Second Sunday In Advent
Sunday, 4, December 2005
Isaiah 40:1-11
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8
Psalm 19:7-12,14
Childrens sermon (Frank Eberhart): The bible says that it used to be customary for some people to receive "double" for their sins. The parents would eat sour grapes and the childrens teeth would be set on edge. In the old days, a person would have a sign nailed to their door saying that this or that person owed money. When the person paid the debt, the sign was "doubled" in half, meaning that the debt was taken away. "Paid it double" means that God completely forgives us of our sin.
Sermon (Eberhart):
(Recites Isaiah 40:1-11). Isaiah and John the baptist prepared the way for the Lord. It was not the sickening sweet "poor you" type of comfort. God didn't "feel sorry for us." He has grace, love, and caring, but not in a sloppy sweet sentimental way. It is not an "everything is all right" comfort. God confronts us with his reality. He tells us that our iniquity is pardoned. Iniquities are our big sins, or down and dirty sins, our mortal sins. This sermon is for those who have done wrong. If you have (done this or that sin) this sermon is for you. Your iniquity is pardoned. Your debt is paid. It is sometimes hard for us to forgive ourselves. Get it straight. Your debt is paid. Your iniquity is pardoned. I don't want to hear your ifs, buts, or but if's. God's will was to sacrifice Christ for our sins. Want to argue about your sin being forgiven? Argue with God. Some people are comfortable with their sin. Some people see life as an impossible challenge. You might have a disease in your body. Maybe you are climbing Mount Impossible. Maybe you are trying to climb that mountain of your old habits, your bitterness, your job, or a forboding future. It is hard for us to get on the other side because we can't see it. We often find ourselves in a valley with no sunlight coming through. We might be in the valley of shame, doubt, or loneliness. It is an unhappy place, not a fun place. Listen to God. He says that he will lift every valley, lower every mountain. This is a great comfort. He says "every" mountain. Andy McCleron was a minister who preached with much eye contact. He says when he was 15 years old, he had a long walk to the mill where he and his father worked. He walked through a ravine. There were rumors of robbers and ghosts in that valley. The boy worked full time, and then took a six hour walk to get back and forth from home, and this included a walk through this ravine. He was normally not afraid, but one night he worked late and it was dark. But as he was stopped in fright, he heard the voice of his father. "Andrew, it's your `dod." That's our God. (Cites Psalm 23). Of course, things aren't always that simple. If it were, the church would be like an opera house. If you want simple, buy yourself candy. If you want something long lasting, but somewhat complicated, see God. Don't dismiss Christianity as a thing for the immature. Don't reject Christ as a historical figment.
The son of a senator wanted to go to Harvard University, but he died before he could. The senator wanted to erect a monument to him, but the president of the university, Eliot, suggested he consider another project. The senator asked, "How much would it take to duplicate your school and give free admission?" Eliot said 5 million dollars. And so the Leland Stanford University got its start, endowed with 20 million dollars, a big sum for that age. Eliot thought him naive, but look how that turned out.
God gives us comfort, to strengthen us so we can stand up. Lift up your voice. Here is your God.