Sermon Index
Trinity Sunday, June 3, 2012 Joint Service
1 + 1 + 1 = 1. This equation represents the Holy Trinity. Mathematically it is incorrect. Logically it is illogical. And yet, it faithfully represents how the New Testament reveals God: One God in Three Persons, the Holy Trinity. Since it seems mathematically and logically wrong and yet true at the same time, we call it a mystery. It is something that we humans cannot explain, and yet we accept it as true because that is the way the Bible tells us. It is a matter of faith.
There are a number of mysteries in the Bible. One of the biggest mysteries is that Jesus died and then on the third day rose again. This is medically impossible, it is a mystery. We cannot explain how God did it, but through faith we accept it as true. An even bigger mystery is that death of Jesus is a sacrifice that forgives our sin. We cannot see it with our eyes, we cannot feel it. How does it work? It is a miracle, it is a mystery. How can Jesus in the Holy Communion be really present in the bread and wine as his holy Body and Blood? It is because he said gthis is my body which is given for youcthis cup is the new covenant in my blood which is shed for you.h (Luke 22:19-20). That covenant is the promise of salvation. However, one thing that is not a mystery any longer is the depth of Godfs love.
There are many mysteries in this world. Historical, archeological, political, medical, social, psychological, philosophical, theologicalc God has given humans a mind that is curious, a mind that tries to solve those mysteries. And so, when a scientist finds a cure to a disease, it is doing God-given work: it is loving the neighbor. But sometimes researchers run into a barrier and they can go no further. The mystery cannot be solved without a bigger telescope or faster computer or because of the lack of records from the past. But even if we do not know all the reasons, we can enjoy Godfs creation. We can rejoice in the wonders of nature, we can be thankful for electricity and air conditioning, we can keep in contact with our loved ones with modern technology.
When theologians and laymen study the Bible, which is the only reliable source of knowledge about God, sometimes we run into a barrier because God has not revealed all of infinity to us. Often when we Christians pray and look for answers in life, we find that God has not revealed everything to us. It can be frustrating. Living by faith in the midst of mysteries can either be scary or it can be freeing, because we know that God knows everything and will take care of us.
I recently finished reading again the Old Testament Book of Job. In the book, Job and his three friends debate about how God deals with humans, punishing or rewarding them. They cannot decide what is right. Finally God says, 38:4, gWhere were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?h In other words, have faith and trust God for everything. Humans can never fully understand the mysteries of God. However, God has given humans the wisdom to see creation and thank God for it, to see salvation and have faith to believe it, to see their fellow neighbor and respond in love.
My point today is that 1 + 1 + 1 = 1 is not a stumbling block to faith, but like a starting block that Olympic tract event runners use to get a good foot hold for a fast start, for the exciting race in faith. It starts with Baptism in the Name of the Triune God. It is a mystery that Baptism can wash away our sins, not just once, but daily as we pray to God. Our worship service starts by calling on the Holy Name as we remember our Baptism and remember that we are children of this Holy God. The Trinitarian benediction tells us that as we leave church, we leave as baptized and redeemed precious children of God. In other words, we do not explain the mystery, we live it. It is a mystery of Godfs love that he would choose sinners like us to be in his family. It is a mystery why God sent His Only Son Jesus to die for us and to give eternal life to all who believe. In other words, we do not explain the mystery, we live it.
Amen.@@
Michael Nearhood, Pastor
Okinawa Lutheran Church