Christ Church (Moscow, ID)

First a word on the curious title for the sermon. In the American colonial era, ministers used to preach sermons to prepare congregants for their civic duties at election time, and these sermons were called artillery sermons. The custom may have begun (back in England) with messages that were preached to artillery companies prior to their election of officers. But the term broadened, and here we are.What I would like to do this morning is declare an authoritative word to you in the light of our current political season. Given the inflamed state of our postmodern politics, it might seem that we are always in a political season, and that is actually part of our dilemma.

Blessed are those who are called by the name of the Lord, for they shall be feared.Blessed are those who listen, for they shall be chased down by blessing.Blessed are those who observe and do, for they shall be set on high.Blessed are those who have the word in their mouth and heart, for the new commandment is theirs.Blessed are those who are truly fruitful in their basket and store, for they will hunger and thirst after righteousness.Blessed are those who serve God in joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things, for they shall be free of covetousness.Blessed are those who have not looked on the form or shape of any graven image, for they shall see God.Blessed are those whose foot does not slide, for they shall walk in the truth.

Thirst without water to quench it is a painful experience. Hunger without a meal in sight is a torture. Think of how miserable that dryness of mouth is, or how the gnawing stomach-ache makes you feel. Now, imagine that right in front of you is water that you refuse to drink, and a feast you refuse to eat. What should we call someone like that? An insufferable fool.

In the Garden, we see Jesus ask His Father to do something. And we see His Father deny Him. This is the Incarnate Word, the One through Whom all things were made. This God-Man was the lynch-pin of all history. The One Whom the prophets foretold, the Lamb to unmake and remake the world. And in His most desperate prayer, His Father denied Him.