The Lutheran Hour
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"Mistaken Mockery"
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Text: Text: Galatians 6:1-10
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Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! This day, in humble respect, look into the open tomb. Look and be sure: the Savior lives! Because Christ lives, all who come to Him with repentant faith, who acknowledge Him as Savior, shall live forever, too.
It was in the 1800s that a Lutheran pastor passed by the swinging doors of a tavern. From inside the drinking hole came a shout, a slurred voice calling out, “ Es gibt kein Gott .” Not sure if he had heard correctly, the pastor turned around and went into the saloon. He had not gone three steps past the threshold of the bar when the sentence was shouted again. This time the words were louder, the tone far more aggressive. “ Es gibt kein Gott .” For those whose German is a bit rusty, the sentence means, “There is no God.” That statement is, for Lutheran ministers and just about any Christian pastor or parishioner, fightin’ words.
The Reverend, contrary to the bets of the onlookers, declined to get involved in a few rounds of verbal fisticuffs. Instead, he went over to the irate man, leaned up against the bar, laid a hand on the shouter’s shoulder, and looked him in the eye and said, “ Mein Freund , my friend, what you just said isn’t new. The Bible agrees with you. The Scriptures say the same thing: ‘There is no God.’” The drunk who had fixed his fists for a fight, was taken aback by the preacher’s gentle manner. Stammering he said, “Uh, I didn’t know the Bible said there was no God!” “Absolutely,” continued the pastor, “You can look it up for yourself. You can find those words in Psalm 14, verse 1. It says: ‘The fool says in his heart, there is no God.’”
That story, I imagine, is fictional. The story that follows is not. In the early and mid-1800s, Peter Cartwright was a circuit rider in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. Once on one of his forays into the frontier, he stayed overnight at the home of a spiritually skeptical physician. As they talked, the doctor was more than willing to share that the only reality was that which our senses could discern. The doctor asked Cartwright: “Did you ever see religion?” Cartwright replied, he hadn’t. “Did you ever hear religion?” “No.” “Did you ever smell religion?” “No.” “Did you ever taste religion?” “No.” “Did you ever feel religion?” “Yes.” “Now then,” said the doctor showing a smile that signaled his supposed success, “I have proven beyond a doubt, by four respectable witnesses, that religion is neither seen, heard, smelled, or tasted. Only feeling has testified that religion is an experimental fact.” The doctor summed up by saying, “The weight of evidence is overpowering, sir, and you must give religion up.”
Cartwright offered his rebuttal. He began, “Doctor, in pretending to relieve pain in the human system, you have been playing the hypocrite and practicing a most wretched fraud on the gullibility of the people.” Now such talk did not please the physician, and he voiced his objection. Not to be put off, Cartwright continued, “Sir, did you ever see pain?” The doctor had to confess he had not. “Did you ever hear a pain?” “No sir.” “Did you ever smell a pain?” “No sir.” “Did you ever taste a pain?” “No sir.” “Did you ever feel a pain?” “Certainly I did, sir.” Then concluded Cartwright, “four respectable witnesses have testified that there is no such thing as pain in a human system.” It was then, with the doctor’s confidence somewhat shaken, Cartwright dropped to his knees and began to pray for the doctor’s salvation. I am pleased to share that the doctor was converted, set free his slaves and, himself became a preacher.
A happy ending, of course, is not the way things always turn out when people make a mockery of God, His love, His Son, His plan of salvation and the forgiveness Jesus won through His life, suffering and death upon Calvary’s cross. It wasn’t a happy ending for the world’s inhabitants during the time of Noah. They lived their lives mocking the Lord’s love and being dedicated to the pursuit of corruption. God was not amused, and in a global flood, violently ended the lives of those who loved violence. It wasn’t a happy ending for the citizenry of Sodom and Gomorrah. It was not a happy ending for Dathan and his friends when they mocked Moses, undermined God’s authority, and in general, provoked the One who had set them free from slavery. When God had heard enough, He opened the earth and eliminated Dathan, along with his followers.
In our age, God has kept in check some of His more stunning and spectacular punishments, punishments which He once directed against serious sinners and skeptics. As a result, in our age, philosophers and politicians, comics and critics have all declared open season upon God, His work, His church, His people. With great glee they drag down the holy and draw it through the mud; with gladness they disparage that which should be respected and revered. Even the most sacred Name of Jesus, the world’s sacrificing Substitute is not immune from their jibes, jests, and jokes.
I am not trying to defend all the actions and all the thoughts of all the people who call themselves Christian. Heaven knows, and history records the fact, that we can be pitiful in our smallness; harsh in our judgments; over-strong and over-quick with our condemnations. We can be silly, spiteful, and stupid. We have our flaws, our fallacies, our falsehoods, and a full set of foibles. Every Christian is still a sinner, with all the sad bag and baggage that word conveys. We’re not perfect; we’re not even pretty close to being perfect. I can understand why we disappoint the world; draw fire from the comedians, and are constantly criticized by those of other faiths. We probably deserve much of what is said about us.
But it is a very big mistake to assume your occasionally correct criticism of us Christians is a license which bestows the authority to mock and condemn the Christ. Just because God is long-suffering, that doesn’t mean He is eternally willing to put up with the shallow slurs upon our Savior and His plan of salvation. I plead with you, “Have some respect.” I ask you, and by “you,” I mean all the doubters and deniers, the scoffers and the scorners, “Why, since you don’t believe in God, do you seem to be so preoccupied with maligning Him? Why do you, who feel yourself so sophisticated that you need no God, persist in mocking those who have found Him to be their best and dearest Friend? Why do you, who feel yourself so open-minded that you can say anything, in front of anyone, at any time, become so incensed when Christians say, “Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Lord”?
Centuries ago, as Jesus was dying upon the cross to save you from your sins, people made fun of Him. So strong was the desire to mock the Savior, even one of Jesus’ fellow-condemned added His voice to the verbal abuse. The condemned’s cursing of the Christ might have continued, had he not been confronted by a second thief, who was also being crucified. This man had listened to Jesus. This man had heard Jesus forgive those who had nailed Him to the tree. He listened in awe, as Jesus made sure His mother would be cared for. Believing in the Savior, he came to Jesus’ defense saying, “Don’t you fear God…? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then, recognizing his sin, and knowing Jesus was the only One who could help him, he turned his head to the Lord and asked, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus responded, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:40-43 excerpts). Please know, dear listener, that promise is offered to you today as well. That promise of paradise is proffered to any mocker, any sinner, who will be turned from his sin; who will be called to faith in the Redeemer. That is the purpose of this message.
But how can I touch and turn you who, with outspoken words or inward thoughts, make mockery of the Lord? Should I try to shake your confidence? Years ago in New York City, thousands of people stopped running their rat race and looked up to see Harry Young, “The Human Fly,” climb the outside skin of the Martinique Hotel on Broadway. Each magnificent move Harry made seemed to be so sure and confident. Then as Harry approached the top, he failed to gain the foot and toehold that he needed. The crowd groaned as Harry fell to his death upon the pavement below. Harry’s wife fainted; many were sickened. The newspapers made mention of the sign Harry had attached to his shirt before he began his ascent. The sign read, “Safety last.” Bold words if you can carry them out, pitiful if you cannot. When it comes to God and your salvation, are you absolutely positive of your foot and toeholds? Can you back up your bravado and boldness? Are you sure?
How can I touch and turn you who, with outspoken words or inward thoughts, make mockery of the Lord? Should I speak to your wisdom? In the 1920s, a clever foreigner immigrated to the United States. He thought it wise to convert all of his assets into cash. With the cash he bought a valuable diamond. On shipboard, he entertained his fellow passengers by juggling some apples. Pleased with the applause his deft dexterity had brought him, he took out his diamond, and added that to the juggling exhibition. The passengers howled, “Oh, please don’t. Juggling apples is one thing, but tossing your treasure, that’s too much.” The fear fueled his bravado, increased the risks he was willing to make. The ship lurched, he missed, the stone hit the deck, bounced once, and slid over the side and into the sea. Foolish? Most certainly! But how much more foolish are those who make a mockery of the Lord, His Son, and the salvation which He has won? Today I, your fellow passenger in life, beg of you, “Please don’t. There are many things in this world which, if you make fun of them, make little difference. But don’t mock the Lord; don’t run the risk of losing eternity; don’t play games with your soul; don’t gamble with your destiny.”
How can I touch and turn you who, with outspoken words or inward thoughts, make mockery of the Lord? Should I tell you having Jesus as your Savior can change your life for the better? I could tell the stories of millions–perhaps this one will do. A doubter, having heard the witness of an alcoholic who had been converted to the Christ, spoke these mocking words, “Yeah, right! It’s foolishness and a figment of his imagination. All religion is an escape from reality. It’s only a dream.” The man was stopped in his commentary by the tug of a little girl upon his sleeve. With a pleading look in her eyes and in the tone of her voice, the girl said, “Please, sir, if he’s dreaming, don’t wake him up! He’s my daddy, and he’s been good to us since he met Jesus.”
Oh, you don’t like that story? You say it’s made up? Then here’s one that isn’t made up. Colonel Ethan Allen, leader of the Green Mountain Boys, was a profound unbeliever while his wife, a Christian woman, taught their daughter about Jesus and how Jesus saves believers. The girl continued to live in this divided household until she became quite ill. Her father was asked to attend her bedside. As she neared the end, she asked, “Father, I am about to die. Shall I believe the principles which you have taught me, or shall I believe what my mother has taught me?” Ethan wrestled with his conscience, and then searched to find the right words. Finally he answered his little girl: “Believe what your mother has taught you.”
That is all I suggest to you. Believe. Believe not what your mother or father say, not what any priest or pastor says, but believe the Bible. Believe how Jesus Christ was born into this world, not because He had to be, but because His Father wanted Him to be. Believe that Jesus loved you enough to be perfect when you and I would have been impious; caring when we would have been cold; holy when we would be hateful. Believe that Jesus, so that you could be saved, took your place, died your death, and then rose to show the truth of His words and all that He had done.
How can I touch and turn you who, with outspoken words or inward thoughts, make mockery of the Lord? Should I tell you that with all your supposed knowledge, God who had the wisdom to create this world with a thought, is smarter than you? Almost 20 centuries ago he predicted you would feel the way you do. No, he doesn’t call you by name, but he describes you and your attitudes clearly enough. Listen to Him. This is what He said through His apostle Peter:“In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is Christ’s coming? … everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’ But they deliberately forget that … the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and the destruction of ungodly men. … The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:3-9).
Scared? Without Jesus, without repentance, you should be. Today is the day the Lord calls you to repentance. Do not harden your heart; do not deafen your ears. Not everyone who hears this message will be alive one week from today. Today is the day the Lord is calling you to faith. He does not want you to be lost; He desires that you live. Your Christian friends are ready to help you. We at Lutheran Hour Ministries will be glad to be of assistance. We want to share Jesus. We want you to see the Savior. Call us.
A final story. A man once stood and held forth at the Speaker’s Corner in London’s Hyde Park. There, an individual can say anything he wants, and this man made full use of the opportunity to mock the Lord. He said, “People tell me that God exists, but I can’t see Him. People tell me there is a life after death, but I can’t see it. People tell me that there is a judgment to come, but I can’t see it. People tell me that there is a heaven and a hell, but I can’t see them.” Winding down, he stepped down from his soapbox, while another man struggled up. The second man began, “People tell me that there is green grass all around, but I can’t see it. People tell me that there is blue sky above, but I can’t see it. People tell me that there are trees nearby, but I can’t see them. But then, there is a reason. I am blind.” My friends, see the Savior, hear Him as He calls you to faith. Amen.
Lutheran Hour Mailbox (Questions & Answers) for July 18, 2004
Topic: Obnoxious ReligionsANNOUNCER: And now it’s time once again for questions from listeners. I’m Mark Eischer here with Pastor Ken Klaus. Today’s question is, “Why must every organized religion attempt to convert everyone to its point of view?”
KLAUS: That’s a question that shouldn’t take too long, Mark. The answer is, “Because they think they’re right.”
ANNOUNCER: Ok. Now, we do still have a few more minutes to go. Would you care to expand upon your answer?
KLAUS: I would be most pleased to do so. Why must every religion try to convert everyone to its point of view? The answer is, of course, every religion tries to convert people to its tenets because every religion believes it possesses the truth. Christians want to convert people because we have Good News of great joy: the message about Jesus Christ the Savior, who died and rose again to forgive the sins of the entire world. That truly is Good News for everyone. Other religions try to gain converts because they may have a very frightening message to share, and they believe they will be punished if they don’t proselytize. Some religions try to convert by stomping out the competition because that’s what their god has told them to do. No matter how you look at it, the organized religions of the world think they’re correct in the things they believe, and they feel obligated to help everyone see things just they way they do.
ANNOUNCER: Some might say that’s all very narrow-minded, and shouldn’t we be more open-minded?
KLAUS: Have you noticed, Mark, that people usually confine the virtue of open-mindedness to matters of religion, values, and morality? Most people aren’t nearly as open-minded when it comes to the things in the rest of their life. When it comes to paying taxes, people aren’t open-minded. When it comes to a legal settlement, people aren’t open-minded. When it comes to getting a medicine prescription for an illness, nobody says, “Hey, Doc, just give me whatever you happen to have extra of on your shelf.” They’re not open-minded. Parents don’t seem to be especially open-minded when the coach doesn’t start their son or daughter on the first string. People in the stands aren’t open-minded when the umpire makes a bad call. We’re not open-minded when a policeman gives us a ticket for speeding. “Why don’t they go after real criminals” is our wounded cry. We’re not open-minded about the education our children get. We’re not open-minded about car warranties. We’re not open-minded when a restaurant wants to charge us forty bucks for a tough steak. In all of these things people can be rather close-minded. When people feel they’ve been mistreated, that their rights have been stepped on, they are very close-minded. But in matters of religion and morals and values, it’s like no one can be sure of anything. Everybody is supposed to just accept everything that anyone manages to blather out. In religion and morals and values – nothing’s right, nothing’s wrong.
ANNOUNCER: Now, Pastor Klaus, don’t feel like you need to hold anything back here.
KLAUS: I’m sorry, but I think there’s a big difference between being open-minded and empty-headed.
ANNOUNCER: And I think we all understand that difference, and I think you’ve really covered that one sufficiently.
KLAUS: Not yet, Mark. Did it occur to you that our listener is doing the same thing that he or she is accusing churches of doing?
ANNOUNCER: No, I missed that.
KLAUS: Mark, I believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. When I speak from God’s Word, I try to convert people to that truth.
ANNOUNCER: And I would agree with that.
KLAUS: Now let me ask – what’s our listener doing?
ANNOUNCER: They’re trying to win people over to their position. They’re conducting, I guess, a little evangelism program of their own. We do it for Jesus; they do it for open-mindedness.
KLAUS: Exactly. Just like me, they’re using the means at their disposal – in this case, the Lutheran Hour radio broadcast, to win listeners over to their position. They’re upset that we say, “We’re right, everybody else is wrong.” At the same time, he or she is saying in a very nice way, they’re right and we’re wrong.
ANNOUNCER: Thank you, Pastor Klaus. Next week we’ll take up the question of whether people of different faiths will go to heaven, as long as they’ve been sincere and have led a good life.
KLAUS: What a great question–after what we’ve been discussing today, it’s the next logical step.