Devotion - Thursday, January 29

The Feeding of the 5,000 is one of the few stories contained in all four of the Gospels.  It Mark, it is in the 6th chapter.  This act of compassion and care for the crowds who came out to hear the word from Jesus is a story too important to ignore or forget.

In Mark, the Feeding is bracketed by the invitation from Jesus for the disciples to have some personal time away.  In Mark 6:30, Jesus tells the disciples they are to "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest for a while."  Mark 6:46 notes that having fed the crowd and sent the disciples on ahead of him so they could rest, Jesus himself goes up on the mountain to pray.

In looking back over the notes I have sent, I realize that there are many which encourage you to get up and go, to reach out and witness.  Today I want to acknowledge how important it is to sit back and relax.  I want to read Mark 6 and remember that Jesus knew his disciples needed time to rest.  We need to take our rest.  

For some, it is restful to be among the faithful; for others rest can only come when they have solitude.  How we rest differs from person to person, but we all must pay attention to the need for time away.

Jesus gives us many things.  One of those things is the assurance that we need to be so anxious.  He speaks of the birds of the air who neither toil nor labor but never go hungry.  

It is my tendency to read the story of the Feeding of the 5,000 and want to organize a CROP Walk for hunger or line up volunteers for the soup kitchen.  I invite you to remind me, as I start trying to get you to join me in my flurry of activity, that the 6th chapter of Mark has one feeding and two invitations to sit quietly. I invite you to allow yourself to make of this in your life.

Devotion - Thursday, January 22

Mark 4:34 informs us "With many such parables (Jesus) spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything."

I like parables as much as the next guy; but they do frustrate me at times.  Particularly when the interpretation I have differs significantly from the interpretation of my conversation partner. I struggle to determine "which one of us is correct?"

A correct interpretation is a valued thing; we are continually engaged in getting the right answers. How then are we to embrace a writing so full of stories needing interpretation?

I do not want to lose the message of what Jesus communicates in his parables. But there is thought I would share as to why Jesus may have chosen this style of speech. That reason is shown forth in the final phrase of verse 34.

Parables required conversation. Parables cause us to talk to one another. Parables need to be followed up with discussion.

Maybe Jesus speaks only in parables (in public) so that the general public becomes interested in a deeper, more intimate conversation as to what these sayings mean in their own lives.

I wonder if we miss something when we think the preferred designation is "being a Christian." Maybe we need to realize that the status Jesus hopes for us is to "be a follower." That Jesus wants us to join our lives with another and with that other to discover the direction in which our life will take us.

While we may want answers as to correct interpretation, what Jesus hopes for is a conversation among his followers as to what the word means for us, in our lives. The answers aren't the end toward which we move; rather it is allowing our lives to become entangled with the lives of others.

Devotion - Wednesday, January 21

This morning I read Mark's version of the parable of the soils.  (Mark 4:1-20)  He speaks of the seed being spread, where it falls, and the results.  He then shares with the disciples the meaning of the parable.

The seed that fell on the path is quickly eaten by birds.  He compares this to the devil snatching away the word.

The seed that fell on rocky soil has not root, so it dies when the sun comes up.  He compares this to those who eagerly accept the word, but have not depth, so they wither.

The seed among thorns grows, but the thorns choke them.  Compared to those who allow the concerns of the world to crowd out their devotion to God.

The seed on good soil produces.  Compared to those who hear, take to heart, and follow.

Now - here is what I want to say.  Without being accusing, I want to ask you to consider what type best describes you?  Without being blaming, I want to share that I have the same conversation over and over.  In that conversation, there is a tremendous amount of interest in the Bible and in theology.  But when the conversation is over, it seems to be completely over.  And there does not appear to be follow up by way of a change in action.  There isn't evidence of increased attention to spiritual matters or more time reading one's bible.

I am not trying to place a guilt trip on anyone.  Really, I am not. I am wanting to be a servant.  And it seems that the service I ought to offer is to ask you to consider your soil type, and then decided if that is both an accurate description of where you are - and - if that is where you want to remain.

I am more than happy to sit with you for 30 minutes or an hour and share what I have discovered through my study and reflection.  I am more than happy to try, in those brief encounters, to help you learn as much as you possibly can.  But if you know you are the rocky soil or the soil infested with weeds, then just tell me that so I won't treat you as if you were the soil opened and ready for the seed.  I won't disrespect you by failing to acknowledge you for whom you intend to be.

Read Mark 4.  

The only way to express that part of us which is the good soil is to act like good soil.  It means committing to reading your bible.  It means talking with another about what you have read.  It means time spent in reflection and meditation.

Devotion - Tuesday, January 20

They thought Jesus was "beside himself...  possessed."  (I read this morning from Mark 3:19b-35)

Not everyone, but those with the power and the ability to silence him.  

Jesus was talking (in their way of thinking) nonsense.  He was not adhering to the accepted interpretations of the elders.

Many writers and students of religious life suggest we are at a point in history where a dissonant voice is called for.  It is time, in their experience, for another change in the assumptions we make and the verses of scripture which get quoted the most.  They suggest an orientation around the experience of the locally assembled community.  They speak of a group of persons who take more earnestly the charge to share all things in common and to practice hospitality in a more radical way.  They talk about a community guided by the Spirit rather than defined by doctrine.

They thought Jesus was beside himself, possessed.

I am not one who calls for wholesale reform of everything in every way.  But I do see the need for the Church to renew itself.  And I definitely see a world in which the Church could be more active in healing the sick and casting out demons (insert here advocating for greater access to healthcare and rehabilitation rather than punishment for those engaged in criminal activity.)  Are these insane ideas?  This is nonsense to think that the Church ought to be active on the side of those advocating for a living wage?

Perhaps such thoughts seem mad?  If so, maybe they have a lot more in common with Jesus than we would be encouraged to believe.

Devotion - Monday, January 19

ML King Day - 2015

Of all his writings, the one that has had the most profound impact on me is Rev King's "The Strength to Love."  In it he acknowledges that the easy thing is to hate; the challenge is to love.

The authorities hated Jesus; but he spoke words of love for them - even from the cross.

It takes a strong person to love, to love regardless, to love those who would reject our love.

We need Pastor King's witness.  The events in Furguson, MO, and NYC triggered anger and hatred.  The systemic frustration emerged here in Clemson, where hateful exchanges have raised the question of banning "YikYak" from the University server.  There have been demonstrations and counter demonstrations about restoring the original name to our main building.  Our SC State Poet was not part of this year's inauguration.   Tensions are high; careless comments are being made.  Where is the strength to love?

In cleansing the Temple, Jesus proves that Christians are not to be pushovers.  But his zeal for his father's house must consume those things which stand between us and our ability to receive God's Word; not in place of it. The flash-points referred to above are that - flash points.  They are the cracks through which built up pressure emerges.  We must address those issues, but we must also admit they become issues because of a system which remains to treat some differently.

Jesus did not always treat people the same.  He showed deference to the marginalized. "Those who are well have no need of a doctor." he said.  The strength to love is necessary; necessary for us to honestly look at ourselves and the society we have constructed.  It takes strength to see it through the eyes of another, through the eyes of those who were not invited to to participate in the putting together of the structures that guide our daily lives.

Sermon - Second Sunday of Epiphany

Epiphany 2 -  Year B

January 18, 2015                                                                                                                                        John 1:43-51  

                           Come and See

           What is it that motivated you to get out of bed this morning, leave behind the comfort of your home, drive to this location, and then take your seat in this gathering hall?  Seriously?  What motivated you to do that?  Don’t start shouting out your answers, but know that in just a few minutes I am going to ask you share your answer with someone sitting close by.

Today’s Gospel lesson is actually the second half of a larger section in which Jesus starts to call his disciples.  I apologize to the students in Tuesday’s bible study for not noting the repetition between John 1:45-51 and John 1:35-42.  The critical phrase (or least the critical phase for the purposes of this sermon) occurs in both sections.

Let’s look at this first chapter of John’s Gospel. 

If you were in worship last Sunday, in a congregation following the Revised Common Lectionary, you heard Mark’s version of Jesus’ baptism.  You will note that in the Gospel of John there are hints, but no actual recording of Jesus ever being baptized.  There is a testimony from John that he saw the Spirit descend and remain on Jesus – but no pouring of water.  In Pastor Hartsell’s sermon last week he asked, “Why was Jesus baptized?”  Perhaps the writer of John knew this would be perplexing and thus does not speak of such things. 

But, you were asked those questions last Sunday, and have, no doubt, by now, come to a good and lasting conclusion, so let’s move on.  It is in Jesus’ encounter with John and John’s disciples that Jesus begins to acquire a few disciples of his own.  In fact, the first two follow Jesus because John shares with them his vision of who Jesus is. 

Verse 36.  John says “Look, here is the Lamb of God!”  One of the two who heard him say this was Andrew.  Andrew goes and gets his brother, Simon, whom Jesus right away renames Cephas (which is translated as Peter).

When the two disciples approach Jesus, he asks them what they are looking for.  They don’t actually respond, at least not in a style that makes sense to us.  Perhaps their reply, “Teacher, where are you staying?”  may have been an idiom for what was he teaching or what he believes.  But their response does not ask for an explanation of his doctrine nor an indication of his authority.

“What are you looking for?”  “Where are you staying?” then comes an even more interesting response.  It is now Jesus’ turn to speak – and he tells them, “Come and see.”

That is the critical verse – critical at least for today’s sermon.  “Come and see.”

That same verse is repeated in today’s section of John 1. This time it is spoken by Philip.  Things are moving fast.  Jesus has left the banks of the River Jordan and is now in the region of Galilee.  We probably ought to assume that Andrew and Peter are with him.  The next person to him Jesus issues an invitation is Philip, who is described as being from the same city as Andrew and Peter.   

Philip seems to rather rapidly become a follower, because he right away goes and finds Nathanael.  He tells Nathanael, “We have found him about whom Moses and the law and also the prophets wrote.”  Pretty strong statement for someone whom he only just met, wouldn’t you say?  Nathanael (naturally) expresses some skepticism.  Philip’s response is not a theological treatise nor some credo but a simple invitation – “Come and see.” 

“Come and see.” 

There must have been some magic in that invitation to come and see.  There must have been something to look at, once Andrew followed Jesus to where he was staying and once Nathanael returned with Philip to the place where Jesus was waiting.

Come and see.  A rather simple invitation.  A clear cut expectation as to what it will take to transform the life of another.  Come and see.

Would it be possible for you to issue a similar invitation?  Is there something sufficiently powerful to which you could point?

I what to propose that the answer to these last questions is the same answer as the answer to my first question this morning.  That you are sufficiently motivated and that it is possible for you to issue a similar invitation.  The invitation and the motivation is the reason you left your home this morning, traveled to this assembly hall, and took your seat. 

So now is the time I want you to say out loud what all too often remains unspoken.  Turn to someone near you – always look around to see if there is someone without a conversation partner – it might be easier to talk to someone who is not your housemate.  Tell them, what motivated you to come here today?  What is so darn exciting about being in this place that you would “come and see”?

Allow pairs sufficient time to talk.

I know that some of you don’t like it when I ask you to talk to each other.  I never used to like it either, till Bishop Hanson explained why he so often does it.  “Too many folks in the Church are talked AT, and not enough are TALKING.” he said.  The Church will continue to decline, he said, until more of us are talking – talking about the amazing, wonderful, exciting, noteworthy things that God is doing in our lives.  We don’t need more folks spouting sophisticated theological treatises; we don’t need loud proclamations of credo; we need neighbors who share with neighbor what it is they find in the Church.

Jesus invites his first disciples to “Come and see.”  Those first disciples invite others with the same words.  What they shared was their version of what you have just shared with one another.  Nothing more; but certainly nothing less.

Whenever someone does share with me why they come to LCM, or why they come to worship on Sunday mornings, it is ALWAYS an inspiring, awe producing exchange.  Even the apologetic response, which usually goes something along the lines of - “I don’t know.  There just seems to be something right about it.” makes me aware of the passive way in which the community welcomes us and allows us to feel at home and at ease.

Whenever someone shares with me, it is ALWAYS an inspiring, awe producing exchange.  My heartbreak is that such sharing does not happen often enough.  I don’t ask….  I don’t give opportunity….  The other person doesn’t want to be put on the spot…..  take your pick.  The result is too few invitations to simply “Come and see.”

Let’s change that.  Let’s turn it around.  Let’s become more confident in our reasons for being a part of the Community of Christ and above all let’s stop worrying that we need to be able to answer every question or respond to every query.  All we need do is speak of that which we have seen/experienced and have confidence that it is enough. 

“Come and see.”  It was enough for Jesus.  It brought Nathanael into the fold.  Surely it is enough for those whom we encounter.

Amen.

Devotion - Thursday, January 15

Mark 2 contains a story that intrigues me.  It is the story of the paralytic man who is carried to Jesus by his friends.  When they can't get into the house to see Jesus, they go up on the roof, remove the ceiling tiles, and lower the man on his bed in front of Jesus.

The text says that when Jesus "saw their faith," he forgives the man's sins.  It isn't just the faith of the man that is referred to here - it is also the faith of those who bring him to the place where Jesus can see him.

I wrote yesterday about seeing.  Here is another instance.  "Come and see" ought to be the mantra of the Jesus community.

Seeing comes again, at the end of the story.  The people are amazed, they are impressed, they are moved to belief.  The concluding phrase of verse 12 reads, "We never saw anything like this!"

It is an amazing thing to see.  It is a sight worthy of sharing.  It is a vision full of wonder.

To watch as God's children welcome one another and laugh together and reveal the joy which is ours.

Devotion - Wednesday, January 14

We left Bible Study last night with a challenge:  In your life, what is exciting enough about being a Christian that you would invite another to "Come and see," and thus (perhaps) consider also becoming a follower of Jesus?

The Gospel lesson for the coming Sunday is the call of the Disciples.  Upon announcing "We have found Messiah," Phillip doesn't give a biblical proof of his confession.  He doesn't set forth a persuasive argument for Jesus as the One sent by God.  He merely says to Nathaniel, "Come and see."

He both shares his excitement, and invites another to receive what he has received.

Evangelism is not (we agreed last night) rescuing folks.  It is sharing with them the joy, the assurances, the confidence which comes by way of the community rooted in Jesus' name.  We invite others to come and see what God has done and is doing in our midst and in our lives.

So, there is the challenge.  Reflecting and then articulating what it is about being a follower of Jesus that makes it so important to us - us individually.  Then, being prepared to share with others a simple invitation to "come and see" this thing, without worrying that we will automatically be asked to explain everything there is to know or confess.

What brought you/what continues to bring you to the community of Jesus' followers?  Isn't that thing worth sharing with those around you?

Devotion - Tuesday, January 13

Isaiah 40 offers a comforting image of what life is like for those who set their hearts on God.  The oracle acknowledges that one can easily become overtaxed.  "Even youths shall faint and be weary, and the young shall fall exhausted."  Perhaps you have found yourself experiencing this.  Maybe you feel as if there is no strength to go on.

The pastoral conversations I share often reveal a concern of fainting and falling before the goal is reached.  Sometimes the exhaustion is associated with understanding what the end goal is or ought to be.

The beauty of Isaiah 40 is the assurance that while even the young and strong may have difficulties, "but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

That is a lofty image and we may not feel as if it has occurred in our lives.  But the words of Isaiah are more than a lofty image, they are a promise.  They are an assurance.

One of the ways I experience this in my life is the ability to do my best and then not worry about the results.  When I act, not to achieve a particular end, but to be in service to God, I don't need to worry about the outcome.  I can leave that God.  I have done my part.  This does not mean that I fail to circle back and evaluate and try again.  But it does mean that I am set free from an endless spiral of self-questioning.

Life is tough.  And many do grow weary and faint.  Our strength is renewed, by our devotion to God.  We mount up, as on eagles wings.

Devotion - Monday, Jauary 12

Yesterday was the Feast Day of the Baptism of our Lord.  I didn't get to preach - so I need to express what is on my  mind and in my heart.....

Christians have been baptizing new family members from the very start of the establishment of "The Way."  In his parting instructions to the disciples, Jesus told them to "Go and baptize."

Baptism is the rite by which Christians are welcomed into the family; it is the service through which we acknowledge the new life given to God's children; it is the sacrament in which we see the love and grace of God poured upon us.

As a child (and still in most of modern Christian Churches) baptism is seen as absolutely essential.  There was always a statement of grace for those who were unable to receive this ritual, but there was no doubt that to be a Christian meant being baptized. 

I am not so sure the contemporary Church (or at least the part of it that I inhabit) would want to say that unless you are baptized, you are damned.  Some (myself among them) have begun to speak of the rite as the opportunity to make real what we have been told.  It is a tactual way experience how God views us.

This is not, in my way of thinking, a lessing of the significance or importance of baptism.  I would encourage baptism if the ONLY reason for baptizing was that is has been the practice of the Christian community from its early origins.  Being baptized links me with all those who have gone before and all those who will come after me. 

But it is a gift - not a requirement.  It is an invitation - not hoop to jump through.

Every Christian needs to understand baptism.  Every Christian needs to have an awareness of how baptism has affected them.  This Feast Day is the perfect opportunity to reflect and arrive at your own understanding.

Devotion - Thursday, January 8

In John 4:46-54 Jesus returns to Cana.  It was here that he changed the water into wine during a wedding feast.  Once there, he is met by an official whose son is ill.  The man asks Jesus to heal his son.

Jesus will do this.  But first he addresses the issue of demanding "signs."  He says, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe."

I am stumped every time I come across that verse.  It leads me to reconsider my own belief.  There is an accusation there that unsettles me.  It is true that we are only able to believe when we have seen the miraculous?  If that is so, then it is little wonder that so many have not come to believe.

I don't know if it proves the existence of God, or brings me to the point of believing, but the thing which keeps me reading my bible and dwelling among the followers of Jesus is my experience of the community which bears his name.  It probably has a lot to do with the love of which I wrote yesterday.  The persons who assemble under the banner of Jesus are compassionate and caring; they are giving and serving.  They are the kind of people I want to be.

Perhaps it is a "sign," the way in which they go about their lives.  Maybe there is no greater wonder than a life that is focused on something other than my own advancement. 

Devotion - Wednesday, January 7

This morning's readings include the section of Revelation addressed to the church in Ephesus (Rev 2:1-7).  The writer commends the church there for its endurance and its attention to clarity of teaching.  But, they seem to have "abandoned the love you had at first."

We don't know, for sure, what is meant by this.  Did they cease to love each other?  Was there turmoil or dissension within the community?  Or might the issue have been an abandonment of that which marked the community of Jesus from the beginning?  Of the earliest Christians it was repeatedly observed how they cared for (loved) the orphaned and widowed.

At the Leadership Retreat we spent considerable time talking about service.  I was very energized by this discussion.  Any community which bears the name of Jesus must be a community of service.  Following Jesus leads us on a path in which taking notice of the forgotten and discarded becomes a daily ritual.  How do we make sure that the love by which the Christian community was first known has not been abandoned by our expression of that community?

You begin a new semester today.  You will be working out your schedules and setting patterns for your weeks.  Where, among the things important enough or essential enough to your life, are times dedicated to showing the love of Jesus?  Can you (or will you) use that two hour block of time on Thursday to assist the folks at Clemson Community Care in preparing food baskets for neighbors in need?  Can you (or will you) complete the training and agree to sleep a night in the Family Promise shelter for homeless families?

There was in ancient Ephesus a goddess of love.  But her status emphasized love in the erotic sense, not brotherly love.  How quickly our world has tricked us into thinking that true love is the love shown in romance novels.  How disturbing that our first thoughts of love are not thoughts of God's love for us or the love that God hopes we will have for those around us.

It is a new semester.  Look at your schedules.  Read Revelation 2:1-7.  And ask yourself what a contemporary writer might say about us.