June 15 - John 15

two quotes from my recent sermon on this text (and then back to prepping for tomorrow's VBS):

1. What if you think your life has not amounted to much, especially when you see all sorts of other people doing all sorts of things that make a difference in this world? Listen to Jesus say, "I have chosen you to bear fruit. And what I say will happen happens." You who are afraid that you have done nothing for Christ have actually done more good than you know (cf Matthew 25:37-40). Your works of love have made a difference in the world to come.
2. Jesus saying, "Whatever you ask in My name." prompted Martin Luther to preach, "For since we continually encounter trials, opposition, and obstacles, both from the devil and the world and also from our own flesh; since much weakness and frailty still inheres both in us and in others; since everything is imperfect - for all these reasons it is necessary for us to plead for strength, help, and salvation in every distressing situation. And we have the comfort that our prayer will not be in vain but is acceptable to God, and that whatever we need will surely be granted and given to us if we only pray in faith and in the name of Christ. We have been ordained through Him to the priestly office. Hence we can and must step before God joyfully, as we bring both our own need and that of others before Him, assured by His promise that our prayers will be heard and that He will say yea and amen to them" (AE 24.263-4).