This morning's appointed Gospel reading is from Mark 14. It is Mark's presentation of the Last Supper. This meal means so much to the Christian community. It serves a wide range of purposes.
Most of these were covered last night, in Kat's sharing with the group about her year in Mexico with the Young Adults in Global Mission program. Her first slide was something along the lines of "Kat Loves Food."
She spoke of food as that which sustains us. The meal we share as Christians sustains us. It provides the spiritual nutrition we need to be able to face all that the week will bring.
Kat spoke of food as community. We not only eat, we share a table with others. As we share the table, we learn of the others' hopes and their needs. They become a part of our lives and we become a part of theirs.
Kat's love of food involved celebrations. Did you catch the part where her hosts attempted to replicate a "Thanksgiving Meal" for her. They cooked chicken and tortilla - "That is poultry and bread stuffing," they offered. We celebrate at this meal - celebrate what Christ has accomplished for us as we celebrate the presence of Christ in our lives.
Finally, she spoke of justice. The intricacies of international trade are too complicated for me, but those she served spoke of how food choices had changed once trade began. Gone is the great variety of locally developed hybrid corns. Watching the pre-school children drink cola for breakfast raised questions of how food reflects greed rather than an attempt to share and to seek the betterment of others. Surely, our shared meal is about God's will might be done, by God, but also by us.
We are all in love with food; and we love the sharing of meals. They are so important to us and to the life we seek to live. No wonder Jesus made the sharing of a meal the core gathering for his followers. He knew that around the table so much can be accomplished. And around his table, so much is.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, September 28
Mark 13 is an interesting chapter. It is apocalyptic in style, meaning it speaks of great cataclysmic events at the "end of time." Somehow I had failed to notice that the first story to follow this interesting presentation is the story of the woman who anoints Jesus with costly oil.
Jesus is at the house of Simon, "the leper." The woman enters and pours the pure nard over Jesus ' head. The writer says it could have been sold for 300 denarii (that would be something around $16K in modern terms.) "The money could have been given to the poor," they insist.
Jesus tells them to leave her alone. "You will always have the poor, and you can choose to help them at any time. You will not always have me." he says.
Then, he says something I remembered, but had not really thought about. He says, that whenever the story of his presence is told, this story will be remembered, and re-told.
Only twice, in all of the gospels, does Jesus say that something will be "remembered." One is the events at the Lord's Supper. The other is the action of this woman. "And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her."
The commentaries tell us that her action serves the purpose of anointing Jesus for his burial. The violent nature of his death and the rush to get him from the cross to the tomb means there is no time for anointing. The women who discover the empty grave are on their way to anoint him, three days after his death. This woman's actions ensure that Jesus has a proper burial, according to the religious customs of his day. What she does is important, so important that it is remembered and retold.
There will forever be talk of great and cataclysmic events. There are those who seek to find ways to act which will bring about the greatest possible change in the world; in God's presence in the world. We sometimes overlook the simple acts of anointing, the doing of what is right and proper. The grand vision of Mark 13 is followed with the seemingly wasteful act of preparing Jesus for his burial.
How will you seek to serve God today? Will it be some great and grand event? Or will it be in some seemingly simple act? The cost of the nard is (in my opinion) a device to help us understand the value of this woman's actions. It is a way of calling attention to the view of too many that rituals and rites are a waste. Yet Jesus reminds us that this simple, preparatory act is to be remembered and retold.
How will you seek to serve God? Look for the opportunity to change the world; but don't overlook the chance to do the right thing, the simple thing, the thing which sustains the piety of God's people.
Jesus is at the house of Simon, "the leper." The woman enters and pours the pure nard over Jesus ' head. The writer says it could have been sold for 300 denarii (that would be something around $16K in modern terms.) "The money could have been given to the poor," they insist.
Jesus tells them to leave her alone. "You will always have the poor, and you can choose to help them at any time. You will not always have me." he says.
Then, he says something I remembered, but had not really thought about. He says, that whenever the story of his presence is told, this story will be remembered, and re-told.
Only twice, in all of the gospels, does Jesus say that something will be "remembered." One is the events at the Lord's Supper. The other is the action of this woman. "And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her."
The commentaries tell us that her action serves the purpose of anointing Jesus for his burial. The violent nature of his death and the rush to get him from the cross to the tomb means there is no time for anointing. The women who discover the empty grave are on their way to anoint him, three days after his death. This woman's actions ensure that Jesus has a proper burial, according to the religious customs of his day. What she does is important, so important that it is remembered and retold.
There will forever be talk of great and cataclysmic events. There are those who seek to find ways to act which will bring about the greatest possible change in the world; in God's presence in the world. We sometimes overlook the simple acts of anointing, the doing of what is right and proper. The grand vision of Mark 13 is followed with the seemingly wasteful act of preparing Jesus for his burial.
How will you seek to serve God today? Will it be some great and grand event? Or will it be in some seemingly simple act? The cost of the nard is (in my opinion) a device to help us understand the value of this woman's actions. It is a way of calling attention to the view of too many that rituals and rites are a waste. Yet Jesus reminds us that this simple, preparatory act is to be remembered and retold.
How will you seek to serve God? Look for the opportunity to change the world; but don't overlook the chance to do the right thing, the simple thing, the thing which sustains the piety of God's people.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, September 27
Our upcoming Fall Retreat will be a welcome break from routines and demands. It will also allow us the opportunity to discuss how it is that each of us approach God.
Too often we assume that there is but one way to show devotion to God. We observe one particular pattern, or are influenced by one spiritual mentor and spend or lives emulating their style. That style may have worked very well for them, but it many not be ours. As a result, we struggle in our response to God. We fail to realize that the style is as much of an impediment as is our lack of discipline.
It should come as no surprise to those who know me well that my preferred spiritual expression is that of service. In fact, starting tomorrow these offerings will begin to reflect the exhaustion associated with building the Homecoming Habitat House. "The Compassionate Life" is but one way to express one's piety.
Other expressions include a "Word-Centered Life," those who fixate on the scritpures; "Spirit-empowered," which would be more of a mystical approach; "Virtuous Life," meaning making a strong moral character our anchor; and finally "Prayer-Filled," which is somewhat like mystical, but is more intentional in the attempts to talk to God.
While we may find one way more comfortable, few of us fall firmly into one category. We typically express our hope in several. But understanding the differing approaches can enable us to find a pattern of interaction which is more satisfying. How is God experienced in our lives?
I am looking forward to the weekend and to the opportunity to explore a bit of this with you. I offer these thoughts in hope that it might get you thinking ahead about our time together; that it might provide content for those of you who will be with us in prayer, but not in body. Keep the participants in your prayers this weekend, and ask that God would help each to better understand how it is that they experience and respond to God's invitation to be his children.
Too often we assume that there is but one way to show devotion to God. We observe one particular pattern, or are influenced by one spiritual mentor and spend or lives emulating their style. That style may have worked very well for them, but it many not be ours. As a result, we struggle in our response to God. We fail to realize that the style is as much of an impediment as is our lack of discipline.
It should come as no surprise to those who know me well that my preferred spiritual expression is that of service. In fact, starting tomorrow these offerings will begin to reflect the exhaustion associated with building the Homecoming Habitat House. "The Compassionate Life" is but one way to express one's piety.
Other expressions include a "Word-Centered Life," those who fixate on the scritpures; "Spirit-empowered," which would be more of a mystical approach; "Virtuous Life," meaning making a strong moral character our anchor; and finally "Prayer-Filled," which is somewhat like mystical, but is more intentional in the attempts to talk to God.
While we may find one way more comfortable, few of us fall firmly into one category. We typically express our hope in several. But understanding the differing approaches can enable us to find a pattern of interaction which is more satisfying. How is God experienced in our lives?
I am looking forward to the weekend and to the opportunity to explore a bit of this with you. I offer these thoughts in hope that it might get you thinking ahead about our time together; that it might provide content for those of you who will be with us in prayer, but not in body. Keep the participants in your prayers this weekend, and ask that God would help each to better understand how it is that they experience and respond to God's invitation to be his children.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Devotion - Monday, September 26
For several weeks, my lectionary has been guiding me through the history of David's rise to power, his stumbles along the way, and how he continues to work out his relationship with God. This morning I started in Kings, I Kings 1.1-31.
By this time David is old, very old. At issue is who will succeed him as King. In 1 & 2 Samuel, we had read of the various sons who made an attempt to take the throne. In I Kings, there is another such attempt, but it is decided by David that Solomon would be the one to sit on his throne.
Overseeing all this is the prophet Nathan. Nathan is the one who confronts David with his sin, regarding Bathsheba. Now, he goes to Bathsheba in order to make sure that her son, Solomon, is the next King of Israel.
Most of us know the story of David. Surely we have also heard of Solomon and his mother. There is genearlly a high level of recognition as we speak of Absolom, the son who challenges David. But how much do we remember of Nathan?
The major characters in the narrative are the ones around whom the action occurs. The headliners carry the show and get the recognition which follows. But those who guide the process are the ones who ensure that God's will is done; that the decisions made by those in authority are consistent with the affirmations made in the Temple.
One of the books my campus pastor brought to our attention is by a Brazilian Bishop. In it, he speaks of those who are in the parade and those who watch the parade. Those along the sidelines are more numerous than those who march. It is these folks, the ones observing, who form the majority. And yet, we only given them passing thoughts when speaking of the parade.
Those in the center of attention are not always the ones through whom God is most active. Sometimes it is the Nathan in our midst who has heard the Word of God and ensures that it is followed.
Try to turn your attention from the front of the stage to its sides. Who is there, guiding and directing? How accurately are the principals listening? Can you hear their voice, and listen to it rather than the chatter of others?
Thank God for the Nathans in the world. Thank goodness for those who search them out and hear what they have to say.
By this time David is old, very old. At issue is who will succeed him as King. In 1 & 2 Samuel, we had read of the various sons who made an attempt to take the throne. In I Kings, there is another such attempt, but it is decided by David that Solomon would be the one to sit on his throne.
Overseeing all this is the prophet Nathan. Nathan is the one who confronts David with his sin, regarding Bathsheba. Now, he goes to Bathsheba in order to make sure that her son, Solomon, is the next King of Israel.
Most of us know the story of David. Surely we have also heard of Solomon and his mother. There is genearlly a high level of recognition as we speak of Absolom, the son who challenges David. But how much do we remember of Nathan?
The major characters in the narrative are the ones around whom the action occurs. The headliners carry the show and get the recognition which follows. But those who guide the process are the ones who ensure that God's will is done; that the decisions made by those in authority are consistent with the affirmations made in the Temple.
One of the books my campus pastor brought to our attention is by a Brazilian Bishop. In it, he speaks of those who are in the parade and those who watch the parade. Those along the sidelines are more numerous than those who march. It is these folks, the ones observing, who form the majority. And yet, we only given them passing thoughts when speaking of the parade.
Those in the center of attention are not always the ones through whom God is most active. Sometimes it is the Nathan in our midst who has heard the Word of God and ensures that it is followed.
Try to turn your attention from the front of the stage to its sides. Who is there, guiding and directing? How accurately are the principals listening? Can you hear their voice, and listen to it rather than the chatter of others?
Thank God for the Nathans in the world. Thank goodness for those who search them out and hear what they have to say.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sermon - September 25, 2011
15th Sunday in Pentecost – Year A (Pr26)
Philippians 2:1-13
Have the Same Mind
A few years ago, I was involved in a forum at the Strom Thurmon Institute. The speaker was William Schulz, executive director for Amnesty International. I bought a copy of the book he had recently published; he was signing them for participants. I found the title of his book to be interesting. It was: In Our Own Best Interest; How defending human rights benefits us all. When asked about the title, Schultz acknowledged that he and many other human rights advocates were finding it increasingly difficult to excite hearers or enlist support by using the line, “It is the right thing to do.” Rather, they were needing to couch their presentations in explaining how becoming involved would be beneficial to the one taking action.
I thought of this, as I heard the Stewardship Committee’s proposals for today’s emphasis. The tagline for this, the third week of our Stewardship Emphasis, is “Acting Together.” I hope you read John’s article in the Wednesday E-News, or will pick up a copy in the narthex. His article identifies one of the obstacles to efforts of this sort. It is the same obstacle Schultz encountered. The article in UniLu’s E-News pointed out that we live in a culture where individualism is worshiped. As a result, “acting together” can be a hard sell. We are more inclined to want to go our own way, make our own path, set our own priorities. All too often, we are reluctant to sign on until it can be shown that acting in harmony with others will in the end be beneficial to “me.” Is “Acting Together” out of the question, until it can be shown that doing so is really in “our own best interest”?
“Acting Together.” It is the sub-theme of our emphasis “Blessed to be a Blessing.” Acting Together is what we do when we throw our lot into a common effort, allowing the whole to set the course and determine the contours of the particulars. It can be a difficult sell. Maybe this is why the Stewardship Committee asked for four weeks of activity. It takes that much time to get enough folks on board that we can safely plan ministries for the coming year. We, the followers of Jesus, fight an uphill battle in a world where the prime criteria isn’t “How can we join together?” but rather, “What would benefit me the most?”
I was on the phone this week with my buddy from VA Tech. Bill is also on the staff at Luther Memorial, where he too is preaching this morning. Our conversation was on the text from Philippians. It suits well his work at Luther Memorial, where he is the Director of their outreach ministries. I was telling him how appropriate it was for our consideration of what it means to act together.
St. Paul writes, “Make my joy complete; be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” I don’t think Paul was referring to any unity around a shared mindset. Would he have celebrated the attitude among those FSU fans at the face-mask call in the fourth quarter. That was the one that kept the final Clemson drive alive and resulted in the touchdown which made the difference in the final score? The FSU fans around me were pretty united. Yet, I don’t think this is the kind of unity Paul is encouraging. Paul is encouraging us to be of “one mind” as in the mindset we share with Jesus. He even speaks of traits he would assume to be present in those who would share this mind. “If there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy” then we are more likely to find the unity which makes joy complete.
Encouragement, consolation, love, sharing, compassion, sympathy – once again we speak of traits not often enough championed by the culture in which we live. Sure, we hear talk about “love,” but doesn’t it most often refer to sensual love - rather than love of neighbor, or the love of stranger to which God calls us? It is tough to enlist support for the mindset of which Paul writes.
“Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Do we even know where to begin?
It seems that the first place we begin is to speak of the difference between “giving” and “purchase of services.” “Giving” involves taking that which has come our way (do I need to remind you that the catechism says everything which has come our way is a gift from God?), giving involves taking that which has come our way and returning the first fruits for God’s use. Most of us structure our week around work, and Clemson football games. How might our planning differ if we started with Bible Study, worship, and acts of Christian service?
Two of our students spoke at this week’s student gathering about inverting our financial planning. I will paraphrase, because I didn’t have a pen to write it down. But they spoke of “Saving – Giving – Spending” rather than “Spending and then seeing what was left over.
“Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” It begins with an understanding that we have been blessed, so that we might be a blessing. It manifests itself in learning to Act Together.
There is always the possibility that any talk from a pastor about stewardship will come off as self-serving. After all, getting folks to take a turn fixing the Wednesday evening LCM meal means one less thing I have to worry about, right? So let me share a few observations from the perspective of fellow-member of University Lutheran Church.
For the past three summers my baby has been on staff at Lutheridge. While there, he has provided oversight to campers from across South Carolina and the southeast. When we sent UniLu members to camp, we sent them with the assurance that if they needed help while there, they could look for Caleb. He is a great counselor – not my evaluation, but that of those who see him in action. Having acknowledged what he has given, I want to bear testimony to what Lutheridge has given him. Caleb is still a bit unsure as to his career path. That is okay, he will get there. But as he searches, those summers at camp assure him that he has a place in this world; that he is making a profound contribution in the lives of others. He gains so much from those brief ten weeks; it is a benefit which would be denied him, were it not for the faithful stewardship of those who support the camp and see to its upkeep. It is not as a pastor that I express appreciation for those stewards, it is as a father. This would not be possible in his life, nor in the lives of so many others, did we not “Act Together” in supporting the ministries of this Church.
Last May, our family benefited from the promises of scripture with regard to resurrection. When Granna died, it was the message of salvation which gave us the courage to commend her into God’s care. Without that, we would surely have been crushed. That message came to us through the liturgies of the Church and through the sacrament of Holy Communion. Those unchangeable, unwavering promises also came to us through what is so often referred to as the ministry of cards and casseroles. Miriam’s investment in this place – years of taking her place on Sunday mornings, and accepting her turn – returned to her family the assurance that we were not facing those days alone. Her faithful stewardship served as the impetus for other stewards to reach out to her family in the aftermath of her death. “Acting Together” the church eased the burdens and made the transition passable.
“Acting Together” means having a shared mindset among us in which we ask how life might be made better for all of us. “Acting Together” means realizing that all we have is a gift from God and using it as a gift is the best way to ensure that it will move us closer to the joy which comes from God. “Acting Together” does not (yet) come natural to the culture around us, but it is the culture we seek to establish. “Acting Together” means “making our joy complete.”
Amen.
Philippians 2:1-13
Have the Same Mind
A few years ago, I was involved in a forum at the Strom Thurmon Institute. The speaker was William Schulz, executive director for Amnesty International. I bought a copy of the book he had recently published; he was signing them for participants. I found the title of his book to be interesting. It was: In Our Own Best Interest; How defending human rights benefits us all. When asked about the title, Schultz acknowledged that he and many other human rights advocates were finding it increasingly difficult to excite hearers or enlist support by using the line, “It is the right thing to do.” Rather, they were needing to couch their presentations in explaining how becoming involved would be beneficial to the one taking action.
I thought of this, as I heard the Stewardship Committee’s proposals for today’s emphasis. The tagline for this, the third week of our Stewardship Emphasis, is “Acting Together.” I hope you read John’s article in the Wednesday E-News, or will pick up a copy in the narthex. His article identifies one of the obstacles to efforts of this sort. It is the same obstacle Schultz encountered. The article in UniLu’s E-News pointed out that we live in a culture where individualism is worshiped. As a result, “acting together” can be a hard sell. We are more inclined to want to go our own way, make our own path, set our own priorities. All too often, we are reluctant to sign on until it can be shown that acting in harmony with others will in the end be beneficial to “me.” Is “Acting Together” out of the question, until it can be shown that doing so is really in “our own best interest”?
“Acting Together.” It is the sub-theme of our emphasis “Blessed to be a Blessing.” Acting Together is what we do when we throw our lot into a common effort, allowing the whole to set the course and determine the contours of the particulars. It can be a difficult sell. Maybe this is why the Stewardship Committee asked for four weeks of activity. It takes that much time to get enough folks on board that we can safely plan ministries for the coming year. We, the followers of Jesus, fight an uphill battle in a world where the prime criteria isn’t “How can we join together?” but rather, “What would benefit me the most?”
I was on the phone this week with my buddy from VA Tech. Bill is also on the staff at Luther Memorial, where he too is preaching this morning. Our conversation was on the text from Philippians. It suits well his work at Luther Memorial, where he is the Director of their outreach ministries. I was telling him how appropriate it was for our consideration of what it means to act together.
St. Paul writes, “Make my joy complete; be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” I don’t think Paul was referring to any unity around a shared mindset. Would he have celebrated the attitude among those FSU fans at the face-mask call in the fourth quarter. That was the one that kept the final Clemson drive alive and resulted in the touchdown which made the difference in the final score? The FSU fans around me were pretty united. Yet, I don’t think this is the kind of unity Paul is encouraging. Paul is encouraging us to be of “one mind” as in the mindset we share with Jesus. He even speaks of traits he would assume to be present in those who would share this mind. “If there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy” then we are more likely to find the unity which makes joy complete.
Encouragement, consolation, love, sharing, compassion, sympathy – once again we speak of traits not often enough championed by the culture in which we live. Sure, we hear talk about “love,” but doesn’t it most often refer to sensual love - rather than love of neighbor, or the love of stranger to which God calls us? It is tough to enlist support for the mindset of which Paul writes.
“Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Do we even know where to begin?
It seems that the first place we begin is to speak of the difference between “giving” and “purchase of services.” “Giving” involves taking that which has come our way (do I need to remind you that the catechism says everything which has come our way is a gift from God?), giving involves taking that which has come our way and returning the first fruits for God’s use. Most of us structure our week around work, and Clemson football games. How might our planning differ if we started with Bible Study, worship, and acts of Christian service?
Two of our students spoke at this week’s student gathering about inverting our financial planning. I will paraphrase, because I didn’t have a pen to write it down. But they spoke of “Saving – Giving – Spending” rather than “Spending and then seeing what was left over.
“Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” It begins with an understanding that we have been blessed, so that we might be a blessing. It manifests itself in learning to Act Together.
There is always the possibility that any talk from a pastor about stewardship will come off as self-serving. After all, getting folks to take a turn fixing the Wednesday evening LCM meal means one less thing I have to worry about, right? So let me share a few observations from the perspective of fellow-member of University Lutheran Church.
For the past three summers my baby has been on staff at Lutheridge. While there, he has provided oversight to campers from across South Carolina and the southeast. When we sent UniLu members to camp, we sent them with the assurance that if they needed help while there, they could look for Caleb. He is a great counselor – not my evaluation, but that of those who see him in action. Having acknowledged what he has given, I want to bear testimony to what Lutheridge has given him. Caleb is still a bit unsure as to his career path. That is okay, he will get there. But as he searches, those summers at camp assure him that he has a place in this world; that he is making a profound contribution in the lives of others. He gains so much from those brief ten weeks; it is a benefit which would be denied him, were it not for the faithful stewardship of those who support the camp and see to its upkeep. It is not as a pastor that I express appreciation for those stewards, it is as a father. This would not be possible in his life, nor in the lives of so many others, did we not “Act Together” in supporting the ministries of this Church.
Last May, our family benefited from the promises of scripture with regard to resurrection. When Granna died, it was the message of salvation which gave us the courage to commend her into God’s care. Without that, we would surely have been crushed. That message came to us through the liturgies of the Church and through the sacrament of Holy Communion. Those unchangeable, unwavering promises also came to us through what is so often referred to as the ministry of cards and casseroles. Miriam’s investment in this place – years of taking her place on Sunday mornings, and accepting her turn – returned to her family the assurance that we were not facing those days alone. Her faithful stewardship served as the impetus for other stewards to reach out to her family in the aftermath of her death. “Acting Together” the church eased the burdens and made the transition passable.
“Acting Together” means having a shared mindset among us in which we ask how life might be made better for all of us. “Acting Together” means realizing that all we have is a gift from God and using it as a gift is the best way to ensure that it will move us closer to the joy which comes from God. “Acting Together” does not (yet) come natural to the culture around us, but it is the culture we seek to establish. “Acting Together” means “making our joy complete.”
Amen.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, September 22
When asked, "Which is the greatest commandment?" Jesus hardly catches his breath before he gives and answer. (Mark 12:28-34)
"The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength."
It is the love of God where our devotion to God is shown.
Martin Luther's struggle was that he found it impossible to love a God who was forever looking for opportunities to condemn. In his world, Luther had been taught that unless he did this or avoided that he faced eternal condemnation. Finally, after an extremely long session in the confessional booth, the man hearing Luther's confession blurted out with exasperation, "All that is required is that you love God!" Luther, equally frustrated by the whole enterprise, replied, "Love God? I hate God!"
It is difficult to love a God whom we think to be looking for every opportunity to condemn us. It is easy to perceive God that way when we are taught that being a Christian is following this rule or abiding by that requirement. Jesus does not miss a beat when asked where it is that our justification begins; it starts with a love of God.
We love God because God loves us. We serve God out of this love.
It is my hope and prayer that you will enter this day confident of God's deep love for you. It is my hope and prayer that you will find your joy and your delight in loving God. It is in that relationship that we comprehend the persons God calls us to be.
"The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength."
It is the love of God where our devotion to God is shown.
Martin Luther's struggle was that he found it impossible to love a God who was forever looking for opportunities to condemn. In his world, Luther had been taught that unless he did this or avoided that he faced eternal condemnation. Finally, after an extremely long session in the confessional booth, the man hearing Luther's confession blurted out with exasperation, "All that is required is that you love God!" Luther, equally frustrated by the whole enterprise, replied, "Love God? I hate God!"
It is difficult to love a God whom we think to be looking for every opportunity to condemn us. It is easy to perceive God that way when we are taught that being a Christian is following this rule or abiding by that requirement. Jesus does not miss a beat when asked where it is that our justification begins; it starts with a love of God.
We love God because God loves us. We serve God out of this love.
It is my hope and prayer that you will enter this day confident of God's deep love for you. It is my hope and prayer that you will find your joy and your delight in loving God. It is in that relationship that we comprehend the persons God calls us to be.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, September 21
I love mornings. I really do. I get up early, make some coffee, let the dog out, let the cat in, get the paper and scan the headlines, then I sat down and read my Bible and say my prayers. It is so quiet and peaceful; in the early morning hours.
This morning, as I was waking, I could hear the gentle rain falling outside. When I went for the paper, I could tell it has just started. By the time I picked up my Bible, it was raining steady. The place I sit to read and pray is by our front door. I opened the inside door, so I could hear the sound of the glorious rain. through the screen.
As I prayed, recalling the requests to remember ailing loved ones and the longings for clear vision, the sound of the rain continued to grow stronger. "Thank you, Lord. For the refreshing rain which enlivens all things."
In my prayers, I acknowledged the things on my "to do list," and I lifted before God my hope that tasks would not interfere with my ability to be available to those whom He will send my way this day. Was I imagining it, or did the rain start to fall a bit faster? "Thank you, Lord. For washing away all those things which seem so urgent to me, but are truly only a means to accomplish that which you have called me to do."
Somewhere around this time, the cat decided she had eaten enough and was ready to go back outside. When she saw the rain, she thought better of it and retreated back into the house, to curl up in the bed where Laura is still sleeping. "Thank you, Lord. You have given me a place of shelter, a place of security amidst the storms of life."
I love mornings; this morning I will cherish for a very long time. When I got out of the bed, I had no idea that all this was waiting for me. What a gift from God!
But then, in our lives, we so often recieve such a gift. God provides for us; God remains faithful to us. Perhaps it is the noise and constant activity which prevents us from perceiving all that God has done.
Find some quiet time for yourself this morning - and re-discover all the reason why you might say, "Thank you, Lord."
This morning, as I was waking, I could hear the gentle rain falling outside. When I went for the paper, I could tell it has just started. By the time I picked up my Bible, it was raining steady. The place I sit to read and pray is by our front door. I opened the inside door, so I could hear the sound of the glorious rain. through the screen.
As I prayed, recalling the requests to remember ailing loved ones and the longings for clear vision, the sound of the rain continued to grow stronger. "Thank you, Lord. For the refreshing rain which enlivens all things."
In my prayers, I acknowledged the things on my "to do list," and I lifted before God my hope that tasks would not interfere with my ability to be available to those whom He will send my way this day. Was I imagining it, or did the rain start to fall a bit faster? "Thank you, Lord. For washing away all those things which seem so urgent to me, but are truly only a means to accomplish that which you have called me to do."
Somewhere around this time, the cat decided she had eaten enough and was ready to go back outside. When she saw the rain, she thought better of it and retreated back into the house, to curl up in the bed where Laura is still sleeping. "Thank you, Lord. You have given me a place of shelter, a place of security amidst the storms of life."
I love mornings; this morning I will cherish for a very long time. When I got out of the bed, I had no idea that all this was waiting for me. What a gift from God!
But then, in our lives, we so often recieve such a gift. God provides for us; God remains faithful to us. Perhaps it is the noise and constant activity which prevents us from perceiving all that God has done.
Find some quiet time for yourself this morning - and re-discover all the reason why you might say, "Thank you, Lord."
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Devotion - Tuesday, September 20
In the Gospels, "the crowd" play a significant part. Those in Sunday School this week got a quick review of Moltman's book, "The Crucified God," in which the author reminds us that Jesus' death does not occur until the crowd turns against him.
In Mark 11, the religious authorities are angry with Jesus, but they don't take action because they feared the reaction of the crowd. Here, the crowd are those who act independently of what they have been told; they reflect the will of God.
Realizing how fickle the crowd can be (they turned from welcoming Jesus on Palm Sunday to shouting for his death on Good Friday) there is still something to be learned here. The crowd plays a correcting role in the unfolding of God's story. The crowd makes sure that the will of God is not ignored.
Toward which end does the crowd in your life move you? Is the crowd more likely to incite you to want to silence God's anointed? Or does the crowd prompt you to seek God's justice and purpose? This is more than a question about whom you consider your friends or peer group. It is an invitation to consider the potential of those who know the will of God, and have the opportunity to see that it is accomplished.
May we be united in our commitment to making known the will of God. Might we be courageous enough to stand for what we know is right. If only we could stand against those things which tear down and destroy. The crowd has the ability to hold firm - regardless of what we are being told to believe or think or do.
In Mark 11, the crowd prevents those opposed to Jesus from silencing him. Might the crowd in our world make sure that his voice continues to be heard.
In Mark 11, the religious authorities are angry with Jesus, but they don't take action because they feared the reaction of the crowd. Here, the crowd are those who act independently of what they have been told; they reflect the will of God.
Realizing how fickle the crowd can be (they turned from welcoming Jesus on Palm Sunday to shouting for his death on Good Friday) there is still something to be learned here. The crowd plays a correcting role in the unfolding of God's story. The crowd makes sure that the will of God is not ignored.
Toward which end does the crowd in your life move you? Is the crowd more likely to incite you to want to silence God's anointed? Or does the crowd prompt you to seek God's justice and purpose? This is more than a question about whom you consider your friends or peer group. It is an invitation to consider the potential of those who know the will of God, and have the opportunity to see that it is accomplished.
May we be united in our commitment to making known the will of God. Might we be courageous enough to stand for what we know is right. If only we could stand against those things which tear down and destroy. The crowd has the ability to hold firm - regardless of what we are being told to believe or think or do.
In Mark 11, the crowd prevents those opposed to Jesus from silencing him. Might the crowd in our world make sure that his voice continues to be heard.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Devotion - Monday, September 19
Mark 11 contains one of the stories that slows me every time I read it. Jesus and his disciples are coming from Bethany. They see a fig tree in leaf. They are hungry. Jesus goes over to the tree, but finds no figs. This is understandable. The text tell us, "It was not the season for figs."
Even so, Jesus says to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again."
The next day, as they are passing by the same tree, the disciples see that the tree is withered.
There are two ways to approach this parable. One is an encouragement not to allow ourselves to apportion "times" for our response to God. As a child I was told to "put on my Sunday behavior" as if I were act differently on Sunday than other days of the week. Perhaps you have altered your behavior when the Preacher walked into the room.
There is no season devoid of our devotion. There are no times in which we are to be attentive to God; and seasons when we are free to do as we choose.
A second way to approach this text is to place it in the larger context. After this incident, Jesus goes on to speak of prayer and the ability of God's followers to "say to the mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea.'" The disciples had been impressed that a few words spoken to a fig tree caused such great change; Jesus speaks of even greater change coming as a result of the prayers of his followers.
The change, desired by Christ and sought by his followers, will not happen if we do not devote our full selves to the endeavor. We cannot pay lip service to God on Sunday, on Monday turn our attention to other pursuits, and then expect everything to be different. Our devotion to Christ knows no season - it is a constant in our lives.
If you spent an hour yesterday listening to God's Word and joining in prayer with the saints, how much time will you give God today? If you took time yesterday to reflect on God's working in the world, what will you do during this day?
God is committed to remolding the world in a way which reflects the things he considers important. It is not an occasional concern of God's. It needs to be more than a once a week concern for us.
Even so, Jesus says to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again."
The next day, as they are passing by the same tree, the disciples see that the tree is withered.
There are two ways to approach this parable. One is an encouragement not to allow ourselves to apportion "times" for our response to God. As a child I was told to "put on my Sunday behavior" as if I were act differently on Sunday than other days of the week. Perhaps you have altered your behavior when the Preacher walked into the room.
There is no season devoid of our devotion. There are no times in which we are to be attentive to God; and seasons when we are free to do as we choose.
A second way to approach this text is to place it in the larger context. After this incident, Jesus goes on to speak of prayer and the ability of God's followers to "say to the mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea.'" The disciples had been impressed that a few words spoken to a fig tree caused such great change; Jesus speaks of even greater change coming as a result of the prayers of his followers.
The change, desired by Christ and sought by his followers, will not happen if we do not devote our full selves to the endeavor. We cannot pay lip service to God on Sunday, on Monday turn our attention to other pursuits, and then expect everything to be different. Our devotion to Christ knows no season - it is a constant in our lives.
If you spent an hour yesterday listening to God's Word and joining in prayer with the saints, how much time will you give God today? If you took time yesterday to reflect on God's working in the world, what will you do during this day?
God is committed to remolding the world in a way which reflects the things he considers important. It is not an occasional concern of God's. It needs to be more than a once a week concern for us.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, September 15
Today's appointed Gospel text is Mark 10. Here we read the story of James and John coming to Jesus to ask that in his glory they be assigned to the seats to his immediate right and left. They are reminded that they don't know what they are asking; that the way to Jesus' glory is the way of rejection, the way of the cross.
They wanted honorable seats in his glory; they were ignoring what lay between them and that glory.
At last night's LCM program, I tried to share "What makes us 'Lutheran'?" I talked too long as it was, but one of the things I could have included (should have included) is that Lutherans speak a theology of the cross as opposed to a theology of glory. We want to make sure that we don't attempt to arrive at Jesus' glory without having taken up Jesus' cross. We are insistent that in order to experience a resurrection like Jesus, we must share a death like Jesus.
This doesn't mean that our bodies will be struck with whips and hung on a cross outside the city walls. But it does mean that enter each day looking for opportunities to serve; chances to bind up; ways in which a sacrifice on our part might enhance the life of another.
We don't ask Jesus for the seats of honor; we ask Jesus to reveal to us how we might take up the cross and follow his way of humble service.
Theologies of glory abound. They are found in the encouragement to see Christian faith as a salve for whatever ails us. They are revealed for what they are in promises that everything will be fine in our lives if we just make this one confession or recite this one creed.
Jesus responds to James and John by telling them that they will indeed drink the cup from which he is about to drink. But, he tells them, to be assigned to the seats of honor is not his (not even his) to grant. He teaches all of us that as real as the promise of eternal glory might be, it is not to be our aim. Our aim is to follow where he has lead, leaving the eternal things to eternity.
A theology of the cross is a theology which continues to follow Jesus, even when the destination is Jerusalem. It is a willingness to focus on needs of God's creation rather than on the desire for glory.
They wanted honorable seats in his glory; they were ignoring what lay between them and that glory.
At last night's LCM program, I tried to share "What makes us 'Lutheran'?" I talked too long as it was, but one of the things I could have included (should have included) is that Lutherans speak a theology of the cross as opposed to a theology of glory. We want to make sure that we don't attempt to arrive at Jesus' glory without having taken up Jesus' cross. We are insistent that in order to experience a resurrection like Jesus, we must share a death like Jesus.
This doesn't mean that our bodies will be struck with whips and hung on a cross outside the city walls. But it does mean that enter each day looking for opportunities to serve; chances to bind up; ways in which a sacrifice on our part might enhance the life of another.
We don't ask Jesus for the seats of honor; we ask Jesus to reveal to us how we might take up the cross and follow his way of humble service.
Theologies of glory abound. They are found in the encouragement to see Christian faith as a salve for whatever ails us. They are revealed for what they are in promises that everything will be fine in our lives if we just make this one confession or recite this one creed.
Jesus responds to James and John by telling them that they will indeed drink the cup from which he is about to drink. But, he tells them, to be assigned to the seats of honor is not his (not even his) to grant. He teaches all of us that as real as the promise of eternal glory might be, it is not to be our aim. Our aim is to follow where he has lead, leaving the eternal things to eternity.
A theology of the cross is a theology which continues to follow Jesus, even when the destination is Jerusalem. It is a willingness to focus on needs of God's creation rather than on the desire for glory.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Devotion - Monday, September 12
Mark 9 contains some stern words about the things which lead us into sin.
When it is a person who leads another to sin, Jesus says is would be better if that person had a millstone tied around their necks and they were thrown in to the sea.
If it is an eye which leads us to sin - pluck in out! If it is a hand - cut it off!
A wonderful sermon, heard more than twenty years ago, asked why there weren't more one-eyed, one-handed attendees at the morning worship service. Surely, many among us can recall a time when our eye or our had caused offense. And yet, we have not acting on Jesus' instructions.
An offer a few weeks back, regarding our tendency to want to blame "the Devil" for our our misdeeds, generated several responses. Hopefully, I am not misusing today's reading from Mark 9 to support my own thoughts, but the reluctance to cut off hands or pluck out eyes seems to indicate that we understand it isn't the eye or the hand which is responsible for the sin. We can only blame our volition; our desires.
It is difficult to confess a sin which has been deflected or blamed on another. Until we take responsibility for the act, we cannot honestly ask God to forgive. If we blame another (the devil, an eye, etc) then we aren't truly sorrowful, we are blaming.
I do not mean to blame you, or impute a higher level of guilt. Merely to encourage responsibility. I do so with the confidence that God is more prepared to forgive than we are to even ask for forgiveness. Seek that forgiveness, then re-train your eye, or your hand.
When it is a person who leads another to sin, Jesus says is would be better if that person had a millstone tied around their necks and they were thrown in to the sea.
If it is an eye which leads us to sin - pluck in out! If it is a hand - cut it off!
A wonderful sermon, heard more than twenty years ago, asked why there weren't more one-eyed, one-handed attendees at the morning worship service. Surely, many among us can recall a time when our eye or our had caused offense. And yet, we have not acting on Jesus' instructions.
An offer a few weeks back, regarding our tendency to want to blame "the Devil" for our our misdeeds, generated several responses. Hopefully, I am not misusing today's reading from Mark 9 to support my own thoughts, but the reluctance to cut off hands or pluck out eyes seems to indicate that we understand it isn't the eye or the hand which is responsible for the sin. We can only blame our volition; our desires.
It is difficult to confess a sin which has been deflected or blamed on another. Until we take responsibility for the act, we cannot honestly ask God to forgive. If we blame another (the devil, an eye, etc) then we aren't truly sorrowful, we are blaming.
I do not mean to blame you, or impute a higher level of guilt. Merely to encourage responsibility. I do so with the confidence that God is more prepared to forgive than we are to even ask for forgiveness. Seek that forgiveness, then re-train your eye, or your hand.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Sermon - September 11, 2011
13th Sunday after Pentecost
September 11, 2011
Matthew 18:21-35
Forgiving Made Ridiculous
The division of responsibilities, between UniLu’s three pastors, allows each of us to work more effectively in our designated areas. But sometimes it leaves us a bit unsure what went on at meetings attended by one, but not all. This is my way of acknowledging that while today’s liturgy sticks closely to established traditions and to the appointed readings, in the sermon I am going to give prime attention to this date, not as it is noted on our liturgical calendars, but as it is being acknowledged in much of our world.
Today is September 11. It is ten years since the attacks in New York, Washington, and the downing of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. And while this day is no different from any other day – in that on each day we need to hear God’s Word, pray for God’s mercy, and ask for God’s wisdom – this is a day which differs enough that it might be worth stepping outside our typical routines. It has been ten years. And while it is the mathematics of the Gregorian Calendar which make this tenth anniversary fall on the Christian Sabbath, this might be seen as a divine invitation to revisit that day in 2001 and to see it through the eyes of scripture, through the eyes of faith, through the eyes of the One whom we call Lord.
Whom one calls “Lord” seems to figure heavily to the discussions regarding 9/11. In too many corners and for too long, the whole thing was blamed on Islamic Terrorist. No one has ever challenged the “Terrorist” part of such a designation, but many have asked whether those terrorist ought to be understood as representative of Islam. We have come to realize that while faith and religion are all too often tragically linked with violent outburst, neither out to be. And even when one (or a dozen, or even a few hundred) adherents to a particular faith tradition decide that their lord is calling them to violence, this should not and cannot be understood as an indictment on all those who claim that faith tradition.
No one, who holds to a faith, would ever be willing to accept that something about the way they practice their faith is “wrong.” We cannot expect those who hold extremist views to turn and admit they are in error. But we might better see them for who they are, by listening to the collective understandings of others who identify with the same faith tradition.
The shared conviction of the religions of the world is that no “lord” is calling us to destroy and murder. It is only those who become radicalized who think this is the way to show devotion. It is in order to justify their political or social ends that extremist begin to invoke their lord’s name.
I am serving on the planning team for today’s community observance of September 11, 2011. One of those bringing greetings this afternoon sent me a wonderful piece, dating back to Cyrus. Cyrus was the King of Babylon, during the time of the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem. Babylon is modern day Iran – one of those spots in the world where religion is sometimes linked with violence. Listen to the words of King Cyrus: "I announce that I will respect the traditions, customs and religions of the nations of my empire and never let any of my governors and subordinates look down on or insult them (while) I am alive. From now on, (while) (Ahura) Mazda grants me the kingdom favor … I will impose my monarchy on no nation. Each is free to accept it, and if any one of them rejects it, I never resolve (to) war to reign.”
Whether modern-day rulers of those territories will follow suit is a good question. But let’s not pretend that modern-day leaders of so called Christian nations would always be prepared to respect “traditions, customs, and religions”.
The place we find ourselves, on this September 11, 2011, is in a world where there are deep divisions and even deeper disagreements on how to approach those divisions. Ours is not a world devoid of hope and promise; but it is a world in which the voices calling for unity are often drowned out by the noise of war and violence. On this day, the day of the Christian Sabbath, we can choose whether we will be on the side of continued animosity or if we will move toward compassion and reconciliation.
I don’t mean to set you up, and then tip you in a predetermined direction. But I do have powerful arguments to bring to bear. The appointed lessons for this Sabbath, the 11th of September, 2011, seem pretty clear as to how we Christians are to enter the discussion. We start with forgiveness. We offer an abundance of forgiveness. And we do so because we remember that our God has forgiven us.
Peter, the Rock upon which the Church is built, has heard Jesus’ instructions (last week’s Gospel Lesson) that the one offended bears as much of the burden to bring about forgiveness as the one who offends. “Go to them… talk to them,” is Jesus’ instructions to his followers. Peter – representative of all of us – is looking for wiggle room, for a loophole. So he asks Jesus, “How many times should I forgive? As many as seven times?” And Jesus tells him. Jesus’ answer doesn’t leave room to wiggle out of this responsibility.
The words of Jesus (the words written in red) are slightly different in this newer translation. We are now reading from the New Revised Version. In this translation, the answer is “seventy-seven times.” Do you remember how it read it the King James? There, the answer is “seventy times seven.” That would make the grand total four hundred and ninety.
Has there been an offense? An injury? Don’t retaliate, go to the other and seek reconciliation. How many times do I try? As many as seven times? Try upping the number of attempts until you loose count.
This is what Jesus would do; this is what Jesus has done.
Will his words be listened to and followed? It is a difficult thing to do. But if we are going to thump our Bibles and insist that every word is true then it seems we have but one option when dealing with those who have transgressed against them. What is that line, we pray every Sunday? “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trepassesed against us?” Yeah, that is the way it goes, right?
We can forgive the actions of others which have hurt and harmed us. We can forgive the attitude which leads the other to consider us the enemy. And maybe we can even forgive the ignorance which leads another to think that somehow acting violently is going to solve any of our problems. And forgive we must. For only when we start with a willingness to set aside past wrongs will we be able to envision a right future.
Ten years ago today, a horrible event changed the way our generations will forever see the world. It is up to us to make sure that those events do not rob us of everything dear and precious. It is up to us to make sure that the hatred and misguided acts of another do not place in peril our commitment to the way of our Savior. They may take away our naiveté; they might destroy some of our things; they may murder family and friends; but it only we who can preside over any lessening of our core beliefs.
I will not let this happen to me. I pray that you won’t allow it to happen to you.
Amen.
September 11, 2011
Matthew 18:21-35
Forgiving Made Ridiculous
The division of responsibilities, between UniLu’s three pastors, allows each of us to work more effectively in our designated areas. But sometimes it leaves us a bit unsure what went on at meetings attended by one, but not all. This is my way of acknowledging that while today’s liturgy sticks closely to established traditions and to the appointed readings, in the sermon I am going to give prime attention to this date, not as it is noted on our liturgical calendars, but as it is being acknowledged in much of our world.
Today is September 11. It is ten years since the attacks in New York, Washington, and the downing of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. And while this day is no different from any other day – in that on each day we need to hear God’s Word, pray for God’s mercy, and ask for God’s wisdom – this is a day which differs enough that it might be worth stepping outside our typical routines. It has been ten years. And while it is the mathematics of the Gregorian Calendar which make this tenth anniversary fall on the Christian Sabbath, this might be seen as a divine invitation to revisit that day in 2001 and to see it through the eyes of scripture, through the eyes of faith, through the eyes of the One whom we call Lord.
Whom one calls “Lord” seems to figure heavily to the discussions regarding 9/11. In too many corners and for too long, the whole thing was blamed on Islamic Terrorist. No one has ever challenged the “Terrorist” part of such a designation, but many have asked whether those terrorist ought to be understood as representative of Islam. We have come to realize that while faith and religion are all too often tragically linked with violent outburst, neither out to be. And even when one (or a dozen, or even a few hundred) adherents to a particular faith tradition decide that their lord is calling them to violence, this should not and cannot be understood as an indictment on all those who claim that faith tradition.
No one, who holds to a faith, would ever be willing to accept that something about the way they practice their faith is “wrong.” We cannot expect those who hold extremist views to turn and admit they are in error. But we might better see them for who they are, by listening to the collective understandings of others who identify with the same faith tradition.
The shared conviction of the religions of the world is that no “lord” is calling us to destroy and murder. It is only those who become radicalized who think this is the way to show devotion. It is in order to justify their political or social ends that extremist begin to invoke their lord’s name.
I am serving on the planning team for today’s community observance of September 11, 2011. One of those bringing greetings this afternoon sent me a wonderful piece, dating back to Cyrus. Cyrus was the King of Babylon, during the time of the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem. Babylon is modern day Iran – one of those spots in the world where religion is sometimes linked with violence. Listen to the words of King Cyrus: "I announce that I will respect the traditions, customs and religions of the nations of my empire and never let any of my governors and subordinates look down on or insult them (while) I am alive. From now on, (while) (Ahura) Mazda grants me the kingdom favor … I will impose my monarchy on no nation. Each is free to accept it, and if any one of them rejects it, I never resolve (to) war to reign.”
Whether modern-day rulers of those territories will follow suit is a good question. But let’s not pretend that modern-day leaders of so called Christian nations would always be prepared to respect “traditions, customs, and religions”.
The place we find ourselves, on this September 11, 2011, is in a world where there are deep divisions and even deeper disagreements on how to approach those divisions. Ours is not a world devoid of hope and promise; but it is a world in which the voices calling for unity are often drowned out by the noise of war and violence. On this day, the day of the Christian Sabbath, we can choose whether we will be on the side of continued animosity or if we will move toward compassion and reconciliation.
I don’t mean to set you up, and then tip you in a predetermined direction. But I do have powerful arguments to bring to bear. The appointed lessons for this Sabbath, the 11th of September, 2011, seem pretty clear as to how we Christians are to enter the discussion. We start with forgiveness. We offer an abundance of forgiveness. And we do so because we remember that our God has forgiven us.
Peter, the Rock upon which the Church is built, has heard Jesus’ instructions (last week’s Gospel Lesson) that the one offended bears as much of the burden to bring about forgiveness as the one who offends. “Go to them… talk to them,” is Jesus’ instructions to his followers. Peter – representative of all of us – is looking for wiggle room, for a loophole. So he asks Jesus, “How many times should I forgive? As many as seven times?” And Jesus tells him. Jesus’ answer doesn’t leave room to wiggle out of this responsibility.
The words of Jesus (the words written in red) are slightly different in this newer translation. We are now reading from the New Revised Version. In this translation, the answer is “seventy-seven times.” Do you remember how it read it the King James? There, the answer is “seventy times seven.” That would make the grand total four hundred and ninety.
Has there been an offense? An injury? Don’t retaliate, go to the other and seek reconciliation. How many times do I try? As many as seven times? Try upping the number of attempts until you loose count.
This is what Jesus would do; this is what Jesus has done.
Will his words be listened to and followed? It is a difficult thing to do. But if we are going to thump our Bibles and insist that every word is true then it seems we have but one option when dealing with those who have transgressed against them. What is that line, we pray every Sunday? “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trepassesed against us?” Yeah, that is the way it goes, right?
We can forgive the actions of others which have hurt and harmed us. We can forgive the attitude which leads the other to consider us the enemy. And maybe we can even forgive the ignorance which leads another to think that somehow acting violently is going to solve any of our problems. And forgive we must. For only when we start with a willingness to set aside past wrongs will we be able to envision a right future.
Ten years ago today, a horrible event changed the way our generations will forever see the world. It is up to us to make sure that those events do not rob us of everything dear and precious. It is up to us to make sure that the hatred and misguided acts of another do not place in peril our commitment to the way of our Savior. They may take away our naiveté; they might destroy some of our things; they may murder family and friends; but it only we who can preside over any lessening of our core beliefs.
I will not let this happen to me. I pray that you won’t allow it to happen to you.
Amen.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, September 8
Acts 19 contains stories from the life and ministry of Paul meant to dispel the notion that faith in Jesus is just another sort of magic. When the "itinerant Jewish exorcists" see the miracles being done by Paul, they begin to include in their incantations "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches." Of course this does no good. The evil spirits are said to respond to them, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?"
The name of Jesus' isn't some magic potion we can pull out and use as some sort of a wishing wand. The name of Jesus expresses our faith; our confidence and hope in God. It is from that great storehouse of faith, that we see the world being transformed before our eyes.
The writer of Acts seems to know this, even as he struggles with how to express what has happened, in association with Paul and his acts of healing.
Earlier in Acts 19 it is reported that "handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from (Paul's) body to the sick, and diseases left them." Acts 19's condemnation of magic (it goes on to say "those who practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them") would not allow us to think that there was some power transferred from Paul's body onto the pieces of fabric.
The writer of Acts understands this, but he struggles with how to express what has been observed.
God has done and will continue to do marvelous things. It is difficult to understand these, and we can never explain. What we must avoid is the temptation to revert to that which is more to our liking. Rather than depend upon faith, which can sometimes be difficult to understand or practice, we look for a miracle worker whom we can hire like some circus entertainer.
Perhaps this is the measure of which way we are leaning: If the "miracle" serves primarily to strengthen our faith, it is more likely to be from God than if the event serves to call attention to some worker of miraculous deeds. Just because someone speaks the name of Jesus, doesn't mean that person is in line with Jesus.
Each of us must come to some understanding of the role and the meaning of "miracles." Acts 19 is a good place to start our study and reflection. Read these events for yourself and consider your response.
The name of Jesus' isn't some magic potion we can pull out and use as some sort of a wishing wand. The name of Jesus expresses our faith; our confidence and hope in God. It is from that great storehouse of faith, that we see the world being transformed before our eyes.
The writer of Acts seems to know this, even as he struggles with how to express what has happened, in association with Paul and his acts of healing.
Earlier in Acts 19 it is reported that "handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from (Paul's) body to the sick, and diseases left them." Acts 19's condemnation of magic (it goes on to say "those who practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them") would not allow us to think that there was some power transferred from Paul's body onto the pieces of fabric.
The writer of Acts understands this, but he struggles with how to express what has been observed.
God has done and will continue to do marvelous things. It is difficult to understand these, and we can never explain. What we must avoid is the temptation to revert to that which is more to our liking. Rather than depend upon faith, which can sometimes be difficult to understand or practice, we look for a miracle worker whom we can hire like some circus entertainer.
Perhaps this is the measure of which way we are leaning: If the "miracle" serves primarily to strengthen our faith, it is more likely to be from God than if the event serves to call attention to some worker of miraculous deeds. Just because someone speaks the name of Jesus, doesn't mean that person is in line with Jesus.
Each of us must come to some understanding of the role and the meaning of "miracles." Acts 19 is a good place to start our study and reflection. Read these events for yourself and consider your response.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Devotion - Wednesday, September 7
Our Tuesday Night bible study is making use of "The Greatest Story," an overview of the the stories which make up the greatest story ever told. Next week we reach the books which often cause those embarked on a "cover to cover" reading of the Bible to stumble - Leviticus. There are a lot of dry reading this book - not that Deuteronomy is a cake walk.
Currently, I am a bit further along in my reading, but still in one of those parts which sometime fail to hold interest. I am in 2 Samuel, today reading from the 9th chapter.
There are important stories here - of King David and his rise to the throne. There are also a lot of names and twists and turns and things that I had rather not know about the bloodshed among God's chosen people. Finally, with the battles over, David turns to see if there is anyone left from the house of Saul, "that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
Jonathan has a son, Mephibosheth. David sends for the boy and brings him and has him live in the King's house. The fighting which leads to David becoming King had brought about the death of Jonathan. Lamenting this, David turns to the son of Jonathan and welcomes him to his table.
So much of the hatred and warfare in the world is the doing of my generation and beyond. We harbor memories of injuries and insults which drive us to bomb and destroy. How encouraging to observe the work of (as of now) a small group of Clemson students seeking interfaith and intercultural dialogue. It is the children of those who have made the wars which will lead us into the way of peace.
David has much to be sorry for. There were deaths he intended; acting in his name there were deaths which he would later avenge. Finally, he turns to compassion. Let us pray that we don't wait as long as he did. Let us start now seeking the children of our adversary and sitting at table together, sharing the bounty of God's good earth.
Currently, I am a bit further along in my reading, but still in one of those parts which sometime fail to hold interest. I am in 2 Samuel, today reading from the 9th chapter.
There are important stories here - of King David and his rise to the throne. There are also a lot of names and twists and turns and things that I had rather not know about the bloodshed among God's chosen people. Finally, with the battles over, David turns to see if there is anyone left from the house of Saul, "that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
Jonathan has a son, Mephibosheth. David sends for the boy and brings him and has him live in the King's house. The fighting which leads to David becoming King had brought about the death of Jonathan. Lamenting this, David turns to the son of Jonathan and welcomes him to his table.
So much of the hatred and warfare in the world is the doing of my generation and beyond. We harbor memories of injuries and insults which drive us to bomb and destroy. How encouraging to observe the work of (as of now) a small group of Clemson students seeking interfaith and intercultural dialogue. It is the children of those who have made the wars which will lead us into the way of peace.
David has much to be sorry for. There were deaths he intended; acting in his name there were deaths which he would later avenge. Finally, he turns to compassion. Let us pray that we don't wait as long as he did. Let us start now seeking the children of our adversary and sitting at table together, sharing the bounty of God's good earth.
Devotion - Tuesday, Sept 6
With the approaching of the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2011, there may be other occasions to reflect on the ways the events of that day have changed our lives. So much was lost on that day. Things which can never be reclaimed: a sense of security for those of us living in this land, an identity as persons honored by the world, and over 3,000 lives.
Other things have left us in the years which followed. Things which could be recaptured, with sufficient will.
Most of you reading this had not even reached your teenage years by September 11, 2011. As a result, you may not be aware of what the world was like, back then. It is my feeling, and the opinion of many that our world has become a much more hostile place; a place where divisions are even deeper and hatred even greater. We seem to have lost a large amount of our civility, and our ability to admit that our opponent might have something to say which is worth hearing.
All of this came to mind for me as I read of the documents being uncovered and reported in Libya. We are finding a mixture of tone - some condemning and issuing warnings, others thankful for assistance. It seems that while the world was not happy with Gadhafi, many in the world were willing to accept his help in rendering prisoners of interest. We seem to agree with him that torture and intimidation are useful tools in achieving our goals.
The ancient writings of Israel spoke of ways to break the cycle of violence. There were cities of refuge to which transgressors could flee. There were jubilee years in which resources were redistributed equally so that no one was condemned to watch their children and their children's children live in poverty.
When Jesus came he spoke of refusing to return evil for evil. He told his followers to turn the other cheek. He warned us that ignoring the fate of the least among us was not pleasing to him.
We cannot expect all the world's inhabitants to follow the directives of our Messiah - but we can follow them. And it is at great peril that we ignore them, for some supposed notion of how one must operate in the world.
How will you mark 9/11? Let it be with a renewed commitment to the One who came to set us free of hatred and bloodshed and violence. Follow Jesus in such a way that they will marvel at our love and at our compassion.
Other things have left us in the years which followed. Things which could be recaptured, with sufficient will.
Most of you reading this had not even reached your teenage years by September 11, 2011. As a result, you may not be aware of what the world was like, back then. It is my feeling, and the opinion of many that our world has become a much more hostile place; a place where divisions are even deeper and hatred even greater. We seem to have lost a large amount of our civility, and our ability to admit that our opponent might have something to say which is worth hearing.
All of this came to mind for me as I read of the documents being uncovered and reported in Libya. We are finding a mixture of tone - some condemning and issuing warnings, others thankful for assistance. It seems that while the world was not happy with Gadhafi, many in the world were willing to accept his help in rendering prisoners of interest. We seem to agree with him that torture and intimidation are useful tools in achieving our goals.
The ancient writings of Israel spoke of ways to break the cycle of violence. There were cities of refuge to which transgressors could flee. There were jubilee years in which resources were redistributed equally so that no one was condemned to watch their children and their children's children live in poverty.
When Jesus came he spoke of refusing to return evil for evil. He told his followers to turn the other cheek. He warned us that ignoring the fate of the least among us was not pleasing to him.
We cannot expect all the world's inhabitants to follow the directives of our Messiah - but we can follow them. And it is at great peril that we ignore them, for some supposed notion of how one must operate in the world.
How will you mark 9/11? Let it be with a renewed commitment to the One who came to set us free of hatred and bloodshed and violence. Follow Jesus in such a way that they will marvel at our love and at our compassion.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Devotion - Monday, Sept 5
In Mark 8, Jesus seems to be fed up with the disciples. Perhaps it was his argument with the Pharisees which set him off. They had come to him, seeking a sign from heaven, to test him. Jesus "sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, 'Why does this generation seek a sign?'"
He gets into a boat with the disciples and they set out for the other side. Then, they realize they only have one loaf of bread.
What follows is a bit confusing; at least to me. Jesus "cautions them saying, 'Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.'" He asks them about the times he fed the 5,000 and the 4,000, then he says to them. "Do you not yet understand?"
What were they to understand? That he would provide for them.? That they ought to be concerned with something other than what they would eat or what they would wear?
Many answers have been given. And much has been made of the inability of the disciples to "understand." Many answers, and not all of them agree.
I realize that it frustrates Jesus when we ask for a clear indication of what it is that he wants us to do. While we may not seek a sign in the same way as the Pharisees, we do pray that God will "just show us the way." But hasn't he already been fully revealed to us? What more could be said than what has been written? If there were an answer for every question how many of us would read the thousands of pages on which they were written. Too few of us read the sixteen short chapters which make up Mark's Gospel.
This is not a condemnation of our asking God for guidance and help. Rather it is a reminder that we do "know ole mortal what the Lord requires." We just need to do it. There will be differing ways of answering questions, many times as a means of putting off action or excusing our unwillingness to follow. Yes, there are many more things Jesus could have said, and some of what he said is confusing. I will never understand all things; but I do understand that I have been provided for and that I have been invited to follow. Following I will discover the answers I need.
He gets into a boat with the disciples and they set out for the other side. Then, they realize they only have one loaf of bread.
What follows is a bit confusing; at least to me. Jesus "cautions them saying, 'Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.'" He asks them about the times he fed the 5,000 and the 4,000, then he says to them. "Do you not yet understand?"
What were they to understand? That he would provide for them.? That they ought to be concerned with something other than what they would eat or what they would wear?
Many answers have been given. And much has been made of the inability of the disciples to "understand." Many answers, and not all of them agree.
I realize that it frustrates Jesus when we ask for a clear indication of what it is that he wants us to do. While we may not seek a sign in the same way as the Pharisees, we do pray that God will "just show us the way." But hasn't he already been fully revealed to us? What more could be said than what has been written? If there were an answer for every question how many of us would read the thousands of pages on which they were written. Too few of us read the sixteen short chapters which make up Mark's Gospel.
This is not a condemnation of our asking God for guidance and help. Rather it is a reminder that we do "know ole mortal what the Lord requires." We just need to do it. There will be differing ways of answering questions, many times as a means of putting off action or excusing our unwillingness to follow. Yes, there are many more things Jesus could have said, and some of what he said is confusing. I will never understand all things; but I do understand that I have been provided for and that I have been invited to follow. Following I will discover the answers I need.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Devotion - Thursday, Sept 1
In Mark 7:20ff Jesus speaks of the things which defile us. He says, "Nothing outside us, which by going into us can defile us; but the things which come out are what defile."
Granted, Jesus is mostly thinking of the food laws which had become so restrictive. He thus declares all food clean. He then goes on to say, "For from within, out of the heart, come evil thoughts."
Earlier this week I was in a wonderful conversation about Satan. "I hear you don't put much stock in Satan," was the opening comment to me. In my reply, I attempted to relate the comments of Jesus in Mark 7 to the sometimes popular notion of Satan as the one who is responsible for every evil thing which happens in the world. "We want someone else to blame," I replied. "So we make Satan the offender, absolving ourselves of responsibility."
Granted, there are outside influences which impact us and our devotion to God. But having set our hearts and minds on God, we have the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we rebel against this guidance, we have only ourselves to blame, not some nasty spirit lurking around and whispering into our ear.
We know what God would ask of us, but our willful spirit rejects this in favor of what is expedient at the moment. We know how important it is to read our bibles and pray, but the latest edition of our favorite TV show is airing and everyone else will be talking about that tomorrow, not what I read in my Bible.
It is our own heart and mind which tug us away from that which God would prefer. It is tough to maintain the commitment to God that we seek. But when we fall away, we have only ourselves to blame, not someone or something else. Our confession to God should not be, "The Devil made me do it," but rather, "Forgive my trespass, O Lord."
Granted, Jesus is mostly thinking of the food laws which had become so restrictive. He thus declares all food clean. He then goes on to say, "For from within, out of the heart, come evil thoughts."
Earlier this week I was in a wonderful conversation about Satan. "I hear you don't put much stock in Satan," was the opening comment to me. In my reply, I attempted to relate the comments of Jesus in Mark 7 to the sometimes popular notion of Satan as the one who is responsible for every evil thing which happens in the world. "We want someone else to blame," I replied. "So we make Satan the offender, absolving ourselves of responsibility."
Granted, there are outside influences which impact us and our devotion to God. But having set our hearts and minds on God, we have the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we rebel against this guidance, we have only ourselves to blame, not some nasty spirit lurking around and whispering into our ear.
We know what God would ask of us, but our willful spirit rejects this in favor of what is expedient at the moment. We know how important it is to read our bibles and pray, but the latest edition of our favorite TV show is airing and everyone else will be talking about that tomorrow, not what I read in my Bible.
It is our own heart and mind which tug us away from that which God would prefer. It is tough to maintain the commitment to God that we seek. But when we fall away, we have only ourselves to blame, not someone or something else. Our confession to God should not be, "The Devil made me do it," but rather, "Forgive my trespass, O Lord."
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