The Lutheran Hour
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"Outside Are the Dogs"
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Text: Revelation 22:15
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Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! To make us God’s children, the Savior was born, lived, and died. To assure us that all who believe in Him are redeemed from sin, death, and grave, He rose. Today, join me in thanksgiving to the Lord for His grace which allows us to say, “He is risen, indeed.” Amen.
The fire at the home of Robert and Elsie Whitson broke out in the early morning hours of March 9th. The last I heard, a space heater in the family room was thought to be responsible for the blaze. By the time the fire department arrived, somewhere around 7:30, smoke was billowing out of the Whitson home. By then Robert and Elsie were safe. Yes, Robert sustained some burns, and both were taken to the hospital, but they survived. They survived because of the persistent action of their beloved dog, a collie by the name of, yes, you guessed it, “Lassie.” The Whitsons loved Lassie. Lassie was their friend; a friend that was honored to sleep at the foot of their bed. It was from that spot in the Whitson’s back bedroom that Lassie first smelled smoke and awoke her master and mistress. She nuzzled them; she gently nipped at their fingers until they were up; until they fled from their home. The loss of the Whitson house was a terrible tragedy; but it could have been worse – far worse. The Whitsons survived because of Lassie’s sacrifice. The Whitsons survived, but Lassie didn’t. Her body was found under a section of the collapsed ceiling.
That’s the kind of story which reminds us that most people, not all people, but most people love dogs. Because most people love dogs, when high school students in America are asked whether they would, in an emergency, save the life of their dog or the life of a human stranger, most young people say they would rescue their dog. When queried on how they came to that decision, most explain: “I love my dog and my dog loves me. As far as the stranger is concerned… well, he’s just a stranger.” Now before you shake your head and start wondering what this younger generation is coming to, let me share that a number of years ago, in a two-day period a homeless man, a maintenance worker, and a dog were killed on the subway tracks of New York City. Ninety people called the Transit Authority to express their concern about the dog; only three called to ask about the worker, and nobody called to find out how the homeless man was doing.
Most people, not all people, but most people love their dogs. That’s a truth which Hollywood has appreciated and exploited. When my father was young he went to the movies and watched the daring exploits of Rin Tin Tin and laughed at Petie, the pit-bull who showed up in the Our Gang comedies. When I was young, I saw TV’s Lassie save his masters from every tragedy and catastrophe the show’s writers could concoct. You’ve seen the episodes: “Lassie, my leg is broken. You’ve got to help me. Go get the doctor; and while you’re on your way, pick up a loaf of bread from the 7-11.” My children have watched the exploits of Benjie, Beethoven, and Sesame Street’s Barkley; my grandchildren will probably do the same. That’s because most people love dogs. Indeed, I think the entire world is divided into two groups. The first group is made up of those who confess to crying when Old Yeller was shot in the Disney film of the same name. The second group is made up of people who lie and say they didn’t cry when Old Yeller was shot. I know they’re lying because everybody cries when Old Yeller gets shot. Everyone cries, because almost everyone loves dogs.
Because most people love their dogs, most cities of any size boast having a four-star dog motel where pooches can be pampered with chef-prepared gourmet meals and a veterinarian is on 24-hour-call for Fido when he doesn’t feel well. Because most people love dogs, they feel no guilt in labeling other people as being “uncivilized” if those other people have a culture where dog meat is part of their diet. Earlier this year some folks were upset when they heard some upscale stores, quite unknowingly, were selling coats which had collars and cuffs made out of fake fur which wasn’t fake. But their upset was turned to outrage when they were told the fur on these imported coats had been taken from the hides of domesticated dogs. I’ve observed that many of us who have become immune to human cruelty when it is directed against others, sputter and spit tacks when we’re told of any kind of nastiness or neglect when it’s aimed at one of our canine companions.
By now I’m sure you get the point: most of us love dogs. Which is why you may be surprised, even shocked when I tell you that, generally speaking, the Bible doesn’t share that feeling. Yes, you heard me right: the Bible, generally speaking, doesn’t hold dogs in extremely high esteem. Now don’t get all distressed by that piece of information. During the days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, and even still today, many dogs in the Mid-East perform a completely different role than they do in the nations of most of the western world. In the Mid-East, dogs aren’t restricted to the roles of being a sympathetic friend, a loving companion, the recipient of unashamed affection and adoration.
That’s because, over the centuries, people living in the lands of the Bible have thought of dogs, when they thought of them at all, as being strictly unclean and utilitarian. True, a dog might be, as a puppy, cute and cuddly; but most of the time dogs were considered to be pack-running, ravenous beasts, scavengers whose specialty was the devouring of scraps which had been tossed into the street. Look at the references of Scripture: 1 Kings tells of how dogs lapped up the blood of a deceased king of Israel (see 1 Kings 22:38); dogs quickly consumed the corpse of a disobedient queen who was flung out of her palace balcony (see 2 Kings 9:7-37), and, in one of Jesus’ parables, dogs licked the sores (see Luke 16:20) of a poor beggar. I’m reasonably certain if you time-warped some Old Testament prophets into one of our homes, they would be surprised to see sophisticated people pampering and idolizing these animals whom they considered to be little more than walking garbage disposals.
With that background you may understand why the ancient Jews, when they wanted to show their disrespect, their disregard, their disdain for someone; when they wanted to insult an individual or an entire race of people, they concluded the worst thing they could call them was, “dogs.” As the People of Promise they wanted everyone to know they were blessed and the Samaritans, the Romans, the Greeks, just about everybody, were nothing more than snarling, unclean, contentious beasts – dogs who were worthy of a kick rather than a pet, or a pat upon the head. And, please don’t think that ancient custom of referring to undesirables as “unclean dogs” ended centuries ago. Even today, if you listen carefully to the evening news, you will hear Islamic militants declare Jews, Christians, and citizens of entire countries to be disrespected “dogs.” In case you miss their point, these folks aren’t trying to convey any kind of compliment.
Now, why all this talk about dogs? I’ll tell you. When Jesus was physically living among us; while He was doing all that was necessary to save us, He wanted His people to be prepared for the hardship which would come upon those who followed Him. Jesus was more honest than many of today’s preachers who would have you believe that being a Christian means living a life without adversity or hardship. Jesus was bluntly frank when He promised that pain and problems would come upon those who acknowledged Him as their Savior. Jesus forewarned all who follow Him that the world would be filled with wars and rumors of wars; that nations would rise up against nations; that there will be famines and earthquakes (see Matthew 24:6-8)… and then just when people knew things couldn’t possibly get any worse, they would – get worse, I mean.
The picture Jesus painted was a black one as it acknowledged that being a Christian would become so difficult, living a life of faith so hard that the love and warm regard many believers once had for Him would grow cold. These fair-weather believers would turn to following false prophets; they would lose their faith in Jesus as Savior; they would gladly deny Him and willingly betray their former friends and fellow believers. That’s what Jesus said would happen. He said His people would be hated; that they would be handed over to civil and religious authorities who would feel it their bounden duty, their responsibility to persecute and murder them. And then, only then, having acknowledged that the faithless would fall away, Jesus concludes His warning with this joyous good news: “He who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).
Let me repeat that… He who stands firm to the end will be saved. Those words – words which come from the mouth of the Savior whose entire life was spent fulfilling the law for us; who was willing to be unfairly accused, condemned, and crucified for us; who rose on the third day from the dead – are eternal life for all who believe. Jesus’ words promise that this world’s sadness will be replaced by unending joy; tears will be dried and laughter will be heard; pain and problems, trials, troubles, and tribulations will be no more. Salvation is the living Savior’s gift to all who stand firm until the end.
Of course, those of you who are listening might well be thinking, “I appreciate what the Savior has done, but I don’t understand. What does any of this have to do with dogs?” Thank you for your patience; I hadn’t forgotten. Let’s get back to talking about the dogs. Among the last verses in the last chapter of the last book of the Bible, Jesus tells us what His people can look forward to after He returns in judgment. Jesus says, “Blessed are those who… have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” And then He adds, “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood” (Revelation 22:14-15).
Simplifying Jesus’ words: “Inside are the saved; outside are the dogs.” After Judgment Day this world’s sin-twisted tables will be turned. Those who considered their wisdom to be above the Creator’s will be just smart enough to realize how wrong and ignorant they were. The ruler, the dictator and despot who thought his power to be limitless and his reign everlasting, will stand before God’s seat of judgment and learn that he is feeble and frail; his power pathetic, pitiful, and nonexistent. Those who were skeptical and cynical about the risen Christ, His cross and empty tomb, will clearly see the fault and flaw of their doubts and denials. The false prophet who was pleased and proud of the applause of the people he had so dishonestly deceived will spend his eternity listening, hoping for God’s approval which will never come.
Those who had earnestly, enthusiastically, passionately defied God’s commands and disregarded the grace which Jesus won through His rejection of sin and Satan, through His defeat of death, will regret their defiant disobedience. Those who, in this life, turned against their Divine Master, who thought themselves in control of their destinies, will be surprised to find themselves living the role of outcast curs. Those who were glad to spend their days without acknowledging any master; those whose words had been snarls against the Savior; those who had done all they could to rip at and rend the Redeemer along with His blood-bought brothers and sisters, will be driven from His presence.
Those who wanted only to live their lives without God; who demanded nothing more than to be free of the Savior, His work, His sacrifice, His redemption, His forgiveness and salvation, will be granted their wish. The Father, quite rightly, has decreed that these lovers of falsehood will spend eternity as ungrateful, unthankful, unappreciative mongrels which they have shown themselves to be. They will be banished from God’s presence and the home which could have been, should have been, theirs. Eternity will be spent without God, without Christ’s love, the Holy Spirit’s peace. They will spend eternity howling through the unending hours of perpetual night and darkness.
Does what has just been said sound too stern, too severe? At first listening that may be your reaction. But take a look, understand – the fate which awaits those who refuse the Savior’s sacrifice is not God’s desire. If you find the Bible confusing, then you need to know, in this matter Scripture is absolutely clear: God would have everybody to be saved. After humankind’s fall into sin, God looked upon this world much as you would a dog pound – a dog pound where all the residents had been sentenced to die. Being the loving, gentle Divinity that He is, the Father sent His Son into the world to purchase our freedom. God told His Son, “Pay whatever price is necessary to set them free.” Jesus paid that price. With His life, His death, and with His resurrection, Jesus did all that was necessary for humankind to be rescued and released. Today, this day, you need to know, if some are sent as dogs to live outside heaven’s doors, it is not by God’s desire, but by humankind’s disobedience.
And what of those who have remained faithful until the end; whose trust is in the Savior who gave His life upon the cross so they might be forgiven of every transgression, set free from all condemnation? What about them? Jesus tells us what will happen to them. He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:3-12). Is there anyone who hears those words today, who does not wish to be so blessed?
Such blessing is the gift that Jesus promises to you who, by the Spirit’s power, have been given faith in Him. It is a promise that He will keep. From heaven’s high throne, He knows the crosses that you are carrying; He sees the temptations you are rejecting; He comprehends the pains you are enduring. Believe and hold fast to the knowledge that the day will come when He will lift those crosses; He will heal your hurts and free you from temptation. Whatever evil you endure, it will be made right if you endure until the end. Saint Paul said the same when he wrote to the Christians in Rome. He reported: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God” (Romans 8:18-19). Sons of God – that is what you become when Jesus is your Savior; sons who are loved, sons who are welcomed, sons who are valued and can stand before their Father.
At the beginning of this message I told the true story of a dog who saved some people. Let me finish with a story which is a little bit different. Years ago, the King of Greece came to the United States for a visit. As kings usually do, this monarch traveled with a fair number of personal attendants. One of those members of his entourage was a man who had a beautiful dog… a dog which he loved very much. When the dog accidentally fell over the side of the ship, the man was understandably distraught. He rushed to the captain, and with much emotion, pleaded for the officer to stop the ship and rescue his pet. The captain, a man with a timetable and a fair amount of common sense, refused to consider any such foolishness. The desperate man found himself shouting: “I imagine you would have stopped the ship if a man had gone overboard, wouldn’t you?” Knowing the difference between the value of a man and a dog, the captain snapped back, “Certainly.” The captain’s word hadn’t faded before the dog’s owner launched himself over the ship’s rail. Both the man and his dog were rescued.
Now some of you may think it’s impossible for that story to be true. Believe it or not as you like, that story makes little difference. It makes a considerable difference if you believe the Son of God gave Himself to save us. How much a difference? The difference between spending eternity in heaven as God’s children, or locked out of the gates and being with the dogs. If you need to talk to us about this difference… call us at The Lutheran Hour. Amen.
LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for May 20, 2007
TOPIC: Blessings and CursesANNOUNCER: Now, Pastor Ken Klaus answers questions from listeners. I’m Mark Eischer.
KLAUS: Hi, Mark.
ANNOUNCER: A listener wants to know: If two people are having a disagreement and one says to the other, “God is going to punish you” – will God punish them?
KLAUS: Do we know anything about the nature of the disagreement?
ANNOUNCER: No.
KLAUS: Well, there are a lot of things we could say about this one, Mark. First, for somebody to call down God’s wrath upon another individual implies that the other person has at least a passing relationship with the Lord. We don’t know that for sure in this case, but we’ll assume that this is a disagreement between two Christians. It also implies that the argument was probably pretty serious.
ANNOUNCER: That all sounds reasonable.
KLAUS: Next, we can say, “The Lord doesn’t work that way.”
ANNOUNCER: You sound pretty sure about that.
KLAUS: I am. Even the church recognizes that if it excommunicates someone wrongly, the Lord isn’t bound by that excommunication.
ANNOUNCER: And what is “excommunication?”
KLAUS: Yes, I should have explained that right off. Excommunication is exactly what it says… it is excluding an unrepentant sinner from the fellowship, or the communion, of the faithful.
ANNOUNCER: That sounds pretty serious.
KLAUS: Yes, it’s about as serious as it gets.
ANNOUNCER: I imagine that such actions are not taken lightly.
KLAUS: Absolutely. There are all kinds of steps that are necessary. In matters of church discipline, of which excommunication is the last step, the church is trying to bring an unrepentant sinner back and to stop his or her sin from spreading within the congregation. Even so, when a congregation’s done all it can and there is no longer any hope for resolution, they may have to say that person is no longer to be considered part of Christ’s Church.
ANNOUNCER: And this all relates to what we call the Office of the Keys. Christ has given His Church the authority to forgive sins or to withhold forgiveness from those who do not repent. Now, what if this excommunication, let’s say, was performed or done wrongly or unfairly? Will God honor it then?
KLAUS: It can happen. It may be possible, highly unlikely, but possible that not all the information was in, or something was terribly misunderstood and the church went ahead and unfairly excommunicated someone. That person would, as far as God is concerned, still be saved.
ANNOUNCER: So now, taking that back to our question for today….
KLAUS: Yes. God isn’t going to unfairly punish somebody just because another person invokes His name in anger. But there’s a lot more that needs to be said here, Mark. I’m wondering, why would a Christian say something like that to another person? In all probability, they’ve not been given the authority to be the judge of someone else. Christians generally try to build each other up… not call down God’s anger upon somebody who has gotten them angry.
ANNOUNCER: Anything else?
KLAUS: Yes. There are two possibilities here. It could be, the person asking our question has called down God’s anger upon somebody else and now feels guilty about it.
ANNOUNCER: In which case, they’re looking for exoneration.
KLAUS: Exactly. To which I would say: God didn’t punish someone just because you told Him to – but don’t do that. God isn’t a big brother you can call in to beat somebody up. He’s your Lord, your Friend, your heavenly Father. He will judge and punish, but in His way, according to His righteous standards. So, confess your sin to God and know that Christ forgives you. Now go and make peace with your fellow believers.
ANNOUNCER: Now, what’s the other possibility?
KLAUS: It could be that someone laid a curse on our questioner, and bad things subsequently happened to them.
ANNOUNCER: In which case now, they’re wondering if God really is angry at them.
KLAUS: Right.
ANNOUNCER: And what would you say to that?
KLAUS: I would say God may be angry at you, but only you and He can answer why that may be.
ANNOUNCER: That’s not very reassuring.
KLAUS: Well, I’m not going to give someone a clean bill of health if they’ve been living in unrepentant sin. I’m not their judge, either.
ANNOUNCER: But I think you probably should add something.
KLAUS: I do… to you the listener I would say: God does want you back. He is calling you to repentance. But I don’t think all the bad things that have been happening to you are the direct result of some curse made by another individual. Perhaps they’re the consequence of sin, but God and God alone is your judge. And Jesus – and Jesus alone – is your Savior. And the punishment for every sin was laid upon Him at the cross.
ANNOUNCER: Thank you, Pastor Klaus. And with that we come to the end of our broadcast for another week. We thank you, the listener, for making this program part of your day. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries.
Music Selections for this program:
“A Mighty Fortress” arranged by John Leavitt. Concordia Publishing House/SESAC
“All Who Believe and Are Baptized” arr. Henry Gerike. Used by permission
“Rejoice, the Lord Is King” by Timothy Albrecht. From Grace Notes by Timothy Albrecht (© 1997 ACA Digital Recording, Inc.) Augsburg Fortress/SESAC
“Trio from Partita on Hyfrydol” by Charles Callahan. From Love Divine, All Loves Excelling by Charles Callahan (© 1993 Concordia Publishing House) Concordia Publishing House/SESAC