“GIVING IT ALL TO GET IT ALL”
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
July 27, 2008
Just what would you be willing to give up in order to receive great joy?
Just how much would you be willing to spend to order to receive something of great beauty?
These are questions a portion of our text for today begs to ask.
The entire lesson that I read contains five different parables – the parable of the mustard seed, the parable of the yeast, the parable of the hidden treasure, the parable of the pearl, and the parable of the net. The first two could be grouped together to emphasize the message that the smallest amount of faith can transform the things it comes in contact with and make a huge difference in the world. The last story tells of the final judgment, when the net of God will drawn and land on the shores of heaven. The middle two stories are the stories I want to focus on this morning.
These stories have a couple of things in common. First, both stories tell of finding something of great value. The treasure in the first story and the pearl in the second story represent the Christian’s greatest goal – the Kingdom of heaven. Both stories also tell that the finder sells everything in order to receive the prized possession.
But there is a significant difference in these two stories, as well. In the first story, we read that someone “found” this hidden treasure. When I read that, I get the impression that the finder wasn’t necessarily looking for anything valuable. It could have been that he was just walking through the field when he spotted something shiny poking up out of the dirt. Bending down to get a closer look, he’d brush away more soil until he got a clear glimpse of what had been hidden. When he realized what was there, he covered it back up and made the land owner an offer he couldn’t refuse.
While this may sound like an unusual finding, it wouldn’t have been that strange to the listeners in Jesus’ day. In Jesus’ time, ordinary people used the ground as the safest place to keep their most cherished belongings. We might remember another story Jesus told – the parable of the talents – and how the first two servants invested what was given to them and they doubled their money…but the third servant simply buried what he was given (“Master,” he said, “I knew that you were a harsh man…so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground.”). The rabbis had a saying that there was only one safe place to keep your money – the earth.
It could be that someone’s treasure would be discovered by another…simply by chance.
It might also have been that the finder was a worker in that particular field. Perhaps he was simply going about his daily chores - picking rocks or plowing the field or planting seeds – when he came across this unusual object. After doing a little more digging, he discovered what lay beneath the soil and he knew that he needed to make it his own.
In the second story, we learn that the merchant was in search of fine pearls. In Jesus’ time, pearls had a very special place in the hearts of people. People desired to own a pearl, not just for its monetary value, but also for its beauty. They found great pleasure in holding their pearl and contemplating it. They found a real joy in possessing and looking at their pearl. And so it would not be all that unusual to find a merchant searching for a bigger and better and more beautiful pearl.
The merchant knew what he was looking for. He was committed to the task. The search was his job. And when he found what he was looking for, he gave everything else away so that he could make that pearl of great value his own.
The contrast in these two stories is how the treasure was found – in one, it was found by chance; in the other, it was found by choice. But no matter how the discovery was made, everything had to be sold and sacrificed to gain the prize.
Let’s remind ourselves of what this great prize really is. Jesus began both stories with the same phrase, “The kingdom of heaven is like…” The buried treasure and the pearl of great value represent the kingdom of heaven. If we were studying the Lord’s Prayer, we might say that the kingdom of heaven is a way of being where God’s will is done as perfectly as it is in heaven. To enter the kingdom of God is to accept and to do God’s will. If peace in the heat, joy in the mind and beauty in life are your goals, there is only one way to fully achieve them – conforming to the will of God.
In both of these parables, Jesus calls us to treasure the message we have discovered in the field of life. We are encouraged to do everything in our power to hold onto the wonder working seed and the miraculous yeast that we find - or which finds us. We have no idea how and why we would ever stumble upon treasure buried in the middle of a field. In the same way, we might never know just how and why a pearl of tremendous beauty might come our way, even if we are searching diligently for it. But the message is clear – once we’ve found it, we ought to be ready to do anything and everything in our power to keep it.
Sadly, many let go of the treasure - whose joy and delight in God, whose trust and confidence in God - has not been as strong as it once was.
We all know how life is. When a person finds something of great value he or she has a decision to make - -- to obtain that treasure regardless of the cost -- or to be content with the treasure that he or she already has.
The procedure for catching monkeys in the jungle offers a wonderful illustration of this idea. Here’s how to catch a monkey:
•
Take a gourd and create a hole just small enough for a monkey's hand to go through.
Take a gourd and create a hole just small enough for a monkey's hand to go through. •Put some monkey food inside the hole. (If you do not know what monkeys eat, you might want to interview several first. Just don't mention that you're trying to capture monkeys.) Actually, peanuts or rice will work well.
Put some monkey food inside the hole. (If you do not know what monkeys eat, you might want to interview several first. Just don't mention that you're trying to capture monkeys.) Actually, peanuts or rice will work well. •When the monkey sees your trap, he will put his hand inside. As he grabs the food, he makes a fist. If the hole was made correctly, his fist will be too big to get back out.
When the monkey sees your trap, he will put his hand inside. As he grabs the food, he makes a fist. If the hole was made correctly, his fist will be too big to get back out. •Unwilling to let go of the food, the monkey will just stay there until you come along and catch him.
Unwilling to let go of the food, the monkey will just stay there until you come along and catch him. The trap works because the monkey cares more about this food he can't eat have than he does about his own freedom. If he could simply let go, he'd have a happier (and longer) life.
Smart as we are, we get caught in monkey traps of our own. We cling to a secure job we don't really love. Or we stay with the wrong person. Or we fill our days and nights with activities that only cause us to want more and more of the things we can’t have.
Unlike the monkey, we can escape. We know that if anyone has escaped their job and risen to financial freedom, then there's probably a way that we can do it too. We know that if we invest time into making new friends and becoming better people, we will probably find better and more fulfilling relationships. If we use our time to serve others we will find that we have more than we ever imagined.
We can think these things easily and see the logic. But we may not feel it. We may be scared. But that's our monkey mind, telling us we need to have that piece of food. What sets us apart is that we can trust in the vision of something better. The more we focus, the stronger that vision - and we ourselves - become.
By focusing our energies on our vision, we can develop confidence in ourselves and we develop faith. And with that faith, we gain a uniquely human power: we can let go of our fear, and claim our prize.
It’s not too late.
There is a word from God for us - a touch of the Spirit for us - a person who comes to us and for us - that is worth everything we have.
Don't let it go by. Drop what is in your hands, drop what is in your minds, and take hold of what God is offering. Pick it up, hold on to it, and don't let go. Hold on to the seeds cast your way - let them germinate – nurture them. Take the yeast out of its container and risk losing it all by putting all of it into the dough of your life. Sell everything and buy the whole field - get the pearl of great value – and watch what happens.
What will happen is great. You'll probably be labeled crazy by those who don’t get it - by doubters and naysayers and those who don’t love and trust God. But you will see better things than you have ever seen before - and you'll know a love that you’ve never known before. And most importantly, you’ll be able to show a love that the people who live in the world can only dream about it.
Give up the worldly things and ideas that you cling to, grab hold of what God offers, and never let go. AMEN.
“WHEAT AND WEEDS”
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
July 20, 2008
If you are a truly serious gardener, what is the first thing you notice in the garden this time of year? While the flowers might be in full bloom and the vegetables beginning to show the first signs of something other than green leaves and stems, if you take a lot of pride in your garden you probably take notice of the weeds.
Your rows can be perfectly straight, your soil perfectly balanced, your water and food perfectly distributed, but if there’s even one tiny weed beginning to poke its ugly head up out of the ground, its serious business!
For farmers, it’s probably the same. I’m not a farmer, but I have dabbled in the garden, and so I know a little bit about how the ground is prepared for the season and cared for:
•Any early weeds are sprayed and killed
Any early weeds are sprayed and killed•The ground is disked or tilled
The ground is disked or tilled•Soil adjustments are made
Soil adjustments are made•Seeds and/or plants are put into the ground
Seeds and/or plants are put into the ground•Pre-emergent herbicides might be applied
Pre-emergent herbicides might be applied•Hoeing or cultivating or mulching is done
Hoeing or cultivating or mulching is done•And any weeds that dare appear are quickly eradicated
And any weeds that dare appear are quickly eradicatedThis morning’s gospel lesson, “The Parable of the Weeds and the Wheat” as it’s often called, seems to offer a different, rather surprising method of dealing with the weeds.
For those who were here last Sunday or who followed the lectionary readings for last week, you’ll probably remember that we encountered another parable – The Parable of the Sower/Seeds/Soils/All of the Above.
Through that parable we were reminded (or at least one way of looking at the story reminds us) of the importance of sowing seeds (which represent the Word of God) wherever we go, regardless of the anticipated outcome.
Sure, we might cast some seeds on the hard path where they’ll lay until eaten up by something or someone else; we might toss some seeds into the rocks, where they’ll quickly take root but just as quickly whither and die because they can’t grow deep; we might sow some seeds into the thistles where whatever grows will be choked out by higher priorities.
But in the same way, some of the seeds we plant will take root and grow and produce a bumper crop – scripture tells us that in some cases the seed will produce 100-fold, sometimes 60, and other times 30. In any case, the result will be far beyond anything we could ever imagine or expect.
And so today’s lesson is sort of a follow-up to last week’s. In today’s reading we hear about a farmer – an honest, hard-working farmer. When he plants his field, he is careful to use only good seed – the best seed. Unknown to him or any of his workers, the enemy comes in under the cover of darkness and plants weed seeds alongside the farmer’s wheat seeds.
After some time, as the plants begin to sprout from the ground, the workers notice that the field is impure – there is more than wheat rising up out of the ground. The workers go to the farmer and report their finding by way of questioning: “Did you not sow good seed? Where did these weeds come from?”
The farmer, wise with age, knows the source. “An enemy has done this.”
William Barclay, in his commentary on the book of Matthew, says that this idea of sowing weeds in someone else’s field is not just a clever story – it was actually sometimes done. To this day in India, one of the most serious threats made against an enemy is, “I will sow bad seed in your field.” In codified Roman law, this crime is forbidden and its punishment laid down. It could well be that this was more than just a parable – this could be a real-life story.
The workers, wanting to please their Master and return the field to its intended perfection, understandably ask, “Shall we pull the weeds?”
The farmer, again showing his wisdom and vast knowledge of both plants and weeds, tells them no. “In gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them.”
The farmer knew that, first of all, even the most trained horticulturist would have trouble differentiating between the young wheat and the weeds. Secondly, by the time the weeds could be more accurately identified, their root system would be so well developed that they would intertwine with the roots of the wheat plants. To pull one would mean that the other would come up with it.
The farmer’s instructions are to wait. Perhaps the farmer was remembering the passage from Ecclesiastes 3 – “For everything there is a season: a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” He knew that the weeds (as well as the wheat) would need to be plucked up.
But he knew that it would have to wait until the right season. “Let both of them grow together until the harvest;” the farmer said, “and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, ‘Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”
It’s hard to wait, isn’t it? Especially when we’re told to wait for something ugly to be removed from something beautiful – when the waiting means that we have to put up with the bad in order to reap the good.
Jesus, just as he did in last week’s lesson, goes on to explain the parable.
•The sower of the good seed is God
The sower of the good seed is God•The field is the world
The field is the world•The good seeds are the children of God
The good seeds are the children of God•The enemy who sowed the bad seed is the devil
The enemy who sowed the bad seed is the devil•The weeds are the children of the evil one
The weeds are the children of the evil one•The harvest is the end of the age
The harvest is the end of the age•The reapers are the angels
The reapers are the angelsWe don’t have to look too far to see the truth in that explanation, do we? There are good seeds being planted all around the world. There are those who are compassionate, caring, and committed to good. There are those who seek to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.
But in the midst of the good, there are the bad seeds. And these bad seeds pop up in every walk of life.
They’re usually a small minority, but they’re hard to ignore. Statistics tell us that in any organization, about 15% of the members will be what we might call “bad seeds.” That means that 85% of the members of the organization are “good seeds,” committed to the mission and vision and growth and development of the organization.
That’s a pretty good percentage, but which group tends to get the most attention? That’s right – the 15%.
It is easy to be intimidated by what we might call the weeds in the world; it is easy to focus on the fact that they exist everywhere - even in the church.
It is so easy, as a matter of fact, that we sometimes forget the vast bouquet of flowers that makes up the rest of the world, the 85% that is the baby instead of the bathwater.
It might be just 5% that represent the bad seed; it might be just 1%. But think about what percentage yeast makes up of all the ingredients in bread. And then think about the effect yeast has on the dough…that small percentage raises the whole loaf!
So what do we do? What are we to do with the troublemakers we encounter?
Jesus says, “Leave it alone.” Do not disturb it! Do not try to pluck it out because if you do you're going to wreck the whole place. You’ll end up pulling up wheat as well as weeds no matter how careful you are. You'll develop an eye of judgment, and while you may be right in that judgment, you may end up doing wrong. If you’re not careful, you’ll do more harm than good.
When John Wesley was organizing this movement called Methodism, he was asked, “What then is the mark? Who is a Methodist, according to your own account?” Wesley answered, “A Methodist is one who has ‘the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost given unto him;’ one who ‘loves the Lord his God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his mind, and with all his strength.’”
From these beliefs, Wesley established a set of what we call today The General Rules. They could be summarized into three small rules: Do no harm; Do good; Stay in love with God.
“Do no harm.” That’s the first of Wesley’s General Rules. Jesus says it a bit differently. He says, “Leave it to me. The weeds will be burned at the time of harvest - and all of you will have a hand in it - you will see justice done. The weed will perish - and the wheat will be stored in the granary of heaven."
This is not to say that we are to ignore evil in our world. When we take the vows of Baptism, or are confirmed, or reaffirm our faith, we are asked: “Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?”
We are asked: “Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?”
Yes, we are to speak out against the powers of evil in the world. Yes, we are to resist evil and the temptations of the evil one in our midst. But in our speaking out and turning away, we are to allow God to be the one to take final action – to pronounce final judgment.
Our job is:
•to bless instead of curse
to bless instead of curse•to praise instead of criticize
to praise instead of criticize•to help instead of turn away
to help instead of turn away•to love instead of hate
to love instead of hate•to forgive instead of resent
to forgive instead of resent•to tell the truth instead of lies
to tell the truth instead of liesAnd, of course, we are to do this in the knowledge and presence of a world full of weeds.
But it’s probably just as well. If you can get really honest with yourself and with God, you’ll find that your own life is not always flowers. There are times when we allow the evil one to dictate our words or our actions. There are times when we don’t do the things we ought to do and don’t speak out when someone needs to give voice to the silent. There are times when we are the weeds.
And aren’t you glad that in those times we’re not immediately cut down and thrown into the fire? Aren’t you glad that God allows evil to exist so that what is good might grow? Aren’t you glad that God’s grace means that our evil thoughts, words and deeds are given time to be turned around to the good?
This morning, as this message draws to a close, I want to give you a couple of minutes to sit in silence. If there is some weed in your life right now, I invite you to offer it up to God. Give thanks that God hasn’t already cut you down and tossed you aside. Offer God the opportunity to turn your thorns into roses.
At the same time, if there is someone you know who is living a life that is less than rosy, I invite you to offer them up to God. Ask God to help you live a life that demonstrates to them the difference Jesus Christ can make in our lives. Ask God to help you love and forgive, instead of hating and holding grudges.
Let us pray…
“THE PARABLE OF THE…”
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
July 13, 2008
I thought that I’d start with a little Bible quiz – I hope you’re prepared!
Here’s the only question on the quiz: When you hear this morning’s gospel reading, what do you call it?
Is it:
A)The Parable of the Sower
The Parable of the SowerB)The Parable of the Seeds
The Parable of the SeedsC)The Parable of the Soils
The Parable of the SoilsIf you said A, you’re right.
If you said B, you’re right.
If you said C, you’re right.
If you said anything else, you’re probably right, too!
I like to think of this as The Parable of the All of the Above. “Let anyone with ears listen!”
It is a parable about the Sower. Notice I said the sower, as opposed to our text, which begins “A sower…” “The sower” is truer to the original text, and if we take it that way, we ought to be tempted to ask who “The sower” is. In most circles, the Sower is thought to be God. Focusing on this, the parable would essentially point to the role of Jesus in bringing the kingdom of God to the people.
But the parable isn’t just about God. It’s also about the seed.
The seed in the parable is the Word of God, the Message, the Good News. Focusing on this, the parable is about different kinds of faith, several of which are futile, and one and only one of which is real.
But the seed is also the one who first tells us this story, Jesus himself, who as the scriptures tell us over and over again came from God that we might have life and have it abundantly. The seed is the one whom we call the Living Word - the Word made flesh - who came, while we were yet enemies of God - and gave up his life for us so that we might turn to God and live as God's beloved children in a world made new.
The seed is the one who tells us to do crazy things like love our enemies, and pray for those who oppress us, and bless those who curse us. The seed is the one who accepts us and who wants to be planted deep in our hearts and to grow in our lives, even when we think that we are not good enough to deserve him.
But the parable isn’t just about God or the Word of God. It’s also about the soil.
The soil in this story represents the hearers – some have closed minds, some have shallow minds, some have busy minds, and others have open minds. If we hear the story this way, we focus on the responsibility we have in hearing the message of Jesus.
So what is the story about? It’s about all three – and then some. “Let anyone with ears listen!”
Let’s take a look at a couple of other details. First, note that the seeds are spread into places where the sower knows they won’t grow. At first glance, it might appear as though the sower has been just plain lazy. If he was tossing seeds, he wasn’t being careful enough to avoid the paths and the rocks and the weeds. But looking at it from a different angle helps us to see that the seeds were cast into those places despite the fact they wouldn’t grow there.
This can be seen as a word of encouragement to those who preach and teach and share the Word of God with others. Certainly as the first followers went out, they were met with more than their fair share of discouragement. Certainly the same is true today. This message is for us.
When we sow the Word of God, we rarely know what kind of effect it will have on the listener. Sometimes it will fall upon deaf ears; sometimes it will be quickly received but short lasting; sometimes we will be turned away because our listener doesn’t have time for us; sometimes the Word we share is just what the listener needs, and it begins the process of transformation in them. When we go out to sow, we just don’t know.
This also reminds us that it’s not our job to decide who to go to and who to avoid. While we might think we know who isn’t going to receive our message, and while we might work really hard to avoid those people, the Sower reminds us to cast our seeds into those places anyway.
Isaiah 55:10-11 reminds us:
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” “Let anyone with ears listen!”
The other thing this story tells us is that when we sow seeds, we can’t expect immediate results. Any farmer or gardener knows that when the seed is planted, it takes time. In the same way, sometimes the Word of God takes a long time to germinate in the listener’s heart. In this age of fast food and instant gratification, we would be wise to sow in patience and in hope, leaving the harvest to the years.
The other detail I want us to take note of is the return on the investment.
I don’t know about your garden, but when I planted a carrot seed, I got one carrot. When I planted a green bean seed, I got one green bean plant. Now, I know that one plant is going to produce a number of green beans, but I doubt that I’ll get a hundred…or sixty…or even thirty.
While there may be a limit to what we can do - a limit to the time and the energy and the love and the resources that we have for one another - a limit that might cause us to try to sow in one place, but not in another, there is no limit to what God can do and what God does do. In the same way, there is no limit to what we can do when God's word is in our lives, working and growing in us as God wants it to.
We are all aware of the tornado that descended upon farms and fields just a couple of miles from here. If you were listening during our prayer time, you heard me mention Paul and Shirley Molenaar and family, as their farm was damaged by the storm.
When it was learned that the Molenaar’s needed help cleaning up on Saturday, several quick phone calls produced about 30 people from this church who worked for several hours cleaning up the yard and picking up trash from the fields. I’m certain that if more phone calls could have been made, even more people would have been there.
But it wasn’t just true at Paul and Shirley’s. As we drove in, and as we drove out again, we saw several people working at the other farms along the road. The West Central Tribune reported that “hundreds of volunteers” came out to help with the clean up. And what a difference it made! “Let anyone with ears listen!”
Let them hear that God’s Word is being poured out in abundance upon this world. Let them hear that God’s Word is being poured out upon the pathways and the rocky ground and the places that thistles grow and the good soil. Let them hear that, in the end, when the final reckoning is made, there will be an incredible harvest, a harvest so generous that the one who has sown so much seed so indiscriminately will be rewarded beyond anything anyone could reasonably hope for.
Go ahead – spread some seeds. Tell someone about God and the unconditional, unfailing love God has for them.
Show someone, by your good deeds, what your relationship with God moves you to do. Be there for someone when no one else will stand by their side. Spread some seeds – and trust that the seeds you spread will bring forth a good harvest. “Let anyone with ears listen!” AMEN.
“WHY DO I DO WHAT I DON’T WANT TO DO?”
Romans 7:15-25a
July 6, 2008
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I do what I want to do?”
For example, I know that regular exercise is a good thing to do. I want to exercise regularly. I know that if I work out regularly, I’m going to lighten the load around my midsection, have more stamina, and generally feel better. I’ve got all the tools to exercise regularly – I’ve got my running shoes and lots of clothes for running, we’ve got a membership at the YMCA – I don’t have any excuses. And yet I don’t exercise nearly as often as I should…or even as often as I want to.
Spiritually, I’m the same way. Remember about 6 months ago? I shared a goal and a challenge to read the Bible every day – or to read through the Bible in a year. I really wanted to stand before you on December 31 and claim victory – but I won’t. I’m really inconsistent, and I’ve fallen way behind. I wake up every morning and say to myself, “Make your Bible reading the first thing you do when get into your office…” but I’m easily distracted.
Maybe you’re a bit like me. Maybe you’ve asked that same question, “Why can’t I do what I want to do?” For example – I know that God wants me to pray. And not just pray for fifteen seconds a day. God wants me to be a man or a woman of prayer. God wants me (and I want) to spend time at the beginning and the end of each day, really praying. God wants me (and I want) to take time throughout the day, whenever I see evidence of God’s Creation and God’s Goodness, to take a moment to pray. That’s what God wants me to do. That’s what I want to do. But I don’t. What is my problem?
I know that God wants me to love other people. I really want to forgive other people, and be patient with other people, and be generous toward other people and make sacrifices for other people. I’m supposed to be the nicest guy on the block, all the time. But I’m not that way. Sometimes I force myself, but really, I’d prefer to be selfish, to hold grudges, to not make sacrifices. I don’t do what God wants me to do. I don’t do what I want to do. What is my problem?
My problem – our problem – is defined in today’s scripture reading from Romans chapter 7. This morning we’re going to look at both the problem and the cure.
There are two basic symptoms that all of us struggle with. Symptom number one is that we don’t do what we want. Verse 15: “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Same thing in the second half of verse 18: “I can will what is right, but I cannot do it.” Deep down inside, there are certain things we want to do. We want to hear God’s Word and pray and show kindness toward others. We have that desire, but we cannot carry it out.
Imagine if you were driving your car, and suddenly your brakes went out. No matter how hard you try, no matter how hard you push on the brake pedal, you can’t get the car to stop.
That’s how it is for us spiritually - we want to do the right thing, but we can’t. We are broken – our spiritual bodies aren’t working the way we would like them to work. That’s symptom number one.
And then there’s symptom number two – we do the bad things that we don’t want to do. Verse 15: “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing that I hate.” The Apostle Paul hated to sin, but that’s what he did. Verse 19: “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.” I keep doing the wrong thing – the evil thing – the sin - even though I don’t want to. That’s symptom number two.
So what do you do when things aren’t working the way you think they should – or the way you want them to? Often times, you’ll go to the doctor…or to someone else who has the ability to look inside of your body or your mind and see what is wrong. And if we take a close, careful, honest look inside ourselves, we’ll find that there is something inside of us that is causing our problems.
Verse 17: “It is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me.”
Verse 21: “I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand.”
When we take a close, honest look at ourselves, or when we allow God or someone else to take that good look at us, we will see that there is something living inside of us that’s causing us problems. Sin is living inside us, otherwise known as the sinful nature. Every time we want to do something good, the sinful nature that lives inside of us gets in the way.
There’s that old cartoon that everyone is familiar with, where the good angel is sitting on your one shoulder, and the evil angel is sitting on your other shoulder, and they compete with each other to get you to do certain things. The cartoon is humorous, but the real thing isn’t. There actually is something alive inside of us – it’s called our sinful nature, and it has damaged our souls. It causes us symptoms – we fail to do the good things we want, and we keep doing the bad things we hate.
So what is the outlook? What’s the answer?
The first part of the answer involves recognizing that this is the case. It means that we are willing to admit that we’re doing things we don’t want to be doing. It means that we’re willing to admit that we’re not doing the things we want or need to be doing. It means acknowledging that sin exists in our lives – and it is causing us problems. It’s Paul’s crying out in verse 24: “Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?”
When we can make that admission, when we can cry out for help, recognizing that we can’t do this alone, the answer – the solution to our problem – is made clear. Verse 25: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Because of Jesus, there is hope. Jesus Christ can cure the problem that each of us wrestles with. And the cure is called the forgiveness of sins.
That doesn’t mean that we will automatically always do what we want to do and stay away from the things we know are wrong. That battle will still exist because our sinful nature will be with us until the day we die. That’s why we need the Good News of Jesus Christ. Every day, the war inside of us should cause us to run to the cross of Christ. Every day, the war inside of us should cause us to look to the Gospel, and to rejoice that we have been forgiven for all of our failures. Every day, the war inside of us should cause us to run to Jesus Christ, to cast all of our cares upon him, knowing that he is humble in heart and longs to lighten our burden.
The day is coming, you know, when that battle will end. The battle between good and evil will end when we enter eternal life. And when we get to heaven, we will notice that our sinful nature is gone. It won’t follow us to heaven, leaving us completely free to glorify God in a way we weren’t able to do while we were here on this earth.
Until that day comes, stay close to the Word of God, because that’s the source of comfort and strength as we fight the daily battles that go on inside of us. Live every day as a Christian man, a Christian woman. Rejoice that your sins have been forgiven in Christ. And use every day to do, not what you hate, but what you love. Amen.
“A CUP OF WATER”
Matthew 10:40-42
June 29, 2008
Offering a cup of cold water…it seems like such an easy task, doesn’t it? Perhaps for you and me…but not for everyone.
Some of you might know that when I was serving in Lino Lakes, I was one of two pastors who volunteered as Police Chaplains. As Chaplains, we would get paged out whenever there was a critical incident (death in the home, severe auto accidents, house fire, etc.). When we weren’t responding to these emergencies, we could take time to ride along with the officers.
One of the officers I rode with on several occasions was Shawn Silvera. Shawn was in his early 30’s, married with two small children. Shortly after he finished his training to become a police officer, he and his wife Jennifer enlisted in the Peace Corps. Dedicated to serving God and helping others, the two of them spent two years in Honduras.
Shawn loved to talk about his ministry in Honduras. He’d share stories of the people, especially the children, that he and Jennifer connected with. He’d share travel stories, and one evening when he had to write up several reports, he sat me down at another computer in the office and pulled up his slide show of Honduras travel pictures. But the project and ministry Shawn was most passionate about was the Honduras Water Project.
Some of you might remember that in 1998 Honduras was devastated by Hurricane Mitch. Mitch was followed by three days of rain that caused landslides and floods, burying towns and killing thousands of people. Many of the rural communities were devasted. The hurricane caused $58 million in damages and left 75% of the country without safe drinking water.
Reconstruction efforts are continuing. However, until they are complete, many families are forced to rely on contaminated water supplies, and the prevalence of waterborne diseases like cholera is increasing. Mosquitoes that carry malaria and other diseases are also a problem.
Beyond the issues of health, poor access to water supplies causes many women and children in rural areas to spend up to six hours each day fetching water and carrying it home on their heads.
Shawn would tell me about how he and Jennifer became very involved in building a water system that would bring water to the residents of these villages. Shawn could talk for hours about how this water system worked, about how he would gather donations and supplies from his church back home, and about how he’d enlist the villagers to help lay the miles of PVC pipe that would carry water from the source to the mountain villages.
Shawn was particularly proud of the accomplishment of completing one full system while he and Jennifer were there. He was equally proud of his fund raising efforts after returning to the U.S., where he was able to raise the money to send to Honduras so that construction on a second project could begin.
Tragically, Officer Silvera was killed on September 6, 2005 while on duty. He had just placed stop sticks out on Interstate 35W in an attempt to help bring a chase to an end when the driver of the suspect vehicle swerved into the center median still traveling over 100 miles per hour, striking Shawn and killing him instantly. But even in his death, Shawn continued to offer a drink of cold water to those who were thirsty. Part of his memorial was dedicated to the Honduras Water Project and his wife Jennifer continues to raise money to support the project.
In our Scripture reading for this morning, we’re encouraged to give a cup of cold water to those who are in need.
The passage begins with these words: “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” When Jesus said this, he was sharing a message that would be familiar to the Jews. The Jews in Jesus time had an understanding that to receive a person’s representative or messenger was the same as receiving the person. To pay respect to an ambassador was the same as paying respect to the king who sent him. To welcome with love the messenger of a friend was equal to welcoming the friend.
How are we doing with our welcoming? When you look at literature put out by our church, you will undoubtedly see the phrase, “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.” To me, that says we’re a pretty welcoming place. But are we living up to that slogan? Are our hearts open to those who are hurting? Are our minds open to those who think differently than we do? Are our doors open to anyone and everyone who needs what the church can offer?
Last Sunday evening we served our first Community Meal. People have been asking all week, “So…how did it go?” My response has always been positive. “It was great!” I’d say.
•We served about 45 meals – short of the number we prepared for, but that just meant that our guests could bring food home to share with others or to provide a meal later in the week
We served about 45 meals – short of the number we prepared for, but that just meant that our guests could bring food home to share with others or to provide a meal later in the week•Our volunteers numbered 25-30 – people who shopped for food, prepared the meal, greeted guests, served the food, cleared tables, did dishes, answered questions, shared in fellowship, cleaned up, and began asking, “What do we want to keep, and what do we want to change next month?”
Our volunteers numbered 25-30 – people who shopped for food, prepared the meal, greeted guests, served the food, cleared tables, did dishes, answered questions, shared in fellowship, cleaned up, and began asking, “What do we want to keep, and what do we want to change next month?”•After the meal was over, guests stayed. They asked questions of our resource people, they shared in fellowship, and later many joined together in singing
After the meal was over, guests stayed. They asked questions of our resource people, they shared in fellowship, and later many joined together in singingIt was a great night – and it began with an understanding that we would be as welcoming and giving as possible to whomever came through our doors. Won’t you join us next month?
The last verse in our brief passage takes the welcoming process one step further. In it, we are encouraged to move from an attitude to an action: “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
I once read about a woman whose church group bought Christmas gifts for a missionary family. After meticulously selecting the presents based on the family's needs, sizes and ages, the group gathered to pack them.
That's when another member whisked in and plopped an almost new man's coat on the table. Her husband didn't like the style. As she turned to go, she suggested that maybe one of the missionaries could use it.
Several people were offended.
The coat wouldn't fit anyone in the missionary family. Obviously, the woman hadn't given much thought or time to the project.
But the other presents didn't completely fill the barrel they were packing. So someone folded the coat and stuck it in. It made perfect packing material.
After Christmas, a thank you letter arrived from the missionary family. They thanked the church for their many gifts – and especially for the "miracle" gift.
It seems that, during a storm, a destitute man knocked on their door. He was so ill-dressed for the cold, they invited him to stay until the storm had passed. Even though their visitor would have no gifts in the barrel, they decided to open it.
That's when they discovered the coat. It fit the man perfectly.
Do such things really happen in this world? You bet they do - all the time! You never know when you give that cup of cold water - that unneeded coat - how that gift may be used by God.
NO GIFT GIVEN - NO WELCOME - IS EVER GIVEN IN VAIN.
Are you afraid to give? Are we as a Christian community – a church -- afraid to give? Do we believe that there’s no use – that people aren’t interested in what we have to give? Have we chosen to avoid the risks of discipleship, the risks of welcoming?
These are good questions to ask ourselves.
And while we may think that we are doing a pretty good job of welcoming and serving, let me suggest a couple of things that we can do to get even better.
First, practice welcoming and hospitality on each other. Be genuinely concerned about each other's welfare. Soon we will find ourselves welcoming Christ in newcomers and strangers, for word will spread that this is a place that truly is open.
Second, remember that you are needy too. Remember the need for God's grace, the need for forgiveness, the need for compassion. Remember how God, through this community, through this church, has met those needs. Receive these gifts, this hospitality, this welcome as a sign of God's favor and as a sign of God’s desire to bring healing and wholeness to all of God’s people. Let yourself occasionally be the cherished guest, for Christ's sake and in his name.
Third, make a conscious decision to invite Jesus into your life and put him first. Then, as a follower of Christ, make the decision to reach out to those in need and get involved.
Yes, it costs. Our lives will be interrupted. Our privacy occasionally invaded. Our nerves frayed. Our patience tried. Yet, what we give up - those self-guided agendas - we will discover were really heavy burdens that we have been dragging around, needing to get placed by the wayside.
The great beauty of this passage is its stress on the simple things. The Church and Christ will always need their great speakers, their great teachers, their shining examples of sainthood. But the Church and Christ will also always need those who open their homes to welcome the stranger, those who open their hands in service, and those who open their hearts in caring.
You may not be able to devote two years of your life to the Peace Corps, or travel to Honduras like my friend Shawn Silvera. But you can respond right here and right now.
Will you be the one to offer a cup of cold water to a world desperately in need?
AMEN.
“FREEDOM FROM FEAR”
Matthew 10:24-39
June 22, 2008
What are you afraid of?
What is it that scares the living daylights out of you?
I don’t know if I’ve ever admitted it before outside of my immediate family, but I’m afraid of heights. You wouldn’t catch me climbing the ladder to change the spotlights that run along the beam up there. I would be the last person who would volunteer to paint the steeple on the church.
I remember learning about my fear of heights when I was in college. Because my Dad was an employee of Northwest Airlines I could get a rather high-paying summer job working for the Airlines. One of the jobs we were asked to do was to clean up after a roofing job on one of the hangers. It wasn’t a problem climbing the staircase to get to the roof – the stairs were inside the building. It wasn’t even a problem standing out in the middle of the roof. My fears weren’t realized until I walked with my first load of trash to the edge of the building and had to toss it down to the dumpster waiting below.
The minute I looked down, I started feeling dizzy. It took me a while to toss that first load of trash down, but I did it. With the next few loads, I learned that I didn’t have to walk all the way to the edge - I could still toss things over the side of the building (and some of them even landed in the dumpster!).
My fear is such that if I’m watching someone walk across a bridge, my stomach starts to get queasy. I have a really hard time watching movies or TV shows that have characters doing things up high. And don’t even try to get me into those IMAX movies where it feels like you’re moving with the picture…
There…I’ve named my fear…so what is yours?
Our unpredictable world gives us a lot of reasons to fear. We are filled with feelings of fear, and fear’s close cousin Worry, probably more often than we care to admit to ourselves. And what makes us fearful is that we cannot control every aspect of our lives. I mean, you can be the most careful driver in the world, and all it takes is one nut to run a red light and plow into your car, possibly injuring you, possibly killing you, possibly killing your family. And because we cannot control everything, knowing that there is an element of danger in everything that we do causes us to have some worry, and if we worry about it too much, it gives birth to full-blown fear.
Our text for this morning gives us a different way to live. A much better way. It’s a way that is free from fear.
Impossible, you say? Is it impossible to live without fear in this crazy world of ours? Absolutely not! Our text for today is all about fear, and overcoming fear. And it’s about making fear something that isn’t even part of our lives anymore. Today we are going to talk about Freedom From Fear.
Look again at the text for this morning. Focus on verses 26-31. How many times do you see references like, “Do not fear?” That’s right…there are three of them. In the span of 6 short verses, we’re told three different times, “Do not fear.”
* Verse 26: “Have no fear of them…”
* Verse 28: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul…”
* Verse 31: “So do not be afraid…”
We’ve got nothing to be afraid of, right?
Well, take another look at some of the verses from our text.
* The second half of verse 25: “If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household?”
* The second half of verse 28: “Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
* Verse 33: “Whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.”
* And the concluding verses:
o I have not come to bring peace, but a sword
o I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother
o Whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me
That’s some pretty scary stuff! But that’s all for the other folks…We have nothing to fear…right? I mean, we are good people. God is lucky to have people like us on his team. We’re those perfect students of the Master; we’re the ones who live our lives in such a way that Christ is reflected in our actions; we’re the ones who have put God first and take advantage of every opportunity to proclaim the message of God’s love from the rooftops.
As much as any of us would like to believe that, it’s probably not true (or at least not entirely true). If that were all true, we wouldn’t need a Savior, would we? But really, who among us can read verse 33 and not be just a bit afraid: “Whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.” The message here is that if there is ever a time when we try to hide the fact that we are Christians, if we are not the absolute best faithful witness of Jesus to the world, well, Jesus is going to hide the fact that he knows us when we are standing at the Pearly Gates waiting to get into heaven. And that scares us, or it at least gets us thinking. When we see what God expects of us and then compare that to how we’ve been living our lives, maybe we ought to be just a bit scared.
Having just said that, let me share a bit of Good News. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus shared this open-ended invitation, "Come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Notice to whom Jesus offers this invitation: the weary, the burdened, those feeling bogged down by their sins. Jesus doesn’t say, "Come to me, you proud, you people who don’t think you need a Savior, you people who don’t want to give up your sins." Christ’s invitation is not for them. Rather, it’s for the ones who have been convicted by Romans 3:23, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” The invitation is for all who beat their chest and humbly cry out to God like the tax collector, "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." Only then can we hear Jesus’ invitation…only then can we feel our burdens lifted and experience freedom from fear.
So exactly what kind of fear are we to be free from?
First of all, we are to be free from the fear of rejection. If the people call Jesus ‘Beelzebul’ (the devil), what will they call the followers of Jesus? “How much more will they malign those of Jesus’ household?” our text asks.
While on the surface that might not seem like a positive, let’s remember who it is that is being rejected - it is not us, it is the Lord. And while we may have to deal with the discomfort of being called names or having backs rudely turned toward us, we can rejoice because that just proves that we have been good witnesses for God.
Second, we are to be free from the fear of what the world can do to us. Even if the rejection were to turn physical, Jesus reminds us that the absolute worst that can happen to the Christian is that our lives can be taken. Now, you might be thinking, “Where’s the good in that?” But remember, our last day on earth is our first day in heaven. And besides, Jesus says, nothing is going to happen to you that God doesn’t have knowledge of and that God doesn’t approve of. The God who takes care of the sparrows and counts each and every hair upon our heads is surely going to take extra care of us, the crowns of his creation.
Third, we are to be free from the fear of what God will do to us. Our text assures us that everyone who tells others about Christ will have Jesus telling his Heavenly Father about them. A bold confession of Christ in our non-Christian world may cost the confessor, maybe even their life. But to those who are willing to pay the price a promise is given: on the Last Day Jesus will acknowledge them as his own before the Father. Such a promise ought to move us to be bold confessors. Who among us would rather gain the approval of another human being over the approval of God? Who among us would let the potential abuse of others keep us from obtaining the glorious reward that comes to the faithful?
You don’t need to be afraid to share your faith. In fact, with the promises of Jesus Christ to give us courage, we can live free from fear.
Some of the first words spoken by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his inaugural speech of 1933 were these: “Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Sometimes we Christians get so wrapped up in our fears, so worried about what other people are going to think about and do to us, that we are paralyzed to do or say anything. But Jesus reminds us that we have nothing to fear, not from God, and not from people.
Throughout the Bible we hear stories of people who lived by faith instead of fear. We know that Abraham and Sarah ventured out in faith, trusted God to leave their homes and follow God’s lead, and received great rewards. We remember that Moses initially resisted God’s call because he was afraid, but when he finally said yes in faith, he was rewarded. Countless other stories show us that when the faithful placed everything in the Lord’s hands, they had nothing to fear. God took care of everything. The same is true of you. Step out in freedom from fear. God will take care of everything as you work and witness for Christ. Amen.
“ARE YOU ON THE LIST?”
Matthew 9:35-10:8
June 15, 2008
Lists…our lives are filled with them.
When you audition for a play, you scan the cast list to see if your name is on it.
When you try out for a team, you check the roster to see if you’ve made it.
When jobs are being cut, you check the list to see if you’re supposed to show up tomorrow or not.
When you’re in school, you check the list each semester to see if you made the Honor Roll.
Some lists are good to be on…others not so good.
This morning, we’re going to take a look at a list of people Jesus called into ministry. And as we think about the first disciples, we can ask ourselves, “If Jesus were here today, would I be on his list of followers?”
Our text begins at the end of the 9th chapter of Matthew, where Jesus is traveling throughout the countryside, preaching, teaching and healing. Everywhere Jesus went, there were great crowds. And those who came to see Jesus, it seems, were those who were in need. I’m sure its somewhere in Scripture, but rarely do we hear about that person for whom life is rosy coming to see Jesus. Those who flock to Jesus’ side are those who are sick, diseased, possessed, lost, lonely, or outcast. I guess that should tell us a little something about who we ought to be paying attention to…
Jesus, we read, “had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, como ovejas sin pastor” as we heard Tomas read (“like sheep without a shepherd”). Countless times we hear about Jesus’ reaching out with compassion.
He was moved to compassion by the world’s pain. Whether that pain was physical (the blind, deaf, lame or mute) or mental, Jesus took it on.
He was moved to compassion by the world’s sorrow. Remember the story of the widow in the town of Nain from Luke chapter 7? Jesus was moved by the woman’s sorrow. His heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” And then he walked up to the coffin, touched it, and said, “Young man, get up!” The dead man sat up and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
Jesus was moved to compassion by the world’s hunger. In Matthew chapter 15, a crowd of 4,000 plus women and children were gathered to listen to Jesus and receive his healing. Jesus called his disciples together and said to them, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” With just a few loaves of bread and small fish, the people were fed.
Jesus was moved to compassion by the world’s loneliness. The sight, in Mark 1:40-42, of a leper banished from the society of his family and friends, called forth his pity and his power. “Be clean!” Jesus said, and immediately the man was healed and restored to his community.
Jesus was moved to compassion, but he realized that his ability to reach to the far ends of the earth were limited. There were so many in need…how could he possibly touch them all?
Jesus’ response was to share the workload – to spread out the ministry to others. “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field,” Jesus said. And he began to call them by name: Simon Peter, Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alpeaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.
Have you ever really looked at the disciples? I mean taken a good hard look at the members of Jesus Church? What you’d find is a ragtag group of fisherman, one who was argumentative, arrogant, and boastful. You’d find a tax collector who was seen by all of his family and friends as a traitor to the faith. You’d find a thief who would often steal out of the church offering plate. And you’d find two brothers who were always complaining and once had their mother approach Jesus asking for special treatment. This was not the cream of the crop, and yet they were chosen. They were chosen because Jesus was not as concerned about who they were as much as who he knew they could become. And all they had to do was to follow....and follow they did.
If Jesus were here today appointing apostles to continue his work, would your name be on his list? Would you be willing to go?
One of the things that I’ve noticed in my 16 years of ministry is that people come to the church with a diverse list of needs.
* Some people come hungry – physically, emotionally, or spiritually – and they are looking to be fed.
* Others come in search of financial assistance. They are short on their rent money for the month, in need of gas money to get to an important appointment, seeking help to pay for medications or medical care.
* Some people come in search of safety and shelter. They flee their homes because their place of dwelling lacks the security they seek, and they arrive at the church because they’ve heard that it is a place of refuge.
* Still others come in need of emotional support. Their marriages are on the rocks, their children are presenting them with challenges they don’t feel equipped to handle, they’ve received a troubling diagnosis from the doctor.
Despite what we are hearing about a decline in membership and attendance in mainline churches like our United Methodist Church, people are still arriving at our door. People continue to show up in our midst, seeking a response that mirrors the actions of Christ. They are looking to the people of the church – Christians like you and me – for compassion. Indeed, “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”
Is your name on the list of those who will reach out?
Is your name on the list of those who will serve?
Is your name on the list of those who will show love and compassion?
When Jesus called the twelve, he sent them out with some very clear instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.” Now why would Jesus say something that seemed so exclusive? Here is Jesus – the One who welcomed and accepted everyone – now telling his followers to stay away from certain groups of people. What was he thinking?
He knew that in God’s scheme of things, the Jews had to be given the first opportunity to hear and accept the gospel. If they would reject it, as they eventually did, that was their choice. But as God’s chosen ones, they needed to be given the first chance.
Jesus knew that these twelve were rookies. Rather than throwing them right to the lions – the gentiles and Samaritans who had no knowledge or experience with the gospel – Jesus wanted to start them out slowly, and so he sent them to their own.
Jesus also knew that he needed to limit his objectives. He needed to focus the spreading of the gospel in one direction. To attempt to do battle on a number of fronts would only invite failure…and disaster. Jesus, in the beginning, knew the importance of starting small.
When the disciples encountered the lost sheep, their charge was clear: “Preach the coming kingdom of heaven. Heal the sick. Raise the dead. Cleanse those who have leprosy. Drive out demons.”
Notice that Jesus’ instructions began with preaching and teaching. The message the disciples were asked to deliver was this: “Look! You have dreamed of the Kingdom and you have longed for the Kingdom. Now in the life of Jesus, the Kingdom is here!”
The actions the disciples were given the power to perform illustrate what the Kingdom looks like. The Kingdom of Heaven is a place where the sick are cured, the dead raised, the lepers cleansed, and demons cast out. These actions illustrate physical healings because Jesus came to bring health and healing to humans. But they can also be taken spiritually, as they describe the change brought on by a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Remember who is carrying out this set of tasks. It’s that messed up, no talented group of rag tag disciples. The gospel of Mark tells us that they went out and preached that people should repent, they drove out many demons and they healed many people. Luke says they preached the gospel from village to village, healing people everywhere they went. Pretty impressive stuff from a group of misfits, don’t you think?
In closing this morning, I want to share a story. It is a fictional (made up) story, but it could easily be true.
I had a conversation with a guy in the coffee shop the other day who had decided to leave the church. He wasn’t transferring his membership – he was quitting altogether. When I asked why, he said, “Because no one cares!” He goes on to say, "I sat up in the choir loft last Sunday and looked around at the other choir members. I looked at the minister and the liturgist. I looked at the ushers, I looked out over the congregation and I said to myself what has haunted me for years, "Who cares?" And his next comment really stung: "This is not a church."
I said him, "You’re wrong. This is a church. I see people all the time who reach out to other people, who love people who are not like them, who show love and compassion for people, who do their best to be like Jesus."
He said to me, "Where?"
I said, "Everywhere I look in the church I see people who care, not just about themselves, but about everyone. They care and it shows by how they reach out to the hurting, by how they witness their faith to others.
He said, "Oh really?!"
I said, “Really."
He said "Give me a list of those people.”
What I want to know, friends, is this…Is your name on that list?
There are people who don’t know Jesus, who have never had anyone care enough to tell them about Jesus, who are wandering aimlessly, who are friendless and alone, who live with little or no hope. Is your name on the list of those who will help them?
There are people who don’t believe they need God, who live their lives attempting to find happiness in things, who fill their time running after money, who if things don’t change.... will live and die without Jesus. Is your name on the list of those who will change that?
The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Is your name on that list?
AMEN.
“THE BE-ATTITUDES: BELIEVE”
John 20:19-29
VBS KICKOFF/HERITAGE SUNDAY
June 8, 2008
It may seem a bit odd to be hearing this text – a post-Resurrection appearance story – so far removed from Easter. As a matter of fact, this text was used on the Sunday after Easter this year, but fear not, my message will be very different this morning.
This text was chosen to help kick-off our Vacation Bible School program. The theme is “Beach Party – Surfin’ Through the Scriptures,” and the scriptures relate to the be-attitudes. However, we’re not talking about the beatitudes which are a part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount found in the gospel of Matthew. No, these be-attitudes are ways that we are encouraged to live our lives as Christians:
* Be obedient
* Be kind
* Be forgiving
* Be bold
* And today’s focus – Believe
I have to admit, when I noticed that the kick-off for our “Beach Party” Vacation Bible School fell on the same Sunday as Heritage Sunday, I got a little nervous. I wondered if I’d have to dig up some information on previous pastors, like Rev. Wayne Kobes, who served for only part of the year in 1962. Our Centennial book says that he enjoyed water sports and skin-diving at George Lake. Or perhaps I’d have to do extensive research into formers church members who were avid surfers or sand castle builders.
But my fears were relieved when I was given the topic for the day – “Believe.” Certainly the theme fits for a day that celebrates both the kick-off of a current program and our church’s history and heritage.
Let’s take a quick look at the scripture story.
In John 20 verse 19, we find the disciples locked inside the house on the Day of Resurrection. They were afraid. They had witnessed the murder of Jesus and they knew that anyone associated with him was at risk for similar treatment. Even though Mary had come to them excitedly announcing, “I have seen the Lord!” they did not believe her. As they gathered, Jesus appeared among them. He said to them, “Peace be with you,” he showed them his hands and his side, and he breathed the Holy Spirit into them. Upon seeing their risen leader, they rejoiced.
But not all of the disciples rejoiced. Thomas was not with them when Jesus appeared that first time. We don’t know if he was out making a food run for the evening gathering, or if perhaps he had been given the wrong address. At any rate, Thomas wasn’t present, and when the disciples tried to tell him that he was alive, he wouldn’t listen. He gave a response typical of someone from Missouri – “Show me.” Thomas said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
Sure enough, a week later we find the disciples in a similar situation. They are gathered behind closed doors and once again Jesus appears to them. He offers the same blessing he gave before: “Peace be with you.” And then, knowing the doubting nature of Thomas, he said, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt, but believe!”
It was in that moment that Thomas believed. He responded with an affirmation appropriate for the Master – “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus closes this lesson with words that we would do well to remember: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Jesus wanted all of his disciples to believe. He needed them to continue to teach and tell others about his so his teachings would live on.
In the same way, the church needs believers. As a matter of fact, I don’t think that I’m going too far out on a limb when I say that, in order for an organization (especially a church) to exist for over 100 years, belief is a must.
I was reading through the Centennial booklet earlier this week, and I found some interesting facts and quotes about former pastors and their commitment to belief.
* The 1894 presiding elders report of the Fergus Falls District of the Northern Minnesota Conference reports this: “Many things have combined to make this the hardest year the district has ever known in the matter of pastoral support.” The report goes on to list a couple of hindering causes – strikes in St. Cloud, Breckenridge, Willmar and other areas; and the complete failure of crops in many parts of the District. Despite these hardships, the report concludes: “During all these hard times, the preachers have remained at their posts, uncomplainingly for the most part, and cheerfully sharing in the hardships of the people. The Methodist Church never commissioned a braver, nobler set of servants than have toiled for the Master on the Fergus Falls District this year.”
* In 1908, the Rev. Dr. Crawford Grays was given the unenviable task of re-establishing the church after it had been closed for two years. There was an expression in Methodist clergy circles that harkened back to the circuit rider days. When a pastor served a particularly difficult church early in their clergy career, they were said to have “earned their spurs.” Rev. Grays “earned his spurs” as this task to re-open the Willmar Church was his first appointment.
* The Litchfield District Report of 1910 states, “Willmar, under the leadership of J.L. Parmenter, is going on to perfection. Two years ago, there were three members. The property was an eyesore to the community. There was a debt of $1200. Today there are 80 members, a Sunday School of 100, an Epworth League of 30, a Junior League of 50, and a Ladies Aid of 36. The property put in thorough repair and all debts paid. We now have a property well located and worth $7000.”
* Rev. Luther Benson was the pastor during the early 1920’s when the congregation, though small and divided, built a new church with seating for 200 and accommodations for 100 more in an addition.
* In 1955, under the leadership of Rev. Alvin Nygaard, the church began holding outdoor worship services at the Green Lake Drive-In Theater. An outdoor chapel was built, and each spring the men of the church moved the chapel and the old Hammond organ from Willmar to Spicer on a four-wheeled trailer. Attendance averaged about 200 on a Sunday.
* Ground-breaking ceremonies for this building were held on June 14, 1964 during the pastorate of Rev. Clayton Oberg. The first service in the new $300,000 building was held on April 4, 1965. In just 16 years, the congregation was able to burn the mortgage, and the church was re-dedicated on Heritage Sunday, May 10, 1981.
Much could be said about the other pastors who have served here and their commitment to belief. Much more could be said about the members who toiled and labored, worshiped and prayed, seeking to bring life to their belief. Today we celebrate all of those – and all of you – who have worked to make this church what it is today.
But our history is not complete. Today represents another page in the history book of the Willmar United Methodist Church – a book that is far from complete.
What will the church look like 100 years from now?
What will it look like 25 years from now?
What will it look like 5 years from now?
I don’t know the answers to those questions. But what I do know is that it will require the belief of everyone involved to ensure the future of this church. I hope that we will stand side-by-side, holding tight to our beliefs, as we march forward into a new day.
By now you might be asking the question, “Belief in what?” And that’s a great question!
Throughout the years, there have been a number of things that this church has believed in. Often, our beliefs are represented in mission statements. I’m not sure how many mission statements this church has had in its 114 year history, but I’m willing to go out on a ledge and say that it has had more than one.
The thing about mission statements is they come and go. They serve a church or an organization well for a season, and then they are placed aside, forgotten until someone or some group comes along and suggests the formation of a new one.
Rather than suggesting that we try to find the answer to the “Believe in what?” question in a mission statement, let me instead suggest that we look in the Scriptures. And there we will find a truth that is ageless – a truth found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
* Through the life of Jesus Christ, we are given life. In John 10:10 Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
* Through the death of Jesus Christ, we can receive the promise of the forgiveness of sin. When we receive the cup during Holy Communion, we remember the words Jesus spoke: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
* Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ we are promised the victory over death. Jesus reminds us in John 14:19, “Because I live, you also will live.”
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ…there’s something we can believe in…today, as we celebrate the opening of Vacation Bible School, and as we remember and celebrate the history and the heritage of our church. As we claim our belief, may we also proclaim the same. Let our history and heritage continue to reflect our belief…and let our witness invite others to join us on our journey into the future. AMEN.
“GO!”
Matthew 28:16-20
Confirmation Sunday (May 18), 2008
This morning I’m going to be the one to give away pop in a clear 2-liter bottle (just remember to return the empty bottle to the Vacation Bible School table!). The person who can answer my question or comes closest to the correct answer will get it. Here’s the trivia question: When was Coca-Cola invented? 1886.
In 1886, Dr. John Pemberton first introduced Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia. The pharmacist concocted a caramel-colored syrup in a three-legged brass kettle in his backyard. He first "distributed" Coca-Cola by carrying it in a jug down the street to Jacobs’ Pharmacy.
After little more than 100 years, surveys show that 97% of the world has heard of coca-cola. 72% of the world has seen a can of coca-cola. 51% of the world has tasted a can of coca-cola. All due to the fact that the company made a commitment years ago that every one on the planet would have a taste of their soft drink.
So why in the world is this important? Good question! Consider this: 97% of the world has heard of this sugar and water concoction while only about 75% of the world has heard of Jesus Christ. An estimated 1.7 billion people world-wide (some of them right here in our own community) have never heard the name Jesus Christ!
When we hear a statistic like that, we have two choices: We can hang our heads in sadness and disappointment, or we can be challenged and motivated. When we consider this morning’s Gospel reading, we should be inspired to a new level of commitment to share the message of Jesus and his love with everyone we meet.
This morning is Confirmation Sunday. (If you can’t stay for the 10:45 service where our 9 students will be confirmed, I hope that you’ll at least take time to greet them in the Fellowship Hall after this service is over.) The 9 young people who are confirming their faith this morning are on fire to both continue their own learning and spiritual growth and share with others!
Over the past two weeks Michael and I have been doing interviews with them. In these interviews we ask them about their Confirmation experience, talk about the questions that are asked when they are confirmed, and discuss their plans for staying connected with the church after Confirmation.
What impressed me the most was their commitment to continue attending worship, Sunday School and youth group. These are places where these young men and women will be fed and nurtured in the Christian faith and encouraged to grow. That commitment tells me that they understand the process of discipleship – that one needs to be a disciple before they make disciples of others.
But their commitment doesn’t end there. They also intend to take the next step – the step of making disciples for Jesus Christ. Many indicated that they would do this through helping with Vacation Bible School; some said that they would do this through acts of service, like helping serve meals; a couple of students said that they would do this by being a role model and inviting others to come to church or youth group; one talked about serving as a counselor at camp; one shared the desire to do mission trips; and one wants to share in the worship ministry.
My point is that these students understand the instructions Jesus gave his disciples at the end of the book of Matthew – words that we’ve come to call The Great Commission:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything
that I have commanded you.”
Jesus doesn’t say, “Sit in the church and keep filling yourself with knowledge.”
He doesn’t say, “Take one or two more classes to make sure you’ve got it right.”
He doesn’t say, “Begin a new Bible class so that other church members (people you
know and are comfortable with) can get together and have a good time.”
No, Jesus says, “GO!”
Go make disciples!
Go baptize!
Go teach!
When Jesus said this, he knew that he was leaving his followers to ascend into heaven. He knew that if his ministry was to continue, if people in all corners of the earth were going to learn about the Good News of Jesus Christ, if the church of Jesus Christ was going to be built and spread throughout the world, it was going to be up to his followers.
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[During the 8:15 worship service: A contemporary Christian song that has been recorded by both the Newsboys and Audio Adrenaline called “Hands and Feet” echoes this message and the song was played over the speaker system.]
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In the 10:45 worship service, this was said about the music:
Contemporary Christian bands Audio Adrenaline and the Newsboys recorded a song called “Hands and Feet.” The chorus of that song encourages us:
I’ll be your hands
I’ll be your feet
I’ll go where you send me…Go where you send me
And I’ll try…Yeah I’ll try
To touch the world like you’ve touched my life
And I’ll find my way
To be your hands
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We are the hands of Christ. We are the feet of Christ. We are the voice of Christ. Our role is to GO…to the people, the places and situations where Christ sends us.
But as we go, remember the promise that Jesus made – “I am with you always!”
As we go to make disciples…
As we go to baptize…
As we go to teach…
We do not go alone. We go with the greatest force on the face of the earth – the power of Jesus Christ. If we go as we are sent and remember to take Jesus with us, his name, his love and his message will become better known than any other person, place or product – even Coca-Cola. AMEN.
“FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT”
Acts 2:1-21; 1 Corinthians 12:3-13
Pentecost Sunday (May 11), 2008
In honor of Mother’s Day…and for those who are still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift…consider the ideas raised in this little piece called the Mothers Maintenance Manual:
Many of us take better care of our cars then we do our mothers and yet we only expect our cars to last 5 or 6 years but we expect our mothers to last for a lifetime. Maybe we need a maintenance manual for mothers so we would know how to take care of them at least as well as we do our automobiles.
Here are some items that might be included in such a manual.
Engine: A mother's engine is one of the most dependable kinds you can find. She can reach top speed from a prone position at a single cry from a sleeping child. But regular breaks are needed to keep up that peak performance. Mothers need a hot bath and a nap every 100 miles, a baby-sitter and a night out every 1,000 miles, and a live-in baby-sitter with a one-week vacation every 10,000 miles.
Battery: Mother's batteries should be recharged regularly. Handmade items, notes, unexpected hugs and kisses, and frequent "I love you's" will do very well for a recharge.
Carburetor: When a mother's carburetor floods it should be treated immediately with Kleenex and a soft shoulder.
Brakes: See that she uses her brakes to slow down often and come to a full stop occasionally. Offer Mom an opportunity to get away and treat herself.
Fuel: Most mothers can run indefinitely on coffee, leftovers and salads, But an occasional dinner for two at a nice restaurant will really add to her efficiency.
Tune-ups: Mother need regular tune-ups. Compliments are both the cheapest and most effective way to keep a mother purring contentedly.
If these instructions are followed consistently, this fantastic creation and gift from God, that we call MOTHER should last a lifetime and give good service and constant love to those who need her most.
Happy Mother’s Day!
In addition to Mother’s day, today is also Pentecost Sunday (it’s also fishing opener weekend, but you’re here so you obviously don’t care about that one!). On Pentecost, we often remember and celebrate the birth of the church – not the Willmar United Methodist Church, but the holy, catholic (or universal) church. And, as we have become accustomed to, there were gifts handed out on that special birthday.
Our Pentecost story from Acts chapter 2 begins by telling us that, “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.” The first question we might ask is, “Who is all?”
If we go back to the first chapter of Acts, we find that a group of people called ‘the believers’ were gathered together. This group, we learn, contains “about one hundred twenty persons.” That’s a pretty small number when we compare it to the number of Jews living in Palestine at the time. Since there were about 4,000,000 Jews, it meant that only about 1 in every 30,000 persons was a Christian. It was these 120 people who were told to go out and evangelize the world. How could they possibly accomplish such a great task?
When the day of Pentecost arrived, and these 120 Christians were gathered in the same place, something amazing – something holy – happened.
“Suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them ability.”
“…all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…”
The gift to the guests at this Pentecost celebration – on this occasion of the first birthday of the church – was the gift of the Holy Spirit.
If these 120 believers were going to go out and evangelize the rest of the world, everything that they would need would come from the Holy Spirit. If we scan Acts chapter 2, we see references to some of the gifts that were realized on that day: the ability to speak in and understand other languages (NOTE: some commentators have suggested that instead of speaking in foreign languages, the gathered community was really speaking in tongues. This would fit with Paul’s list of gifts given by the Spirit as found in 1 Corinthians 12.). In addition to the speaking in other languages or tongues, we find the list of gifts suggested by the prophet Joel: the gifts of prophecy, visions and dreams.
If we were to look closer at 1 Corinthians 12, we would find an additional list of gifts given by the Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracle working, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. All of these, Paul says, are given by the Spirit “for the common good.”
We know by following the book of Acts that the believers put their gifts to good use and began to spread the knowledge of Jesus Christ far and wide. At the end of Acts chapter 2 we find that “many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles” and as a result, “day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”
Because the first followers of Jesus Christ recognized the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and because those followers realized the gifts they had been given by the Spirit, and because they put those gifts to use in the world, the message of Jesus Christ – his life, death and resurrection – began to spread like wildfire.
The same is true today. If we are to continue to spread the message of Jesus and his love, we may need to take a close look at our own lives. We need to examine, first, whether or not we believe we have been filled with the Holy Spirit.
Notice I said that we need to look at whether or not we believe we have been filled with the Holy Spirit. I don’t think that it’s a matter of whether or not we have been filled. I am of the opinion that all Christians – all believers of Jesus Christ – all faithful followers – have been filled. Whether or not we believe that is another question.
When we come to the understanding that we have been filled by the Holy Spirit, then we ought to identify the gift or gifts we have been given by the Spirit. There are a couple of ways we can do that.
One way is to simply sit down in a quiet place and ask yourself, “What do I like to do? What am I good at? What is my passion?” Self-identification of gifts is one way to highlight our gifts.
Another way is to fill out a gifts inventory or survey. This is another method of self-identifying your gifts, but its done in a more controlled way. Here you are given a long list of skills or ministry areas and you are asked to check whether or not you have experience or interest in that area. Last fall members and friends here were given an opportunity to do this. If you are interested in something like this, talk to me after the service and I’d be happy to share a form with you.
A third way to identify your gifts is by gathering 4 or 5 co-workers or friends together. Take some time during your conversation to allow each person to share one or two things they appreciate about each of the others. I’ve done this before in groups and it can be a powerful experience. Sometimes your friends or the people you work with see things in you that you’ve never thought about or experienced yourself.
Whatever method you use to identify your gifts, the next step is to put them to use. If we are to continue to work that was started by the 120 believers of spreading the good news to the ends of the earth, then we need to recognize and use our Spirit-given gifts. If we are to reach new people for Jesus Christ, then we need to realize the talents and abilities we have been gifted with by the Holy Spirit and put them into practice.
The story is told of a sheep rancher in Texas. Things had gotten so difficult that he did not have enough money to continue paying on the mortgage - in fact he was forced like many others to live on government subsidies.
Each day as he tended his sheep he worried about how he was going to pay his bills. Sometime later a seismographic crew arrived on his land and said that their might be oil on his land and could they test drill. After a lease was signed they went ahead.
At 1115 feet a huge oil reserve was struck – subsequent wells revealed even more oil than the first well revealed. The poor sheep farmer owned it all. He had the oil and mineral rights. He had been living on subsidies - yet he was a millionaire.
Only when he was able to see what lay beneath the surface - and only after he discovered that he was a rich man – was his life of poverty and desperation transformed into a life of abundance and of generosity.
He found what had always been there - and he used it - and it changed his life.
That is what the Spirit is about, and what the Spirit’s gifts are about.
They are there to be used in the work of God, a work to which we are all called,
and which, when we all serve as we are intended - transforms us, our church, and our world - into what God intends us to be. AMEN.
“LOOK UP…AND LOOK AROUND”
Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:44-53
Ascension Sunday (May 4), 2008
I have a confession to make right off the bat. When I turned in my information for the bulletin which contained my sermon title, I thought I was going to go one way with my message. But the more I thought about it, the more I felt led to go in a different direction. So for those of you keeping track, I’m going to suggest a slight modification to my sermon title. Hopefully by the time I get to the end of this message, you’ll see how the title “Look Up AND Look Around” might make a bit more sense.
Last Sunday afternoon, I began another of my clergy prayer retreats at the Episcopal House of Prayer near St. John’s. 8 United Methodist clergy spent about 48 hours together, focused on learning, fellowship, and – most importantly – prayer.
Whenever a group of clergy gets together, it usually doesn’t take long before the topic of conversation becomes the latest rant. Since General Conference was taking place, it seemed logical that we would talk about changes that may take place in the church and how, it seemed, that no matter how much change had taken place in the past, things were still pretty much the same.
That conversation segued into a different topic – bishops and the initiatives they tried to implement. Since I was one of the junior members of the group, I didn’t remember some of the bishops others did, but I could remember our current bishop…and the two that preceded her.
Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher introduced us to the spiral that represented our task as local churches. This spiral began as we invited people to the church, circled around and around as we formed them, and then moved outward as we sent them into the world.
It was Bishop John Hopkins who organized clergy into “Gateways” groups. These groups, made up of clergy from like-sized churches in the same district, met regularly to look at data that had been sent in by each church. At these meetings, ‘best practices’ were shared by pastors of churches that had seen great success or improvement during the previous quarter.
Later in Bishop Hopkins’ term, the “GREAT Challenge” was introduced. Local churches were challenged to become GREAT by:
Growing in Christ likeness
Reaching the least, the lost and the left out
Expecting God to do great things among us
Asking people into life-changing relationships with Jesus Christ, and
Telling about our changing lives.
When current Bishop Sally Dyck arrived, we were encouraged to live by a spiritual pyramid – similar to the food pyramid, except emphasizing spiritual practices that build healthy people of faith. This pyramid suggests that Christians participate in:
* Bible study and prayer: 30 minutes per day
* Small groups for discipleship: 2 hours per week or 14 hours per month
* Worship: 1 to 2 hours per week or 4 to 8 hours per month
* Service within the congregation: 1 to 2 hours per week or 4 to 8 hours per month
* Service and Outreach: 30 to 90 minutes per month
* Retreats: 8 to 16 hours per year
More recently, Bishop Dyck laid out two spiritual imperatives: Cultivate Spiritual Vitality and Reach New People.
While our conversation affirmed the goodness in each of these initiatives, we finally settled in on the idea that we’ve (finally) come back to that which is most basic in our understanding of who we are called to be and what we are called to do as Christians.
Bishop Dyck’s imperatives of Reaching New People and Cultivating Spiritual Vitality are grounded in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, both given by Jesus (for those who are unfamiliar with those terms, the Great Commandment is “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your mind, and with all your soul, and with all your strength,” and the Great Commission is, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded”).
The reason I re-introduce us to these gospel imperatives, is because I believe we are given a wonderful illustration of how they are lived out in this morning’s gospel lesson.
Today we find Jesus and his disciples together, 40 days after his resurrection from the dead. Jesus gathered with his followers on the Mount of Olives, the same general area where he had been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, and not too far away from that mountain was the hill where he was crucified. Today, Jesus gathered his disciples together because he had a few more things he wanted to say to them before he left them again.
If we look at the account of Jesus’ ascension from the book of Acts, we would see that the disciples are still confused about why Jesus had come. They ask him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom t Israel?” Jesus tells them not to think about those sorts of things. What he really wanted them to think about was their purpose in life, now that he was about to leave them. Over the last 3 years, their purpose had been to follow him, to listen to his teachings, and to witness his healings. In Luke 24:44-45 we find Jesus continuing to teach them. Jesus says, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you – that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then, Scripture says, “He opened their minds to understand the scriptures.” That’s the first imperative – cultivate spiritual vitality.
Jesus knew that it was important that these disciples knew the story inside and out. The disciples, it seems, finally understood the urgency in understanding exactly what Jesus was trying to tell them. But that wasn’t all.
Look at what Jesus tells them in verse 48 in Luke: “You are witnesses of these things.” The same thing is repeated in Acts, 1:8: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” That’s what Jesus wanted those disciples to do – that was their new purpose in life - to be witnesses to other people – or to use the language of our gospel imperatives, to reach new people. The disciples had seen all these things happen. Soon they would understand why they happened. Their purpose now, was to share the things they had seen and learned with people who had not. We are told in verse 52 that they worshipped Christ on that mountain. And then they returned to Jerusalem, filled with a sense of great joy. They met with each other in the temple courts, praising God for the things they had heard and seen.
As Christians today, that’s our purpose too. We celebrated Easter not too long ago. Through God’s Word, we watched Jesus as he suffered, died, but then rose again. Even though we didn’t see those things with our eyes, we heard about them and believed them with our hearts. God has led us to understand why these things happened – that Jesus was our sacrifice – that He is the reason we are forgiven of our sins and have the promise of eternal life. Today, our purpose is to be witnesses of these things to others.
It is important for us to look up – to look to the place where Jesus has ascended and now dwells with his heavenly Father. It is important to look up…and to listen…and to learn. It is important to increase our spiritual vitality.
But it is just as important to look around – to take notice of those who are bruised or broken, lonely or lost, despised or dying – and to reach out to them. Hear Jesus saying, “YOU are my witnesses…in Willmar, in Kandiyohi County, in Minnesota, and to the ends of the earth.
If you’re looking for a sense of joy in your life, a deeper, longer-lasting sense of joy, look where the disciples looked. Look up to Jesus. Sure, there will be times in your life when you will get upset. Yes, things will happen that will anger you, sadden you, depress you. But the more we learn about Jesus and his redeeming love, the more we will be able to find a layer of joy that the world can’t take away.
But after you’ve looked up, after you’ve been reminded of Jesus and his love, look around. Remember your purpose…remember Jesus’ command…”You are my witnesses.” Share what you have learned. Give what you have received. Reach new people for Jesus Christ. AMEN.
“LIFE IN THE SPIRIT”
John 14:15-21
April 27, 2008
A young, first-time home owner had just completed the final purchase for his new house – a refrigerator. After bringing it home he set it up and stocked it full of his favorite foods and beverages before retiring for the evening.
In the morning, he went to his new refrigerator, reached in for the orange juice, and found that it was warm. Looking and feeling around, it was obvious that everything was warm.
Finding his receipt, he called the store and spoke with the person who sold him the unit. “Remember the fridge I bought from you yesterday?”
“Yes. How do you like it?”
”Well, when I reached in this morning, everything was warm. It’s not working.”
”Are you sure it’s not working? Put your ear up to the door and see if you can hear the motor running.”
”Nope. No motor.”
”Open the door and tell me if the light comes on.”
”Nope, no light.”
"Okay, pull the refrigerator away from the wall and find the power cord. Is it plugged in to an electrical outlet?”
”No it’s not.”
”Well, there’s your problem.”
”Maybe so, but you’d think that for the money I paid for it, it would work anyway.”
This story illustrates, in a somewhat off-the-wall way, the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Just as electricity is important…even crucial…for refrigerators and other electrical appliances, the Holy Spirit is crucial for our lives as Christians.
This morning’s gospel reading from John chapter 14 tells us, in a few, short verses, about our lives in the Spirit. In these verses we hear about the benefits of a life in the Spirit, and we hear how we might go about entering into such a life.
First the benefits.
In verse 16, the promised Holy Spirit is referred to as an Advocate. In other versions of the Bible the word is Helper, Comforter, Counselor, Friend, or “someone else to stand by you.” The translations vary because the original word used is difficult to define in today’s language. The Greek word ‘parakletos’ refers to someone who is called in to help in times of trouble or need. In that way, the Holy Spirit is the one who takes away our inadequacies and enables us to cope with whatever is going on in our lives and in the world.
At the end of the 16th verse, we find the phrase, “…to be with you forever.” When Jesus spoke these words that John recorded, he was preparing to leave his disciples. In the middle of the 12th chapter of John, Jesus begins his farewell discourse – a speech that continues all the way to the middle of the 17th chapter. He has arrived in Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. He has told the people that the time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. He provided them with that beautiful metaphor of the seed: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies it bears much fruit.” He has gathered his disciples together and celebrated the Passover with them, during which time he washed their feet and instructed them to do the same. Now, as the disciples ask Jesus where he is going and how they can go with him, he offers words of comfort.
John chapter 14 verse 1 begins with Jesus saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” It’s as if he’s telling the disciples, “Don’t worry. Everything is going to be OK.” And then, in verse 16, we find out why. Jesus says that God will send another ‘parakletos,’ another someone who will take away our troubles and enable us to cope with life’s ups and downs. And then Jesus gives this reassurance: He will be with you forever.
Even though Jesus’ time of physical presence on this earth was limited, the Holy Spirit would be with us forever.
Always we will have someone to help us
Always we will have someone to counsel us
Always we will have a friend by our side
Always we will have someone on whom we can lay our burdens
Always we will have someone who will carry us through the tough times in life
This presence, Jesus says, is the “Spirit of truth.” In a world that is filled with “no” and “can’t” messages, this Spirit of truth, this voice of truth tells a different story. Not only does the voice of truth say, “Yes, you can!” The voice of truth says, “Yes, you will!”
But not everyone will receive this promised Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive it, says Jesus, “…because it neither sees him nor knows him.” What this means is that the section of society that lives as though there is no God will not receive the Holy Spirit. And, when you think about it, that makes good sense.
An astronomer will see far more in the sky than someone who has never studied the stars.
A botanist will see far more in a flower than someone who has never studied botany.
An artist will see far more in a painting than someone who is ignorant of art.
Always what we see and experience depends on what we bring to the sight and the experience. And so, a person who has eliminated God never listens for the voice of God. And we cannot receive God or anything sent by God unless we wait patiently in prayer for God to come to us.
At the end of verse 17, Jesus says, “You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.”
A recent advertising campaign for a well-known sports drink asks the question, “Is it in you?” The ad goes on to explain how drinking this sports drink will “rehydrate, replenish and refuel” the athlete.
When it comes to the Holy Spirit, “Is it in you?” Do you have that which will rehydrate your parched and dry soul with living water? Do you have that which will replenish your worn-thin spirit with new life? Do you have that which will refuel your weary body with the bread of life?
If you don’t, then perhaps its time to ask.
Maybe its time to ask God to fill you with the peace that passes all understanding.
Maybe its time to ask Jesus Christ to fill you with grace.
Maybe its time to ask the Holy Spirit to surround you with wisdom and knowledge and guidance.
Asking…that’s the first step, you know. Revelation 3:20 says, “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come into you and eat with you and you with me.” The Holy Spirit is not going to crash down the door and force his way into your heart and your life. He will wait until we open to door and let him in.
I think that it is interesting that Jesus is having this conversation with his disciples on the night that he would be betrayed. And I think it is even more interesting that this portion of the conversation begins and ends with a reminder of what is most important.
Jesus tells the disciples the night of his betrayal that if they love him, they will keep his commandments.
And he promises them his Spirit unconditionally
- a Spirit that will advocate for them,
and comfort them,
and lead them
and watch over them.
He promises them that the Spirit of God will live in them.
Jesus assures his disciples on the night of his betrayal that they will see him again - that because he lives and will continue to live so will they - and that they will know that he is in the Father and that they are in him and he is in them.
Then he goes on to remind them of what he had said before:
"They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love
me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will
love them and reveal myself to them."
A promise and a reminder…for his disciples, and for us.
The promise of his eternal and holy presence urging and supporting and comforting us no matter what.
And the reminder that we will see and feel the full glory of that gift when we are in the right space - that space which is the righteous space, the loving space, God calls us to.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul and with all your strength. Follow all that Christ has taught and commanded. Then you will know God, be loved by Christ, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
“CHOSEN…FOR WHAT?”
1 Peter 2:2-10
April 20, 2008
When I was a kid in elementary school, I hated recess time. It wasn’t so much that I didn’t like going outside to play…I didn’t like what usually happened when we went out to play. Whenever we gathered together to play a game – whether it was soccer or touch football or kickball – we’d have to decide on teams. And when you were a kid on the playground, how did you choose teams? Well first you’d decide on who was going to be captain. The captains were always the jocks – the kids who were the biggest, strongest and best athletes (at least they thought they were the biggest, strongest or best). I was never a captain…but I’ve gotten over that. Then the captains would begin to pick their players. As much as I’d try to puff out my chest and flex my muscles (or at least those places where I was supposed to have muscles), I’d listen and watch as my friends were chosen before me.
“I’ll take Todd.”
“I’ll take Mike.”
“I’ll take Scott.”
”I’ll take Steve.”
“I’ll take Joey.”
”I’ll take Billy.”
On and on it would go until there were only a few people left. And then usually the quickest thinking captain would say to the other, “You can have Chad.”
But today, that has changed. I get picked for special things all the time – just look at my e-mail:
“You could reduce your debt by up to 60%!”
“Get 40 channels for $19.99 a month.”
”60 days left to get free film developing.”
And this one…the best one…that just came yesterday:
“This is to inform you that have been chosen for a cash prize of
£6,000.00 (Six Hundred Thousand Great British Pounds) And a Brand New
Toyota Car. The selection process was carried out through random selection in our
computerized email selection system from a database of over 250,000 email addresses drawn from all the continents of the world. Your Free Ticket Number…”
We’ll I’ll stop there…I don’t want anyone to steal my prize.
Don’t worry, I don’t buy into these publicity schemes (although the new Toyota offer was pretty tempting). I realize that they are designed to try to catch my attention, to make me feel good so that I’ll buy something that I don’t need or give away important, personal information so that others can take advantage of me.
In this morning’s passage, we learn that we are called and chosen by one in whom we can trust – God. In this passage we learn that God desires to bless us and use us in reaching our generation.
The passage begins with a couple of invitations. The first is an invitation to long for the pure, spiritual milk which is the word of God. This milk is a source of nourishment – not a physical nourishment, but a spiritual one. When faced with the evils of the world, Peter encourages a strengthening of the soul by drinking in the word of God. We’re also told why this is important – “so that by it you may grow into salvation.”
The second invitation is one to come to Jesus Christ, the living stone. This living stone, we read and remember, was rejected by mortals. Even though he spent his entire ministry helping others and seeking to bring hope to the world, he was condemned by his fellow human beings. (The beginning words of the anthem remind us of this part of the story. The world looked at Jesus as a simple man – a carpenter. And even though they witnessed his many miracles, they still did not understand that he was the Son of God – the Messiah – the Savior of the world.) But while the world may not have understood who he was, while the world may have rejected him, while the world may not have picked him as team captain, God did. The second part of 1 Peter 2:4 describes Jesus as “chosen and precious in God’s sight.”
“Chosen and precious in God’s sight,” that’s what we are, as well. And as God’s chosen ones, as those precious, living stones, we are to allow ourselves to be built into a spiritual house. Certainly Peter knew of what he spoke when he penned these words. He knew that Jesus Christ was the solid rock on which he and others stood. And he certainly would never forget the words his Master spoke to him after he correctly answered the question, “Who do you say that I am.” When Peter correctly responded, “You are the Messiah, the son of the living God,” Jesus said, “You are Peter, the Rock; and on this rock I will build my church.”
Peter draws from that experience, recognizing that not only are we all called to be living stones or rocks as individual Christians, but that we are called to join these rocks together, placing one next to the other, using Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, and form a spiritual house, or the church.
Most of us have heard the expression ‘There’s no ‘I’ in team.’ Well the same thing is true for the church. While there are some things we can accomplish on our own, we can do far more when we’re working together. That’s one of the great things about the United Methodist Church and its claim to be a connectional church. Together we are able to accomplish those things that we could never imagine tackling on our own.
In verse 9 we hear, once again, that word…chosen.
Pastor Rick Warren, author of 40 Days of Purpose, was asked by a reporter, “What surprises you the most about God?”
And Rick Warren said “The thing that surprises me the most about God is that He wants to have a relationship with me! He is the Almighty Power of the universe! He can do what ever He wants. He can hang out with whoever He wants. And yet He chose me!”
God chose Rick Warren…and God chose me…and God chooses you!
Peter says, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people.” Let’s look at these names, and then see what it is we have been chosen for.
“A chosen race…” In Old Testament times, it was the Hebrew people who were referred to as the chosen people. That is clearly identified when God speaks through Moses to Pharaoh, “Let my people go!” Isaiah 43:10 says “You are my witnesses, and my servant whom I have chosen.”
But when the Jewish leadership rejected Christ, God said “It’s time for me to open things up! I’ll accept ANYONE who responds to the gospel of Jesus Christ! I’ll choose any person who chooses Christ. I’m looking for people who will believe in My Son! I’m looking for people who will worship Me in Spirit and in truth!” The bottom line is that if you are a believer in Christ, then you are one of the chosen people.
The next thing Peter says about us is that we are a “royal priesthood.” This is very similar to what God says about the people of Israel in Exodus chapter 19. Back then, they represented the one true God to the rest of the world.
But today, WE represent the one true God! WE’RE the ones chosen to share God’s blessings with the rest of the world!
It makes me think of the guy who’s always complaining to God. He says, “Lord, when are you are going to do something about all the violence in the world? When are you going to do something to help starving people? When are you going to do something to reach all the people in the world who don’t know Christ?"
And the Lord said, “I DID do something! I sent you!”
Then Peter goes on to say that we are a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” The Greek word for “holy” means to be set apart for something special. Very often, the value of a thing lies in the fact that it belonged to someone famous.
A baseball bat is just a baseball bat – unless it belonged to Joe DiMaggio.
A pen is just a pen – unless it was used to sign the Declaration of Independence.
A piano is just a piano – unless it was played by Beethoven.
In the same way a child is just a child – until we learn that we are children of God, chosen and set apart by God for something special!
So what is that something special? Chosen…for what?
Continuing with verse 9, we find these words: “In order that…” We don’t have to think very hard or look very far to find out what we have been chosen for. “…In order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
In other words, “God has chosen you so that you can tell people about how awesome God is! You might say, “I had an operation a while back. I was really nervous the day before. But I talked to God for almost an hour and by the time I got to the surgery center, I felt completely calm! God was letting me know that everything was going to be all right! The Holy Spirit was giving me peace of mind that I never had before! I’m here to tell you that God is good!”
That’s what it means to declare His praises. If you’re in school, you can say “I used to worry all the time about what other kids thought of me, or if I’d get picked for the team. But then I heard Pastor Chad talk about how God chose me to be His child before I was born. And now I don’t care what ANY of those kids say! God’s love for me gives me a confidence that I never had before! I’m here to tell you that God is good!”
That’s what it means to declare His praises! Psalm 40:10 says “I do not hide your righteousness in my heart. I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.”
Let there be no question in our minds that God has chosen us…that God has set us apart…that God has picked us to be on His team. The only question is whether or not we will do our part and proclaim God’s goodness. I pray that we will. AMEN.
“Who’s in Charge Here?”
Daniel 3:12-30; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter 2:19-25
April 13, 2008
By Don Donato
We are centered in Christ, committed to each other and called to serve the world by:
--Providing food where there is hunger
--Providing opportunities where there is poverty
--Providing spiritual nourishment where there is spiritual longing
--Providing healing where there is brokenness
--Providing hope where there is despair
--Working for justice where there is oppression
--Proclaiming Christ to all
That’s the mission statement of our church – this church, The United Methodist Church of Willmar, Minnesota, USA.
It sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? In fact, it sounds very much like what a Christian church ought to be doing.
Historically, particularly since the 1770s, those are the kinds of things people expected from their neighbors called “Brethren” or “Methodists” or, since 1968, “United Methodists.”
As a boy growing up in Colorado, part of my self-awareness was that of being Methodist. And part of being Methodist was knowing that I was in a kind of church where the response to a need was the question, “How should we do that?” Some of my friends were in churches where the response to a need was “should we do that?” or “here’s why we should not or cannot do that.”
I had an idealized view of my Methodism, I suppose. I thought of us as sort of the U.S. Marines of the world of faith. There’s an old Marine Corps motto that says, “The merely difficult we do immediately; the impossible will take a little longer.”
Of course, people of faith who act positively on their faith come in all faith-expressions and all denominations. Often it is simply a matter of using who, or what, one has available.
An example is a story about Sister Agatha. In this story, she’s a Catholic nun who does social-service kinds of visits with those who are ill or recovering from surgery.
One day she was on her way to visit a man who was homebound and another who was recuperating after surgery. She only had a limited amount of time for the two visits and so was hurrying along when she discovered that Sister Ruth had been the last one to use the convent’s car.
Sister Ruth is a sweet nun, but cannot seem to remember that cars run on gasoline and therefore sometimes need some of that fuel to be put into the tank.
Sister Agatha found herself off to the side of the road with a car that had run out of gas. She hurried back the two blocks to a service station to borrow a can of gasoline. But, the service station manager had just loaned his only gas can to a man who had left to take fuel to his vehicle two miles in the other direction from Sister Agatha’s auto.
The dejected nun hiked back to her car; tried the ignition again, got the solid whirring which said the battery was good and the vehicle was just out of gas. Agatha hunted through the vehicle looking for something in which to carry enough gas to get back to the service station and fill up the car.
Ah-Ha! She spotted, among the supplies for one of the gentlemen, a new bedpan.
Not too long after that, two salesmen were driving down the street. The one driving veered over to the curb and pointed to the nun – who still wore the distinctive habit, including the “Flying Nun” hat – as she hefted the bedpan and poured liquid into her stalled car’s gas tank.
The salesman said to his friend, “If her car starts, I’m converting to Catholicism!”
The scriptures today are all about conversion. They speak about conversion from the ways and values of the world around us to the ways and values of God.
Oh, I tell myself, I’m a good person. I don’t rob people at gunpoint, and I really try to control my swearing, and when I realize that the checker at Cub has given me back too much change I return it. I’m a good person, I say.
You are a good person, you say. And, in the ways of the world, we are both right. We are good world’s persons.
Unfortunately, we have told God that we belong to God. We made that commitment when we joined a church or when we asked God for some favor or blessing. I say unfortunately, because if we are not actually, individually, doing the things listed in our church mission statement, we are not acting as if we believe we belong to God. We are failing God.
When Jesus left his disciples and went from earth, he gave us a command – teach everyone what he taught us about how to treat each other.
In the reading from the second chapter of Acts, we see the earlier church people treating each other in the way Jesus told them to. And we’re told they lived the Christian life and (as reported in The Message version of the Bible) “People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.”
So, what happened? Why isn’t it like that today?
Human-ness happened. People tend to gravitate toward their own benefit; to getting credit for things which are perceived as “good.” And when people in the church do that … become self-serving rather than “God-serving” … those not in the church no longer “in general like what they see.” Instead, the society around the church says, “Hah! They really aren’t any different from the rest of us.”
When people in the church decide that somebody needs to be in charge, and when I decide that the somebody in charge might as well be me, we fall into the trap Jesus warned us to avoid when he said, “do not be like the gentiles (the unchurched world) who like to lord it over each other.”
In the reading from First Peter the writer tells us that, “This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done.”
So, if I really think about it …
… and decide that if God created all humans, and if I read in Genesis that God called all creation “good,” …
… and then I decide that if God can love me (flaws and all, as we are assured that God indeed does) that God then also surely loves those persons who seem so different from me…
… how then shall I follow Christ’s command that we love one another … as he, God in human flesh, loved us?
Even the materially poorest of us can spare a kind word, can perhaps help someone learn something … maybe how to read English or balance a checkbook.
Most of us, in reality, are comfortable. Oh, we talk about how poor we are because we owe money on a house or a car or a credit card. But we have those things. Most of us have a roof and enough food, even if we think we pay way too much to heat or cool our homes.
It is scary to think of being one of the individuals who “are centered in Christ, committed to each other and called to serve the world by:
--Providing food where there is hunger
--Providing opportunities where there is poverty
--Providing spiritual nourishment where there is spiritual longing
--Providing healing where there is brokenness
--Providing hope where there is despair
--Working for justice where there is oppression
--Proclaiming Christ to all”
One of the ways that we try to avoid God’s call on us as Willmar United Methodist Christians is to say, ‘We are really doing that because we have quite a few people who volunteer in some of those areas, like delivering Meals-on-Wheels and serving in Hospice.’
Friends, I submit to you that we all know that is not what we promised to God by adopting that mission statement. We weren’t saying that some of us in our private, non-church lives, might, accidentally do ministries which would count toward keeping the church’s promise to God.
I honor the personal ministries of our members who volunteer out in the community. May the Lord continue to bless those gifts and those who give and receive them.
But, our church mission statement is about the church as an entity. Now, as we move into a task-based administrative model, away from the previous committee format, is an ideal time for members of the church to listen to the mission statement and find an area in which they are willing to either lead or serve on a task group to accomplish that portion of the mission promise to God.
It is scary to think about stepping out in faith and saying, “I’ll do that.”
But, that’s just what the scripture in the Book of Daniel talks about. We are invited to do what God would have us do, even if it means we’ll be tossed into the fiery furnace.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, we are told, faced an actual fiery furnace, stoked up to seven times hotter than it usually was. They were pretty sure they were going to die.
But, they had decided that they belonged to the Lord God Almighty, not to King Nebuchadnezzar, who merely had control over their physical bodies, not their souls.
So, they told the king that when he threw them into the furnace, God could save them. But, they said, even if God did not choose to save them from the fire, God still would be God.
We face decisions about changes in our free time, expenditures of some more of our resources, about perhaps being around people with whom we feel discomfort, and perhaps about learning new things and even defending our participation to those who do not understand our decision to try to live a life of Christlike love for neighbor.
Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, we are called to go into the fire. Our fire is less physically dangerous, for the most part, but admittedly still uncomfortable and requiring courage to step into it.
Let us prayerfully consider what kind of spiritual fire we may be called to step into to accomplish the mission statement of the church, as individuals in a congregation of Christ’s church. And, as we pray, may it be that we will remember who’s in charge here … it is God. .
[Playing of “Into the Fire” performed by Monroe Crossing.]
AMEN.
“BROKEN BREAD – EYES OPENED”
Luke 24:13-35
April 6, 2008
Have you ever had one of those experiences where you couldn’t see the answer even though it was right in front of you? I think we all have at one time or another. In situations like those, we sometimes we use the expression ‘can’t see the forest for the trees.’ Well this morning, we hear about two travelers who were blind to the obvious – that is, until the obvious opened their eyes.
Our gospel text begins with the words, “Now on that same day…” If we were to look at the first verse of Luke chapter 24, we would find this sentence: “But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared.” The story goes on to tell of how they found the stone rolled away from the tomb and the tomb empty. Two men in dazzling clothes quiz the women, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” And then inform them, “He is not here, but has risen!”
“On that same day” refers to the day of resurrection. And on that day, two men were headed to the village of Emmaus, which our scripture text tells us is about 7 miles from Jerusalem. Who were these two men and why were they headed out of town when all of the excitement was happening in town?
Scripture doesn’t directly answer either of those questions; we’re only given a few clues to help us speculate.
After the phrase, “Now on that same day,” we find the phrase “two of them.” There is a reference earlier in chapter 24 to the women telling the news to “the eleven and to all the rest,” so it can be presumed that these two travelers were among those who had heard the news that Jesus had been raised from the dead.
So why were they leaving Jerusalem?
Verse 11 tells us that those who heard the news called it “an idle tale” and did not believe it. Perhaps the travelers had given up hope. As a matter of fact, verse 21 offers this as a possibility. The travelers remark to the stranger in their midst, “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” “We had hoped…” as if it hadn’t happened.
Whatever their reason for heading to Emmaus, we learn that they are joined by a stranger and Scripture tells us, “Their eyes were kept from recognizing him.” There is a great deal of speculation about why these travelers were unable to recognize a man they had probably spent a great deal of time with. One theory states that since they were traveling west and it was later in the day, the sun might have been in their eyes. Another theory is that Jesus’ appearance was not as it was before his crucifixion. A third theory is that because the travelers were so distraught, they weren’t seeing anything clearly – perhaps because they had tears in their eyes; perhaps because everything seemed cloudy and unclear.
Whatever the reason, they don’t recognize Jesus for who he is. And Jesus, in what might be described as one of those humorous moments in his ministry, plays along. When he catches up to them, he asks them, “What were you talking about?” When Cleopas (here we learn the identity of one of the travelers) asks, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” Jesus responds with the naïve question, “What things?”
The travelers tell this ‘stranger’ all about the events of the past three days – how Jesus was handed over to be crucified, how the women had been at the tomb and seen a vision of angels who informed them that he was alive, how some of the others went to the tomb and found it empty. Obviously, they know the story…they just don’t believe what has happened.
This stranger then shares scripture with them, stories from both Moses (the ‘traditional’ author of the first five books of the Bible) and the prophets (the bulk of the remainder of the Old Testament), interpreting all of the things that had been written about him.
He spoke with them for hours. He spent the day with them explaining the truth of the Scriptures; this wasn’t a 20-minute sermon! He was physically with them until the sun was beginning to set.
They saw him…
They smelled him…
They walked next to him…
And yet, with all this physical closeness they still didn’t recognize who he was! Pretty dull these two. They were so caught up in their own pity party. Wait! Before we begin to cast stones in judgment, we too must confess that there have been times, even seasons, when we’ve been blind and distant; times when we’ve given up and lost all hope.
But thank goodness, Jesus didn’t give up on them…and he doesn’t give up on us. Jesus, in his infinite wisdom, gave them (and us) a sign that would leave no doubt in their minds.
Because the hour was late, the stranger was invited to stay with the travelers. Accepting their gracious offer, he joined them at the dinner table. While there, he took a loaf of bread, blessed it, and gave it to them and immediately their eyes were opened and they recognized this stranger – it was Jesus!
Bread broken – eyes opened.
This story ought to offer us a glimpse into the meaning and understanding of the Lord’s Supper. From this story we can see…and believe…that gathering at the table to celebrate communion offers us an opportunity to meet Jesus face-to-face.
When we gather at the Table of our Lord, we are celebrating not just the Last Supper, but also a resurrection meal, one in which we anticipate the heavenly banquet. Charles Wesley (John’s brother and prolific hymn writer) called communion the antipasto of heaven – the meal that is eaten before the main course comes along. When we proclaim “Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again” in the midst of the Great Thanksgiving, we affirm the Lord’s Supper as a participation in the whole ministry of Jesus – past, present and future.
God wants our eyes to be opened - the eyes of our mind and the eyes of our heart too. And that’s why we gather on days like today and share at this table… not our table but His table.
Notice the change in the disciples’ attitude:
From despair to hope
From depression to joy
From doubt to belief
From defeat to victory
From dismay to courage
From disillusionment to enlightenment
From “…stood still, looking sad…” to “…got up and returned to Jerusalem.”
From “…we had hoped…” to “The Lord has risen indeed…”
Why the change? Because “Jesus came near” and because “Jesus broke bread.”
Today Jesus continues to draw near and he continues to break bread in our midst. As we gather to celebrate at this table Jesus wants to do something – he wants to open our eyes. As the bread is broken once again, may we be open to seeing Jesus for who he is (the Savior of the world), for what he has done for us (sacrificed his life so that we might receive eternal life), and for what he promises to do and be until the end of time (“I will be with you always”). In the breaking of the bread may we see him…and know him.
AMEN.
“A LIVING HOPE”
1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
March 30, 2008
Believe it or not, there are some who still question whether or not the resurrection of Jesus Christ actually happened. They, like the apostle Thomas, need some kind of physical proof. They need to see Jesus in person. They need to see the nail marks in his hands and the wound in his side. Without these physical pieces of evidence they just cannot bring themselves to believe in such an unbelievable event.
There are others who believe that the event really happened, but wonder about its meaning for them today. They may think that because the event happened so long ago it has little or no relevance today. Or they may think that because Jesus Christ was God in human flesh that the event had only divine meaning. Or they may think that because of the way they have lived – because of the separation they feel between themselves and God, that the effects of the resurrection are not accessible to them.
Whatever the reason, this morning’s lesson(s) offer a new understanding and a new hope for everyone.
The apostle Peter writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Eugene Peterson, in his translation The Message, puts it this way: “Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for.”
A living hope.
A brand-new life.
What does this mean? And how do we achieve it?
Hope seems to be a fleeting attitude. No, I take that back. We’ve got a lot of hope in a lot of things:
* I hope I get that new job
* I hope I do well on the test
* I hope our team wins
* I hope he asks me out
* I hope she says yes
We have a great deal of hope – a great deal of wants and wishes. But what seems to be lacking is Biblical hope – a living hope, as Peter calls it. The difference is that a Biblical hope is one that is active and fully present in our lives day in and day out. Biblical hope is a sure thing, a certainty, a slam dunk. A living hope is one that says, “With God, all things are possible.” And that’s what seems to be missing in our world today.
In the 1960’s, Pete Townshend and The Who recorded a song that summarized the way many were feeling about the future at the time. The song was “My Generation” and it contained the lines, “Things they do look awful cold” and “I hope I die before I get old.” Not a very hopeful generation, I’m sorry to say.
But the apostle Peter offers us a different outlook on life than that of Peter Townshend. The apostle Peter says that, because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, we can realize a living hope.
This living hope assures our inheritance. Peter tells us that this inheritance is “imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” An inheritance is something that we haven’t earned, which we receive through the death of a loved one or friend. Receiving the inheritance means someone has to die.
When my father-in-law prepares to take off on one of his many trips, he’ll often call and tell us, “I’m off to spend your inheritance!” And that’s the thing about human inheritances. They may be here today and gone tomorrow. Changes in the economy, our living situations, our health, and so many other variables will have an effect on just how much is passed on to our survivors.
With God, things are different. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our inheritance is guaranteed. It is imperishable, meaning it cannot be destroyed by any army. It is undefiled, which means it cannot be polluted or watered down by any means. It is unfading, unchanging, untouched by the chances and the changes of life.
This living hope will keep us going through every trial. Just because we claim the name ‘Christian’ doesn’t mean that we are immune to trouble. Just because we are faithful followers of Jesus Christ doesn’t mean that we’ll never encounter trials and tribulations.
These trials and tribulations, according to Peter, are tests of our faith. They are akin to the process of testing gold. We know that in order to produce the finest and purest gold, the impure material is heated repeatedly until all of the impurities are removed. In the end, only the finest and purest gold remains.
In the same way, those who exercise great faith will be able to endure those times when the heat is on and the pressure is intense. Through our great faith, Peter says, we will be “protected by the power of God.”
The word that Peter uses for ‘protect’ is a military word. It means that God is our stronghold; that God is standing, keeping watch over us. It is not that God will save us from trouble and sorrow and the problems of life; God enables us to conquer them and sorrows and march on.
So we know a little about this “living hope.” We know that the living hope assures our inheritance and keeps us going through every trial. That sounds great – it sounds like something we all should strive towards. But how do we get there? How do we receive or achieve this living hope?
The answer to that question boils down to one word: belief.
Jesus, in speaking to Thomas after his appearance to him said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
In 1 Peter 1:8 and 9, Peter says, “Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Here Peter draws a contrast between himself and his readers. It was his great privilege to have known Jesus; to have walked and talked with him in the days of his flesh. It was Peter who raced to the tomb to find it empty, and it was Peter who heard Mary Magdalene’s proclamation: “I have seen the Lord!” We know that when Jesus first appeared to his disciples who had guarded themselves behind locked doors, Peter was there. He saw Jesus, he heard his voice, and he saw the marks of the crucifixion on his hands and his side. His readers (including us) have not had those wonderful opportunities and joys.
Some of us are like Thomas who wasn’t there the first time Jesus appeared. Some of us will say, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” For some, unless we have physical proof, it must not have happened.
But it’s the doubters who miss out. Think about Thomas for a minute. Because he couldn’t bring himself to believe that Christ had risen, how do you think he continued to feel? While his friends were ecstatic over having seen Jesus fully alive once again, Thomas was still down and out. Thomas was still bitter and sad. Thomas was still living without hope.
But Peter says that living hope is available to those who love Jesus and believe in him even though they have not seen him.
When I was teaching elementary school, we attended Community United Methodist Church in Monticello. One of their traditions on Easter Sunday was to hold a sunrise service. And every year, at the end of that sunrise service, they sang a song by Richard Avery and Donald Marsh called “Every Morning Is Easter Morning.” Is anyone familiar with it? To me, the words of the verses describe what it means to live with hope in Jesus Christ.
It’s a pretty simple song, let’s learn it! The refrain goes like this:
Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on!
Ev'ry day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone!
Listen to the first verse:
“Good-bye guilt, good-bye fear, good riddance! Hello, Lord, Hello, sun!
I am one of the Easter People! My new life has begun!”
Sing the refrain with me:
Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on!
Ev'ry day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone!
And the second verse builds on those thoughts:
“Daily news is so bad it seems the Good News seldom gets heard.
Get it straight from the Easter People! God's in charge spread the word!”
One more time with the refrain:
Ev'ry morning is Easter morning from now on!
Ev'ry day's resurrection day, the past is over and gone!
And then the big finish:
Ev’ry morning is Easter morning
Ev’ry morning is Easter morning
Ev’ry morning is Easter morning
From now on!
If you’re looking for that kind of optimism and energy, then move from doubt to belief. Believe in Jesus Christ. Believe that the crucifixion was for the forgiveness of your sins. Believe that the resurrection happened to promise you new life. Believe…and receive a living hope. AMEN.
“SEARCHING FOR GOD THROUGH LAUGHTER”
John 20:1-18
Easter Sunday (March 23), 2008
Did you know that in the Greek Orthodox tradition believers gather on the Monday after Easter for the purpose of trading jokes?
They believe that since the most extravagant joke of all took place on Easter Sunday – the victory of Jesus over death – the community of the faithful enters into the spirit of the season by sharing stories with unexpected endings, surprise flourishes, and a sense of humor. A similar practice occurs among the Slavs, who recognize in the resurrection of Jesus a joy that it is Jesus who has the last laugh.
I’m not going to ask you to come back tomorrow to tell jokes and share funny stories…you can hear them right now.
Where does the Easter bunny go to get a new tail? To the RE-TAIL store!
What do you call a rabbit who is also a comedian? A funny bunny!
What does the Easter bunny get for making a basket? 2 points, just like everyone else!
What do you call a rabbit with fleas? Bugs Bunny!
What comes at the end of Easter? The letter R!
We’ve all probably heard of the book All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned In Kindergarten, but here’s an Easter take entitled
ALL I EVER NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE I LEARNED FROM THE EASTER BUNNY
Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.
Walk softly and carry a big carrot.
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
There’s no such thing as too much candy.
All work and no play can make you a basket case.
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
Keep your paws off other people’s jellybeans.
Good things come in small sugar-coated packages.
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare.
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey.
And finally, one more story.
A mom and dad wanted to buy an Easter pet for their little daughter. They looked at a baby bunny and a baby chick. They were both very cute, but they decided on the baby chick. Do you know why? Because the baby chick was a little cheeper!
It’s good to laugh. As a matter of fact, Doris Donnelly, in her book Spiritual Fitness, says, “Anyone who calls himself or herself Christian and is without a sense of humor may well be taking the name in vain.”
13th century theologian and mystic, Meister Eckhart, went even farther saying that laughter is, in effect, the Holy Spirit. He wrote: “When God laughs at the soul and the soul laughs back at God, the persons of the Trinity are begotten. When the Father laughs at the Son and the Son laughs back at the Father, that laughter gives pleasures, that pleasure gives joy, that joy gives love, and that love is the Holy Spirit.”
When you really think about it, God must have a wonderful sense of humor.
The most extraordinarily ridiculous events take place at the beginning and the end of Jesus’ life, but there are humorous events throughout his life. In the beginning, God takes on flesh and human form. The impossible become possible: a king is born in a stable, a child upsets the entrenched political establishment, the Savior is servant of all.
This servant would grow up to put a rather humorous spin on the beliefs and the practices of those who called themselves “the most religious of the religious.” In Matthew 22, we find the story of Jesus being challenged to resolve the issue of paying money to Caesar. In the story, Jesus asks the Pharisees to produce a coin. In doing so, the self-proclaimed righteous Pharisees would be breaking two strict commandments. There is also no indication that Jesus gave the coin back after examining it. It’s as if, as he proclaims the punchline, “And give to God the things that are God’s,” he pockets the coin and has the last laugh.
This morning we’re given the story of how Jesus laughed at death as he was raised.
The story begins with Mary Magdalene coming to the tomb, presumably to anoint the body for proper burial. When she arrived at the tomb, she found the stone that had been blocking the entrance to the tomb rolled aside. She ran and told Peter and another disciple, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb and we do not know where they have laid him.” Peter and the other disciple, thinking maybe that this was some kind of joke, run to the tomb to see for themselves. When they find the tomb empty, they still don’t know what has happened. Our story tells us, “They did not understand the scripture that he must rise from the dead.” Then it says they returned to their homes.
Mary, who stood weeping outside the tomb, must have had a bit more faith. She wanted to know what had happened…she wanted to know where Jesus was. As she looks back into the tomb, she sees two angels. I don’t know about you, but I imagine these angels with the biggest smiles on their faces. In fact, it’s not too difficult to imagine these angels tipping their heads back in raucous laughter at what has happened.
Think about it…Jesus has said at least three different times what is going to happen. He told his followers, “I’m going to be handed over to the authorities, mocked and beaten, hung on a cross, and then laid in a tomb. But don’t worry…in three days, I’ll rise up out of that tome alive!” Surprise! Despite the doubt, Jesus did what he said he’d do. He laughed in the face of death and came out alive!
This ought to give us a pattern for dealing with difficult situations in our lives. God, not in so many words, tells us that we can laugh at the troubles and the trials in our lives. Listen to these assurances:
From Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
From 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”
From Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
And from Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
From these verses, and so many others in the Bible, we ought to see and know that God will take care of us…regardless of the situation. With these promises and so many more, we can laugh in the face of adversity, knowing that we will come out on the other side stronger, healthier and much more alive.
Faced with financial burdens? Laugh in their face, knowing that our God will prosper his people.
Faced with health crises? Laugh in their face, knowing that our God desires the health and wholeness of all humanity.
Faced with death? Laugh at it, knowing that our God has promised resurrection and renewal for those who simply believe.
You see, when we laugh in the face of adversity, we join God who came up with the most extravagant “joke” of all on that first Easter morning. But let me make something clear. We can’t stop at the laughing. We need to take whatever negativity, whatever trouble, whatever adversity, and hand it over to God. And when we hand our difficulties over to God, we find that all things can be done for the one who believes. When we hand our difficulties over to God, we find that what is impossible for mortals is more than possible for God. When we hand over our difficulties to God, we find that nothing is impossible.
And that, my friends, is no joke. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! AMEN!
“SEARCHING FOR GOD THROUGH THE SACRAMENTS”
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Maundy Thursday (March 20), 2008
People are often curious about the sacrament of Holy Communion. They wonder about why it is so important to Christians, the wonder about the use of bread and wine (or, as we use here, grape juice), they wonder about the timing or the frequency of the sacrament, they wonder about its importance and its significance. Tonight, as we prepare to celebrate Holy Communion, I want to share a few thoughts about the sacrament and try to answer a few questions about its practice in our United Methodist Church.
To help me with this message, I’ve turned to a sermon written in 1787 entitled The Duty of Constant Communion. Now, you may wonder how something written over 220 years ago could be helpful. But this sermon was written by someone who knows a little something about the United Methodist Church – John Wesley – the man who is credited with beginning the Methodist movement.
Wesley began that sermon with these words: “I am to show that it is the duty of every Christian to receive the Lord’s Supper as often as he can.” For those who think that serving Communion once a month (as is the practice here) is too often, listen again to Wesley’s words: “It is the duty of every Christian to receive the Lord’s Supper as often as he can.”
Wesley goes on to explain why. He says the first reason is “because it is a plain command of Christ.” We heard this clearly stated in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. At the beginning of our reading tonight we heard these words: “For I received from the Lord…” Paul’s words are not his own…they are the Lord Jesus Christ’s. “This is my body…” “This is my blood…” In both cases, Jesus says, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
The second reason Wesley suggests a ‘constant’ communion is “because the benefits of doing it are so great.” Wesley goes on to list two of those benefits:
The forgiveness of our past sins. Wesley writes, “Now when we are convinced of having sinned against God, what surer way have we of procuring pardon from him than the ‘showing forth of the Lord’s death’ and beseeching him, for the sake of his Son’s sufferings, to blot out all our sins?”
The present strengthening and refreshing of our souls. Wesley says, “As our bodies are strengthened by bread and wine, so are our souls by these tokens of the body and the blood of Christ. This is the food of our souls: This gives strength to perform our duty, and leads us on to perfection.”
Wesley concludes, “Let every one, therefore, who has either any desire to please God, or any love of his own soul, obey God, and consult the good of his own soul, by communing every time he can.”
Some of that old language is a bit difficult to follow, so let me try to explain things in a different way.
We celebrate communion as a way to remember. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, Paul describes the Last Supper that Jesus celebrated with his disciples. Interestingly, at the Last Supper Jesus did two things: He interpreted something old – the Passover meal. Exodus chapter 12 describes the first Passover meal which included lamb, unleavened bread, and (thought not specified in Exodus 12) wine. But while he interpreted something old, he also instituted something new. The Lord’s Supper quickly became a ceremony that was celebrated in the church much more regularly than the annual Passover.
We celebrate communion as a way to remember, but we also celebrate it as a reminder to rejoice. Verse 26 of our text reminds us, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
MAX LUCADO, in his book, Six Hours One Friday, tells the story of a missionary in Brazil who discovered a tribe of Indians in a remote part of the jungle. They lived near a large river. The tribe was in need of medical attention. A contagious disease was ravaging the population. People were dying daily.
A hospital was not too terribly far away—across the river, but the Indians would not cross it because they believed it was inhabited by evil spirits. To enter the water would mean certain death. The missionary explained how he had crossed the river and was unharmed. They were not impressed. He then took them to the bank and placed his hand in the water. They still wouldn’t go in. He walked into the water up to his waist and splashed water on his face. It didn’t matter. They were still afraid to enter the river. Finally, he dove into the river, swam beneath the surface until he emerged on the other side. He punched a triumphant fist into the air. He had entered the water and escaped. It was then that the Indians broke out into a cheer and followed him across.
That’s exactly what Jesus did! He told the people of His day that they need not fear the river of death, but they wouldn’t believe. He touched a dead boy and called him back to life. They still didn’t believe. He whispered life into the body of a dead girl and got the same result. He let a dead man spend 4 days in a tomb and then called him out and the people still didn’t believe Him. Finally, He entered the river of death and came out on the other side. And this is what we celebrate in tonight’s Communion and every time we come to the Lord’s Supper. Tonight we proclaim, “He died for you - He died for you” so that on Easter Sunday we can celebrate, “He is risen - He is risen indeed!”
In Holy Communion, we remember, we rejoice and we repent.
If we were to keep reading in 1 Corinthians 11, we would get to verses 27-28. They read, “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”
Sharing communion provides opportunity to examine ourselves and, if the Holy Spirit shines his piercing light on anything in our lives that is unworthy of the body and blood of the Lord, we have an opportunity to repent and experience his forgiveness and cleansing anew so that we might celebrate worthily.
Did you know that in 1818 one out of six women who had children died of something called “childbirth fever?” Do you know how “childbirth fever” was transmitted? By doctors who hadn’t yet discovered the importance of strict hand washing practices. When doctors began to realize that the huge fatality rate was caused in large part by a lack of hand washing, they changed their practices.
Communion is a time to repent – to change our practices - to regularly wash our souls before God.
Finally, Holy Communion is an opportunity to reconcile. Verse 29 says, “For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves.”
We are all a part of the one body—the church of Jesus Christ. If I have resentment toward even one person here I really am judging myself. I’m no better than anyone here. At this table we are on equal standing.
A story is told of a time when the Duke of Wellington remained to take communion at his parish church. A very poor old man went up to the opposite aisle, and reaching the Communion table, knelt down close by the side of the Duke. Immediately, tension and commotion interrupted the silence of the church. Someone came and touched the poor man on the shoulder, and whispered to him to move farther away, or to rise and wait until the Duke had received the bread and the wine.
But the eagle eye and the quick ear of the great commander caught the meaning of that touch and that whisper. He clasped the old man’s hand and held him to prevent his rising; and in a reverential but distinct undertone, the Duke said, “Do not move; we are equal here.”
As you take the cup and bread, use the experience to be reconciled to God, and also to your brother or sister. At this table, we are equal - black and white, Asian and Latino, male and female, young and old, single and married, divorced and widowed.
All are welcome to come to the table to remember, rejoice, repent and reconcile. All are welcome to come to the table to experience the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening and refreshing of souls. All are welcome to come to the table and find God. AMEN.
“SEARCHING FOR GOD THROUGH PRAISE”
Matthew 21:1-11
Palm Sunday (March 16), 2008
A little boy was sick on Palm Sunday and stayed home from church with his mother. His father returned from church holding a palm branch. The little boy was curious and asked, "Why do you have that palm branch, Dad?"
"You see, when Jesus came into town, everyone waved Palm Branches to honor him, so we got Palm Branches today."
The little boy replied, " Aw Shucks! The one Sunday I miss is the Sunday that Jesus shows up!"
Can you imagine the scene? Can you picture what that jubilant procession into Jerusalem might have looked like? What it might have sounded like?
We know that there was a big crowd in Jerusalem that day. Lots of people were there who didn't even know who Jesus was - even though he'd been the talk of the city in recent weeks. It was at Passover time, when many Jews from the countryside would be there - celebrating this special feast.
There would be Jews from far away places too, honoring their religious beliefs by traveling the great distances to Jerusalem. For some this was a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Going to the Holy City for the most Holy of Feasts - the Passover. The crowd - this day was in a happy mood. They were ready for a parade! They were ready to celebrate.
And Jesus - knowing the mood of the city just before Passover - knowing the prophecies concerning how the Messiah would enter Jerusalem - and knowing what would come later - rides into the city on a donkey - his disciples beside him.
For those who took the time to notice, it is significant this choice of animals. Conquering heroes, generals and kings ride into town on horses – on stallions. The Messiah comes in a more humble fashion - on a donkey. Just as predicted by the prophets.
And on this day - and on this crowd - the Spirit of God had descended. "Hosanna" they shouted. "Hosanna in the highest Heaven." "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord."
The people shouted to praise the One who had finally come into their midst. Yes, it is true that their shouts of praise were a bit misguided. Many in the crowd thought Jesus was the one who had come to eliminate the enemy, to free them by force, and to promenade them back to the Promised Land. Of course they would shout their praises!
But what about us today? Do we know how to praise the One who has come to save us?
Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson, co-authors of the best-selling book The One-Minute Manager, urge readers to catch people doing something right and offer one minute’s worth of praise right there on the spot. This strategy is part of a larger plan to create a climate where people feel good about themselves. The theory is that people who feel good about themselves are more likely to reach their full potential.
What is learned, though, is that this is much more difficult that it sounds. Think about it for a minute. How would you go about spending one minute to give someone praise? “Good job!” or “Nice work!” takes up about two of those sixty seconds. Now what?
In your prayer life, do you begin your prayers with at least one minute of praise to God?
The psalms attempt to teach us how to praise.
· Psalm 98:5 says, “Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.”
· Psalm 117:1 says, “Praise the Lord, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples!”
Praise is an essential response for Christians. Biblical scholar Claus Westermann wrote, “Praising and no longer praising are related to each other as are living and no longer living.” The Psalmist put it this way: “Let me live, that I may praise you.”
Doris Donnelly, in her book Spiritual Fitness writes, “In a sense, praise is nothing more than telling the truth, but like truth, it is often in short supply.” Why is that? I happen to think that there are numerous opportunities for praise. All we need to do is recognize the detail in someone or something – a buzzer-beating jump shot to win the game, the perfect harmonies and flawless rhythms of a Bach concerto, a multi-colored sunrise or sunset – and allow ourselves to take it in, absorb it, be moved by it. When we do not praise, it does not mean that God is absent from our lives; it simply means that our eyes are not open wide enough.
What keeps us from praising? Doris Donnelly offers some suggestions for us to think about. She suggests that we don’t praise because we don’t know how to do it. While that may sound strange, if we don’t hear praise how can we be expected to learn how to do it? Consider this: 80% of students entering school feel good about themselves and who they are. By the 5th grade, only 20% have high self-esteem. By the time students become seniors in high school, the percentage who have managed to keep a positive level of self-esteem has dropped to 5%. Why is that? Students today encounter the equivalent of 60 days a year of reprimanding, nagging and punishment from teachers, parents and other students. During 12 years of schooling, a student is subject to 15,000 negative statements. That’s three times the amount of positive statements received. That’s a real challenge to teachers, parents, and friends of school-aged students.
Another reason people don’t praise is because they don’t want to. It’s not a question of knowing how or to whom to direct praise. Most likely, we decide not to praise. We might make that choice because we feel that praise is considered soft and indulgent. Legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi rarely praised his players or fellow coaches. He felt that withholding praise toughened them and helped them win. Another reason we might choose not to praise has to do with competition. If we praise another’s talents, we may draw attention away from ourselves. And we may not praise another because of jealousy. How can we praise someone else’s achievements and victories when we don’t see anything in our own lives worthy of praise? Sadly, some choose not to offer praise to God because God is responsible for creating them…without the intelligence, good looks or strength they feel they should have.
A third reason why we don’t praise the giver is because we feel the gift was due us. Consider this story of two couples that celebrated their 50th wedding anniversaries. The first couple came back home from the celebration with a new car from their children and grandchildren. The wife said, “It’s about time they did something for us! After all these years, it’s the least they could do.” The husband’s response was much the same: “They gave us a stripped down model – no air conditioning and no stereo.”
The second couple spoke in awe of each of their children’s and grandchildren’s achievements and prized the gift for their celebration: a collage of photographs that had been framed to remember this milestone event.
The first couple could not bring themselves to praise because they felt they deserved everything they received. The second couple counted on nothing but the company of loved ones, and that presence was gratefully and graciously received. The first couple was self-centered, and self-centeredness is a major roadblock to praise.
What are our obstacles to praise?
Whatever they are, we must overcome them because praise is a necessary act of both personal and corporate worship. When we praise, we find ourselves more open and receptive to receive what God has to offer. When we praise we are cultivating a healthier relationship to God. When we praise, our prayer life is invigorated because we are able to let our spirits soar. When we praise we honor the presence of the Spirit of God within us. When we praise, we see things in a new way. We see, as Pulitzer Prize winning author Annie Dillard did, that “not only did the creator create everything, but that he is apt to create anything.”
The word of praise that was used when Jesus rode into Jerusalem was “Hosanna.” The word, literally translated, means ‘save us.’ When the people saw Jesus riding into Jerusalem that day, they knew that something exciting was happening. They knew that Jesus was riding as the Messiah would, and they thought they knew what that meant. They thought it meant they would be free from the Romans, they thought it meant that Jesus was going to be their King. So they got caught up in the excitement of the moment and celebrated, rejoiced at the picture that was forming in their mind’s eye. A picture of a king who would save them. A picture of a nation reborn. A picture of a people who would be free to be a mighty nation again. So they celebrated, they danced down the street, they shouted Hosannas!! Their “Hosannas” may have been shouted for the wrong reasons, but at least they were directed toward the right person.
Today, we shout our praises for the right reasons, but sometimes towards the wrong people. We look to the upcoming election and cry out to those running for office, “Save us!”
“Save us from a recession!”
“Save us from high taxes!”
“Save us from terrorism!”
”Save us from unemployment!”
“Save us from the war!”
But the problem is, no matter who get elected as our next President, no matter who controls the Senate or the House of Representatives, no matter who becomes our next governor or mayor, we will always be disappointed. You see, if we put our trust in Obama or McCain or Clinton or Nader…if we elevate any one of them to the status of Savior, we will never be satisfied. That’s because these men and women are human…and humans make mistakes.
Let us remember that Jesus Christ is the only true Savior. He is the only one who can save us from our sins. He is the only one who can save us from broken relationships. He is the only one who can save us from death.
And as the only true Savior, Jesus Christ is the one who is due our praise. “It is good to give thanks to the Lord!” says Psalm 92. Take time to notice the activity of the Lord in the world today. Allow yourself to be amazed at his faithfulness and generosity. Remember and recall the wonderful things he has done in your life and the lives of others. And give him praise.
Hosanna!
Hallelujah!
AMEN!
“SEARCHING FOR GOD THROUGH WEEPING”
John 11:17-45
5th Sunday in Lent (March 9), 2008
In this morning’s gospel reading, we come across one of the most memorized passages in all of scripture. Now, that may seem like a good thing…until we understand why it is memorized. You see, there are some programs (usually with children and youth) that require a memorized passage of scripture in order to fulfill a requirement. And so, looking to satisfy that requirement, these thoughtful but a bit underachieving students turn to John 11:35 and begin utilizing their memorization strategies. It usually doesn’t take long though, since John 11:35 is one of, if not the shortest verses in the entire Bible: “Jesus wept.”
Now the editors of the New Revised Standard Version, which was the translation that we used this morning, have made memorizing this passage a bit more challenging. Verse 35 here is translated, “Jesus began to weep.” But in the Revised Standard Version and the King James Version, the verse is just two words long: “Jesus wept.”
While we might make light of this oft-memorized verse, I think there is great meaning in these two (or four) words of scripture.
First, they give us another glimpse into the humanity of Jesus. Here was a man who knew that he was God. He had the power to walk on water, to calm a raging sea, to cast out demons, to give sight to the blind and voice to the mute. This man even had the power to raise the dead back to life. And yet, when he learned that his friend was dead…and when he saw how distraught the sisters were…Jesus wept.
Weeping is a very human trait. And it is (or at least it ought to be) genderless. Admit it guys (because I’ve heard you admit it yourselves)…you’re just a quick as the women to reach for a Kleenex when we do a baptism here. But unfortunately in our culture, weeping suffers from an image problem. It makes us appear weak, whiny or passive.
Despite these things, weeping is vital – for ourselves and for others. Weeping, as we will see, is a crucial piece in the pathway to justice.
Let’s look again at our gospel story and let me give you a little of what happens in the first part of John chapter 11.
The story begins with a statement that Lazarus was ill and that his sisters, Mary and Martha, sent a message to Jesus. The message doesn’t say, “Jesus, we need you here!” The message simply says, “He whom you love is ill.” The sisters knew that where there was a need, Jesus would be there.
But interestingly enough, Jesus doesn’t jump up and head out to Bethany. He says to his disciples, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” He waits two days and then begins the long journey.
We’re given a clue as to how long the journey took Jesus and his friends when, in verse 17, we learn that Jesus arrived after Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. Jesus is met by Martha and then Mary. Both were still in mourning and both indicated that Jesus could do something about this death.
When Jesus sees the weeping of Mary and the other mourners, scripture tells us, “He was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved.” Jesus asks them where they have taken the body and then he does the unexpected…he weeps.
But Jesus’ weeping led him to further action. Jesus’ weeping led him to demand that the stone covering the tomb be removed, despite the objections of Martha. Jesus’ weeping led him to a prayer of thanksgiving. Jesus’ weeping led him to cry out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” And that cry – that command – led to Lazarus being raised from the dead.
Look at the pattern here:
Jesus recognizes a hurt or an injustice
Jesus weeps
Jesus is moved to saving activity
Being aware of this pattern offers us a challenge: When we find ourselves weeping, we ought to be looking for a way to take action.
Doris Donnelly, in her book Spiritual Fitness: Everyday Exercises for Body and Soul, has a chapter entitled “Weeping.” In this chapter, Donnelly writes, “People who weep with other people allow themselves to be affected by human misery and are capable of reaching down into a deep reservoir of compassion so that they really do feel with another. Not content merely to sympathize with another’s pain, these men and women also know how to take action, or how to get other people to do the same, or how to get the victims to stand in defense of themselves, and usually, how to be with the victims while the doing gets done.” Donnelly continues, “Weeping with the suffering also mobilizes us to help. We must be willing to get our hands dirty – to participate with the suffering, not merely as onlookers full of suggestions.”
When I think back a year ago, that was my motivation for getting involved with the issue of immigration. I heard the story of how a community of people was affected by the actions of a group of people who were doing their job, I was heartbroken. When I listened to stories of widespread fear and uncertainty, I wept. And it was through weeping that I was led to action.
This church is considering a huge opportunity to get our hands dirty and participate in activities to ease the suffering of people in our community. At the last Church Council meeting, we created a new ministry opportunity. This ministry opportunity is grounded in the first bullet point of our Mission Statement: “Providing food where there is hunger.” We’re hoping to do this in two ways – by collecting and then distributing food in areas where the need is high; and by regularly hosting a Community Meal.
It is through this Community meal that we hope to address a number of other needs in the community. The idea is to hold a short worship service during this time in order to “Provide spiritual nourishment where there is spiritual longing” and “Proclaim Christ to all.” After the meal we would have resource people available to offer assistance in any one of a number of different areas. Ideas include: legal assistance, medical care, financial management, counseling, and personal care. These offerings would go a long way in “Providing opportunities…healing…hope…and justice.”
All of this would be offered to members of our community free of charge.
But in order for this idea to get off of the ground…in order for us to see the value in such a ministry, we need to recognize the need. We need to hear the stories of suffering and injustice…and we need to weep with those who are weeping.
Let me share just a few statistics with you from a recently completed Community Assessment of Needs in Kandiyohi County:
57% of all households surveyed said that finding jobs that pay enough to make ends meet was a problem. In the Latino and Somali communities, that number jumps to 74%.
34% of our minority families report having enough money to buy food to be a major problem.
45% of these families share that having enough money for legal help is a problem.
78% of community leaders and 64% of minority residents indicated that lack of access to affordable medical care was a moderate or major problem.
73% of community leaders and 62% of minority residents said that lack of affordable, quality child care was a problem.
66% of our minority residents feel that racial or ethnic discrimination is a moderate or major problem.
I don’t know about you, but when I read or hear these statistics, I weep. When I hear the mayor of Willmar, Les Heitke speak of at least 12 prominent minority families leaving Willmar in the last month due to fear after the recent immigration raids, I weep. When I hear the public outcry following the tragic bus accident in Cottonwood, and the way in which the horrendous death of four innocent children becomes an opportunity to point fingers at anyone who wasn’t born in this country, I weep.
I hope that I’m not weeping alone.
I hope that as brothers and sisters in the faith, you will join me in weeping for the pain, the suffering, and the injustice of those we recognize as the least, the lost and the left out. I hope that you will join me in weeping…because in our weeping, we will find God. In our weeping, we will find a God who weeps with us. In our weeping, we will find a God whose tears lead to action – action that can calm a storm, heal the sick, and even raise the dead. And with God’s help, our tears can and will do the same. AMEN.
“SEARCHING FOR GOD THROUGH HEALING”
John 9:1-12
Fourth Sunday in Lent (March 2), 2008
I’ll never forget the Lenten season of 2000. I was leading worship and Bible study at my church in Lino Lakes and things were going really well…until we got to Holy Week. Plans had been made and sermons written for our Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and Easter Sunday worship services. But on the night before Palm Sunday, I got sick. I’m not talking about the irritating cough and cold kind of sick like I’ve experienced that past few weeks – I’m talking about flu-like sick. I tried to get as much rest as I could during the night, but when I woke up on Sunday morning, I wasn’t any better. If anything, the symptoms had worsened. I would find myself calling in sick for the first and only time in my ministry career.
Lori [my wife] was good enough to pick up and lead worship for me – sharing the sermon that I had written earlier in the week. When she got home from church, she found me in the same state of illness. When early evening came and I was beginning to get dehydrated, a trip to the Emergency Room became necessary.
In the ER, the usual tests were run. All of the blood work came back normal, and the doctor said that there was one other possibility he wanted to rule out – meningitis. However, there’s only one way to test for meningitis…a spinal tap.
Because I was feeling miserable enough, I agreed. After several attempts, the doctor called in someone else who was able to find just the right location. This test, too was inconclusive (possibly due to the fact that there was blood in the sample). I was sent home with a diagnosis of severe flu.
The following day, I woke up with a severe headache on top of the flu symptoms. I put a call into my regular doctor who agreed to see me right away. To make a long story short, I ended up on incapacitation leave for seven weeks. I missed all of Holy Week, Easter, and the weeks that followed. During that time I was hospitalized in Wyoming for three days, transferred to the University of Minnesota hospital for a week, home for 10 days, and then back to the U of M for another week. It wasn’t until a pain specialist was brought in that I was diagnosed with a persistent spinal fluid leak…an uncommon side effect from the spinal tap.
While I was in the hospital the first time, I was not what you would call a good patient. I was anxious, restless, angry and frightened. Who wouldn’t be when you’re having MRIs, CT scans, and an angiogram done for the purpose of ruling out blood clots, aneurysms, and even cancer?
Because of the constant pain, I didn’t rest well during the day, and because of the anxiety, I didn’t sleep well at night. Finally, in the middle of one of those long nights, I had a revelation – I hadn’t been including God in my healing plan. Those things that had been spiritual disciplines for me when I was home were now forgotten.
The next day I called Lori before she came to visit and asked her to bring our small radio and some of my favorite Christian recordings. I made a vow that no matter how poorly I felt, I was going to begin each morning and end each day with prayer. As I think back to that time, I know that my prayers were even more frequent that at those two times. I used Christian music to calm my anxieties and often found myself falling asleep to the comforting and familiar songs.
One of the songs I listened to regularly was a song by Scott Krippayne called “Sometimes He Calms the Storms.” The last line of the refrain of that song reminds us that “Sometimes he calms the storm, and other times he calms his child.”
I think that’s what healing is all about. There are times when we experience a physical healing, like the blind man in this morning’s gospel lesson. As Jesus and his disciples were walking along, they spotted a man who had been blind from birth. The disciples, confused or misinformed as they sometimes were, question Jesus about who sinned to cause the blindness. Jesus, wanting to make things perfectly clear, informs them that this man was born blind so that the power of God could be displayed in his life.
Saying that, he made some mud and placed it over the man’s eyes (a literal “Here’s mud in your eye!). He told the man to go and wash in a particular pool of water and when he did, he was healed – he could see!
Isn’t it wonderful when we can pray for physical healing and it comes? Wouldn’t it be great if it always worked that way?
But we know that it doesn’t. Sometimes we pray for a miracle and we don’t get it in the form that we asked for or were expecting. In those times, we need to remember that sometimes the healing comes in the form of us being calmed and taught to look at things differently.
When I re-discovered the spiritual disciplines…when I re-discovered God, I still endured another three weeks of pain. After I had been sent home from the hospital the first time, I was laying in bed one night and experienced a loss of control over one side of my face. I had double vision in my left eye and couldn’t turn the left side of my mouth upwards into a smile. I went back in the hospital where, after another scary round of tests, they determined that the low pressure in my spinal column resulted in what they called a nerve palsy, which caused the stroke-like symptoms. The physical healing took much, much longer…but the emotional healing continued and that allowed me to face this new setback with an entirely different attitude.
We all are in need of healing of one kind or another. And my experience of illness combined with all of the stories of healing I read in the Bible tell me that the only way we’re going to find true healing is by first finding God.
That’s the message that is taught in 12-Step programs for recovery and healing from addictions. In step 1, we admit that we are powerless over our addiction and that our lives have become unmanageable. Step 2 affirms that there is a Power greater than us that can restore us to sanity. And Step 3 (which may be the most important step) says that we make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God.
There are lots of ways to come to God and seek healing. Your very presence here this morning is one way. If you make the decision to come forward to receive the sacrament of Communion, you open yourself to the healing that is available through that act. When you pray – or when you ask others to pray on your behalf – you draw even closer to God.
As we come to God…as we seek God…we will find Him. And when we find Him, we can be healed. AMEN!
“SEARCHING FOR GOD THROUGH ACTS OF JUSTICE”
John 4:5-42
Third Sunday in Lent (February 24), 2008
A drink of water. It sounds like an innocent enough request, doesn’t it? But when we consider who it was that was making the request…and when we know a little more about the one of whom the request was made…we see just how radical a request it really was.
First of all, let’s set the scene of this incident. Palestine is only 120 miles long from north to south. But within that 120 miles there were, in the time of Jesus, three definite divisions of territory. In the extreme north lay Galilee; in the extreme south was Judea; and in between lay Samaria. Jesus was seeking to avoid controversy in Judea, so he had picked up his tent stakes and set out a course for Galilee.
There was a centuries old feud between the Jews and the Samaritans. This feud included a dispute over the location for the one true Temple, friction from the time of the return of the captives after the Babylonian exile (way back in the 5th Century B.C.), and the Jews’ destruction of the Samaritan temple about a century before Jesus.
The quickest way from Judea to Galilee was a straight line that went through Samaria. Using that route, the journey could usually be done in three days. The alternative was to cross the Jordan, go up the eastern side of the river to avoid Samaria, re-cross the Jordan north of Samaria, and then enter Galilee. This was a route that took twice as long. Jesus, not wanting to waste even one day, chose the direct route through Samaria.
On their way, Jesus and his disciples came to the town of Sychar. Just short of Sychar the road to Samaria forks, and at the fork in the road there stands, even to this day, the well known as Jacob’s well.
This was an area rich in Jewish history. We read in Genesis 33 that there was a piece of ground that had been bought by Jacob. Jacob, on his deathbed, had bequeathed the land to Joseph. Upon Joseph’s death in Egypt, his body had been taken back to Palestine and buried there. This area was full of Jewish memories.
When Jesus and his little band of travelers came to the fork in the road, Jesus sat down to rest, for he was tired from the journey. It was midday. The Jewish day runs from 6AM to 6PM, so midday would be noon. The heat was at its greatest, and Jesus was also thirsty from his journey. His disciples had gone on ahead to buy food, so Jesus was alone.
As Jesus sat there, a Samaritan woman arrived. Why she would make the half-mile or better journey was somewhat of a mystery. Could it be that she was so much of a moral outcast that the women drove her out of the village to get water elsewhere? Could it be that her background identified her as a social outcast and to avoid an unpleasant encounter with others, she went to the well at the hottest part of the day?
At any rate, Jesus asked her to give him a drink. The well was deep – probably over 100 feet deep – so that he would not have been able to draw water unless he had some kind of receptacle with which to collect it.
The woman looked at Jesus with astonishment. “I am a Samaritan…a Samaritan woman. You are a Jew…a Jewish man. How is it that you ask me for a drink?”
What follows is the briefest possible report for what was probably a lengthy and detailed conversation. Some suggest that what we have recorded in John’s gospel is something like the minutes of their meeting – where only the most important points of the discussion were recorded. I think the Samaritan woman must have poured out her heart to Jesus. How else could Jesus have known of her marital affairs? For one of the very few times in her life, this Samaritan woman had found one with kindness in his eyes instead of judgment…and to him she opened her heart.
In this story we learn a great deal about Jesus.
We learn, first, of his humanity. Yes, Jesus is the incarnation of God. Yes, Jesus is fully divine. But he is also fully human. Jesus was tired from the long, hard journey. He was thirsty from the scorching sun. These are things you and I have felt – and we can relate to Jesus at this time.
We also learn of Jesus’ sympathy. From any other religious leader – especially one of the orthodox church leaders of the day – this woman would have fled in embarrassment. If she had seen a church leader, she would have turned and run in the opposite direction. But it seemed the most natural thing in the world to talk to Jesus. She had at last met someone who was a friend, not a critic; one who understood, not condemned.
In this story we also see Jesus as one who breaks down barriers. The Jewish-Samaritan quarrel was over 400 years old, but it was as bitter as when it began. Jesus (a Jew) broke down the barrier between these two cultures by talking to a Samaritan. But beyond this obvious barrier was another, equally obvious barrier that Jesus broke through. The strict Rabbis would forbid a Rabbi from greeting a woman in public. A Rabbi might not even speak to his wife or daughter in public. There were Pharisees who were called “the bruised and bleeding Pharisees” because they shut their eyes when they saw a woman walking down the street and in doing so, walked into walls. For a Rabbi to be seen talking to a woman in public would have been the end of his reputation – but that didn’t stop Jesus. He spoke to her.
I love this story. For me it illustrates the loving, turn-society-upside-down, just act of our Savior…and it challenges me to follow his example.
Larry Rasmussen, professor of Ethics at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, wrote an essay entitled “Shaping Communities” that is published in the book Practicing Our Faith. In his essay, Rasmussen writes, “Christians look to Jesus as an example of leadership and to the early Christian communities as places of exemplary participation.” He continues, “Rather than shaping his followers into the usual hierarchy of power, Jesus constituted his community around power turned upside down.”
“Power turned upside down.” I think that’s a phrase John Wesley would gladly embrace. Wesley, as he sought to help people live out their full calling as Christians, embraced a message of social holiness.
The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for social justice. Its members have often taken forthright positions on controversial issues involving Christian principles. Early Methodists expressed their opposition to the slave trade, to smuggling, and to the cruel treatment of prisoners.
Our United Methodist Book of Discipline states, “Our struggles for human dignity and social reform have been a response to God’s demand for love, mercy and justice in the light of the Kingdom. We proclaim no personal gospel that fails to express itself in relevant social concerns.”
So where am I going with all of this?
I believe that we, as the people of God and the Church of Jesus Christ are at a crucial time. The decisions we make and the direction we take in this next period of our lives will determine whether or not we will survive. I believe that the world is watching us to see how we behave and how we respond in situations that capture the world’s attention. Are we acting in a way that is in alignment with what our Scriptures are teaching? Are we behaving in a way that mirrors the examples Jesus gave to us?
Let’s take our gospel story as an example.
In this community and the surrounding area, who are the Jews and Samaritans? I’m not talking literally – what I’m asking are who are the groups that don’t typically share things in common?
The elderly and the young?
The wealthy and the poor?
The educated and the not?
The white collar and the blue collar?
Could we…would we dare name another:
Caucasian and Latino?
I have talked before about our church’s Mission Statement. If you need to be reminded of what it says, you can find it under the “Welcome” section of your bulletin. The Mission Statement is a wonderful list of justice-oriented acts: providing food where there is hunger, providing opportunities where there is poverty, providing healing where there is brokenness, providing hope where there is despair, and working for justice where there is oppression.
When our Church Council met last month, we took a close look at our Mission Statement. We went through it line by line and identified programs and ministries that are in place to meet these needs. When it came to that statement, “Working for justice where there is oppression,” there was more hesitation and more silence. While it was easy to see what we were doing in other areas, this line provided us with a challenge…and an opportunity.
What is it that we can be doing to work for justice in our community and the surrounding area? What is it that we should be doing? If our answer to that is, “Nothing,” then we should be working to remove that line from our Mission Statement. But I would guess that most everyone agrees that it’s a good idea. So what are we willing to do to live that out?
Jesus took a risk when he reached out and talked with the Samaritan woman. He could have been stripped of his title of Rabbi, he could have lost the respect (and following) of his disciples, he could have had an entire town turn on him. But his risk won the heart of a hurting woman and turned this woman into an evangelist. We heard towards the end of our lesson that “Many Samaritans from that city believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony.”
When we take a similar stand for justice, we are taking a similar risk. What will people think about us? What will people say about us? Will we lose friends because of the stand we’ve chosen to take?
Jesus found that the risk was worth taking, and I believe we’ll find the same to be true. When we reach out to others through acts of justice, we will find God. And not only will we find God, but we will offer others the same opportunity to find God. AMEN.
“SEARCHING FOR GOD THROUGH PRAYER”
Psalm 121
Second Sunday in Lent (February 17), 2008
The past two weeks have found me on two very different kinds of retreats. Last week I spent Sunday afternoon (yes, I missed the Super Bowl) through Tuesday afternoon at the Episcopal House of Prayer with three of my clergy colleagues. We were there for a prayer retreat. We experienced times of group prayer, times of silent prayer, and times of prayer with those leading worship at the Abbey at St. John’s. It was a quiet, peaceful, reflective time away.
This week I was at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo from Monday morning until Wednesday evening. As a member of our Annual Conference’s Board of Ordained Ministry, this was our “retreat” to interview and discuss candidates for commissioning and ordination. It was an intense, full three days (on Tuesday our work began at 8:30 in the morning and I didn’t turn off the computer after writing a final report until 1:30 the next morning) – a very different kind of retreat. But one of the most impressive parts of our business-filled three days was that it was bathed in prayer. We would pray before each meal, we prayed as part of each time we gathered together for business, we prayed at the beginning and end of each interview we did with candidates, we prayed before we began discussing each and every candidate (and there were a total of 15 candidates!), and we ended each evening with worship and prayer. I can’t recall a church-related meeting or retreat I’ve been on that has offered more opportunities for prayer!
Our focus for this morning as we continue our “Searching for God” Lenten series is on prayer. Marjorie Thompson, in her book Soul Feast, writes, “The spiritual life has to do with how God relates to us and how we in turn relate to God. Prayer is the essential expression of this relationship.” Does your prayer life reflect that understanding?
This morning, I’d like to explore the topic of prayer in two ways – prayer as communication, and prayer as communion.
Many of us, when asked to give a definition of prayer, would say something like, “A conversation with God.” This is a natural way to understand and a simple way to practice it. Since the God we know in scripture is personal, we are free to speak with God heart-to-heart as we might with a close friend. The content of our conversation may cover a wide range of feelings and experiences, but the classic attitudes usually fall into one of four categories (which we remember through the use of an acronym – ACTS): adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Of these four, we probably place more weight on supplication, our petitions for our own needs and intercession for others.
Prayer, when understood as communication with God, is a two-way street – we listen to God and we speak to God.
Listening is the first expression of communication in prayer. Soren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher and theologian, once said, “A man prayed, and at first he thought that prayer was talking. But he became more and more quiet until in the end he realized that prayer is listening.”
Remember the story of the story of little Samuel from the Old Testament? Samuel had been receiving instruction under the old priest Eli. When Samuel was awakened in the middle of the night, he ran to Eli and asked him what he wanted. Eli explained that he didn’t call the boy and sent him back to bed. Three times this happens, and finally Eli perceived that it was God who was calling the boy. Eli tells Samuel to go back to bed, and when he hears the voice again to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” As expected, the boy hears the voice, and as does as he is instructed. What follows is a clear message from God to Samuel.
I have no doubt that Samuel knew how to pray by speaking to God. His parents would have taught him well. Samuel, however, needed this experience to teach him that prayer was also listening.
We’re also reminded of the importance of listening to God when we remember the story of Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain. In the midst of that mysterious and awesome event, the voice of God proclaimed, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”
So how do we listen to God through prayer? I believe the place to begin is through scripture – those writings that we intentionally call ‘God’s Word.’
For some, the most natural way to listen to God is through Creation. Psalm 19 acknowledges that Creation speaks loudly of divine realities:
“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament
proclaims his handiwork…There is no speech, nor are there
words…yet their voice goes out through all the earth.”
We can also hear God’s voice through others. Perhaps someone who knows us well speaks just the word we need to hear in a way we can grasp. I believe the voice of a pastor friend consistently urging, almost nagging me, to pursue a career in ministry was the voice of God reaffirming a call that had gone out many years earlier.
But not all of those who represent God’s voice to us will be familiar to us. A complete stranger may appear at a crucial moment with a word of encouragement, guidance or warning. Although most of us are unaware of being used as vehicles of grace for others, God surrounds us with personal messengers every day.
The circumstances of our lives are another way God speaks to us. God opens some doors and closes others. A glitch in a relationship may invite us to face something from our own lives that we’ve been avoiding. A change in our health tells us that we need to slow down, take a break, or work on re-prioritizing our lives.
In all of these circumstances, it is helpful to ask the question, “What is God saying to me in this situation?” Listening to our lives is part of prayer.
The second expression of communication in prayer is speaking from the heart.
Many of us have grown up hearing and maybe even believing that there are certain things that we can and cannot bring into prayer. We have been told that we shouldn’t bring doubt or anger or hatred or despair into our conversations with God. But I think we all know what happens when feelings of any kind – especially negative feelings – are stuffed. Communication breaks down, the two parties become further and further separated, and intimacy becomes impossible.
In prayer, we need to speak whatever truth is in us: pain and grief, fear and disappointment, yearning and desire, questions and doubt, hope and faith, failure and weakness, praise and thanks, despair and sorrow, anger and, yes, even hatred.
It takes practice to learn not to censor our prayer. But trying to keep secrets from God is like the three-year-old who covers his eyes and says, “You can’t see me!” God sees into our hearts more clearly than we do. God is the one who prompts us to look at what we are tempted to sweep under the rug and try to forget.
Prayer, as I said earlier, is more than communication; it is also communion with God.
When we speak of ‘communion’ in this way, we’re talking about a dimension of relationship that goes beyond words, images or actions. Just as listening and speaking are the primary expressions of prayer as communication, contemplation is the primary expression of prayer as communion.
Marjorie Thompson describes contemplation or contemplative prayer as, “A simple gaze toward One who loves us unshakably.” In her book, Soul Feast, she offers two other explanations. In the first, an eighteenth-century priest asked an elderly peasant what he was doing in the hours and hours he spent sitting alone in the chapel. The old man replied, “I look at Him, He looks at me, and we are happy.” In the second example, a Protestant pastor who had just returned from a visit to a monastery confessed to his son that he didn’t understand how the monks could sit for hours in the chapel before the consecrated bread that represents the presence of Christ. His son, whose wife had just given birth to their first child, responded, “You know Dad, I think I understand. Since our newborn arrived, I just go to her crib and look at her. She doesn’t have to do a thing, she doesn’t even have to be awake. I am so utterly fascinated that I don’t know where the time goes.”
Deep contemplation draws us into an eternal realm that transcends time.
At the Episcopal House of Prayer, there is an oratory – a prayer chapel. During our retreat last week, I had two opportunities to spend time in the oratory – one with our group and one by myself. It was amazing how, in this sacred space, time didn’t seem to matter. For the first time in a long, long time, I didn’t look at my watch to see if I needed to wrap up my time with God and get on to the next scheduled event in my day. I could simply sit and pray…and when it seemed as though I had heard the word I needed to hear and spoken the words I needed to speak to God, I got up from my prayer.
One form of contemplative prayer that can be done by anyone anywhere is called the breath prayer. It is called this because the words for breath and Spirit are the same in Hebrew – ruach – and the use of this kind of prayer over time helps us to experience what Romans 8:26 and 27 describes as the Spirit interceding for us. It is also a short prayer that can be said or though in a single breath.
First, visualize Jesus standing before you, asking you, “What do you want me to do for you?” If more than one thing comes to mind, identify the root desire.
Next, identify how you normally address God in prayer: Lord, Jesus, Creator, Holy One, Eternal God, Spirit? Find your name for the divine being.
Then combine your desire with your name in a single, short phrase the flows easily in your mind. “Holy Spirit, fill me.” “Give me strength, O Christ.” “Teach me patience, gracious God.”
Finally, sit quietly and repeat the phrase quietly in your mind for several minutes. Take a walk, repeating your prayer while you move. Take your prayer with you into your day, as you drive to work, or do household tasks, or stand in line at the grocery store or complete your exercise routine. This is prayer as communion with God.
When we are able to pray freely and openly, without hesitation or reserve, whether through communication or communion, then we will find God. And as we find God through prayer, we can realize the promises of Psalm 121:
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will
not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He
who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your
keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not
strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you
from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going
out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.”
AMEN!
“SEARCHING FOR GOD THROUGH SCRIPTURE”
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11
First Sunday in Lent (February 10), 2008
At the beginning of the year, I offered a message that was inspired, in part, by our Bishop’s comments about a recent flurry of books about “A Year of…” Bishop Sally and her husband spoke of taking up the challenge of not buying anything new (with the exception of “essential” items) for a year. In a sermon and then in a newsletter article, I challenged people to take up a year of living more worshipfully. Ideas for this included:
A year of tithing
A year of using your gifts and talents in a new way
A year of reading through the Bible
A year of forgiveness and reconciliation
I shared in the newsletter that I was going to take on the challenge of reading through the Bible in a year.
I’ve tried this in the past – two years ago, as a matter of fact – and found that I didn’t have very good discipline. This year I’m doing better. I still miss a day now and then, but I’m doing my best to keep up.
I was pleasantly surprised at the number of people who talked to me afterwards and told me that they were taking on the same challenge. Some are following the suggested reading schedule that gets printed in the newsletter, some are using the website that I’ve been using (www.oneyearbible.net), and others are using a resource that they are more familiar with.
The act of scripture reading and study is but one act in the spiritual life. I like how Marjorie Thompson defines that phrase. She says, “Scripturally speaking, the spiritual life is simply the increasing vitality and sway of God’s Spirit in us.” In other words, reading and studying the Bible is one means of becoming more aware of the work of God and God’s Spirit in our lives.
Jesus certainly found that to be true.
In this morning’s gospel, we read that Jesus was “led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” In the wilderness, Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, and scripture tells us that he was famished. Think about that for a minute.
Wise folks tell us that we shouldn’t go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. Why? Because we’re more likely to be impulsive – we’re more likely to make decisions based on our hunger than we are on common sense.
After Jesus had fasted for 40 days and nights, he was famished. For most any human being, what followed would look like a pretty good offer. Didn’t the serpent’s offer in the garden look good to Adam and Eve? So good that they gave into the temptation to turn away from God’s command not to eat of the fruit of the tree that was in the middle of the garden?
But Jesus wasn’t just any human being. Jesus was fully human and fully divine…and Jesus was able to overcome the tempter. Let’s look at how he did that.
The first temptation was to command stones to become loaves of bread. This was a temptation for Jesus to use his powers selfishly – to provide food for his hungry body. Jesus, knowing that fulfilling his physical hunger would only be a temporary fix, answered the devil with scripture – Deuteronomy 8:3: “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Next, we read that the devil led Jesus to the holy city and placed him on the very top of the temple. At this church that would have been at the very tip of the spire on top of the bell tower. The devil told Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.” And then we see something really interesting – the devil quotes scripture: “For it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’”
These are the promises of Psalm 91 and as they are used here, ought to serve as a warning that even Satan can quote the Bible. Just because we hear a word or phrase of scripture spoken doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t investigate the source. John Wesley sought to balance things out by saying that while scripture is the primary source for teaching and correction, we ought to also consider our traditions, our experiences, and reason.
Once again, Jesus turns the temptation aside. And once again, he quotes scripture – this time Deuteronomy 6:16: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
After this, the devil takes Jesus to a very high mountain where he shows him all of the kingdoms of the world. It was the world that Jesus came to save, and into his mind there came a picture of that world. The voice of the tempter said, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
What the tempter was saying was, “Compromise! Come to terms with me! Don’t demand so much of yourself! Give in just a little bit to evil and questionable things…and then people will follow you en masse!”
How familiar does that sound? It seems like wherever we go – in school, at our workplaces, in our recreational activities, and even when we’re sitting alone in our homes – we hear a similar message: “Just give in, take the short cut, make a questionable decision, take the low road…you’ll be better, more popular, more powerful, wealthier, better for it.” And many times we give in to that message. And many are our regrets.
But Jesus has an answer for the tempter. And once again, his answer comes directly from scripture – Deuteronomy 6:13: “Worship the Lord you God, and serve only him.”
Finally, the devil left Jesus and he was given everything he needed by the angels that came and waited on him.
Perhaps the most important thing we can learn from this passage is the fact that, in the words of scripture, we find God. When Jesus was confronted with temptation, he turned to scripture and the words of God. In those words, Jesus found confidence and power and strength and wisdom. In those words, Jesus found all that he needed to defeat the devil.
This exciting possibility is available to us as well. When we turn to scripture, reading and studying it on a regular basis, we open ourselves up to the transforming power of God. Marjorie Thompson says that we read scripture not merely for information, but also for formation. Formation, she says, “has to do with the dynamics of change in the human heart, change that reshapes us into the kind of beings God intends for us to be.” Thompson relates it to Romans 12:2 where Paul urges us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.”
So how do we read scripture in a way that makes this possible? Let me share some practical suggestions:
Give God the best time of your day. If you are a morning person, read early in the morning; if you’re a night owl, do your reading in the evening
Choose a place that offers solitude and reasonable quiet. As you prepare to do your reading, do everything in your power to reduce the potential for distraction
Prepare for your reading by reminding yourself that the purpose of this reading is to be addressed by the living God. Remind yourself that God is with you as you prepare to begin
Begin to read slowly, pausing between phrases and sentences. When a word of phrase seems especially significant to you, stay with it
When you’ve heard that word or phrase, begin meditating on it. Why is this a word for you? What is happening in your life right now that needs that word? How is God catching your attention?
Let your prayer emerge from your encounter with the text. How does what you’ve read inform your prayers for yourself and for others?
Release all your thoughts, feelings and intentions to God. Delight in the gift that God has given you through this text.
Make a conscious decision to carry that word or phrase with you throughout the day. Let your prayer and reflection continue as you face whatever comes your way throughout the day.
A careful and deliberate reading of scripture will not just inform us, but will transform us. If we’re able to take the time to read and study scripture purposefully (not just to check off another day’s reading), we will find God…and in finding God, we will find all that we need. AMEN.
