with a famous story Jesus told that describes who God is and who we are.
Read Luke 15:11-25
The Parable of the Lost Son
Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.
"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father.
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
The key to this story is in understanding why Jesus told it. This story is a parable, and a parable is a tool Jesus often used in his teaching (when He wanted to explain some vital thing about God, or perhaps if He wanted to describe the kingdom of heaven in a way that ordinary people would understand He would tell it in story form – a parable).
And so the key to remember in a parable is who the people in the story represent (because Jesus always spoke in an intentionally personal way to those listening). And so this story is not just about a father and a son, it’s about you and me and God. The father in this story represents God and the son in this story represents us (those listening) – and so it’s not a story about a man and his son and his inheritance. No! It’s a story about God’s love and grace and forgiveness and it’s a story about the process that we go through in life to try to find words like forgiveness and make them become real in our lives. So let’s get into the center of this story a bit, okay? We’ll stay here for the next 20 minutes or so.
When I read this, I think there are stages that the son went through in his process of walking away from, and then consequently journeying back to, his father. I think there are 3 Stages . . .
Fallen Forgiven Freedom
I Fallen
Luke 15:11-16
Jesus said: "There was a man who had two sons.
The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. (not bad-just selfish and early) "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. (and key) He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
You know sin is a funny thing in our lives, whether it’s sin like greed and selfishness (like in this story), or whether it’s sin like deception and lying or addiction or sexual sins (in our lives). It doesn’t matter what the sin. Sin is a funny thing, on the front-end it always looks so good, and so inviting, and so harmless. See – I’m sure this young man’s goal and motivation when he started out and asked for his inheritance was nothing more than a little self-oriented adventuresome spirit. (Doesn’t sound so bad does it?) I mean I think he was a farm kid who wanted to see more of the world, and maybe wanted to be a little bit bad – (to taste a little of the wild and darker side of life), and on the front-end it looked intriguing and exciting. How bad could it really be, having a bunch of money when you turn 21 – traveling to a foreign country and living large for a couple years (think about it)?
On the front-end of his journey away from God and into self, his motivation didn’t seem so bad, (see, the thought of all the stuff he was missing sitting home on the farm drove him to seek after selfish wants) and it all looked so good on the front-end, don’t you think? But sin is like that (isn’t it folks) – it doesn’t look like a deceptive trap on the front-end, does it? That little trip to Vegas seemed so innocent when you were planning it. That one deal built on a little white lie didn’t seem like it hurt anybody at all. That one long drink after work the odd Friday afternoon seemed like it was a great way to unwind. And that long lunch with that nice guy from work just seemed so fulfilling. On the front-end it’s not so bad, but if you play with sin (just like the son in our story), it draws you in, deeper and deeper and deeper, until the way out seems very confusing and it’s like you can’t remember how you got there. And then march all those examples 5 years down the road or maybe 10, and those seemingly very innocent steps toward sin don’t seem so innocent anymore do they?
Because now every business deal is built on huge lies, and now the only thing getting you through the week is the thought of drinking after work pretty much every night, and now that one little lunch has turned into an affair that puts your whole family at risk, and Vegas: well that’s just a secret that burns inside your heart and nobody’s ever gonna find out about that – after all whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas – Right? Wrong – it stays in your heart too (shadow over your heart).
See folks, sin is a funny thing. It just kinda sucks you in because it looks so good at first and then it’s just gotcha! Hear this – there is a verse in the bible that talks about the “pleasures of sin for a season” and I don’t think there is a line in scripture more true. “Pleasures of sin for a season”.
Let there be no question in your mind folks, sin is fun, and it feels so good, and it gratifies our desires, and satisfies our wants, and it’s just so good – for awhile (for a season). But then it just reaches up and grabs us and then it’s got us - and then it owns us - and we’ve become a slave to it. Hear this part: When sin has got your. . . then words like guilt and regret set in. (Horrible words) Listen to the definition of those words. Guilt and regret (this is right where the son in our story ends up, with a keen awareness of guilt and regret).
Guilt – “Remorseful awareness of having done something wrong”
Remorseful Awareness – ever had that feeling? I call that the morning- after feeling . . . and it happens to you right when you’re waking up. Guilt comes to you before your feet even hit the floor, and you have these moments early in the morning when you realize who you really are and what you’ve really done, and you are alone dealing with it. See, guilt doesn’t have anything to do with anyone else, it’s a very lonely feeling.
Guilt (to do his job well) must have you alone – so he can whisper in your ear – Who did that stuff? Who’s responsible? Who’s the jerk?
(It’s just a lonely place to be – guilt.)
I lied – I cheated – I stole – I drank – I – I and I – I – I is right where sin wants you – alone and feeling brutal and guilty.
Because after guilt sets in and after guilt sets up shop, then regret can come to the table. And you always know when regret is at the table – because regret whispers another set of comments.
Regret says, “I wish I” . . . “I can’t believe I” . . . “Why in the world did I?” . . . “What was I thinking?” . . . And there’s nothing worse in the whole world than going 10 rounds in the boxing ring with regret – because he gets to throw every punch . . . and all we get is beat up.
Regret is “a feeling of distress about something we wish could be different.”
Folks, guilt and regret are heavy loads to carry, and eventually they beat us up so bad that they have us believing that we actually are worthless and that we should hang our head and that there is no way out, but shame.
And when that young son (in our story) woke up, he was broke and hung over (or addicted), and in shame and was filled with guilt and regret. And in a foreign land – far from home. Suddenly he was so lost and so ultra aware of how foolish and selfish and stupid he had been that he didn’t know what to do. Sin had him on the verge of death, and that’s where he found himself. Just a step above death – dreaming about eating pig food, and slopping those same hogs for an existence – (And let there be no question with us as well, sin and evil want to have us exactly right there - to the place of aloneness that is guilt and shame - and right next door to death).
In this story key understanding just to drive this a bit deeper, the people Jesus was talking to were Jewish, and so were the son and father in the story (Jewish), and look where the son ends up, in a pig pen. Jews, especially in Jesus’ day, (but now too) considered pigs to be unclean – and were not allowed to eat any pork, and if they even touched a hog, the person themselves was considered unclean and defiled (spiritually and physically). So consider that this young Jewish boy – filled with guilt and regret - ends up slopping hogs, and with that came a bunch more guilt and regret until he was knee deep in it and stuck.
And when we hear this stuff, lots of us can picture our own lives in the story. Perhaps you’ve been to the end of sin’s road and know exactly what this young man felt like (you know guilt and regret), or maybe you’re well on the way down that same path and maybe today can serve as a wake-up call (so you don’t have to go there), or maybe you’re just beginning your journey away from God and sin is calling your name, and it looks so good, and his voice seems so inviting – just one little lie for a big payoff – just one indiscretion won’t damage your reputation – just one afternoon won’t hurt your marriage – and even as I talk – you can hear me, but you’re thinking “I’m just fine, there’s nothing wrong – it’ll all work out great – How could that, be bad. It just looks so good” and you’ve already tuned out of this message.
Folks, sin is funny thing – (funny, but not hilarious) and when you wake up on the other side of it then guilt and regret are running the show. Fallen is a very hard place to live.
That’s stage one, but there is some good news because Stage II is what leads us to forgiveness.
II Forgiveness Listen to this:
Luke 15:16-19
He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.'
Let me talk to you about 3 words that are very important in stage II called forgiveness:
Humility – “marked by meekness in attitude and spirit – not arrogant or prideful – lowly.”
Contrition - Sincere remorse for wrongdoing.
Repentance – a turning/change in attitude and direction - remorse for past conduct and a desire to change.
As this young man realized the station he was at in life, and as he wallowed in all the crap he found himself in (literally), 3 things happened:
1. He became humble and broken (not proud any longer).
2. He realized he was wrong to have been so selfish.
3. He became contrite – he had sincere remorse for his wrongdoing.
No longer was he the arrogant and cocky kid throwing around $100 bills. No, he was in quite a different spot in life and in his heart. (“When he came to his senses”, and really looked at his life – he became humble and broken and contrite).
And then he found himself crawling out of the muck and mire of sin and in desperation reaching out in need to God and to his father, with a promise of repentance. A turning – a change.
“Father I have sinned against God and against you. I don’t deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.”
And it may sound strange, but I personally believe right at this moment is when he was at his strongest. Sounds crazy doesn’t it? But there is great spiritual power in that moment when we reach out to God.
Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices (the sacrifices that God accepts) of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Folks, there is power in brokenness. God can do much in our lives when we are humble in spirit.
See the sequence? Brokenness – contrition – humility and then repentance. A turning and a change in spirit.
The son said, “I was like this and now my desire is to be like this, and here is the action required – don’t call me your son – treat me as a hired hand.
Humility – Contrition – Repentance
There is great power in that moment when we have nothing left and we realize it. There is great spiritual power when we put our heads down and say “God help me – I want to change”.
Now folks, you’re remembering our story is a parable – it is not a story about a man and his son. No – it’s a story about us and God and it is we who are too often selfish. And it is we who are too often not broken or humble or contrite. And it is we who are far too often in need of true repentance.
Have you caught where I’m going? Have you got that one or two or 10 things in your mind that need to be dealt with? Or maybe it’s just one thing you’re holding on to and feeling guilty about. Folks, start letting it go (and start thinking about other words: humble, contrite). Begin to turn that over to God and let it go.
But that is only stage II.
Stage III is where Freedom lies
(Clip) Walk the Line, hard to hear the words – but I think you’ll get it
Story of Johnny Cash and his journey from darkness to light.
Luke 15:20-24
So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. And "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' "But the father (wasn’t even listening) said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.
Listen to the words of Stage III
Confession – the act or process of acknowledging quilt and sin
Freedom – the condition of being free of restraints – liberty of a person from slavery or oppression
Folks, there is no need in our lives to be alone with our guilt and regret. There is no need to wallow in our shame – and be shackled by guilt.
We have a heavenly Father who has grace and mercy that abound. We have a gracious heavenly Father whose greatest desire is to forgive us and give us yet another chance at life, and the truth of the matter is He is actively waiting and watching down the road for us. He is waiting at the gate for you to come home. That’s just the truth! I want you to listen to a couple of the Father’s promises to us, as we come to him humbly and honestly with a desire to be forgiven.
These are some of the greatest promises ever made by God:
Psalm 103:12
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions (sins) from us
Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
The process of Grace
SIN
GUILT FREEDOM
REGRET FORGIVEN FORGIVENESS
HUMILITY CONFESSION
CONTRITION REPENTANCE
(Brokeness)
One more look at the whole process the son goes through to find his father’s true love and grace and forgiveness.
Folks, we’re gonna take communion together in a moment – mysterious moments in our lives when we meet face to face with God. Amazing – because in these next moments (miracles), you can move from sin and guilt and regret to forgiveness and freedom (in a moment God will do that for you). To prepare for that – this song – talks about this process.
Ancient words that lead to freedom.
Done it before? Join with us. Never done it? Watch or join in. Hear the invitation!
THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
The Invitation
You who truly and earnestly repent of your sins, who live in love and peace with your neighbors, and who intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking in his holy ways, draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; make your honest confession to Almighty God.
The General Confession
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men, we confess that we have sinned, and we are deeply grieved as we remember the wickedness of our past lives. We have sinned against you, your holiness, and your love, and we do not deserve your grace.
We sincerely repent, and we are genuinely sorry for all wrongdoing and every failure to do the things we should. Our hearts are grieved, and we acknowledge that we are hopeless without your grace.
Have mercy upon us.
Forgive us.
Cleanse us.
Give us strength to serve and please you in newness of life and to honor and praise your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Collect
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are opened, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Prayer of Consecration of the Elements
In the night of his betrayal, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.
In like manner, after supper he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink of this, all of you, for this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins; do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. Amen.
It’s a little different here than our old building. We’ll serve, you pass it along.
Hold it for the next person . . .
As you eat and drink and listen to these songs
Meet with God
Receive His forgiveness, join in singing
Enjoy His grace
Remain seated until everyone has received. |
