I can throw, catch and hit a baseball. Matt Carpenter can play baseball too. Probably a toss-up who'd you rather watch, Matt or your pastor. Right? Warren Buffett knows about investing money. Rod Blagojevich wouldn't mind helping with your money too. Most would value Rod's help as much as Warren. Right? Jesus taught and preached God's Word. Teachers & preachers are a dime a dozen. Jesus was probably just another good preacher like the rest. And if Jesus is only just another good teacher among many then we shouldn't always have to listen. . . Right? Wait just one minute there pastor! (you might be thinking to yourself) But apparently these days that's the situation for many, including many church members! Now how can this be true?

In the Bible we read that Jesus Christ, the wisdom and truth of God, knows all things. When His words go along with what we think is right, well that's great! But what happens when Jesus tells us things that are difficult to hear; things that are different than what we think? For example, the Bible says, Faith comes by hearing and hearing the message through Christ. Jesus made clear how important this is by praising Mary when she chose to listen instead of joining Martha in the kitchen. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken from her. (Luke 10:42) But then in our lives today, when regular worship, devotion, prayer, or bible study require time that we'd otherwise spend doing other things . . . What then? What takes priority? Choosing to skip worship (spiritually' speaking) is like choosing not to eat. Result of that choice = you grow weak. Fact is, many of you reading this article share with me a sad amazement, when those we love, especially parents with children, regularly skip out on church and Sunday school, and then wonder why the children don't want to come to church.

Ultimately our response of worship reveals what we really think of Jesus as teacher, as Lord. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15) The word revere is important. It means to worship, to hold in the highest regard. The 3rd commandment reads: Remember the Sabbath by keeping it holy. Luther explained this by saying God wants us to hold sacred His Word, gladly hear and learn it. Dear members of Zion, as a pastor I say to all of you that this is a great time to hold sacred His Word, gladly hear and learn it. And maybe this requires a U-turn a change of habits in our lives. But who is able to fulfill this command to perfection? Not any of us. Only Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd who said, My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, no one can snatch them out of my hand.

Finally, Jesus was no ordinary teacher. Peter said, O Lord to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. Jesus spoke and taught head and shoulders above all else. He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. And, oh, how we sinners need a patient God. We need a God who is merciful and slow to anger and who allows U-turns. And here's the Good News . . . We have a God who is these and more! Therefore the last words go to the Father, who at our Lord's transfiguration said, This is my Son whom I love. Listen to Him.

Pastor Kelly Mitteis