The appointed Lectionary has us reading from Deuteronomy and from I Peter. I am not sure that the parallel is intended, but it struck me to read from these two books on the same day.
The section from Deuteronomy is Chapter 5. We find repeats of some laws given in Exodus, here they are expounded upon.
From I Peter, I read Chapter 3:8-12. Understanding the New Testament as the clarification of how it is that God wanted His people to see him and interact with him, I am struck by the way in which the writer starts this section. In lifting up guides for our lives he starts by saying, "Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind."
When discussions are had as to what it means to be a Christian, what is required of a Christian, what God expects of Christians, I wish this were the list talked about. I think it is a much better approach at how it is that Christ instructed his followers to live. I think it is a sharper understanding of the new life Christ desires for us. Unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind - these are gifts of God which make possible the community which bears the name of Christ.
May God bless you with these attributes; may God bless you with a community in which these traits are the guiding principals; may God help all of us develop these habits in our lives.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Devotions - Monday, April 28
In Genesis 9:8-17 we read of God's covenant with us, after the flood. God promises to never again allow the flood waters to destroy the earth. As a sign of this covenant, God places the rainbow in the sky. God says, "When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh."
God sets up a "reminder" of what he has promised. God establishes a marker which will remind him of what he has said he will do.
As a child, I remember hearing this story. As a result, when I saw a rainbow, it comforted me. It was an indication to me that I was safe from the kind of destruction described in Genesis 7 & 8. I looked upon the rainbow as a thing set there to comfort me. But that isn't what the text says. It says that the rainbow is a reminder for God.
I think we could learn something from God.
We make promises. We make many promises. Some promises are short lived; others are to last for the rest of our lives. Sometimes, we forget our promises. Sometimes we fail to remember, at the critical point in time, what we have said we will do. Might we consider establishing a marker, a reminder, of our promise?
This might take any number of forms. It might be a ribbon we tie on the radio antenna of our car. It might be a ring or pen attached to our clothing. In other instances it might be a note card, kept were we will see it -or- given to the person we have promised.
Promises are very important. Particularly promises made to those most intimately connected to our lives. Remembering the promises we have made may serve as a guide when we find ourselves engaged in difficult encounters. The marker/reminder we establish could help us to remember our guiding intentions, even when the immediate situation at hand might cause us to ignore the promises we have made.
Outside my window, it is raining pretty hard right now. It may be cloudy all day and no rainbow will appear. I will be looking for one, however, and be reminded of the promises I have made. I will use God's method in order to find ways to remind myself of the promises I have made.
God sets up a "reminder" of what he has promised. God establishes a marker which will remind him of what he has said he will do.
As a child, I remember hearing this story. As a result, when I saw a rainbow, it comforted me. It was an indication to me that I was safe from the kind of destruction described in Genesis 7 & 8. I looked upon the rainbow as a thing set there to comfort me. But that isn't what the text says. It says that the rainbow is a reminder for God.
I think we could learn something from God.
We make promises. We make many promises. Some promises are short lived; others are to last for the rest of our lives. Sometimes, we forget our promises. Sometimes we fail to remember, at the critical point in time, what we have said we will do. Might we consider establishing a marker, a reminder, of our promise?
This might take any number of forms. It might be a ribbon we tie on the radio antenna of our car. It might be a ring or pen attached to our clothing. In other instances it might be a note card, kept were we will see it -or- given to the person we have promised.
Promises are very important. Particularly promises made to those most intimately connected to our lives. Remembering the promises we have made may serve as a guide when we find ourselves engaged in difficult encounters. The marker/reminder we establish could help us to remember our guiding intentions, even when the immediate situation at hand might cause us to ignore the promises we have made.
Outside my window, it is raining pretty hard right now. It may be cloudy all day and no rainbow will appear. I will be looking for one, however, and be reminded of the promises I have made. I will use God's method in order to find ways to remind myself of the promises I have made.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sermon - April 27, 2008
6th Sunday of Easter - Year A
Acts 17:22-31 & John 14:15-21
Speaking of the "unknown god"
Paul stood in front of the Areopagus... The next time someone asks me what campus ministry is all about, I think I will pull out this reading from Acts 17. This chapter's imagery - as well as its content - captures what it means to speak the Word of the Church amid a pluralistic and segmented society.
Paul stood in front of the Areopagus... The words themselves conjure up images of Greek architecture and learned old men; of deep thoughts and meaningful conversation.
Paul stood in front of the Areopagus... Here we have a wonderful statement of the work of the Church - a perfect lead-in to discuss the contrast between presumed importance and that which really matters; to address the distinction between that which is valued and that which is truly valuable.
Paul is in the city of Athens (that's the ancient Greek city of Athens, not the one with a cute little bulldog and sometimes surprisingly good football team.) But ancient Athens, by the time Paul got there, had lost much of its former glory. While it was once the seat of great schools and the home of wonderful philosophers, in the first century of the modern era Athens had no real political significance and commercially it was outshone by Corinth. It is living off of its legends. And its legend is substantial. Aristotle, Epicurus, Plato, Socrates - their lives had touched this city leaving behind a legacy of prominence sufficient to sustain the city for many generations to come. Regardless of its current political or economic status, Athens was still a place of importance.
The text informs us that Paul is making his impassioned speech in front of the Areopagus. This would be the Athenian equivalent of a house of lords. This was the gathering of the elder statesmen of this city-state. Here, were the venerated leaders who had completed their elected term as archons (ar-chons.) They spent their days entertaining new thoughts and philosophies. Paul had been invited to speak because some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers had heard him in the agora (marketplace.) They had wanted to know about this teaching of his - these proclamations of foreign divinities, as they referred to them. Verses just before those read for us this morning note that Paul had been telling the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.
It was a favored pastime of the Athenians to tell and hear something new. So they invited Paul to come and tell them more about this new teaching.
I promise not to do a word-by-word analysis of Paul's entire address, but one of the first words he speaks is of tremendous importance. Look at it if you will. Paul begins his address, "Athenians, I see how extremely RELIGIOUS" [this is the critical word] "how extremely RELIGIOUS you are." The Greek word has a double meaning. It can be interpreted "religious" or "devout," a word of compliment; or it could refer to one who is "superstitious," which would be somewhat of an insult. Paul would no doubt look upon Athens as a hotbed of superstition, but would not have wanted to antagonize his hearers at the outset. So he carefully selects a word which allows them to feel good about themselves while also planting a seed for where he wants this speech to go.
Paul communicates a deep and abiding respect for the knowledge of his hosts. He is well aware of the advances which have been possible as a result of their study and dedication to their disciplines. Paul does not enter their midst and insult them by dismissing the importance of that which they have made their life's work. He stands in their midst and speaks kindly of the work with they have accomplished. He honors their disciplines. But, he calls into question the ability of their philosophies to finally provide the key to understanding life and our role in the cosmos. That wisdom, he says, is to be found somewhere else.
Paul makes use of a sight he has seen in their city. He reports that while walking around Athens he had located an altar with the inscription, 'To an unknown god.' Paul tells them that this god which is unknown to them is the God who has revealed himself in Jesus.
The Athenians' fascination with new ideas and teachings proves to be fertile soil in which Paul can plant the seeds of fresh discovery. He wants to help them to see this altar to an unknown god as an expression of the desire to know the true God, the God whom they had been unable to capture in their statues of gold, silver or stone; the God whom they had been unable to identify in their elaborate philosophies.
"What therefore you worship as unknown," Paul tells this assembly of venerated elders, "This I proclaim to you."
Paul's being invited to speak to the Areopagus probably had something to do with comments he had made while in the agora. Even here he uses a few phrases which are right in line with the philosophies of his hosts. Those who invited him may have done so as a way of further their own philosophical arguments. He speaks of God as one who is not served by human hands, a point of contact with his Epicurean listeners who stressed God's self-sufficiency. His next words describing God as the author of life and breath and all things would have met with the approval of the Stoics in the crowd. Paul is allowing them to see the good aspects of their world-view. He is complimentary of their attempts to understand what life is all about. But, he goes on so as to allow them to see that in Jesus the unknown god whom they seek has become knowable.
Paul is sharing he same conviction written by John in our Gospel lesson for today: "You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you."
In the end, this is the undoing of the Areopagus' willingness to listen to Paul. Our reading for today ends with verse 31; verse 32 reads: When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed; but others said, "We will hear you again about this." At that point Paul left them.
Paul had exposed the limits of where their thoughts and theories could take them. Paul had addressed the opportunities available just beyond the borders of where their reasoning could go. Paul points out the foundations shared by their beliefs and his word about Jesus. And then Paul invites them to embrace the opportunity to know that which till now has been for them an unknown god.
Stoics and Epicureans are rather difficult to come by in our day and time, but there are others systems of belief with have taken their place. Self-sufficiency is probably more of an issue for us than for any society which has gone before. There remain many who find their gods in items fashioned out of gold or silver or stone. Maybe now-a-days the material of choice is silicon. I am grateful for all the advances which have been made by dedication to lofty ideals and great aspirations. But with Paul we need to affirm that these pseudo gods have their limits. Christ is the God, unknown by far too many, who holds the package together.
Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, "...I see how extremely religious you are in every way." What would Paul say to us? Are we religious (as in devout) or merely superstitious? Do we come before God, at this altar to express our thanks and offer our praise for the One in whom we are placing our final confidence? Or, do we come because we fear the consequences of not coming? Is our offering an offering of ourselves to God? Or, is it a tax, paid so as assure us a place in the sweet-by-and-by?
Presumed importance remains on the side of gadgets and devices which make our lives more comfortable. Valuable are those who can organize and structure our interactions so as to result in the greatest good for the greatest number of people. And yet, Paul's words claim there is but one thing which is important. His presentation to the Areopagus states that the Word of God is the thing of greatest value.
Amen.Post Options
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Devotions - Thursday, April 24
The appointed readings for this morning included a passage from Genesis 6. This is the beginning of the stories of Noah and the flood. As with yesterday's reading, I was struck with one particular word.
In describing God's frustration with the creation, the description says that "the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence." (verse 11) Again (in verse 13) God says "the earth is filled with violence because of them." God realizes that the violence brought onto the earth because of humanity has soured His hopes for the creation.
Religious types have their favorite topics. There are issues deemed "essential" to the Christian witness. Where, on such lists, is violence found? Do we lift our voice against this?
Part of our reluctance may be the realization that violence is both personal and systemic. There is the personal violence done by one person to another; and there is the systemic violence, done by us as a society. We know, deep in our hearts, that personal violence and systemic violence are linked - that we can't condemn one without looking at the other.
The reason God chooses to act (according to Genesis 6) is the violence that "flesh" has brought upon the earth. It pains me to image how God must feel about the violence He sees when he looks at the earth today.
I don't know how to put an end to all the violence. I believe we start by acknowledging that it grieves God to see all this; we gain a foothold by realizing that the Bible's greatest act of retribution comes on the hills of God's desire that violence be eliminated from the earth. Maybe such awareness will allow strategies for response to emerge.
In describing God's frustration with the creation, the description says that "the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence." (verse 11) Again (in verse 13) God says "the earth is filled with violence because of them." God realizes that the violence brought onto the earth because of humanity has soured His hopes for the creation.
Religious types have their favorite topics. There are issues deemed "essential" to the Christian witness. Where, on such lists, is violence found? Do we lift our voice against this?
Part of our reluctance may be the realization that violence is both personal and systemic. There is the personal violence done by one person to another; and there is the systemic violence, done by us as a society. We know, deep in our hearts, that personal violence and systemic violence are linked - that we can't condemn one without looking at the other.
The reason God chooses to act (according to Genesis 6) is the violence that "flesh" has brought upon the earth. It pains me to image how God must feel about the violence He sees when he looks at the earth today.
I don't know how to put an end to all the violence. I believe we start by acknowledging that it grieves God to see all this; we gain a foothold by realizing that the Bible's greatest act of retribution comes on the hills of God's desire that violence be eliminated from the earth. Maybe such awareness will allow strategies for response to emerge.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Devotions - Wednesday, April 23
In John 8:31 Jesus says, "You will know the truth and the truth will make you free."
One must always be careful not to too quickly jump on particular words in an English translation of the Bible. It is best to consult the Greek - and I need to acknowledge that my Greek isn't strong enough to know what word is translated into English as "free." Having said that, I do want to lift up Jesus' choice of a word to express what it is that he does for us. He makes us free.
We might be, in our "heaven is my home" mindset, tempted to say that he means we are "free from our fear of death." We might quickly assume that he is referring to the freedom we have over our graves. He might be.
Or he might be expressing something grander than the events likely to follow the cessation of blood flowing through our veins. He might be telling us that his presence and his Word brings the liberty we need to live life now. His promise to us is that we are not bound, not bound by death or anything else which would hold us captive.
I was in a conversation yesterday with a student. We were discussing how often Christianity and Church become the haven for those seeking to abide by a code of conduct demanding enough to merit eternal rewards. I was encouraging Church participation as a way of making friends and finding mentors. "But that seems selfish to me." was the reply. "They aren't going to like it if I show up and say, 'I'm here because if don't want to be alone.'"
I think this is exactly what Jesus would have us do. I believe that for Jesus eternal relationships are the bonus we discover at the end of a life lived happily among those who have been set free. I believe that Jesus was concerned, not simply with our eternal life but with our life now. I believe Jesus meant it when he said that what he brings us is freedom. He wants us to be free. Free to love and to be loved. Free to do and to say. Free to see ourselves as the lovable children we are - in the eyes of God. The Church of Jesus Christ is the Church which makes it possible for us to live our lives free.
One must always be careful not to too quickly jump on particular words in an English translation of the Bible. It is best to consult the Greek - and I need to acknowledge that my Greek isn't strong enough to know what word is translated into English as "free." Having said that, I do want to lift up Jesus' choice of a word to express what it is that he does for us. He makes us free.
We might be, in our "heaven is my home" mindset, tempted to say that he means we are "free from our fear of death." We might quickly assume that he is referring to the freedom we have over our graves. He might be.
Or he might be expressing something grander than the events likely to follow the cessation of blood flowing through our veins. He might be telling us that his presence and his Word brings the liberty we need to live life now. His promise to us is that we are not bound, not bound by death or anything else which would hold us captive.
I was in a conversation yesterday with a student. We were discussing how often Christianity and Church become the haven for those seeking to abide by a code of conduct demanding enough to merit eternal rewards. I was encouraging Church participation as a way of making friends and finding mentors. "But that seems selfish to me." was the reply. "They aren't going to like it if I show up and say, 'I'm here because if don't want to be alone.'"
I think this is exactly what Jesus would have us do. I believe that for Jesus eternal relationships are the bonus we discover at the end of a life lived happily among those who have been set free. I believe that Jesus was concerned, not simply with our eternal life but with our life now. I believe Jesus meant it when he said that what he brings us is freedom. He wants us to be free. Free to love and to be loved. Free to do and to say. Free to see ourselves as the lovable children we are - in the eyes of God. The Church of Jesus Christ is the Church which makes it possible for us to live our lives free.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Devotions - Tuesday, April 22
Having read, on Sunday, the story of the stoning of Stephen, the lectionary this week has been recounting the events leading up to that execution. This morning I was reading part of Stephen's sermon, the sermon which enraged the religious leaders. He speaks of all the wonderful things that God has done. He speaks of God's care and God's grace. He speaks of God's love.
This message, as gentle as it sounds, leads to conclusions which many are not willing to embrace. It leads to a Messiah willing to die rather than see anyone left outside. It leads to a way in which power is forsaken and those of low degree become the honored guests. It tears at everything held precious in "the world."
And "the world" cannot tolerate the voice which calls for change.
So much of contemporary Christianity is devoted to maintaining. The Church is erroneously liked to attempts to maintain social institutions. The Church is a bastion for ensuring that things will remain as they have always been. The Church which bears the name of Jesus would be true to its name when it is that collection of persons insisting that the poor be seen and acknowledged. The Church is true to its name when it insists that justice be our prime concern and that equality be the norm.
Stephen spoke to the crowd of God's way of doing things. And he was put to death. Inspired by his martyrdom, others took up the message and proclaimed the Good News. The Way survived because there were not a few isolated persons who understood the heart of Jesus' message. Jesus' Word will survive our day by the same path - when it is known and lived by all those who accept his call and join in the procession of followers.
Pastor Chris
This message, as gentle as it sounds, leads to conclusions which many are not willing to embrace. It leads to a Messiah willing to die rather than see anyone left outside. It leads to a way in which power is forsaken and those of low degree become the honored guests. It tears at everything held precious in "the world."
And "the world" cannot tolerate the voice which calls for change.
So much of contemporary Christianity is devoted to maintaining. The Church is erroneously liked to attempts to maintain social institutions. The Church is a bastion for ensuring that things will remain as they have always been. The Church which bears the name of Jesus would be true to its name when it is that collection of persons insisting that the poor be seen and acknowledged. The Church is true to its name when it insists that justice be our prime concern and that equality be the norm.
Stephen spoke to the crowd of God's way of doing things. And he was put to death. Inspired by his martyrdom, others took up the message and proclaimed the Good News. The Way survived because there were not a few isolated persons who understood the heart of Jesus' message. Jesus' Word will survive our day by the same path - when it is known and lived by all those who accept his call and join in the procession of followers.
Pastor Chris
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Devotions - Thursday, April 17
My friend and colleague at VA Tech had shared with us that what he worried most about the first anniversary of the outbreak of violence there was the media attention. He remembered that last year some of the strongest expressions of emotion were toward those who were interviewing every student who walked across campus. "It is hard to grieve in the public eye," he said.
I intentionally did not write about the incident yesterday. Today, I thought it might be appropriate.
As people of faith, we must lift our voices to God out of care and concern for all those who lost their lives, for all those whose lives were forever altered because of that day in Blacksburg. What happened there is opposed to what God intends for His creation.
As persons united in a community of faith, we need to pause and understand that community can do much to prevent that kind of an outbreak. It is in community that our horrific fears are set aside. It is in community that we learn to respect each individual as a valued member. It is in community that we consult with others when interactions turn sour or painful. Communities of faith do much more than make choirs sound full, communities of faith provide opportunities for God to instruct us on living together.
Our LSM Group has a lot of fun when we are together. We also spend considerable time in prayer and bible study. But, let us hope, it also provides that place where we can learn life together. It is that opportunity to explore the wonders and mysteries of life on planet earth, arriving at answers and/or solutions to that which reduces us and/or our life together.
Pastor Chris
I intentionally did not write about the incident yesterday. Today, I thought it might be appropriate.
As people of faith, we must lift our voices to God out of care and concern for all those who lost their lives, for all those whose lives were forever altered because of that day in Blacksburg. What happened there is opposed to what God intends for His creation.
As persons united in a community of faith, we need to pause and understand that community can do much to prevent that kind of an outbreak. It is in community that our horrific fears are set aside. It is in community that we learn to respect each individual as a valued member. It is in community that we consult with others when interactions turn sour or painful. Communities of faith do much more than make choirs sound full, communities of faith provide opportunities for God to instruct us on living together.
Our LSM Group has a lot of fun when we are together. We also spend considerable time in prayer and bible study. But, let us hope, it also provides that place where we can learn life together. It is that opportunity to explore the wonders and mysteries of life on planet earth, arriving at answers and/or solutions to that which reduces us and/or our life together.
Pastor Chris
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