I love the stories about Jesus and Lazarus. In John 11, when Jesus speaks of Lazarus, he refers to him as "Our friend." In one of the other accounts, when Jesus learns that Lazarus has died, we get the shortest verse in the bible - "Jesus wept." The stories of Jesus and Lazarus remind me of the humanness of Jesus. He not only had disciples, he had friends.
We read of Jesus' compassion. We know that he cared for the crowds. He sought to shepherd them. It is a good additive to see that he allowed that care to be more than charity. He was doing more than dispensing his excess good will - he was forming relationships.
Jesus must always remain Christ - I am not advocating a reduction of his importance. Rather, I am taking comfort from the story's insight that Jesus not only cared for us, Jesus cares about us. We are more than followers or disciples - we are his friends.
There is that line, in our Sunday liturgy (when we use the Now the Feast and Celebration liturgy) in which we refer to Jesus our Saviour and our friend. That line will remind me of the positive experience associated with this morning's refection.
Jesus saves me.
Jesus befriends me.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Devotions - Tuesday, Sept 9
I enjoy our Monday night Bible Study. I enjoy it most of all when the participants make that "I am not sure I accept what you are saying" face. It encourages me, to realize that we are each prepared to stand by our convictions of what the Word is saying to us.
Last night, we were studying Matthew 8 & 9. A question was asked about one of the verses. I suggested that while it was attached to the preceding story, it was really a summary statement of where the writer was taking us, in the whole section. "There are several of these," I added. I got that face.
I thought, again this morning, about one of those summary statements. It is Matthew 9:8, in which we read, "When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings." It was Jesus who had performed the preceding miracle (he forgave a man's sin, and the man's illness was also removed.) Why does the writer speak of authority being given to humans? Well, I suggested that the reference was to the Church and to the Church's role in continuing to forgive sins.
One of the things which is difficult for all of us to wrap our minds around is the thought that God - GOD - would entrust mere mortals with so much. God risked everything in taking on the form of a human, of becoming one of us. The resurrected Jesus leaves his newly established Church in the hands of the apostles, then he ascends.
They do a good job. This morning I was reading from Acts 14. Paul and Barnabus are doing such a good job that the people think they are gods, and come prepared to make a sacrifice to them. Paul tears his garments and begs them not to do such a thing. God is the one to be praised. God is the one who is to be honored. He and Barnabus are but willing servants - mere human beings to whom God entrusted the story which they had come to share.
God accomplishes wonderful things. Much of this, God accomplishes through mere mortals - persons like you and me. Persons to whom the good news has come, and found a home, and given a voice. This says a lot about God's confidence in us. It says a lot about God.
Last night, we were studying Matthew 8 & 9. A question was asked about one of the verses. I suggested that while it was attached to the preceding story, it was really a summary statement of where the writer was taking us, in the whole section. "There are several of these," I added. I got that face.
I thought, again this morning, about one of those summary statements. It is Matthew 9:8, in which we read, "When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings." It was Jesus who had performed the preceding miracle (he forgave a man's sin, and the man's illness was also removed.) Why does the writer speak of authority being given to humans? Well, I suggested that the reference was to the Church and to the Church's role in continuing to forgive sins.
One of the things which is difficult for all of us to wrap our minds around is the thought that God - GOD - would entrust mere mortals with so much. God risked everything in taking on the form of a human, of becoming one of us. The resurrected Jesus leaves his newly established Church in the hands of the apostles, then he ascends.
They do a good job. This morning I was reading from Acts 14. Paul and Barnabus are doing such a good job that the people think they are gods, and come prepared to make a sacrifice to them. Paul tears his garments and begs them not to do such a thing. God is the one to be praised. God is the one who is to be honored. He and Barnabus are but willing servants - mere human beings to whom God entrusted the story which they had come to share.
God accomplishes wonderful things. Much of this, God accomplishes through mere mortals - persons like you and me. Persons to whom the good news has come, and found a home, and given a voice. This says a lot about God's confidence in us. It says a lot about God.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Devotions - Monday, Sept 8
The Book of Job is a series of futile attempts at self-justification. Job, and the friends who come to be with him, all make attempts at explaining what has happened and why. None of their answers satisfy. All are lacking - in one way or another. Near the end of the book Elihu speaks.
Elihu has been present during the earlier discourses, but he has held his tongue. He says, "I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you." Out of respect for his elders, he has not spoken.
As one who is gaining a few years, I appreciate that attitude. There must be some benefit to living long enough to see the coming and going of many differing upheavals and crisis.
But it is not the passage of time which brings wisdom, as Elihu points out. "It is the spirit in a person. the breath of the Almighty, that makes a person understand."
Those WWJD bracelets have gone out of style. I never really wore one, but I remember thinking that if I had one I might be reminded, each time I prepared to act, to take time to think as God would think, hopefully encouraging me to act as Christ would act.
Before I speak, I should work my way through the same sort of reminder questions. What would be God's word, in this situation. Are the words I am about to speak words which make God more present? Or, are they satisfying my selfish desires or wishes?
God's spirit is within us. That spirit guide us into all understanding. Allowing that spirit to flow forth, guiding the words of our mouths, will go a long way in making our words words of wisdom and understanding.
Pastor Chris
Elihu has been present during the earlier discourses, but he has held his tongue. He says, "I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you." Out of respect for his elders, he has not spoken.
As one who is gaining a few years, I appreciate that attitude. There must be some benefit to living long enough to see the coming and going of many differing upheavals and crisis.
But it is not the passage of time which brings wisdom, as Elihu points out. "It is the spirit in a person. the breath of the Almighty, that makes a person understand."
Those WWJD bracelets have gone out of style. I never really wore one, but I remember thinking that if I had one I might be reminded, each time I prepared to act, to take time to think as God would think, hopefully encouraging me to act as Christ would act.
Before I speak, I should work my way through the same sort of reminder questions. What would be God's word, in this situation. Are the words I am about to speak words which make God more present? Or, are they satisfying my selfish desires or wishes?
God's spirit is within us. That spirit guide us into all understanding. Allowing that spirit to flow forth, guiding the words of our mouths, will go a long way in making our words words of wisdom and understanding.
Pastor Chris
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Devotions - Thurs, Sept 4
Why do people believe in Jesus as the Christ?
This morning I read Acts 13:1-12. The Apostles are summoned to the home of an influential man. Standing in their way is a magician, a "false prophet." Paul speaks God's Word and this false prophet loses his sight. The man who had invited the Apostles "believed, when he saw all that had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord."
It might be argued that he came to believe after he saw the miracle, the power, of Christ's followers. It could be argued that faith is a result of becoming convinced (by seeing a display of might) that God is truly God.
It could also be concluded that the miracle cleared the way so that the Word could make its way to the man. That it is the Word which brought about faith.
Why do you believe?
I should share my answer to my own question - I find myself caught up in a web of believers. I grew up in a Christian home. I benefited from a social circle in which church was very important. Along the way, I carefully examined what it was about that network which made it the caring, supporting place I experienced it to be.
Along the way, there were deaths and hardships - so I came to understand that it wasn't all that fancy stunting which keep the community together. An occasional miracle (if that is what you wanted to call it) only made the absence of miracles in another situation more painful. That community was not established on divine manipulation of events.
This community of folks believed, just as I came to believe, that God's Word is the sound which makes one's heart beat. God's Word astonishes us with its clarity, and insight, and truth. God's Word calls into being all that exists. It gives me hope and confidence.
There remain those who stand in opposition. They oppose with their actions; they oppose with their alternate interpretations of God's Word. Again, I turn to that network (to the community which bears Christ's name) for help in overcoming opposition. The community affirms for me that I am on the right path. The community helps me to understand the nuances of what God is saying to me.
Why do people believe? Why do you believe?
This morning I read Acts 13:1-12. The Apostles are summoned to the home of an influential man. Standing in their way is a magician, a "false prophet." Paul speaks God's Word and this false prophet loses his sight. The man who had invited the Apostles "believed, when he saw all that had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord."
It might be argued that he came to believe after he saw the miracle, the power, of Christ's followers. It could be argued that faith is a result of becoming convinced (by seeing a display of might) that God is truly God.
It could also be concluded that the miracle cleared the way so that the Word could make its way to the man. That it is the Word which brought about faith.
Why do you believe?
I should share my answer to my own question - I find myself caught up in a web of believers. I grew up in a Christian home. I benefited from a social circle in which church was very important. Along the way, I carefully examined what it was about that network which made it the caring, supporting place I experienced it to be.
Along the way, there were deaths and hardships - so I came to understand that it wasn't all that fancy stunting which keep the community together. An occasional miracle (if that is what you wanted to call it) only made the absence of miracles in another situation more painful. That community was not established on divine manipulation of events.
This community of folks believed, just as I came to believe, that God's Word is the sound which makes one's heart beat. God's Word astonishes us with its clarity, and insight, and truth. God's Word calls into being all that exists. It gives me hope and confidence.
There remain those who stand in opposition. They oppose with their actions; they oppose with their alternate interpretations of God's Word. Again, I turn to that network (to the community which bears Christ's name) for help in overcoming opposition. The community affirms for me that I am on the right path. The community helps me to understand the nuances of what God is saying to me.
Why do people believe? Why do you believe?
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Devotions- Wednesday, Sept 3
The stakes are high. Life (lives) is on the line. My reading this morning brought this message to me.
First, from Acts 12, I read of Herod's encounter with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They come to ask his aid. He puts on his royal robes, sits on his throne. When he is asserted as a god, not a man, "an angel of the Lord smote him." He is eaten by worms and dies.
Second, in John 8, Jesus is in another argument with the leaders of the religious council. He speaks of his relationship with God, of his identity as the Messiah. To them, this is heresy. They take up stones to throw at him. Jesus hides himself and goes out of the temple.
People are dying over this stuff.
There are places in this world where one might still be in danger of physical death, as a result of their faith. We should acknowledge that speaking God's Word in our own culture places you at risk of rejection and scorn. It is possible for life to be taken away as a result of one's devotion to God. What sticks with me is the thought that life evades those who have not heard God's invitation.
I am thinking of the lonely, the outcast, those dejected. I am thinking of those who are left to worry that no one (no one including no God) loves them or cares about them. Life can be taken away; life can also never be fully realized. Many are dying, because they have never heard the good news of Christ's salvation.
The stakes are high.
We should never allow ourselves to forget that we have been given a precious gift. We have been entrusted with the Words of Life. Let us give thanks for this gift. And on the ready to share this gift with those around us. Without our intervention, many of them will continue to die.
First, from Acts 12, I read of Herod's encounter with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They come to ask his aid. He puts on his royal robes, sits on his throne. When he is asserted as a god, not a man, "an angel of the Lord smote him." He is eaten by worms and dies.
Second, in John 8, Jesus is in another argument with the leaders of the religious council. He speaks of his relationship with God, of his identity as the Messiah. To them, this is heresy. They take up stones to throw at him. Jesus hides himself and goes out of the temple.
People are dying over this stuff.
There are places in this world where one might still be in danger of physical death, as a result of their faith. We should acknowledge that speaking God's Word in our own culture places you at risk of rejection and scorn. It is possible for life to be taken away as a result of one's devotion to God. What sticks with me is the thought that life evades those who have not heard God's invitation.
I am thinking of the lonely, the outcast, those dejected. I am thinking of those who are left to worry that no one (no one including no God) loves them or cares about them. Life can be taken away; life can also never be fully realized. Many are dying, because they have never heard the good news of Christ's salvation.
The stakes are high.
We should never allow ourselves to forget that we have been given a precious gift. We have been entrusted with the Words of Life. Let us give thanks for this gift. And on the ready to share this gift with those around us. Without our intervention, many of them will continue to die.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Devotions - Tuesday, Sept 2
I had commented earlier that my lectionary has me reading through Job. It is a long book, so there will be readings from it for a while longer. That is okay, there is much to be learned, from this book.
This morning I was reading from the 13th chapter. Here, Job is speaking, and he says, "Will you speak falsely for God, and speak deceitfully for him? Will you show partiality toward him, and will you plead the case for God?"
Job is growing frustrated with those who are trying to convince him that he (Job) in some way deserves his suffering. Job is angry that those sitting with him are making assumptions, and not honestly looking at the situation.
The professor in my preaching class had these catchy little sentences to keep in mind when we write our sermons. One of them was, "Don't take God's side too quickly." Sometimes the faithful do have a leg to stand on when they lift their voices to God. The Psalmist cries out, "How long, O Lord, will you abandon us?"
We are not justified in demanding of God that every desire be granted. But, it is appropriate that we lift our voices to God, expressing the anguish of our hearts and the confusion of our minds. As we consider the plight of those for whom we pray, we should not "speak falsely for God, and speak deceitfully for him." We should never add contempt to suffering by insisting that it is God's will that hardship has come their way.
I don't want to spoil the ending, but Job's fortune will be restored. Job is right. He goes toe-to-toe with God and exposes the erroneous thinking of those who looked for easy answers to why all this was happening to him. From Job we can learn the importance of standing on the side of those who suffer, never assuming that it is some Godly punishment for some unrepented sin.
This morning I was reading from the 13th chapter. Here, Job is speaking, and he says, "Will you speak falsely for God, and speak deceitfully for him? Will you show partiality toward him, and will you plead the case for God?"
Job is growing frustrated with those who are trying to convince him that he (Job) in some way deserves his suffering. Job is angry that those sitting with him are making assumptions, and not honestly looking at the situation.
The professor in my preaching class had these catchy little sentences to keep in mind when we write our sermons. One of them was, "Don't take God's side too quickly." Sometimes the faithful do have a leg to stand on when they lift their voices to God. The Psalmist cries out, "How long, O Lord, will you abandon us?"
We are not justified in demanding of God that every desire be granted. But, it is appropriate that we lift our voices to God, expressing the anguish of our hearts and the confusion of our minds. As we consider the plight of those for whom we pray, we should not "speak falsely for God, and speak deceitfully for him." We should never add contempt to suffering by insisting that it is God's will that hardship has come their way.
I don't want to spoil the ending, but Job's fortune will be restored. Job is right. He goes toe-to-toe with God and exposes the erroneous thinking of those who looked for easy answers to why all this was happening to him. From Job we can learn the importance of standing on the side of those who suffer, never assuming that it is some Godly punishment for some unrepented sin.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Devotion - Monday, Sept 1
It is Labor Day. I needed to affirm that for all of my Clemson readers. On campus, this Monday is business as usual.
I don't mean that to be a cheap shot at the Administration. It is very difficult to cancel a day of classes when some classes only meet one day a week (Monday night) and to figure out a way for those in labs to make up their work and remain in sync with the other sections.
Of what concern is this to me, or to a "devotional" offering? You might ask. Isn't Labor Day a secular holiday, anyway?
One of heroes, who has retired from Clemson, is Bill Steirer. For years, Bill would show up for work wearing a big button on his lapel. It read, "On Assignment from God." He has obtained it through his work with the Ministry In Daily Life emphasis in the Synod. It was his way of reminding himself that his teaching was his calling, it was his contribution to the building up of the Kingdom.
In looking for contributions made to the Church through the Reformation, we should not overlook the changed attitude about daily work. It isn't only the priests and religious who serve God. Luther pointed out that God is equally honored by the milkmaid's work.
God has called His children to a variety of tasks, equipped them with differing abilities. Each serves, as their abilities dictate, the common good. Be that as secretary, janitor, engineer, teacher, or bus driver; God's will and God's work happens through our labors.
For many of you, your labor is your studies. Your task is to learn as much as you can, preparing yourself for the tasks you will later assume. I am sorry that you don't have a day to rest from your labors. I hope, at least, that you might realize the importance of your work and re-dedicate yourself to it.
I don't mean that to be a cheap shot at the Administration. It is very difficult to cancel a day of classes when some classes only meet one day a week (Monday night) and to figure out a way for those in labs to make up their work and remain in sync with the other sections.
Of what concern is this to me, or to a "devotional" offering? You might ask. Isn't Labor Day a secular holiday, anyway?
One of heroes, who has retired from Clemson, is Bill Steirer. For years, Bill would show up for work wearing a big button on his lapel. It read, "On Assignment from God." He has obtained it through his work with the Ministry In Daily Life emphasis in the Synod. It was his way of reminding himself that his teaching was his calling, it was his contribution to the building up of the Kingdom.
In looking for contributions made to the Church through the Reformation, we should not overlook the changed attitude about daily work. It isn't only the priests and religious who serve God. Luther pointed out that God is equally honored by the milkmaid's work.
God has called His children to a variety of tasks, equipped them with differing abilities. Each serves, as their abilities dictate, the common good. Be that as secretary, janitor, engineer, teacher, or bus driver; God's will and God's work happens through our labors.
For many of you, your labor is your studies. Your task is to learn as much as you can, preparing yourself for the tasks you will later assume. I am sorry that you don't have a day to rest from your labors. I hope, at least, that you might realize the importance of your work and re-dedicate yourself to it.
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