May 26, 2024 – Holy Trinity

“Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:1-17

There is a theological motif called the “Happy Exchange”. Now that sounds inviting doesn’t it – the “Happy Exchange”. It goes like this: G-d became human – through Jesus Christ, G-d came to be just like you and me – so that you and I could become just like Jesus. So, there is nothing we need to do to be worthy of G-d’s love, mercy and Grace – G-d makes us worthy because it pleases G-d to treat us as G-d’s children through the “Happy Exchange”. This is what makes John 3:16 so appropriate in its simplicity:

G-d so loved the world (first) that G-d gave the world G-d’s Son, Jesus Christ. G-d acted first. G-d did not ask our opinion first. G-d elected to act before we could try to figure it all out – before we could figure anything out about G-d – not that we have a clear understanding of this mysterious G-d we have.

Today we claim to know G-d as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, yet we have no right to say we understand fully the Doctrine of the Trinity. But understanding the Doctrine of Election is a little easier. G-d elects to act – G-d elects to choose us – and G-d does this all through elements like G-d’s Word, Wine, Bread and Water. When the Word is preached – when we pour Water on the heads of new initiates – when we partake in the Bread and Wine of communion – Election is in action. We are reminded each time that not only is G-d with us – but G-d has chosen us – G-d has chosen to love us beyond all measure. And when we finally realize how much G-d wants to be in relationship with us, then we can answer that call:

“Will You Go To Serve The Lord?”

“With the Help of the Lord – We Will – We Will”

Pastor Dave