Sunday, December 27, 2009

Sermon - Christmas 1 - Dec 27, 2009

1st Sunday after Christmas - Year C
December 27, 2009
Luke 2:41-52

It is Time to Decide
It is difficult not to feel somewhat cheated this time of year. Some call it the post-Christmas blues. It is that feel¬ing that we spent so many weeks preparing and then there is so little time to savor the moment. Packages from out-of-town fami¬ly members began arriving months ago. We stacked them in the corner and wondered what was in them. Christmas morning rolls around and within a couple of hours everything is opened and put away. By New Year's Day you can hardly remember what is new and what has been in the closet for years.

I got a little of that same sort of feeling as I picked up the bulletin and read the lessons appointed for today. There were four weeks devoted to Advent, four Sundays on which we hear lessons preparing us for the arrival of Jesus. On Christmas Eve we finally get to read the story and sing the carols. We come to worship two days later and it all seems to be over. Here it is, the First Sunday after Christmas, and in our lessons Jesus is already twelve years old. What happened to that cute little baby, lying in a manger? Can't we have a few more stories associated with Jesus' birth before we have to deal with him as an emerging adult? It is difficult not to feel somewhat cheated.

The story of Jesus in the temple is a wonderful story. It is one of those stories with something for everyone. Children love imagining Jesus sitting with the wise teachers, receiving their full attention. Adolescents are encouraged by indications of Jesus' rebellion against his parents and identify with the universal struggle to be one's own self. And what parent among us has never felt the anxiousness associated with losing a child?

This is a wonderful story, with something for everyone. But I for one would have appreciated a few minutes to enjoy the baby Jesus before being jolted into acknowledging that Luke isn't writing cute stories. Luke is telling a story with a pur-pose. Luke is reminding us that attraction to a few cute stories won't cut it. Unless we move beyond the stories and consider what these things mean for our lives then his story telling has been in vain.

Luke drives home his point in two ways: First, by telling a story which occurs at a time in Jesus' live when he is faced with making an important decision. And second, through his descrip¬tion of Mary and Joseph, fumbling around in the darkness while the Light of the world was living in their home.

The stage is set by Luke's notation that every year (Jesus') parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. The Hebraic law required the observance of three events: The Festi¬val of Weeks, which marked the end of the grain harvest; Booths, commemorating the wandering in the wilderness; and Passover, the observance of their deliverance from Egypt. It was hotly debated whether women and young children were to observe the festivals, yet Luke makes sure to tell us that Joseph and Mary are involved. You could observe these festivals in your own home; there was nothing requiring a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. For the rest of the story to unfold it was necessary that Jesus' family travel. This may be Luke's way of underscoring the strength of Joseph and Mary's piety. They went the extra mile; they made the necessary sacrifices in order to offer their prayers of thanksgiving to God.

This year was no different from all the rest, with one ex¬ception. Jesus is now twelve years old. Any Hebrew reading this story would have realized the importance of one's twelfth year. It is the last year of childhood. At age thirteen, the young boy was to become a man, was to begin observing the Hebraic laws governing manhood. If we were reading this lesson in Greek, the impending shift would have been apparent. In verse 43 the ref¬erence is made to the boy Jesus. In verse 40, Jesus is referred to as a child. The Greek root for this word, "boy" is the same as that used for "servant", especially as Luke refers to one who is "the servant of the Lord."

The child has grown into the boy Jesus. He is no longer the cute little child of Mary and Joseph. He is the servant of God, come to accomplish God's purposes.

At twelve years of age, Jesus is free to play and enjoy life. There are no religious obligations placed upon him and he is not expected to act like an adult. But Jesus, even from time of his childhood, does not act in accordance with societal or reli-gious expectations. He acts in response to the directives of God.

It is quite possible that the original readers of Luke's gospel were anxiously awaiting the return of Christ. Christ had promised they would not taste death before his return. They were looking forward to the age which was about to dawn upon them. However, it is possible that they had become complacent in their wait. Many doubted that the Day of the Lord would come any time soon so they began to allow their minds to wander. Luke reminds them they are to be active in their waiting. The followers of Jesus live, not in response to societal or religious expectations but in accor¬dance with the directives of God.

How would you describe the age in which we live? What gives rise to our actions? Is it the societal and religious expecta¬tions placed upon us or the Word of God? Regardless of the year in which we live, Luke reminds us that we do not to passively wait. Luke instructs us that it is time for us act.

Inaction or indecision may result from any number of causes. Luke moves on in his story to address what he considers to be the most common. At the point of realization, Mary and Joseph have no clue where to turn. They become aware, but they have no idea where to begin to look.

Again the 43rd verse is the clue. In the Greek there is no object for the verb. Luke simply states, his parents did not know. Their ignorance is further reinforced by the amount of time it takes them to return to the temple. They look for three days before they even go to the temple. Those who already know the story will recall another three days in which Jesus was mis¬placed. His three day stay in the borrowed tomb of Joseph of Aramatheia ends with the same sort of question. The angel, wait¬ing in that tomb asks the two Mary’s who come to anoint the body of Jesus, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?"

In both instances, those who should have known have no clue as to where to begin looking. They go to all the wrong places and consider all the wrong options.

Luke's story, sandwiched between the boy lost in the temple and the man misplaced among the dead, contains numerous other references to those who would not understand. The disciples, Peter, Saul; these among others would look in the wrong places in order to find answers to their questions. All who heard (Je¬sus) were AMAZED at his understanding and his answers, but that did not mean they understood or accepted.

Luke is telling his readers not to be confused, not to be mislead, not to look in the wrong places. The answer is obvious, the solution is freely given.

We feel cheated this time of year because we look over all that we have been given and only recall that which we want. We miss the obvious. We ignore the grace. We look in the wrong places. The baby, born in Bethlehem, grows into the Servant of the Lord. Ours is not a sentimental story - it is a story with a purpose. It is intended to help us know where to look and to encourage us to do our looking now.


Amen.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Sermon - Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve
December 24, 2009
Luke 2:1-20

A Gift from Above

Sit back, relax, and ease your mind. Even if there are gifts yet to be wrapped; even if the turkey is yet to be pre¬pared for tomorrow's baking; even if there are a few more cards that you fully intend to get into the mail; for now, there is nothing that you can do about it. Depending upon how many things are left undone and your attitude toward them, at this point you are either trapped, or freed. You can't get to them and they can't get to you.

I think we undersell Christmas Eve services by continually speaking of them as a time to BE WITH family and friends. It may be that this services’ greatest draw is the opportunity to be AWAY; away from the hectic schedules we have been living; away from the endless preparations.

It was my in-laws who reminded me of this seldom acknowledged reason for Christmas Eve worship services. While they are usually in bed long before 11:00 pm, they pointed out how much they look forward to the late-night service. “It is just so peaceful,” Granna shared. A time for them to sit quietly and enjoy.

I had somewhat forgotten. I am grateful to them for helping me to remember.

Oh, I realize that the busyness isn't all bad. The activi¬ties occur because there are loved ones, families, friends who we want to be with, to remember. As hectic as the busyness may be, it is far better than the emptiness of a Christmas spent alone. Such experiences have their own toil; bring their own form of anxious¬ness.

From whichever you have departed this evening; this remains a wonderful time to relax, to enjoy, to receive. You might even want to close your eyes. I will have someone nudge you when it is time to return to the liturgy.

This season is a time to receive. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our giving that we forget the essential element of receiving. We take such pride in giving "just the right gift," that we fail to marvel at what is being handed to us. We need to remember that reason for this season is to receive. To receive God’s gift.

Maybe it is guilt. We have been so carefully taught that "it is more blessed to give than to receive," that we feel guilty for enjoying and so we cease to be good receivers.

Maybe it is embarrassment. We hastily pick-up and wrap the gifts we give only to embarrassed by the thought and thoughtfulness of that which is offered to us.

Perhaps it is in defense of our own self-sufficiency. We take such pride in being able to provide for ourselves that any acknowledgement of need leads to feelings of humiliation.

I don't know what it is, but something has made it difficult for us to be good receivers. We prefer to always be on the giving end; and not on the end that gets. And yet, receiv¬ing is the essential act of this season. Christians do not celebrate Christmas as a "time to give". We mark this day on our calen¬dars because it is a time to receive. We receive the gift of God’s Messiah. We receive the gift of God’s decision to make God’s home among us. We receive the babe in Bethlehem.

Maybe God knew that we had rather give than get, and that is why God choose to come as a little child. Then, at least for a little while, we could pretend that God needed us. We could believe, for a while, that without our giving care to that cute little bundle of joy all of this would have been impossible. But God didn't really need us to do anything. God just needed us, wanted us, and therefore offered to love us. God wanted us to have, and if the only way we could receive was for God to allow us to think that we were giving in return then so be it. God would stop at nothing.

In a manger, in Bethlehem, God gave us a gift. A gift beyond any other that could ever be given; a gift that is but the first installment of all that God has for us. Christmas is a time to celebrate and to remember ourselves as those who receive. We are the recipients of God's love.


(Pause)

Listen to that ... it is so quiet. Look around you ... there is contentment in every face. Glory to God in the highest, (for) on earth there is peace among those whom (God) favors. It is a peace given to us by God; it is the peace of being on the receiving end of God's grace.

Each time we gather a little more of this gift comes our way. It is such a wonderful gift that it softens our resolve to always be a giver. God's desire to give is so great that eventu¬ally we are all worn down - reeducated on the importance of receiving; strengthened so as to say "So what," if we aren't the best gift giver around; opened so that we can admit how needy we really are. This is what comes to us, in the silence, in the peace of this gathering.

Okay, time for those of you who took a nap to wake back up; we are about to resume the liturgy and you need to find you place in the bulletin; the gifts are still in the attic; the turkey needs to be washed; and that stack of cards is staring you down.

But as you return, glorify and praise God for all that you have heard and seen. For to you, this day, a Savior has been born. God has come into our world; God has come into your life and given you a wonderful gift. How swell it is to be on the receiving end of God's outpouring of love.

Amen.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Devotion - Thursday, December 10

This morning's appointed Gospel reading continues Jesus critique of the Pharisees. He repeats words in Matthew 23:13-26 which are familiar to us. At least the first half of the verse is familiar. I realized, in my prayers, how easy it was for me to recall the well rehearsed, often repeated half. Jesus says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cumin.”

I can still remember my Sunday Church School teacher speaking of how ridiculous it was for those silly persons to carry a tenth of their spices to God, “As if God cared about their spices.” I loved Ms. Wooley and she taught me a deep love for my Bible, but she was mistaken in teaching us a literal understanding of this verse.

I don’t remember her instructing us on the remaining clause in this verse. Had she, we might have all avoided a simplistic understanding and a prideful slap at those silly Pharisees.

Jesus goes on to say, “(you) have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith.”

Justice and mercy and faith.

These are the three characteristics Jesus desires of his followers. These are the weightier matters, sought by the law.

The faith part we do discuss. Even if we tend to speak of faith as a mental exercise (i.e. to have faith is to believe unbelievable things; as opposed to understanding faith as a trusting relationship, malleable to the circumstances in which this day places me.) But what of justice and mercy? Where do we see these being practiced; when are they discussed in our Sunday Church School classes or preached from our pulpits?

I have been paying attention to the current debate in congress on health care reform. I hear in the discussions lots of references to affordability and oversight and intervention. There are not enough comments about how our policies seek justice and mercy.

If we are going to memorize passages of our Bibles, let us remember the whole verse. Let us recall the totality of God’s message to us. Remembering the parts which make us look good or the parts which make others look silly isn’t the way Jesus wanted us to remember his words.

Ms. Wooley was correct; God is not concerned with a portion of the spices I use to flavor my food. God is concerned with justice and mercy and faith. God is concerned with all three of these, and we should be too.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Devotion - Wednesday, December 9

Of all Jesus’ critiques, none should be avoided as forcefully as the words spoken in Matthew 23. Having had the disputes with the Sadducees and Pharisees (of which I wrote the two previous mornings) he says to the crowds and his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat; so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.”

How much easier it is to proclaim something than to live it.

Proclaiming is good. When we make assertions as to what we believe, we are inclined to move in the direction of those public affirmations. But the proclamation isn’t enough. It is only the start.

I share Jesus’ words from Matthew 23 with you, not to critique you but to encourage you. Consider carefully this day how fully you are living out what it is that you profess. Is your love of neighbor shown in the acts you perform; is your devotion to Christ revealed in the way you spend your day?

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Devotion - Tuesday, December 8

The irony of reading Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees during this week (finals week at Clemson and TCTC) could not be ignored. After Jesus silences the Sadducees with his words regarding resurrection, the Pharisees make an attempt at embarrassing him.

They come, and one of them asks him, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” You know his reply, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind…. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Jesus goes on to ask them as question, about David and David’s statements about the Christ. Matthew 22:46 concludes the selection, “Nor from that day did any one dare to ask him any more questions.”

Having the answer which brings an end to all other questions allows Jesus to go on with the work that he came to do.

We sometimes forget that this is the reason for exams. They aren’t intended to torture; they are not an attempt to trip you up. They are testing you, to see if you have the knowledge necessary to go out from here and do the work that you need to do. Granted, there may not be a direct link between this physics problem and managing manatees in the Florida rivers. But there is a link. It is making sure that you know what you need to know in order to go about the work you seek to do.

Those of you in graduate school can support this thought: It is easier to put in the hours when we see the direct connection between what we are studying and what we hope to do for the rest of our lives. That is why grad school professors can demand so much more of their students. If we could see the connections, we would more gladly engage in the studying.

You have probably heard me utter the prayer, printed in LSM-USA’s Oremus which thanks God for studies and for useful knowledge. Knowledge is useful; and all that stuff you are learning now will be helpful to you as you seek to do what it is that God has called you to do.

I hope you will have the answers which will silence those who ask the questions. Impress your professors with your insight. Above all, I pray that you will be thankful for the opportunity to learn and that you will understand that this is an opportunity to prepare yourself for the work that God is calling you to do.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Devotion - Monday, December 7

Misunderstandings abound, with regard to the resurrection. In Matthew 22, Jesus encounters a group of Sadducees. They pose to him the scenario in which a man dies without having produced any children. As required by Jewish law, his brother marries the widow in order in hopes of a child for his brother. The second brother dies, as does the third, and a fourth. There were seven brothers in all; none are blessed with a child. “Whose wife will she be in the resurrection?” they ask Jesus.

“You are wrong,” Jesus tells them. “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage.”

Misunderstandings abound.

My thoughts and prayers this morning returned to a popular theme – we tend to answer these questions in a way which holds forth what we most want to hear. We think of the resurrection as a reward for living rightly rather than seeing it as an opportunity to praise God 24/7. Such thinking puts heaven of – it becomes a future event.

Responding to a video clip on Facebook, I found myself speaking of a differing understanding of resurrection. Such an understanding is reinforced by Jesus’ repeated acknowledgement that “the kingdom of God is at hand.” Resurrection, heaven – these are not future rewards for a life lived a certain way here and now. These are present realities for those who know themselves to be participants in “The Way.” In becoming a disciple of Jesus, we are already transformed into residents of heaven. Our resurrection has begun.

Sure, I look forward to that day on which what I see now dimly will be fully revealed. Yes, I anticipate a joy which bursts open the sense of joy I find in my life today. But that fuller expression has already begun in what God is doing in my life right now.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Sermon - December 6, 2009

Advent 2 - Year C
December 6, 2009
Philippians 1:3-11 & Luke 3:1-6

Anticipating God’s Joy

This wooden sign (a carving which bears the simple words "Pastor Christ") has moved from location to location in my office. For the past several months, it has been leaning against the bookshelf behind the door. It has suffered a bit of damage, during the remolding. But it has been in my office ever since I got to Clemson. It was also in my office in Houghton for the last three years I was there. As you can image - and as you are about to find out - this sign has sentimental value to me. It meant a lot to me at the time and (on those days when I might feel otherwise) it reminds me why I am a pastor.

This sign was a gift to me from Randy. Randy’s name won’t show up on the roster of any of the churches where I served as pastor - I don’t think he ever came, even once to a worship service or a bible study. And yet, he made this sign for me and ever since, I have kept it very close by.

Randy was in the Houghton County Jail. I honestly cannot remember the charges which resulted in his being arrested. I do know that he had been there for a while and that he wasn’t getting many visitors. He decided that he would like to have a pastor come talk to him. I wasn’t the first to be asked to visit with him. In fact, our little church was so small that few even knew we were there. A guard at the jail had started making calls, trying to find a pastor who would come to visit with Randy. He went, first of all, to the larger congregations in town. With no commitment to visit, he decided to call the preacher at that little church - the one that used to be a house. And so, I started visiting Randy.


Randy had started reading the bible, but he didn’t understand what it meant. He wanted someone to help him understand what he was reading. I would sit with him in the snack room and respond to his questions about this verse or that chapter. I tried to help him understand God’s love for him and to encourage him to be strong in his hope for a return to a “normal” life. Finally, after months in the county jail, he was released. Not completely set free, he went to the home of a friend where he was under house arrest. He had one of those ankle brace things, connected to the telephone. The phone was connected to a machine which could dial up the house and tell whether or not Randy was there.

When Randy got out of the jail - others began to come and visit with him. Some of them weren’t too keen on this new-found church friend (me) and if I happened to be there when they dropped by, it was very uncomfortable. And so, after a while, Randy and I stopped getting together.

It had been a while since I had seen Randy when he stopped by the office one day. He was carrying this. He handed it to me and he thanked me. And then he told me that things weren’t going so well for him. He knew it was a lot of different things - some things of his own making, others which he was powerless to control. But he had made the sign for me and he wanted me to have it. He told me how he missed those months when he was in the Houghton County Jail and we were visiting and talking and he was so close to capturing a sense of hope for his life.

I never saw him again. I heard later - a year, maybe six months - that he was back in jail. This time it was the State Penitentiary in Jackson. He wrote me one letter from there. He never replied to my reply.

I keep this sign in my office, as a reminder. It reminds me that sometimes the most meaningful events in our lives are marginal events. Sometimes, the significance of an event cannot be measured by its outward appearance.

John, son of Zachariah, could not be evaluated based on his outward appearances, either. He comes to be known as John the Baptist, and he has the distinction of being labeled as the Messiah’s messenger. He is the one who gets to tell everyone that their savior is coming. But his proclamation of that message isn’t in the comforts of his own little village or its temple grounds. No-o-o-o, he has to go out into the wilderness, out in the barren countryside where he eats a diet of locust and wild honey. He gets to tell everyone that they are about to see the salvation of God, but he has to speak these words while standing knee-deep in the muddy waters of some back-wash little stream.

Sometimes, the significance of an event cannot be measured by traditional indicators of a good time.

This insight is revealed in the book of Philippians. The letter is known for its continual reminders of the “joy” which had infected Paul’s life. He says, “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you.” Later, he encourages the Philippians to make my joy complete by having the same mind and being in full accord. Paul speaks of this joy, even though he writes the letter from prison. He is in jail, and yet he is filled with joy and must find some way to let this joy be known to those in Philippi.

Sometimes, the significance of an event cannot be measured by its outward appearance.

Paul was in prison, and yet he encouraged others to join him. John looked like a raving maniac, and yet the crowds flocked out to hear what he had to say. These were not attractive men living exemplary lives. And yet, there was something which drew others to them. What was it?


In a very short writing, addressing the same reality of which I now speak, Joseph Sittler said what was so attractive about these men was precisely the joy of which Paul writes. Sittler says that joy is a highly desirable gift. It attracts us and draws us close. Those who possess joy are a marvel and we want to get enough in hopes it will rub off onto us.

Sittler is very careful to point out that joy is different from happiness. Happiness is contingent upon the circumstances of our lives. We are happy when good things happen to us; we become sad then things don’t go too well. Joy, Sittler writes, is something different; something lasting; something not dependent upon the waxing and waning of lives’ circumstances. Joy, he says, is the awareness that we are part of something larger than ourselves. Joy is the gift which comes to those who know they are valued and that this value can never be questioned. Joy, is a trait which belongs to those who have experienced the depth of God’s love.

St. Paul was filled with joy. He wasn’t very happy about his imprisonment - but he was filled with joy. He knew that in all things, God would be with him and would care for him. John didn’t go out to the wilderness because he thought it would be a great place to establish an amusement park. He went out there in order to remove the detractions of a life consumed with the agendas of our own making. It is with joy that he proclaims the arrival of God’s salvation. My friend Randy wasn’t happy in that Houghton County Jail cell, but for a little while he was allowed to believe that his life could be meaningful. He glimpsed the joy, seeing enough to at least know what he was missing.


We can work really hard, and through our efforts a great deal of happiness can come into the lives of those we love. By our attention to detail, we can craft celebrations which will bring a smile to the faces of those around us. We can bring a great deal of happiness by purchasing and placing under the tree just the right gift. We should do such things - it is appropriate for us to bring as much happiness as we can into the lives of those around us.

But Joy is a gift which comes from knowing that we are part of something larger than our own lives, more encompassing than our own well-planned social events, longer lasting than the glitter which adorns our homes and shopping malls. Joy is knowing that God has taken notice of us and in response to our needs, God is coming to make his home among us. We sign of this reality every time we intone: “Joy to the World! The Lord has come!”

I am looking forward to this evening’s congregational Christmas party. It is a fun event, and one that brings much happiness. Particularly happy are the students, as they gobble up the food and watch their stockings fill with good things. But, it isn’t the happiness which comes as a result of our efforts which matters. Happiness isn’t enough. We gather in order to celebrate the joy which has entered our world and now seeks to enter our individual lives.

The same is to be said with regard to all our gatherings. We should strive for happiness in the lives of God’s children. But it is our connection with God which will brings Joy. Joy is God’s gift to us; it is the confidence of knowing that our lives have greater significance than might be revealed in outward appearances.

Let’s not worry so much about making everybody happy. Focus instead on bringing joy into their lives. Focus on bringing joy into your own life. When we focus on the joy, it becomes much easier for us to bring happiness into the lives of those around us.

Amen.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Devotion - Thursday, December 3

One of the difficult things about being a pastor is making sure that your own view of Christian theology does not prevent you from giving voice to the whole of Christian theology. While we each have our personal interpretations, in order to be a respectable teacher we must also speak of differing interpretations.

I thought of this as I reflected on last night’s discussion of the Advent 1 lessons. A student raised the feeling that the lessons had some very scary images associated with the coming of Messiah.

Was it my influence, or would the conversation have moved on its own to a more hopeful interpretation of those images? For this is what it did. Moved toward the thought that these scary images are but reminders that nothing can possibly stand in the way of God. Moved away from any suggestion that these images ought to instill fear in us.

There is a part of Christian theology which speaks very openly about being fearful. It is the fear associated with God’s demand for righteousness. It is a fear of being made aware of how distant we are from that righteousness.

Advent is a time to anticipate God’s arrival in our lives. This does not mean that is to be completely void of any examination of our sinfulness. As we celebrate the abundance of God’s gifts in the giving and receiving of presents we must avoid the temptation to ignore the needs of others.

There is a scary side of Messiah’s coming. It is the realization that Messiah will reveal all things – including our abandonment of God’s call to share our bread and offer care to our neighbor.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Devotion - Wednesday, December 2

If, as suggested in yesterday’s offering, there is impatience among Christ’s followers, a notion of “What have you done for us lately,” perhaps it arises from the years which have passed between now and the promise from Jesus that he would come again. 2 Peter 3 speaks of this very problem.

It seems that the Church in the first century had persons asking why it was taking so long. Peter warns that “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” We have no way of knowing when the visit with occur; there is even the suggestion that the arrival will come at the very time we least expect it.

The coming of Christ anticipated by the early Church and written about by Peter is the final coming; the event referred to as the “end of time.” They were looking for that great cataclysmic event at which all things will be handed over to God.

It is often suggested, that in looking for that one great, final event we miss many epiphanies along the way; that in our desire to see the one great arrival, we might be missing the visits of Christ which are perhaps less dramatic, but no less meaningful.

Pastor Hartsell’s sermon on Sunday spoke of Jeremiah’s response to the impending doom of Israel. He goes out and purchases of piece of land. The big picture is re-interpreted through the small, simple act. We might wait for the final arrival of Christ. We might better understand what that arrival looks like were we to notice the expressions of grace set before us each day.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Devotion - December 1

“But what have you done for us lately?”

Typically, we hear this comment in jest. But sometimes, there is a bite to its utterance. When present, even if not expressed, it gives birth to the horrible feeling that one could never do enough.

My heart ached this morning with the thought of God, peering into our hearts and lives only to discover an attitude of “What have you done for us lately?”

It started with the prophet Amos, who in the 3rd chapter chides his readers with “The Lord God has spoken, who can but prophesy?” How can those who have heard God speak keep silent? How can those who have beheld God’s grace turn inward upon themselves and say not a word?

I wonder if a terrible misunderstanding of 2 Peter 1:21 explains our silence? We read, “no prophesy ever came by human impulse, but those persons moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” Do we make the outlandish claim, “If the Spirit were more active, then I would speak.”?

What more must God do? God, who set aside the comforts of heaven, comes to us at Bethlehem. God, who created all that is took on the form of those who are so that we might never doubt our worth. What more must God do? What more could God do?

My heart ached this morning when I wondered if we have allowed the events of Christmas to become a long-ago historical event. One which wowed those who were its first observers but a historical event we associate with the past. “Sure, that was wonderful. But what have you done for us lately?”

What has God done?!?! God has done it all! Who can but prophesy?

Monday, November 30, 2009

Devotion - Monday, November 30

One of the battles we lose in campus ministry is honoring the liturgical calendar. The academic calendar trumps any attempts to follow the wonderful flow of the Church year.

You may have had opportunity to attend worship yesterday, before returning to campus. But any talk of building expectations during a four-week journey together was lost on those who knew they would soon exit the community and relocate somewhere else.

Because of the approach of final exams, we have scheduled our Christmas Party for this Friday. In order to share a joyous time with you, the congregation has scheduled its Christmas Dinner for this coming Sunday.

We lose the battle in honoring this liturgical season.

Today is Monday of the week of Advent 1. Advent, the four weeks prior to Christmas, is a time to make ready our lives and our world for the entry of our Christ. It is an essential time, a time to examine where it is in our lives that we will make room for the Christ child. It is a time to reflect on what his birth will mean.

The Gospel lesson for this day is the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Read Matthew 21:1-11. Envision the one we call Messiah, seated on a donkey. It was only after they saw (and perhaps understood) what Jesus was doing that they began to spread their coats and leafy palm branches in his way. The scene is of an unimposing, simple servant, entering.

Deitrich Bonhoeffer wrote: “God is the beyond in the midst of life, not simply where human powers give out at the borders, but in the center of human achievement and joyous living.”

Jesus enters our world as unassuming as possible. His entry is designed in such a way to communicate that he does not desire palaces and places of honor but the chance to be with us in the dirty and dusty streets.

Moving too quickly to some grand and glorious Hallelujah chorus might cause us to miss the significance of what is happening. God is not simply where human powers give out; God is in the very heart of all that we do and are. He is the source of our joyous living.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Devotion - Tuesday, November 24

The Thanksgiving Break begins this afternoon. You are probably already in Thanksgiving mode, having spent the last couple of days working out travel plans and getting assignments turned in. Now, you are heading home for a few days and the chance to reconnect with family.

(Let me add a note that I realize not everyone will be doing so. While we have the image of the holidays as times of family cheer that is not the reality for far too many within our midst.)

This brings me back to my prayers from this morning. In this explanation to the 4th petition of the Lord’s Prayer, Martin Luther writes, “Daily bread includes everything needed for this life, such as food and clothing, home and property, work and income, a devoted family, an orderly community, good government, favorable weather, peace and health, a good name, and true friends and neighbors.” That is an impressive list. It is an honest list.

We believe and teach that all things come from God’s hand. We believe and teach that God (as also stated in Luther’s Small Catechism,) “gives daily bread, even without our prayer, to all people, though sinful, but we ask in this prayer that he will help us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanks.”

May we realize all that God has given us, and receive it with thanks.

Here is a thought. When Luther wrote his small catechism he intended it to be posted in the home so parents could teach their children its wisdom. Why not make a slight reversal, print this devotion (or open your copy of the Small Catechism) and on Thanksgiving Day invite the family to recite together that 4th petition and its explanation. Your dinner table conversation could recount the ways in which these many and varied expressions of daily bread have come into your life.

Have a wonderful break. Be safe. See you next week.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Devotion - Monday, November 23

Yesterday’s SCS Class and today’s appointed Bible reading have a touch point in my mind which I hope I can communicate to you.

In our LCM SCS Class, we are reading Rob Bell’s Velvet Elvis. The chapter covered yesterday is captured in Bell’s Nooma video, Disciple. Bell speaks of a disciple as one who seeks to do what the Rabbi does. Not merely know what the Rabbi knows, but do what the Rabbi does. This is why Peter, Jesus’ disciple, asks his Rabbi to bid him come out on the water. Peter sees his Rabbi walking on the water and he is so committed to his Rabbi that he asks that he might do what his Rabbi is doing.

Bell’s chapter in the book lifts up those of us who are Jesus’ disciples and it reminds us that Jesus has called us to be disciples. Jesus calls us because Jesus believes we are capable of doing what it is that he does.

In today’s reading, from I Peter 1, I read these words: “May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” Here is Peter, disciple of Jesus, speaking to the followers of Jesus scattered across the world. He speaks of the multiplication of grace and peace.

Grace and peace are God’s gift for us. Disciples do not create grace nor peace, but we can speak of them, and see that they are multiplied.

I sometimes think that we shy away from doing what our Rabbi does because we link his work with information. We don’t know “the answer” so we remain silent. The gifts of Christ, the work which he came to do, was to bring grace and peace. We don’t need the right answer to multiply the availability of these marvelous gifts.

Some folks might be convinced (by way of “right answers”) that Jesus is Lord, but most will come to that realization as a result of being overcome with God’s grace and by experiencing God’s peace. Doing what our Rabbi does means carrying grace and peace to those in need of these gifts of God.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Devotion - Thursday, November 19

One of the issues in reading Revelation is the situation in life of the reader. John wrote while in prison, on an island used as a penal colony. He had been stripped of his honor; he had been removed from his family – and more importantly from his community of faith. His world had been destroyed and was easy for him to feel distraught.

Contrast that to our situation. Even taking into consideration the recent economic downturn, we are far from destitute. The simple fact that you have an email account and a computer with which to log in means that you are in a privileged economic class. I may have a few international readers, but most of us live very secure in knowing that we have tremendous individual liberties and countless laws protecting our right to assemble and worship as we please.

Perspective changes how we read.

This morning I was reading Revelation 5:11-6:11. The four horsemen are unleashed as the seals are broken. Conquest, war, injustice, and death rain down upon the earth. Surely it is time for God to act. But at the breaking of the fifth seal, the martyrs are revealed, under the altar. They cry out, but are told to “rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren should be complete.”

We might read this and think it is over. John wrote with an attitude that no amount of suffering could interrupt the hope and purposes of God.

Those who are privileged are rightly upset in reading Revelation. It contains promises that God will (as stated in Mary’s song, sung at the conception of her son) lift the lowly and bring down the haughty. Those experiencing persecution read Revelation and hear its message of things being made right. Those who have allowed earthly possessions to take on great importance in their lives experience differing emotions as they read of John’s revelation.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Devotion - Wednesday, Nov 18

As the lectionary continues to move through Revelation, this morning’s reading from Matthew 13:10-17 addresses one of the difficulties we often have with that last book of the Bible.

In Matthew, the disciples ask Jesus, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” Jesus tells them, “To you in has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” Lest this seem like favoritism (i.e. that God wants some to understand and others not to do so,) Jesus goes on to say, “seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear.” Becoming blind and deaf to God’s voice means that understanding cannot occur.

The symbols and images of Revelation were not meant to create an insider circle and an outsider circle. They were not intended to exclude. However, they are codes. And those codes were not (are not) immediately available to everyone.

Some of the code is purely cultural. There are icons for every culture, not fully understood or appreciated by another. I recall my first trip into Mexico and all of the ornaments associated with The Day of the Dead. I needed an interpretation to something that was completely understood by the school age children walking the streets. Other parts of the code are intentional. When John writes his Revelation, there is the very real threat to those who are followers of Jesus. If his writing openly defies the civil authorities, those in possession of the writings could be labeled subversive. He writes to those who have previously opened their eyes and their ears to see and hear God.

I want to suggest a third reason for the codes and hidden messages of Revelation. John, like Jesus in Matthew 13, is frustrated that not everyone can see the work of God and the hand of God. John writes of things which are so apparent to him, but which seem to be undetected by those around him. “How can this be?” Perhaps because others see but do not see; hear, but do not hear.

Listening with the ears of God and seeing with the eyes of God the world looks and sounds different. Being open to what God is doing means we will see the hand of God in everything around us. Others will look at the same thing, and not see.

There is no “secret code” that needs to be broken; there is simply a change of heart which is necessary. Once that transition occurs, we see and hear as we have never seen or heard before.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Devotion - Tuesday, November 17

In the 4th chapter of Revelation, John describes a scene. He sees a central throne, with one seated there. “He who sat there appeared like jasper and carnelian, and round the throne was a rainbow that looked like emerald.”

Around this central throne were twenty-four additional thrones. Seated on these were “twenty-four elders, clad in white garments, with golden crowns upon their heads.”

This is a splendid view, and the description is often used by those wishing to say something about heaven.

What interests me about the scene in chapter 4 is what is happening. There are all the fine jewels and crowns, but the action is the praise of God. “And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing.”

Some would want to depict heaven as more of the best of what we enjoy here. Some might speak of heaven as a place where we enjoy comforts denied us in our earthly life. This scene from Revelation 4 would suggest that heaven is an opportunity to continually worship God.

Perhaps we don’t need to wait, in order to be transported into heaven. Maybe, we can begin to live there now. Is not the opportunity to praise God an experience of heaven? Might it become such in our lives?

I am not suggesting that we spend 24/7 reciting the prayers in the ELW, or singing every one of the hymns in our praise and worship folder. Continually praising God can take the form of living life intentionally. Our ceaseless devotion to the One who sits on the throne is shown in living the life our creator would hope us to live.

Heaven may not be so much a place as it is a way of existing. It may not be something we need to wait to experience. It may be, as Jesus often said, close at hand.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Devotion - Monday, November 16

My rotation of daily readings has brought me back around to the last book of the New Testament. This book is known by several names; it is often referred to by an incorrect name.

The title most often used is “Revelation.” This is an abbreviation of the full title, “The Revelation to John.” Some translations will extend it to “The Revelation to St. John, the Divine.” Another title often used for this book is “The Apocalypse,” or simply “Apocalypse.”

The incorrect name, so often used in everyday conversation is “Revelations.” There is no “s” in the actual title. The addition of that simple little crooked letter suggests that there are multiple things made known in this book of our Bible. There is but one Revelation.

What is revealed to John, as he endures his imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel, is that contrary to all the outward indicators, God is in control. Even though John may feel as if his word is dominated by the forces of evil, God is the one who has the victory.

When read this book as a series of revelations, the temptation is to look for various markers. We search for what is going to happen next, then what will occur after that. Reading Revelation this way can become taxing and frightening. When read as a whole, as the revelation that it is, the book is the ultimate expression of hope and promise.

I am sure, over the next several weeks, I will be making references to various chapters and verses within Revelation. As I do so, I will make sure to keep the big picture in mind. It is important that we don’t get lost in the details and fail to see the whole of the book for the word of encouragement that it is.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Sermon - November 15, 2009

Pentecost 24 - Year B
November 15, 2009
Mark 13:1-8

No "Bait and Switch"

I am an avid Public Radio listener. Friday evening’s production of This American Life was all about bait and switch. They explored those situations where you are lured in by one thing only to realize later that the real purpose is something else completely. Most of the snippets were about religion. Ira Glass, the host, said, “There is a lot of Jesus involved in bait and switch”.

One guy being interviewed said that he was brought up in a church which believed that the task of evangelism was to communicate an unpopular message to people who didn’t really care anyway. He would go to the beaches at spring break and invite college students to a beach party, complete with shows, food, and drinks. It was after they arrived that they realized that the “drinks” consisted of pink lemonade and diet coke. The cool dudes wearing trendy beach clothes and handing out the invitations were now in Jesus t-shirts and talking about the dangers of not accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.

Bait and switch. Not a very nice tactic. And certainly not something we would want to pull on those who have begun to trust us enough to start to think that they would like to join up with us and become a part of the fellowship.

I am thinking of Isabel and Seagan. I am thinking of their parents, as they bring them forward to receive the sacrament of Holy Baptism. What of John and Becca, as they affirm their baptism and state a desire to live out their Christian calling in this congregation? And I am mindful of the role of the dice which means that all of these persons are joining the Church on the day that we read Jesus’ strong words of warning as to what life is like for those who would make such a choice.

“Do you see these great buildings?” Jesus asks. “Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”

They are exiting the Temple when Jesus speaks these words. The disciples, that rag-tag band of faithful followers, are impressed with what they are seeing. Remember that the twelve were common persons, fishermen and peasants. They had probably never been to Jerusalem before. While they had heard Jesus preach about the city and its place of worship, they had not seen it with their own eyes. There were no doubt impressed. “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!”

It isn’t really accurate to refer to what happens next as bait and switch. It isn’t that Jesus lured them in with such sites only then to later tell them what would be in store for them were they to follow him. He had been traveling with them for some time and had tried, repeatedly, to tell them what following him would be like. Jesus could not be accused of bait and switch. And his words, spoken as the disciples are being wowed by the magnificent Temple, attempt to bring these converts back to reality.

I don’t think we have misled Isabel, Seagan, Jon and Becca. The same needs to be said for all the rest of us who sit together in this sanctuary. But as we sing our comfortable chairs, sing our lovely hymns, all the while smiling and looking exceedingly inviting, we need to make sure that we aren’t being attracted to the large edifices all the while missing the purpose of the Teacher whom we come here to honor.

The edifice which threatened to lure the disciples was the impressive Temple in Jerusalem. I am sure it was quite the sight. Among the modern edifices of which we need to be aware are things like prosperity gospels, or sure tickets to heaven. When we sign on, we need to make sure we are signing on for the real thing.

The baptismal liturgy clearly states what it is that this life is about. While there may be some lovely music along the way; while we might have occasion to dress in pure white linen; the promise consists of:
• Living among God’s people
• Hearing the word of God and sharing in the Lord’s supper
• Proclaiming the good news of God in Christ through word and deed
• Serving all people, following the example of Jesus
• and striving for justice and peace in all the earth.
The impressive edifices are only temporary. That which is permanent is our commitment to these ends. Being attracted for any reason other than living into these promises probably means that we have been lead astray by one who claims, “I am he!” but isn’t.

Perhaps it isn’t unfortunate that these persons have come to us on this day, with this appointed Gospel lesson, stating their desire to live among us. It is rather fortunate in that it gives all of us the opportunity to remember again what it is that following Jesus is all about. It does not begin nor does it end with being impressed with the large and impressive structures, it consists of what lies within - within our beautiful houses of worship; within the heart and soul of each who looks to Jesus and expresses a desire to follow him through whatever birth pangs are to come.

Amen.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Devotion - Wednesday, Nov 11

In yet another of his disputes with the Pharisees, Jesus tries to encourage them to orient their devotion to God around a differing organizing principal. They are oriented around a strict obedience of the Law. Jesus and his disciples (in Matthew 12) have broken one of those laws, and the Pharisees are being critical.

In his attempts to help them, Jesus says, “If you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.”

The instructive value of this verse should not be lost on us. We are not Pharisees; however we sometimes encounter those who ground their devotion in sacrifice. We speak of being “pure” and
“holy” as qualities obtain by remaining unstained by sin. We hear talk of avoiding particular behaviors as a way of demonstrating our commitment to Christ.

Not engaging in hurtful or harmful behaviors is wonderful. But Matthew 12 would remind us that our avoidance should be based on a desire to show mercy. “Sacrificing” for the sake of Jesus, is an orientation point we might want to avoid.

“I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” Jesus reveals that his way, his point of orientation is to look for opportunities to do good. He will serve God by showing to others the mercy God has shown.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Devotion - Tuesday, November 10

In I Corinthians 15:41-50 Paul writes of the Resurrection. It was after seminary, when I was preparing to teach confirmation ministry classes, that I came across a great insight to the Church’s teachings on Resurrection.

Resurrection is a theological term. The word might be used in secular contexts, but when we use it we use it in a very specific technical way. It refers to our participation in the dying and being given new life. Resurrection is not simply to come back-to-life; Resurrection is not the inevitable continuation of an immortal soul; Resurrection is the gift of God in which death is followed by new life.

God, who has given us life, will give us life again, after we have died.

We say this every Sunday in our worship services. We are very intentional, in our Creeds, to note that Jesus does indeed die. He does not appear to die, he does not fake a death, he dies. He is so death that he descends into hell. That partition was not crafted as some sort of time line, as a way of explaining what happened to him during those three days. It is an acknowledgement that he is dead.

Death comes. Death is not avoided. But death does not have the final word. That final word is God’s Word and it is the word of the Resurrection.

The Christian Church does not teach an immortal soul. The teachings of the Church affirm that even when we die, yet we shall live. “ The perishable… is raised imperishable.”

Monday, November 9, 2009

Devotion - Monday, November 9

The Opening Prayer in my devotional guide struck me this morning. There is a line which reads, “Faith gives us the promise of peace and makes known the demands of love.”

Faith is seen in many differing lights. For some, it is a ticket to heaven. To others, it is the decision one makes for Jesus. This prayer reminds us that faith is an active force in our lives. It is the very presence of God which brings to us the assurance of God’s peace. It is the call from God to never become complacent in our response to that presence.

Perhaps the order of the two clauses is also important. We must have peace before we can truly love.

Peace is more than the absence of conflict. Tracing back to the Hebrew word, shalom, it is the complete and total assurance that things are as God would want them to be. It includes good health and harmony within family. It involves financial stability. Without peace in our lives, without a basic confidence that things are well with us, it is difficult to move on to other things. Faith gives us this promise.

With a solid foundation, built upon our God, we are able to look beyond ourselves. We are able to love others. Again, the prayer reminds us that loving is not simple and it is not always easy. Faith makes known to us the demands of love.

God’s love for us demanded a death upon the cross. Loving as Christ first loved us demands that we actively seek out those in need and that we respond. I am taken back to the fall retreat when one of the participants commented, “We go to worship on Sunday and we say these prayers and then we go on our merry way” (paraphrased.) Praying to the God in whom our faith has given us peace demands that we love not only in words but in deeds.

“Faith gives us the promise of peace and makes known the demands of love.”

Yes, it does.

Sermon - November 8, 2009

Pentecost 23 (Pr 27) - Year B
November 8, 2009
I Kings 17:8-16 & Mark 12:38-44

Giving All That We Have

They devour widow’s houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation. (Mark 12:40) I have to tell you that this verse has stuck in my mind all week. It is the kind of verse I hate hearing, let alone having to read in public and then preach on (or try preach around.) “They will receive the greater condemnation.” How is that possible anyway? Isn’t condemnation condemnation? What could Jesus possibly mean?

Considering that the gospel moves immediately from Jesus’ announcement of the greater condemnation to story of the widow and her mite, I would sure be nervous if I hadn’t already figured out what my pledge was going to be for the coming year. What if I give too much? Putting me in the category of those who put on a great show and receive that greater condemnation? What if I put in too little, thus failing to meet the standard established by this poor old widow? These verses will no doubt be in the back of your mind as you complete the forms and prepare to turn them in in the next seven days. And I would be really careful - if I were you. Condemnation is bad enough - I hate to think what greater condemnation must be like. Too much and you might be grouped with the showy scribes, who like to walk around in long robes. Too little and you may fail the test of the widow’s mite, giving instead out of your abundance.

Of course Jesus isn’t concerned with what we put down on a piece of paper. He’s not actually concerned with the amount we put in the offering plate. The thing which matters to Christ is what is etched into the fabric of our lives. That is what he is observing, as he sits next to the temple treasury. He sees, not the amount of the gifts placed in the pot, but what the gift says about the person who gives it.

Jesus sits down, opposite the treasury. There he watches what is going on.

If you watch what people do, you can learn a lot about them. Observing behaviors reveals to you what a person is made of, how they are put together, what they consider to be important. Watching differs greatly from making assumptions. We can make assumptions quickly, but watching takes time. Observing behaviors over a period of time allows you to see folks commit not only one act but several.
We don’t want to jump to conclusions as to how we are to interpret this gospel lesson. Jesus’ condemnation is not of rich folks. Jesus is not saying that the wealthy should withhold their abundant gifts. I have to point out - if for no other reason than the sake of my own livelihood - that much of what God hopes to accomplish in the world can only be accomplished when those of us in the wealthiest quarter of the human population give generously of what we have first received. So don’t jump to the conclusion that Jesus is condemning all rich folks.

Don’t make assumptions; don’t jump to conclusions. Watch, watch and learn, and then comment on what is observed. This is what Jesus does as he sits next to treasury in the temple. He watches, he learns and he makes comments on what he sees.

What he sees allows him to speak of the difference between those for whom God is a sideline or hobby and those for whom faith in God forms the core of their existence. Jesus observes that many who come into the temple behave as if they could take or leave this whole God thing. They make no sacrifice unto the Lord; they view their gifts as little more than charity, cast in the direction of the less fortunate.

As he is watching all this, Jesus sees the widow entering the temple. She has a much different attitude. She comes, bringing all that she has, and presents it to God. For her, God is no sideline or hobby; God is the one upon whom she is utterly dependant.

What would Jesus see, learn and comment on if he were to watch us as we make our way through a typical day, or week? What would Jesus deduce were he to follow the ushers along each row and watched, as each envelope was placed in the offering plate? It doesn’t bother us too much, to read what went on in some temple in ancient Israel. But think of the risk of having him look over our shoulders here, today.

This is not a legalistic question. Jesus doesn’t watch to see what folks place in the treasury and then calculate whether that gift equals a tithe of one’s income. Jesus merely watches, sees what we do, and comments on what the gifts say about the giver. What do our gifts say - about us?

The congregation’s ability to meet its budget is not the issue here. At issue is the importance we are placing upon that which we proclaim to be at the core of our existence.


What value do you place upon your faith? Do you think of your church involvement as fire insurance? When we take out a fire insurance policy we figure out the minimum coverage needed so as minimize our premium payment. Do you think of your gifts to the church as a retainer, similar to that you would give a lawyer so you can have access to their services? Only in this case we are retaining access to the church should we need a wedding, baptism, funeral or something of the sort?

Our relationship with God is not fire insurance. Our offerings are not a retainer. Our relationship with God forms the core of our existence or it is of little value.

When Jesus watches the worshipers place their gifts in the treasury what he observes is the value each person places upon their relationship with God. The widow’s two copper coins are a powerful statement about her attitude toward the one called Lord.

I wonder if this widow had heard the story of the widow of Zarephath - the story that we read as our first lesson for today. In that story the widow is sought out - Elijah goes looking for her. When he finds her, she is gathering firewood in order to cook her last meal.

She does not resist Elijah’s request to feed him first. She obeys, even though she has no reason to trust his promise that the flour will never give out. She makes him a cake first, and then she feeds herself and her son.

We are not told how long Elijah stays with this widow - but for as long as he is there, the jar of meal was not emptied, and neither did the jug of oil fail. So long as she was providing for Elijah, the woman was able to provide for herself and her son.

The wonderful twist in this story is the way in which God takes care of this woman. God provides for her by sending to her someone that she could care for. She provides for Elijah. She trusts that God will take care of her. So long as she takes care of Elijah; God takes care of her.

I think I am about to decide that the greater condemnation is being trapped in the fear that we have to take care of ourselves. Might the greatest of all condemnations be being alone as we face a bleak future? If stand alone in our prosperity we will certainly feel alone in our distress. The widow of Zarephath did not face a very promising future, but she was willing to take on the burden of caring for another. I am about to decide that the greater condemnation is the fear which leads us to think that our primary task is to take care of ourselves.

Those whom Jesus observes in the temple were supporting God’s work - but they were not behaving in such as a way as to suggest that they considered themselves dependent upon God. God seemed to be a hobby or a sideline. That is what is so different about this poor widow. Her gift represents an acknowledgment that she is dependent upon God. That she is offering herself and her life to God.

Does she make it? We will never know. Maybe if we knew we would find it easier to follow her example. I do not know what happened to her, but I bet she avoided condemnation - the regular everyday kind and the type Jesus calls the greater condemnation.

What do your gifts - of money, time and energy - say about your relationship to God? Do you feel comfortable, having Jesus watch as you place your gifts before the altar?

I love the post-communion prayer, included in the Now the Feast liturgy. It reads, “Gracious Lord, give us courage to share our bread.” It does take courage to share our bread. It took a lot of courage for the widow to put her two coins in the treasury.

I don’t intend to leave you with a guilty conscience this morning - what I really want is to persuade you to pray for courage, for the courage it takes to share. I remain convinced that those with such courage never experience want. Like the widow of Zarephath so long as we care for another we are also cared for. Pray for this courage. And I promise you that condemnation (the common everyday kind or the kind Jesus calls the greater condemnation) will never come into your life.

Amen.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Devotion - Thursday, November 5

Thank goodness that there are some of Paul’s writings which we have come to understand as culturally limited. In my continued reading of I Corinthians, I arrived this morning at the latter verses of Chapter 14. Here, Paul says, “As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silence in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak… If there is anything they desire to know, let them ask their husbands at home.”

How blessed we were last night at LSM with Leslie’s devotional. Carrying I Corinthians 14 forward without reconsideration would have precluded her serving as our guide.

Our Tuesday night Bible study is a majority of women. I can’t imagine turning them away, insisting that they wait till they are married and then ask their husband questions raised by the book of Hebrew’s references to our Great High Priest.

Paul writes words which guide and direct us. Some of his words need to be reconsidered as we move forward in our desire to serve Jesus. Here is one such place.

Those who insist on a literal interpretation of every verse of scripture are more inclined that our expression of the Church to live by I Corinthians 14. But few, very few, prohibit all female speech in church. They have adjusted Paul’s words to mean that women should not be pastors. This is understandable. How many of the strong female members of our churches would be such had they never been allowed to ask questions during their Sunday Church School classes?

Thank goodness we have come to understand that Paul’s words here, while instructive to the church in Corinth, are not binding on the churches we attend.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Devotion - Wednesday, Nov 4

In our pre-seminary group, we have been following a guide through Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. At yesterday’s meeting we reviewed Luther’s thoughts on the first commandment – You are to have no other gods before me.

Luther wrote that “it is the trust and faith of the heart alone which make both God and an idol.” Our group struggled with this. How can one include God and idols in the same sentence?

Another line from Luther helped. He writes, “Anything on which your heart relies and depends, I say, that is really your God.”

We become committed to many things. Our football coach adopted the slogan last year of going “All In” as way of expressing supreme commitment. In school we are encouraged to make our career the number one priority. In life we are instructed on the importance of amassing wealth.

The faith and trust of our heart can be directed to many things. It can be directed to God, who saves us; or it can be directed to idols, to things which lure us but have no ability to bring to us that which we desperately need.

Examine your trust and faith. Where have they been placed?

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Devotion - Tuesday, Nov 3

After finishing his thoughts on love, Paul turns his attention in I Corinthians 14 to the spiritual gifts which build up the Church.

He celebrates those who receive the gift of speaking in tongues, but he points out that this gift uplifts the one who receives it. On the other hand, those with the gift of prophesy uplift the whole Church.

“Make love your aim, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”

Those who prophesy speak God’s word to the current context. The gift of prophesy is the ability to see as God would see and to feel as God would feel. Paul wants everyone to see this gift.

One might see this as an overachieving of the slogan popular a few years back, “What Would Jesus Do?” It is a full blown attempt to articulate how God would speak to what is happening.

Speaking with God’s voice is difficult. It is tricky. It is arrogant. When speaking with God’s voice, there will be those who oppose. Some will oppose because they are opposed to God. Other will oppose because they perceive a different word from God.

Perhaps we have come to misunderstand the spiritual gift of prophesy as some sort of prediction of the future because only time will tell us who it was that spoke God’s Word. And, truly, it is only time which will let us know.

But this should not deter us from making use of the gift. Paul reminds us, in I Corinthians 14, to seek this gift and to put it into practice. We must overcome the timidity which allows so many of God’s people to remain silent when there is a clear need (and many opportunities) to speak God’s Word.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Devotion - Monday, November 2

I commented last week on I Corinthians 13. Today’s appointed readings include those famous words about love. Paul ends the section by saying, “So faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Believing that Paul is speaking of something more than a limited understanding of love, i.e. the love between two persons entering a life-long relationship, it seems that there is something for us to learn here. If love is so important (one could ask how it can be more important that faith; or more life-altering than hope,) if love is so important then it must be something intended to lead all of our interactions and thoughts toward others.

Two applications come to mind:

First, for the past couple of weeks, our Sunday Church School class has discussed finding that which is “true” among the teachings of other world religions. We are reading a book, and the author recounts how Paul would find what was true in the pagan religions of his day, then open that kernel of truth in order to expose Christ. How might we do that today? It changes our attitude toward those who practice other faiths if we begin with an assumption of opportunity to find kernels of truth among their teachings. It alters how we deal with them if we approach with love.

The second application also involves a bit of controversy. Our denomination is embroiled in the debate of acceptable expressions of human sexuality. Action taken at our most recent Assembly, opens the way for congregations which choose to do so to recognize, honor, and hold publicly accountable persons in lifelong monogamous same-gender relationships. The action also allows those congregations who choose to do so to call as pastor persons in such relationships. Some of our congregations are upset by this. They are angry. They say they cannot accept, and love such persons. The irony is the love that “such persons” has shown within our congregations. The experience of many members of Christ’s church is that those in committed, same-gender relationships have shown us care and compassion; attending to the sick and praying with the dying. These persons, so full of love, are being looked upon by some as unlovable.

Far from advocating an “anything goes” policy, it seems that in I Corinthians 13 Paul is lifting up the ability and the willingness to love as a plumb line for what it means to follow Christ. Maybe we need to read this chapter as something more than a beautiful wedding text and come to see it as instruction for every day of our lives. If Paul is going to say that love is more enduring that faith, he must have a high regard for it. If he is going to lift it over hope, he must see it as a tremendous force.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Devotion - Thursday, October 29

Most of us are familiar with I Corinthians 13. Sometimes called the “love chapter,” contained there are the verses often read at weddings (even though the love being talked about is not love between two persons). Paul speaks of love, in I Corinthians 13, as a spiritual gift. He refers to it as a “still more excellent way.”

Paul’s words on spiritual gifts begin in Chapter 12. Here, he speaks of the variety of gifts and how these are distributed to each of us.

The verse I would like to address this morning is the one which reads, “To each is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

There are times when spiritual gifts are viewed as God’s favor. In such a light, they almost become a measure or indication of how devoted one is to God. Almost as if spiritual gifts are a reward; perhaps a reward for faithfulness.

Paul makes it clear that spiritual gifts are given for one reason – FOR THE COMMON GOOD. Any spiritual gift which might come our way has been given to us so that we might participate in the building up of the people of God; in the strengthening of the whole of creation.

Each of you has been gifted; many have been gifted beyond one’s wildest imagination. Make use of those gifts, for the common good. Look for ways in which you can serve others with the knowledge, skill, abilities you posses.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Devotion - Wednesday, Oct 28

This morning I read Matthew 9:9-17. It is yet another dispute with the religious types of Jesus’ day. This time it is the Pharisees. They are critical of Jesus eating with “tax collectors and sinners.”

In response, Jesus utters words which should be familiar to us all: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick…. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

At some point in my life I heard it said that Jesus is making a jab at these folks who think of themselves as righteous. The implication being that are “sick” and in “need of a physician,” but that they are blind to this.

Following along on this line of reasoning, it isn’t folks who are “truly righteous” whom Jesus criticizes. It is those who pronounce themselves righteous. “How else,” one might ask, “can the righteous enter the kingdom of God?” “It is those who are converted, from sinners to righteous who enter God’s eternal rest,” one might add.

While in no way advocating a constant and continual state of sinfulness, I do affirm a saying by Martin Luther that the members of the true Church are simultaneously saints and sinners. We are saints in that Christ’s death and resurrection has saved us; we are sinners in that we are (on this side of our own death and resurrection) separated from God. It isn’t the thoughts, words, and actions (sin with a small “s”) which is noted here. It is Sin (capital “S”) as a condition of existence. This existence is ours until that time when we are resurrected to be with Christ forever.

There was a t-shirt sold at this summer’s youth gathering. It is script letters which spell out “sinner” when looked at from one angle and “saint” when the t-shirt is rotated 180 degrees. What an appropriate reminder that we do remain forever in need of a physician. We are constantly needful of Christ’s forgiveness. But, we can be confident that the work of Christ has indeed done what needs to be done. We can be confident in our status as “saints” in the one true holy, catholic Church.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Devotion - Tuesday, October 27

Matthew 9 contains another of the many healing stories. I was reading verses 1-8 this morning. Here, a paralytic is brought to Jesus. When he sees their faith, Jesus says to the man lying on the bed, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”

There follows a dispute between Jesus and the scribes. They ask upon what authority does Jesus forgives sins.

These healing stories are somewhat puzzling to me. These healing stories seem to be addressing something other than healing.

First, the puzzling part. While there are expressions of the Christian Church which continue to practice faith healings, most of us have moved away from such services. We pray for the sick and we will ask for God’s healing, but we seldom lay it on the line. I have yet to attend a mainline worship service in which there is a clear insistence that God is about to take away the sickness of someone.

If there are all these healings in the Bible, why are we so reluctant to engage in similar practices today? That is what puzzles me.

I begin to get my answer when I read more verses. In this short section of Mathew 9 there is a healing, but the overarching theme is the dispute this creates with the scribes. The issue, in Matthew 9 is not so much the healing as it is the faith of those who are following Jesus. They have faith in him; the scribes are only interested in upholding the ritual laws and practices.

In Jesus’ day, faith healing was embraced without question. The link between sinfulness and death was also accepted belief. How else could you explain the sudden onset of an illness and death of someone in a matter of hours? We might think meningitis; they had no knowledge of microbiology.

Even so, the healings were not as simple as “Ask faithfully enough and God will do this for you.” Jesus’ concern was with the life and the faith of those who came to him. He would heal disease as a way of healing the broken relationship with God.
Remember that in the first exchange with the paralytic, Jesus addresses his sin. It is only later in the story that he speaks directly to the man’s disorder.

I have been at many, many, many mainline worship services at which the brokenness of an individual’s life has been addressed. We will never shy away from Jesus’ example in addressing and removing the brokenness in our relationship with God.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Devotion - Monday, October 26

Yesterday’s Reformation sermon (posted at http://chrisheavner.blogspot.com/) generated several responses. As I had expected, it unsettled some. As he was leaving the worship service, one member of the congregation said, “I would take opposition to what you said.”
Basically, the sermon asserted that the Reformation can be traced to Martin Luther’s fear that his sins were not to be forgiven. He struggled to believe that God would forgive him. When he was finally able to accept the affirmation of scripture that we are justifed by grace, not by works of the law, he began to oppose the Church’s restrictions on forgiveness.
I said that it is God’s work to save us – not our own. I said that the faith which serves to receive the gift of salvation is also a gift from God. This is where my fellow UniLu member expressed opposition. “I have always been told that we have to have faith first,” he said.
This is the issue which divided the early reformation movement. Luther believed that God comes to us; those who became known as the Reformed Church believed that one had to have faith in order for God’s grace to gain a foothold.
I tried to assure the one who shared the comment with me that there are more Reformed Christians in the world (certainly more in the southern US) than Lutherans. Many have chosen the path which insists that faith must be there for the sacraments to have the desired effect on us.

This is no place for a long, drawn out theological debate. (And I am sure that in my attempt to be brief this morning I have committed many oversights.) My intention is to point out this divide within the Church. My hope is that we might toe this line and engage in the life-long debate as to what we believe. Standing firmly where God has planted us, we will all come to a better understanding of how it is that God’s grace and God’s salvation has taken hold of us and our lives.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Seremon - Reformation Sunday

Reformation Sunday Rev. Chris S. Heavner
October 25, 2006 University Lutheran Church
Romans 3:19-28

Moving from Fear to Love

I am never quite sure, on Reformation Sunday, whether to emphasize what is unique about the theological tradition in which we stand or if it is better to talk about what we hold in common with the whole of Christianity.

Martin Luther wanted to remain firmly rooted in the whole of Christianity. He insisted that “No one be known by the name ‘Luther.’” His immediate followers, as well as the folks who currently attend “Lutheran” Churches in Germany, we known as the Evangelischies, or Evangelical.

Then again, it seems appropriate to spend a bit of time talking history. More and more of those who find themselves in a Lutheran worship service got there by means of a differing route that baptism in a Lutheran congregation and three years of instruction in Lutheran Catechetical class. So, maybe we do need to spend some time speaking with the voice which is uniquely ours.

The decision on which way to go came as I began to prepare for yesterday’s Stewardship Brunch. I was asked to offer the closing devotion. In preparing my part, I found myself asking why it is important that there be a Lutheran church at all. Why should we give of our time, talent, and treasure in order to keep this place running?

The answer has to do with the opportunity to gather each week and practice forgiveness. You heard me right – practice forgiveness. The world is not a place where forgiveness is readily offered. When the world discovers a mistake or a short-coming there is pouncing and exploitation. Seldom is there understanding and forgiveness.

Lutherans are not unique in that we are the only denomination which believes in and practices forgiveness. But our history begins there. And while there are issues which divided the Church during that period of history called The Reformation, it was the centrality of God’s grace which served as the impetus for the Lutheran theological tradition.

The whole of the Reformation can trace its origins to the fear Martin Luther had that he was not going to be saved. His life story (which I will turn to in just a moment) returns time and time again to the issue of whether God would or could forgive him. His writings, his sermons, his table talk conversations were all geared toward helping others come to understand that God’s grace is boundless and God’s forgiveness is always at hand.

Luther lived in a time when life was rather bleak. Some peasants (his father among them) had started scratching their way up out of the pits by means of increased mechanization and an openness to an emerging merchant class. Hans Luther had great hopes for his son. He spent a good sum of that hard earned money to send Luther to the Latin School in Esienach and finally to Law School in Erfurt. But the young Luther was not at peace with himself. In conversations with his classmates he revealed a disdain for the pleasures and trinkets of the world. He was drawn to the life of a monk; he expressed a desire to spend his time contemplating the fate of one’s soul.

The crucial point came as he as making his way back to Erfurt from his parent’s home. A terrible lightening storm had come up and he was frightened. When a bolt struck close by him he is reported to have considered it an attack from an angry God. He prayed to Saint Anne to intercede on his behalf, promising that if she were to see to his survival he would enter the monastery. As one Lutheran historian was quick to quip – “She did; so he did.”

But Luther’s attempts to appease and angry God did not end there. Even among the monks he was unique in his attempts to demonstrate his dedication to God. It was reported that he would often throw off his blankets. He would punish himself with long hours in the confessional booth.

In the end, it was his confessor, Stauptz, who exposed to Luther his misguided attempt at justification. After one particularly long and tedious attempt at delineating his sins, Stauptz lost patience with Luther and snapped at him, “Good God! All that is required is that you love God!” “Love God?” Luther is reported to have replied, “I hate God!”

You cannot love a God whom you believe is looking for every opportunity to condemn you to hell. You cannot love a God who sets up traps to lead you away. You cannot love a God who is vengeful and ready to condemn. The God who is loveable is the God whose grace is abundant and never ending. The God who is loveable is the God who is more ready to forgive that we are to ask for forgiveness.

Every Christian denomination in the world would agree with this. Lutherans are not unique in believing this. What makes us unique is that we begin (and end) every theological discussion there. Our history compels us to return over and over and over to the central affirmation that nothing should ever be allowed to cause us to doubt the abundance of God’s grace.
If it has been a while since you read the Augsburg Confession (that is the foundational document for the Lutheran Theological tradition) if it has been a while since you read it, I suggest that you do so soon. You will find two articles which deal with the issue of Free Will. These articles lay before us the role of grace in the assurance of salvation.

The first is Article 4 which speaks of the complete absence of free will when it comes to salvation. Salvation is the gift of God, it is the act of God, and it is totally beyond us and our influence. This is not an addition to the message of the scriptures – it is what lies at the center of the New Testament. Read also that Romans text printed on the back of your bulletin. Or the whole of the book of Galatians – sometimes referred to as the Christian Megna Carter. We are justified by (God’s) grace as a gift.

There is a second article in the Augsburg Confession which addresses free will with regard to temporal things. The writings of our church affirm that we do have the ability to choose how we will respond to the goodness of God’s mercy. Article 20 points out that we can chose to do good or we can choose to misuse our freedom. Our good works are added to our faith, but it is not a prerequisite.

Many in our world, in our neighborhood, will abuse God’s unlimited eagerness to forgive. But their misuse does not change God or God’s attitude toward creation.

God remains loving and forgiving; compassionate and merciful.

Lutherans are not the only ones who speak of God in this way, but we are among those who speak of it most often and most clearly. There is not a Christian in the world who would disagree with the Lutheran rally cry of “Justification by grace through faith.” It just that some of them would emphasis the faith over the grace; or speak of faith in a way which makes it something other than a trusting relationship. You can make faith as much of a “work” as any other prescribed by the law.

Our observance of Reformation Sunday should not take the form of a celebrations to glorify Martin Luther or the congregations which bear his name. What this day should be about it a strong and faithful reminder that it is God’s grace which saves us; God’s grace, and nothing else. Faith, itself a gift from God, is the vessel which makes it possible for that grace to reside in us. It is God’s grace which saves us, and since our God is a gracious God there is no ending to his salvation.

There is no fear that it will come to others and skip over us. And there should never be any doubt that God has forgiven us of our sins.

Amen.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Devotion - Thursday, Oct 22

I pray that you will forgive me if my illustrations for these morning reflections arise out of the work being done on the Habitat house. They are called "Teaching moments," those opportunities which present themselves in the course of a day to make a point or drive home a lesson through the events which are happening among us.

This morning I was reading from Matthew 7:22-29. This is a section of the Gospel popular with Habitat volunteers. It is the part which speaks of a house built on the rocks, rather than on sand. This talk of foundations, brought me back to yesterday's work at the Habitat house, and a teaching moment which arose there.

With several experienced volunteer crew leaders, but no professional builder among us, we made the classic mistake of failing to measure every piece of wood twice. As a result, the foundation (actually the flooring system for those of you with a bit more experience) started to get off. It wasn't much. Half an inch here; quarter of an inch there. But in twenty-four feet, the decking no longer fell on to the floor joists. We started pulling nails and knocking out spacers which first-time nail drivers had worked so hard to put in place.

"You have to get this part right," I told them, "or everything else will be out of square."

Too often we do that. We concern ourselves with the part that will be readily seen by others. We think of our hair cut, or the design of our clothes. We pay attention to the football stats so we can converse with others over the chances of a victory on Saturday. When someone looks at a house, they look at the color of the siding or the layout of the rooms. But it is the careful attention to that flooring system which makes the house a stable home.

The foundation/flooring system of our lives are our devotions and our commitments. To what does our heart cling? To which set of principals are we devoted?

I know you are busy. We are all busy. I know there is so much you already have to read. But your reading of the Bible, your time in prayer, and your gathering with fellow believers to discuss what God is doing in your life are ways to ensure that the foundation upon which you plan to build your life is square and straight.

I will spend the first two hours of my morning making sure those floor joists line up. Somewhere along the way, I will engage in those teaching moments - encouraging the volunteers to reflect on the importance - in their own lives - of getting a solid start.

Pastor Chris

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Devotion - Wednesday, Oct 21

It is dangerous to write about “works” so close to Reformation Sunday. However, today’s Gospel reading, combined with the activity which will fill my day, makes it difficult to avoid speaking to the issue.

In Matthew 7:21 Jesus says, “Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

Again, while avoiding a works righteousness, this passage seems to be saying to us that it isn’t merely what we do with our lips that matters; what we do with our lives is also taken into consideration.

This morning we begin the construction of the sixteenth Homecoming Habitat for Humanity House. Over the course of the next ten days, the students will frame, roof, side, wire, plumb, and hang drywall. The house will become the home of the Kerswells and their four children. What we do, matters.

Not in the aforementioned verse, but in numerous other places, Jesus tells his followers to care for the poor. He instructs his disciples to be about the tasks of feeding, clothing, and welcoming in the neighbor. This is exactly what the Homecoming Habitat house does. It is an opportunity for the student population to care for a family.

Discipleship is demonstrated in action – one follows the master. We not only confess with our lips, we also put our lives into action. Thus, we do the will of the One whom we serve.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Devotion - Tuesday, Oct 20

In I Corinthians 7:40, Paul uses language reminiscent of something we read in our Sunday School Class this past week. He continues to speak of the immanent return of Christ, and whether one should concern themselves with entering into a marriage. He concludes by saying, “And I think I have the Spirit of God.”

We had read a similar comment from Rob Bell. In reviewing Acts 15, where the church fathers take action, the text speaks of their acts by saying, “it seemed good.”

Sometimes we are called upon to determine a course of action, without a clear and undeniable word from God. (I would even suggest that we are continually being called upon to do so – though others would claim a clear word in cases where I might not.) How, then, do we decide?

Paul says he thinks he “has the Spirit.” Paul implies that he is attempting to make a decision in line with the way the Spirit of God has been leading him.

We all too often separate our lives into two categories: time in communication with God, and time spent on our own. Overcoming this allows us to achieve what Paul refers to as “praying unceasingly.” When every moment of our lives is lived in harmony with where the Spirit of God has been leading us, our whole lives become that prayer – it becomes a continuous interaction between us, God, and the world.

In I Corinthians 7, don’t think Paul is devaluing what he has shared. I believe he is lifting up a model for the way all persons of faith make decisions. We pray, we reflect, we discuss with others, and then we move forward confident that it the Spirit of God which is guiding us.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Devotion - Monday, Oct 19

This morning I was reading from I Corinthians 7:25-31. Here, Paul is giving advice about living out the few remaining days of our existence. Paul is convinced that Christ’s return is immanent. He advises his readers to not bother themselves with establishing long-term plans. In particular, he tells everyone not to worry about marrying or ending a marriage. “For the form of this world is passing away,” he says.

We were talking about this in our Bible study a few weeks ago. Seldom do we, in our generation (or at least in our denomination) speak of the return of Christ as an immanent thing. We do make our plans, assuming that we will all live to a ripe old age.

We have reasons for living this way. When asked what he would do today if he knew that Christ was returning tomorrow, Martin Luther said he would plant a tree. Luther refused to disassociate himself from the earth entrusted to us by the Creator. We live out our lives in the hope that our daily actions contribute to the greater whole of God’s gracious promise for the world.

We have good reason for avoiding fixation on the end of time, but we could benefit from a good dose of heightened expectation.

A book popular a few years back recorded a young adult’s reaction to a Sunday morning worship service in a Lutheran church. Paraphrasing, the young man said, “The service was beautiful, but the people didn’t seem to be expecting God to show up and actually do anything.”

How do we live our lives so as not to be so fixated on the end of time and yet live our lives anticipating God’s immanent return? It is a difficult thing to do. And yet, unless we want to be lifeless, this is exactly the balance we must find.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Devotion - Thursday, Oct 15

In I Corinthians 6, Paul writes about our bodies. He refers to these as a “temple of the Holy Spirit.”

His immediate concern is with food and misuses of the body. He is reminding his readers that their bodies present an opportunity to make appropriate use of that which God has given us. This is not a passage typically associated with stewardship, but it could be.

God has entrusted us with this body. We have been granted use of it; and we are allowed to experience the pleasures and joys associated with this body. It has ears so that we might hear the songs of the birds and the music of the choir; it has eyes so that we might see the beauty of the mountains and the compassion of another; it has feet so that we might travel and experience new things.

This “temple of the Holy Spirit” far outstrips any of the temples built with human hands.

If those temples inspire and encourage persons of faith, surely this temple out to, too.

God has given us the freedom to use this temple as we choose. We can decide whether we will use the tongue for praise or for gossip. God has entrusted us with the body. It is up to use to go to the places where we might be of assistance to another.

What use will you make of this temple today?