The Rev. Thomas Nibbe
Sunday, August 8, 2021 @ 11:00 a.m.
“I am with you always” The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Three beautiful babies are baptized today at Holy CrossLutheran Church in the name of the Father, and of the Son,and of the Holy Spirit…Isla Dawn Belingheri, daughter of Anthony and MeganElla Ann Matias, daughter of Robert and JenniferRyland Patrick Sheedy, son of Matthew and Megan
One of the blessings of this Holy Baptism experience is that I had also baptized two of the parents involved!The continuity of Christian ministry in Pacifica is quite amazing. These precious children will grow up in the respect of the Lord Jesus Christ as their parents have. On the following Sunday, August 15, 2021, we’ll sharetogether Holy Communion once again at 11:00 a.m.Prior to this, 9:45 a.m., we invite you to be part of our”Ezekiel on Steroids” Bible Study in the Study Room.The Holy Scriptures for Today“
…the angel if the Lord came back a second timeand touched Elijah and said, ‘Get up and eat forthe journey is too much for you…’ So he got upand ate and drank…strengthened by that food, hetraveled forty days and forty nights until he reachedHoreb, the mountain of God…” (1 Kings 19:7,8)
“…Elijah came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die…’I’ve had enough, Lord,’ he said, ‘take my life, I’m no better than my ancestors’…then he lay down under a tree and fell asleep…” (1 Kings 19:4b-5a)
“…they ate till they had more than enough, for He had given them what they craved…”(Psalm 78:29)
“…Be angry, but do not sin…don’t let the sungo down while you’re still angry, and don’t givethe devil a foothold…”(Ephesians 4:26)
“…I am the Living Bread that came down fromheaven…if anyone eats of this Bread, he (she)will live forever…I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you…”(John 6:51,53)
the message
The crowds that had been attracted by the prospectof free food now shook their heads. Not only did Jesus fail to produce the expected dinners, but He had begun to speak like a madman. Even a few ofthose who had been His disciples, that, in the senseof being general adherents, but, not in the strongersense, committed followers, (as the text explains)”…from this time many of His disciples turned backand no longer followed Him…”
When Jesus asked the remaining Twelve if they wouldleave, too, Simon Peter answered, for himself and forthem, “Lord, to whom shall we go. You have the words of eternal life! We believe and know that you are theHoly One of God…” (John 6:68,69)
Peter and the other disciples understood no better than the others who turned their backs on Jesus, but they were willing to trust Jesus. After all, these werestrong words, and totally unexpected teaching, and perhaps, a bit repugnant to them. They had never heard anyone suggest such things. As they, in shock, pondered what Jesus might have meant…we, too, reflect on them. In a way it’s a divine mystery to us.Indeed, we are totally unable at times to come toterms with, and to comprehend, the meaning of whatJesus said on this occasion. In theological circles, these words of Christ are referred to as one of a number of “difficult sayings” by Him.
It’s perhaps a bit simplistic to say this, but, Jesus was using “body” and “blood” to represent everything needed to sustain and support life. Our lives are supported so completely that we’ll never will hunger or thirst. Our spiritual lives are sustained so completely that they will endure to eternal life.
We’re to go to Jesus and to Him alone, for all resourcesand the strength we need to live our new lives. It is truefor me to say—I have found that we can rely ultimatelyonly on our Lord. Holy Communion grants assurancealong the way. It makes the Lord Jesus — in the mix of life experiences — very real and present.
We can’t always tell just what “remaining” and “living” in Jesus, or feeding upon Him, might mean. However, we do know that if we are to enjoy our new lives in Him, wemust keep on looking to Jesus daily to supply our needs and to sustain us with His grace.
One meaningful, awesome, experience for me is and hasbeen for sixty-four years (my first Communion was at 13years old) to officiate or participate in the Lord’s Supper.Few things in my life have provided strength for the challenges which lie ahead and confidence to senseGod’s presence going with me. Truly, because of Holy Communion I have known I’m not alone. Because ofHoly Communion, Christ Jesus assuredly is with me.
In former years, especially as a teenager, I thought ofJesus’ words as referring to Holy Communion. It was,in a sense, comforting, because His words were verydifficult for me. As a missionary in Pakistan, of course,later on, it was embarrassing to have Muslims and Hindus say sarcastic things about the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel, notably verse 53, “…unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood…” I wasn’t always able to explain to those who would want to downplay my “faith tradition” when it comes to the Eucharist, that is, Holy Communion.
To add to that, I’d thought that the words were usedsymbolically, but I now believe and know that the Lord Jesus is truly present in, with, and underthe bread and the wine. Theologically, in Communion, we affirm and acknowledge a “true presence” of the Lord Jesus. It is a magnificent mystery of God.
Blessings to you as we take on lifetogether trusting in the reliability of God’s Word and God’s admonition.
Cordially, Tom
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