The Legacy Collection
© 2013 Dennis Fischer ®
All rights reserved
Volume XII
"A Tribute to Dignity"
By
Dennis Fischer
Summary: By Blow the Trumpet
On March 14, 2013 Mr. Dennis “Denny” Luker passed after a short but courageous battle with cancer—bringing to an end a life of extraordinary service committed to God’s Kingdom, His People and His Work. I am one of many who considered him and his family among the closest of friends. When I first heard of his death I sobbed uncontrollably. I was absolutely devastated. To me he was more than a pastor and teacher, he was a brother and a Friend. Closer than blood.
I Realize that people express grief in different ways. Mine was first done in a letter on behalf of Blow the Trumpet to All of God’s people. What follows is that letter.
To All the Saints
In the Churches of God
Re: The Passing of a Friend
Dear Brethren,
It is with great sadness that we at Blow the Trumpet acknowledge the passing of Mr. Dennis “Denny” Luker. Mr. Luker faithfully served God’s people during the course of six decades (1960s to the present) and his labor touched virtually thousands of saints around the world. Although the Church knows that his spirit has returned to the Father (Ecclesiastes 12:7, Job 34:14) and that he now rests in the hope of a better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35) there is still a penetrating sorrow in the hearts of those who personally knew this extraordinary man. Tonight many tears are being shed at the news of his passing not the least of which are mine.
I first met Mr. Luker and his wife, LeeAnn in 2003 when my family moved from Southern California to Everett, Washington. At that time he was the Pastor of the Bellevue congregation as well as the Northwest Regional Pastor for the United Church of God. I can still vividly recall being struck at how genteel he was. His voice was soft while his eyes reflected an unmistakable determination. Although Denny was never one to seek out controversy he was fearless in the face of it. My son once commented to me after hearing one of his many sermons, "Dad, I really like this man. He's no wimp."
To me, Denny was a remarkable study in Christianity. He was brazen with confidence without possessing one ounce of conceit. His words conveyed a message of kindness and hope and I can honestly say I never detected one judgmental bone in his body.
He was also a great listener. I remember many conversations with him and how he was literally locked in to what was being said. I once told my wife that "this man is so attentive he can make you feel like you're the only person in a crowded room." In messages he would affectionately refer to me as "the other Dennis," a designation I was honored to hold. He would also playfully scold me for not calling him "Denny" (I only addressed him as Mr. Luker).
My first serious conversation with him came in 2004. I had just finished writing A Vision, A Plan, and A Destiny and wanted to share it with him. I gave him one of three original manuscripts of the book. Several weeks later he gave a message in which he cited it. In another sermon he actually pointed to me and said "You wrote about this in your book." After services I approached him and said, "You really read it?" His response: "Every word." My greatest disappointment since hearing that Denny was battling cancer was not telling him that the book was dedicated to him.
Mr. Luker shared a wonderful tandem of leadership with his wife LeeAnn, an elegant lady who was such a marvelous companion. My heart truly aches for her in this great trial. I know that a part of her also passed. It is my sincerest desire that she can draw strength from the fact that her name is on the prayerful lips of thousands of God's people. My heartfelt condolences also go out to Steve, Leah, Elgie, Chad, and Kennedy as well as the entire Luker-Gibson Family not to mention the United Church of God.
I could go on forever expressing my sentiments concerning the contribution Mr. and Mrs. Luker have made to the cause of God's Kingdom, but will now pause and allow scores of others to share their stories of how this man of grace and dignity touched them. One such family wrote my wife the following:
“[Mr. Luker] was our pastor when we lived in Placentia California (The Garden Grove Congregation). Ron and I both loved him and considered him our favorite pastor when we attended the Worldwide Church of God. He definitely had an attitude of humility and service. He was kind beyond words and compassionate.”
In Closing, a few hours after receiving word of his passing I spoke to a friend and conveyed how much I would love to spend just five more minutes with Denny. He asked me, "What would you tell him?" I said that I would tell him how much I loved him and how thankful I am that God favored me with his friendship. My friend responded, "You don't need the five minutes. He already knew that."
Respectfully,
Dennis Fischer aka "The other Dennis"
The Message
Shortly after Mr. Luker’s passing a memorial service was held in Bellevue, Washington—the site of so many messages he had given. It was attended by UCG dignitaries and members past and present. I was not able to attend but was able to contribute to the day in my own way. Earlier on that Sabbath I was in Bozeman, Montana where I was invited by Mr. Dan Deininger to give a sermonette. Upon receiving his invitation I informed him of my desire to offer a tribute to Mr. Luker. When doing so I would make some brief comments about the man who meant so much to me after which I would present the last message Mr. Luker ever heard from me. What follows is that message.
Sermonette
Introduction:
Good morning everyone.
Brethren, this afternoon a memorial service honoring Mr. Denny Luker is being held in Bellevue, Washington. It will be attended by Church leaders as well as scores of people who have been touched by this man’s life and ministry.
Of all the many pastors I have known since I was a young man growing up in God’s Church, in the 1960s—and believe me there have been a lot, none reflected a more graphic portrait of Biblical Christianity in my view than Dennis Luker. To say that I both loved and respected him is a monumental understatement. Denny Luker even visited people in prison and was rewarded by God for it by winning a convert to Christ.
With that said, at this time I would like to offer for your consideration and to his honor the last message I ever presented before this very dear friend. It is called “Who is Your Neighbor?”
And it goes like this.
“Who Is Your Neighbor?”
Brethren, the gospel of Luke records one of the most poignant lessons ever given by the Messiah.
It was conveyed by way of a parable during His latter Judean ministry.
At that time He was approached by a scribe who presented Him with a test—in the form of what appeared to be a very benign question. Notice what he asks.
Luke 10:25
And behold, a certain lawyer, stood up and tested Him saying Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
Jesus responds to this query by asking a question of His own. Knowing the scribe’s affinity for the law, the Messiah offers him an opportunity to share his wisdom.
Luke 10:26
And Jesus said said unto him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?
In essence Jesus was saying, You’re the lawyer, what does the law say?
The scribe may have seen this invitation as no challenge at all. For his answer was filled with confidence and self-assurance.
Notice his answer.
Luke 10:27
And he answering said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”
Jesus responds by acknowledging the accuracy of the scribe’s answer but left him with an unsettling admonition.
Luke 10:28
And He (Jesus) said unto him, “Thou hast answered right: this do and you shall live.”
Jesus’ words are masterful.
Although He affirms the scribe’s understanding, He suggests that this prominent lawyer may be falling short of the law in his own life.
Therefore, He exhorted him, “This do and you shall live.”
These were bold words indeed to be spoken to such a prominent leader, but Jesus proclaimed them with unbridled confidence.
At this point the dialogue becomes more focused.
And although Luke does not mention any sub-plot there may have been one here all along.
At this point I would like you to consider the following.
Brethren, is it possible that Jesus wanted to present this lesson from the very beginning and therefore employed language that pressed the scribe to continue the discussion?
At this point it is important to understand that the Messiah knew all too well how human nature worked and how man is consumed with justifying his behavior.
He also knew the religious leaders of His day and how self-righteous they were.
Whatever the case, Jesus’ words clearly put this religious leader on the defensive—leading him to employ a tactic very common in legal arguments—he seeks to deflect Jesus’ admonition by demanding that He define His terms.
Notice Verse 29.
Luke 10:29
But the scribe, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?”
The Greek for neighbor employed in this narrative is plesion (play-see’-on).
By definition it means a “friend.”
It clearly denotes one worthy of love and respect—like a brother or near kin.
The scribe may have asked this question because he couldn’t imagine why Jesus would suggest that he was not following the law.
However, brethren, I would submit to you that this is right where the Messiah wanted the conversation to go. And by doing so set the stage for one of the greatest lessons in the history of Christianity.
The Lesson
In the parable of thee “Good Samaritan” Jesus presents a scenario that will require this scribe to acknowledge something he never could have imagined just moments earlier.
This is because Samaritans were held in contempt by the Jews of Jesus’ day. They looked upon them as inferior interlopers who had no place in the land of Israel, let alone in God’s Kingdom.
Even the word “Samaritan” was commonly used as an insult and was once employed against the Messiah Himself (John 8:48)
The point here is that this scribe would never think of associating with a Samaritan, let alone regard one as a friend or neighbor. But all that was about to change.
Jesus now presents a story of true friendship and brotherhood.
The Parable Begins
Luke 10:30
And Jesus answering said, “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed leaving him half dead.”
Brethren, this was not just a mugging, but a brutal assault.
The victim (an Israelite) is in all likelihood left to die.
Additionally, he was not only beaten and robbed, but humiliated—he was stripped of his clothing and left naked and without hope.
As he lay bleeding to death his countrymen (a Levite and a Priest) approach him. Surely, this was good news—or was it?
Jesus continues.
Luke 10:31-32
And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
And likewise a Levite, and when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
An Astonishing Reaction
Brethren, this is astonishing.
Common decency would have demanded that these men rush to the aid of their severely injured countryman—but they would not.
With what can only be described as “callused indifference,” they went out of their way to avoid him.
Although the scriptures do not say, it is possible that the scribe saw this story as very plausible.
He may even have thought of people he knew that would have done the very thing the priest and Levite did.
Perhaps he even saw himself in the story.
A Great Moral Lesson
Jesus then presents the core of this great moral lesson’
And when doing so He introduces the NEIGHBOR.
And as it turned out, he was a lowly Samaritan.
Luke 10:33-35
“But a certain Samaritan as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he
saw him, he had compassion on him.
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever you spend more, when I come again, I will repay you.”
Brethren, the Samaritan’s kindness toward a man, who probably had nothing but contempt for him, was extraordinary. He not only treated his wounds, but also sacrificed his own comfort so that this stranger would not suffer further—he put him on his beast while he walked. He even gave of his substance to ensure that the man would fully convalesce.
The Samaritan never asked himself, “What has this guy done for me lately?”
He never saw this as an opportunity to get even for past wrongs.
This act of goodness was simply driven by a genuine outgoing concern for a man who desperately needed it.
Jesus then asks the question of the day.
And although the answer is obvious, it must be uttered.
Luke 10:36
“Now which of these three, do you think was a neighbor unto him that fell among thieves?”
The scribe is now compelled to make a stark admission—one that is totally foreign to the arrogance and condescension that defined so much of Jewish leadership. Notice his words.
Luke 10:37
“I suppose it is he that showed mercy on him.”
The Messiah then concludes this wonderful lesson with words most familiar.
“Go and do likewise”
The Point
With these words, Jesus was giving far more than the scribe had sought. While the scribe originally wanted to know who his neighbor was, the Messiah provided him with an example of what the scribe must do in order to be a neighbor to others.
His admonition was that if the scribe truly desires to know the real meaning of the words, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” he should be less interested in the word “neighbor” and more interested in the word “love.”
In other words Jesus was admonishing the scribe to be like the Samaritan. In the words of your Savior, “Go, and do likewise.”
Volume XIII
The Prodigal