Easter 6 + Rogate

John 16:23-33

As it’s Memorial Day Weekend, I thought we’d begin with some mottos, penetrating and figurative sayings, and provocative military proverbs, which are meant to capture the mind and inspire the heart to fight triumphantly.

Some are more subtle than others.

A Japanese Samurai Maxim or fighting proverb said,

“Tomorrow’s battle is won during today’s practice.”

Simply meaning, prepare today to fight tomorrow.

An unknown soldier in Vietnam is recorded as saying,

“The Greatest glory consists not in never dying but in rising when we fall.”

For this one, get back up after you’ve been knocked down.

Or for those who have served, the very well-known saying of,

“Kill’em all, and let God sort’em out”

On the surface, this is a hard saying. Some might say it’s a horrible thing to say.

Some believe this saying is a misrepresentation of 2 Timothy 2:19, which states, “The Lord knows those who are his.”

The belief is that this military saying comes from around 1210 AD, when Pope Innocent III was not so innocent and ordered fire and sword against heretics throughout Europe, where over 100,000 people were killed. Pope Innocent III believed that even if the good were killed along with the heretics, God would know them, and they would know God, and they would still receive eternal life.

It's a hard saying to hear, but its history and meaning go deeper than what is heard on the surface, and this is a challenge with figures of speech, whether they are good or bad sayings.

Now, proverbs and figures of speech have been a part of humanity since the beginning. They are often used to inspire one to ask, “What does this mean?” They possess greater meaning, a meaning that was, for a time, veiled from one’s understanding.

Today, Jesus says to His disciples, “I have said these things to you in figures of speech.”

In other words, sometimes, “My words have been veiled from your understanding for the time being.”

In these instances, Jesus is not only telling them that His words will need further pondering to gain clarity, but He’s inviting them to ask Him for greater clarity and understanding.

A classic example of Jesus speaking in figures of speech is found in John chapter 10, where He describes the duties of a shepherd in protecting the flock from the attacks of the wolf. The disciples didn’t get it, so Jesus goes on to say, “I am the Good Shepherd.”

He is the one who cares for His flock, for you.

But what is Jesus referring to today when He says, “I have said these things to you in figures of speech.”

He’s referring to our Gospel from a couple of weeks ago when He said to the disciples, “A little while, and you will see me no longer, and again a little while and you will see me.”

There’s a deeper meaning to these words.

Remember that the “Little while” refers to Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. He’s speaking of His cross.

Keep this in mind as Jesus speaks again today.

But also take into account these dear words of Jesus as He says, “In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.”

This is profound.

Up until this point, the disciples would go to Jesus, just as children go to their teacher, and ask questions. But now, Jesus says, “You get to go to your heavenly Father on my account and in my name.”

This would give them pause all on its own, because Jesus is telling them to go directly to His Father.

And this is really what’s at the core of today’s Gospel—learning to petition and pray to God the Father for understanding.

The name of this Sunday is Rogate, meaning “to ask” or “to beg.”

There are many sayings in life that we don’t truly understand. There is scripture we don’t understand. There are diagnoses of health, deaths, and heartache we don’t understand.

And these are all invitations for us to ask questions of God, to ponder His will, and most of all, meditate upon His Word.

This is one of the reasons I love Bible Class and the opportunity we have to ask questions and learn together.

But more, when we encounter God's word and do not understand it, we should also pray and ask God for help.

It’s His Word, and He will reveal it to us in His timing, so that you might be led to eternal life.

Just reflect on the Old Testament reading today from Numbers, the raising of the bronze serpent gave those of Israel who looked to it healing and salvation for their sin, their lack of faith, and words against God.

But in this raising of the bronze serpent, the cross sits in the shadows, veiled from the people’s eyes and understanding.

This was all looking forward to Jesus’ death upon the cursed tree for you.

We are like the people of Israel. We lack understanding, so we grumble and turn away from God, and when we do this, tribulations are all around us. The snakes of this life are nipping at our heels. Your anxiety increases, as does your bewilderment.

But with prayer, you turn your lack of understanding of God’s Word, His will, and your particular lot in life over to Him. You express faith and confidence in Him to deliver you, to give you understanding, and ultimately, life everlasting.

This is, after all, the purpose of God’s Word, Jesus says,

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

No matter the situation of life you find yourself in this day, take heart, because your Jesus has overcome this world. Through the laying down of His life upon the cross, He overcame every illness and disease, He has defeated death and the grave, for you.

Why?

Because Jesus, the Good Shepherd, “Knows those who are his.” (2 Timothy 2:19)

He knows you.

In fact, He laid down His life for you.

As the crosses, the mental and physical battles of life rage all around you and in you, look to the cross of Jesus, because it’s the key and the beginning of knowing and understanding the words of your Savior, Jesus Christ.

And then learn to call out and pray for the peace only Jesus can give – the forgiveness of your sin and eternal life. +INJ+

Rev. Noah J. Rogness

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Tomah, WI