Yesterday’s SCS Class and today’s appointed Bible reading have a touch point in my mind which I hope I can communicate to you.
In our LCM SCS Class, we are reading Rob Bell’s Velvet Elvis. The chapter covered yesterday is captured in Bell’s Nooma video, Disciple. Bell speaks of a disciple as one who seeks to do what the Rabbi does. Not merely know what the Rabbi knows, but do what the Rabbi does. This is why Peter, Jesus’ disciple, asks his Rabbi to bid him come out on the water. Peter sees his Rabbi walking on the water and he is so committed to his Rabbi that he asks that he might do what his Rabbi is doing.
Bell’s chapter in the book lifts up those of us who are Jesus’ disciples and it reminds us that Jesus has called us to be disciples. Jesus calls us because Jesus believes we are capable of doing what it is that he does.
In today’s reading, from I Peter 1, I read these words: “May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” Here is Peter, disciple of Jesus, speaking to the followers of Jesus scattered across the world. He speaks of the multiplication of grace and peace.
Grace and peace are God’s gift for us. Disciples do not create grace nor peace, but we can speak of them, and see that they are multiplied.
I sometimes think that we shy away from doing what our Rabbi does because we link his work with information. We don’t know “the answer” so we remain silent. The gifts of Christ, the work which he came to do, was to bring grace and peace. We don’t need the right answer to multiply the availability of these marvelous gifts.
Some folks might be convinced (by way of “right answers”) that Jesus is Lord, but most will come to that realization as a result of being overcome with God’s grace and by experiencing God’s peace. Doing what our Rabbi does means carrying grace and peace to those in need of these gifts of God.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Devotion - Thursday, November 19
One of the issues in reading Revelation is the situation in life of the reader. John wrote while in prison, on an island used as a penal colony. He had been stripped of his honor; he had been removed from his family – and more importantly from his community of faith. His world had been destroyed and was easy for him to feel distraught.
Contrast that to our situation. Even taking into consideration the recent economic downturn, we are far from destitute. The simple fact that you have an email account and a computer with which to log in means that you are in a privileged economic class. I may have a few international readers, but most of us live very secure in knowing that we have tremendous individual liberties and countless laws protecting our right to assemble and worship as we please.
Perspective changes how we read.
This morning I was reading Revelation 5:11-6:11. The four horsemen are unleashed as the seals are broken. Conquest, war, injustice, and death rain down upon the earth. Surely it is time for God to act. But at the breaking of the fifth seal, the martyrs are revealed, under the altar. They cry out, but are told to “rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren should be complete.”
We might read this and think it is over. John wrote with an attitude that no amount of suffering could interrupt the hope and purposes of God.
Those who are privileged are rightly upset in reading Revelation. It contains promises that God will (as stated in Mary’s song, sung at the conception of her son) lift the lowly and bring down the haughty. Those experiencing persecution read Revelation and hear its message of things being made right. Those who have allowed earthly possessions to take on great importance in their lives experience differing emotions as they read of John’s revelation.
Contrast that to our situation. Even taking into consideration the recent economic downturn, we are far from destitute. The simple fact that you have an email account and a computer with which to log in means that you are in a privileged economic class. I may have a few international readers, but most of us live very secure in knowing that we have tremendous individual liberties and countless laws protecting our right to assemble and worship as we please.
Perspective changes how we read.
This morning I was reading Revelation 5:11-6:11. The four horsemen are unleashed as the seals are broken. Conquest, war, injustice, and death rain down upon the earth. Surely it is time for God to act. But at the breaking of the fifth seal, the martyrs are revealed, under the altar. They cry out, but are told to “rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren should be complete.”
We might read this and think it is over. John wrote with an attitude that no amount of suffering could interrupt the hope and purposes of God.
Those who are privileged are rightly upset in reading Revelation. It contains promises that God will (as stated in Mary’s song, sung at the conception of her son) lift the lowly and bring down the haughty. Those experiencing persecution read Revelation and hear its message of things being made right. Those who have allowed earthly possessions to take on great importance in their lives experience differing emotions as they read of John’s revelation.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Devotion - Wednesday, Nov 18
As the lectionary continues to move through Revelation, this morning’s reading from Matthew 13:10-17 addresses one of the difficulties we often have with that last book of the Bible.
In Matthew, the disciples ask Jesus, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” Jesus tells them, “To you in has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” Lest this seem like favoritism (i.e. that God wants some to understand and others not to do so,) Jesus goes on to say, “seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear.” Becoming blind and deaf to God’s voice means that understanding cannot occur.
The symbols and images of Revelation were not meant to create an insider circle and an outsider circle. They were not intended to exclude. However, they are codes. And those codes were not (are not) immediately available to everyone.
Some of the code is purely cultural. There are icons for every culture, not fully understood or appreciated by another. I recall my first trip into Mexico and all of the ornaments associated with The Day of the Dead. I needed an interpretation to something that was completely understood by the school age children walking the streets. Other parts of the code are intentional. When John writes his Revelation, there is the very real threat to those who are followers of Jesus. If his writing openly defies the civil authorities, those in possession of the writings could be labeled subversive. He writes to those who have previously opened their eyes and their ears to see and hear God.
I want to suggest a third reason for the codes and hidden messages of Revelation. John, like Jesus in Matthew 13, is frustrated that not everyone can see the work of God and the hand of God. John writes of things which are so apparent to him, but which seem to be undetected by those around him. “How can this be?” Perhaps because others see but do not see; hear, but do not hear.
Listening with the ears of God and seeing with the eyes of God the world looks and sounds different. Being open to what God is doing means we will see the hand of God in everything around us. Others will look at the same thing, and not see.
There is no “secret code” that needs to be broken; there is simply a change of heart which is necessary. Once that transition occurs, we see and hear as we have never seen or heard before.
In Matthew, the disciples ask Jesus, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” Jesus tells them, “To you in has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” Lest this seem like favoritism (i.e. that God wants some to understand and others not to do so,) Jesus goes on to say, “seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear.” Becoming blind and deaf to God’s voice means that understanding cannot occur.
The symbols and images of Revelation were not meant to create an insider circle and an outsider circle. They were not intended to exclude. However, they are codes. And those codes were not (are not) immediately available to everyone.
Some of the code is purely cultural. There are icons for every culture, not fully understood or appreciated by another. I recall my first trip into Mexico and all of the ornaments associated with The Day of the Dead. I needed an interpretation to something that was completely understood by the school age children walking the streets. Other parts of the code are intentional. When John writes his Revelation, there is the very real threat to those who are followers of Jesus. If his writing openly defies the civil authorities, those in possession of the writings could be labeled subversive. He writes to those who have previously opened their eyes and their ears to see and hear God.
I want to suggest a third reason for the codes and hidden messages of Revelation. John, like Jesus in Matthew 13, is frustrated that not everyone can see the work of God and the hand of God. John writes of things which are so apparent to him, but which seem to be undetected by those around him. “How can this be?” Perhaps because others see but do not see; hear, but do not hear.
Listening with the ears of God and seeing with the eyes of God the world looks and sounds different. Being open to what God is doing means we will see the hand of God in everything around us. Others will look at the same thing, and not see.
There is no “secret code” that needs to be broken; there is simply a change of heart which is necessary. Once that transition occurs, we see and hear as we have never seen or heard before.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Devotion - Tuesday, November 17
In the 4th chapter of Revelation, John describes a scene. He sees a central throne, with one seated there. “He who sat there appeared like jasper and carnelian, and round the throne was a rainbow that looked like emerald.”
Around this central throne were twenty-four additional thrones. Seated on these were “twenty-four elders, clad in white garments, with golden crowns upon their heads.”
This is a splendid view, and the description is often used by those wishing to say something about heaven.
What interests me about the scene in chapter 4 is what is happening. There are all the fine jewels and crowns, but the action is the praise of God. “And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing.”
Some would want to depict heaven as more of the best of what we enjoy here. Some might speak of heaven as a place where we enjoy comforts denied us in our earthly life. This scene from Revelation 4 would suggest that heaven is an opportunity to continually worship God.
Perhaps we don’t need to wait, in order to be transported into heaven. Maybe, we can begin to live there now. Is not the opportunity to praise God an experience of heaven? Might it become such in our lives?
I am not suggesting that we spend 24/7 reciting the prayers in the ELW, or singing every one of the hymns in our praise and worship folder. Continually praising God can take the form of living life intentionally. Our ceaseless devotion to the One who sits on the throne is shown in living the life our creator would hope us to live.
Heaven may not be so much a place as it is a way of existing. It may not be something we need to wait to experience. It may be, as Jesus often said, close at hand.
Around this central throne were twenty-four additional thrones. Seated on these were “twenty-four elders, clad in white garments, with golden crowns upon their heads.”
This is a splendid view, and the description is often used by those wishing to say something about heaven.
What interests me about the scene in chapter 4 is what is happening. There are all the fine jewels and crowns, but the action is the praise of God. “And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever; they cast their crowns before the throne, singing.”
Some would want to depict heaven as more of the best of what we enjoy here. Some might speak of heaven as a place where we enjoy comforts denied us in our earthly life. This scene from Revelation 4 would suggest that heaven is an opportunity to continually worship God.
Perhaps we don’t need to wait, in order to be transported into heaven. Maybe, we can begin to live there now. Is not the opportunity to praise God an experience of heaven? Might it become such in our lives?
I am not suggesting that we spend 24/7 reciting the prayers in the ELW, or singing every one of the hymns in our praise and worship folder. Continually praising God can take the form of living life intentionally. Our ceaseless devotion to the One who sits on the throne is shown in living the life our creator would hope us to live.
Heaven may not be so much a place as it is a way of existing. It may not be something we need to wait to experience. It may be, as Jesus often said, close at hand.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Devotion - Monday, November 16
My rotation of daily readings has brought me back around to the last book of the New Testament. This book is known by several names; it is often referred to by an incorrect name.
The title most often used is “Revelation.” This is an abbreviation of the full title, “The Revelation to John.” Some translations will extend it to “The Revelation to St. John, the Divine.” Another title often used for this book is “The Apocalypse,” or simply “Apocalypse.”
The incorrect name, so often used in everyday conversation is “Revelations.” There is no “s” in the actual title. The addition of that simple little crooked letter suggests that there are multiple things made known in this book of our Bible. There is but one Revelation.
What is revealed to John, as he endures his imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel, is that contrary to all the outward indicators, God is in control. Even though John may feel as if his word is dominated by the forces of evil, God is the one who has the victory.
When read this book as a series of revelations, the temptation is to look for various markers. We search for what is going to happen next, then what will occur after that. Reading Revelation this way can become taxing and frightening. When read as a whole, as the revelation that it is, the book is the ultimate expression of hope and promise.
I am sure, over the next several weeks, I will be making references to various chapters and verses within Revelation. As I do so, I will make sure to keep the big picture in mind. It is important that we don’t get lost in the details and fail to see the whole of the book for the word of encouragement that it is.
The title most often used is “Revelation.” This is an abbreviation of the full title, “The Revelation to John.” Some translations will extend it to “The Revelation to St. John, the Divine.” Another title often used for this book is “The Apocalypse,” or simply “Apocalypse.”
The incorrect name, so often used in everyday conversation is “Revelations.” There is no “s” in the actual title. The addition of that simple little crooked letter suggests that there are multiple things made known in this book of our Bible. There is but one Revelation.
What is revealed to John, as he endures his imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel, is that contrary to all the outward indicators, God is in control. Even though John may feel as if his word is dominated by the forces of evil, God is the one who has the victory.
When read this book as a series of revelations, the temptation is to look for various markers. We search for what is going to happen next, then what will occur after that. Reading Revelation this way can become taxing and frightening. When read as a whole, as the revelation that it is, the book is the ultimate expression of hope and promise.
I am sure, over the next several weeks, I will be making references to various chapters and verses within Revelation. As I do so, I will make sure to keep the big picture in mind. It is important that we don’t get lost in the details and fail to see the whole of the book for the word of encouragement that it is.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sermon - November 15, 2009
Pentecost 24 - Year B
November 15, 2009
Mark 13:1-8
No "Bait and Switch"
I am an avid Public Radio listener. Friday evening’s production of This American Life was all about bait and switch. They explored those situations where you are lured in by one thing only to realize later that the real purpose is something else completely. Most of the snippets were about religion. Ira Glass, the host, said, “There is a lot of Jesus involved in bait and switch”.
One guy being interviewed said that he was brought up in a church which believed that the task of evangelism was to communicate an unpopular message to people who didn’t really care anyway. He would go to the beaches at spring break and invite college students to a beach party, complete with shows, food, and drinks. It was after they arrived that they realized that the “drinks” consisted of pink lemonade and diet coke. The cool dudes wearing trendy beach clothes and handing out the invitations were now in Jesus t-shirts and talking about the dangers of not accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.
Bait and switch. Not a very nice tactic. And certainly not something we would want to pull on those who have begun to trust us enough to start to think that they would like to join up with us and become a part of the fellowship.
I am thinking of Isabel and Seagan. I am thinking of their parents, as they bring them forward to receive the sacrament of Holy Baptism. What of John and Becca, as they affirm their baptism and state a desire to live out their Christian calling in this congregation? And I am mindful of the role of the dice which means that all of these persons are joining the Church on the day that we read Jesus’ strong words of warning as to what life is like for those who would make such a choice.
“Do you see these great buildings?” Jesus asks. “Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”
They are exiting the Temple when Jesus speaks these words. The disciples, that rag-tag band of faithful followers, are impressed with what they are seeing. Remember that the twelve were common persons, fishermen and peasants. They had probably never been to Jerusalem before. While they had heard Jesus preach about the city and its place of worship, they had not seen it with their own eyes. There were no doubt impressed. “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!”
It isn’t really accurate to refer to what happens next as bait and switch. It isn’t that Jesus lured them in with such sites only then to later tell them what would be in store for them were they to follow him. He had been traveling with them for some time and had tried, repeatedly, to tell them what following him would be like. Jesus could not be accused of bait and switch. And his words, spoken as the disciples are being wowed by the magnificent Temple, attempt to bring these converts back to reality.
I don’t think we have misled Isabel, Seagan, Jon and Becca. The same needs to be said for all the rest of us who sit together in this sanctuary. But as we sing our comfortable chairs, sing our lovely hymns, all the while smiling and looking exceedingly inviting, we need to make sure that we aren’t being attracted to the large edifices all the while missing the purpose of the Teacher whom we come here to honor.
The edifice which threatened to lure the disciples was the impressive Temple in Jerusalem. I am sure it was quite the sight. Among the modern edifices of which we need to be aware are things like prosperity gospels, or sure tickets to heaven. When we sign on, we need to make sure we are signing on for the real thing.
The baptismal liturgy clearly states what it is that this life is about. While there may be some lovely music along the way; while we might have occasion to dress in pure white linen; the promise consists of:
• Living among God’s people
• Hearing the word of God and sharing in the Lord’s supper
• Proclaiming the good news of God in Christ through word and deed
• Serving all people, following the example of Jesus
• and striving for justice and peace in all the earth.
The impressive edifices are only temporary. That which is permanent is our commitment to these ends. Being attracted for any reason other than living into these promises probably means that we have been lead astray by one who claims, “I am he!” but isn’t.
Perhaps it isn’t unfortunate that these persons have come to us on this day, with this appointed Gospel lesson, stating their desire to live among us. It is rather fortunate in that it gives all of us the opportunity to remember again what it is that following Jesus is all about. It does not begin nor does it end with being impressed with the large and impressive structures, it consists of what lies within - within our beautiful houses of worship; within the heart and soul of each who looks to Jesus and expresses a desire to follow him through whatever birth pangs are to come.
Amen.
November 15, 2009
Mark 13:1-8
No "Bait and Switch"
I am an avid Public Radio listener. Friday evening’s production of This American Life was all about bait and switch. They explored those situations where you are lured in by one thing only to realize later that the real purpose is something else completely. Most of the snippets were about religion. Ira Glass, the host, said, “There is a lot of Jesus involved in bait and switch”.
One guy being interviewed said that he was brought up in a church which believed that the task of evangelism was to communicate an unpopular message to people who didn’t really care anyway. He would go to the beaches at spring break and invite college students to a beach party, complete with shows, food, and drinks. It was after they arrived that they realized that the “drinks” consisted of pink lemonade and diet coke. The cool dudes wearing trendy beach clothes and handing out the invitations were now in Jesus t-shirts and talking about the dangers of not accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.
Bait and switch. Not a very nice tactic. And certainly not something we would want to pull on those who have begun to trust us enough to start to think that they would like to join up with us and become a part of the fellowship.
I am thinking of Isabel and Seagan. I am thinking of their parents, as they bring them forward to receive the sacrament of Holy Baptism. What of John and Becca, as they affirm their baptism and state a desire to live out their Christian calling in this congregation? And I am mindful of the role of the dice which means that all of these persons are joining the Church on the day that we read Jesus’ strong words of warning as to what life is like for those who would make such a choice.
“Do you see these great buildings?” Jesus asks. “Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”
They are exiting the Temple when Jesus speaks these words. The disciples, that rag-tag band of faithful followers, are impressed with what they are seeing. Remember that the twelve were common persons, fishermen and peasants. They had probably never been to Jerusalem before. While they had heard Jesus preach about the city and its place of worship, they had not seen it with their own eyes. There were no doubt impressed. “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!”
It isn’t really accurate to refer to what happens next as bait and switch. It isn’t that Jesus lured them in with such sites only then to later tell them what would be in store for them were they to follow him. He had been traveling with them for some time and had tried, repeatedly, to tell them what following him would be like. Jesus could not be accused of bait and switch. And his words, spoken as the disciples are being wowed by the magnificent Temple, attempt to bring these converts back to reality.
I don’t think we have misled Isabel, Seagan, Jon and Becca. The same needs to be said for all the rest of us who sit together in this sanctuary. But as we sing our comfortable chairs, sing our lovely hymns, all the while smiling and looking exceedingly inviting, we need to make sure that we aren’t being attracted to the large edifices all the while missing the purpose of the Teacher whom we come here to honor.
The edifice which threatened to lure the disciples was the impressive Temple in Jerusalem. I am sure it was quite the sight. Among the modern edifices of which we need to be aware are things like prosperity gospels, or sure tickets to heaven. When we sign on, we need to make sure we are signing on for the real thing.
The baptismal liturgy clearly states what it is that this life is about. While there may be some lovely music along the way; while we might have occasion to dress in pure white linen; the promise consists of:
• Living among God’s people
• Hearing the word of God and sharing in the Lord’s supper
• Proclaiming the good news of God in Christ through word and deed
• Serving all people, following the example of Jesus
• and striving for justice and peace in all the earth.
The impressive edifices are only temporary. That which is permanent is our commitment to these ends. Being attracted for any reason other than living into these promises probably means that we have been lead astray by one who claims, “I am he!” but isn’t.
Perhaps it isn’t unfortunate that these persons have come to us on this day, with this appointed Gospel lesson, stating their desire to live among us. It is rather fortunate in that it gives all of us the opportunity to remember again what it is that following Jesus is all about. It does not begin nor does it end with being impressed with the large and impressive structures, it consists of what lies within - within our beautiful houses of worship; within the heart and soul of each who looks to Jesus and expresses a desire to follow him through whatever birth pangs are to come.
Amen.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Devotion - Wednesday, Nov 11
In yet another of his disputes with the Pharisees, Jesus tries to encourage them to orient their devotion to God around a differing organizing principal. They are oriented around a strict obedience of the Law. Jesus and his disciples (in Matthew 12) have broken one of those laws, and the Pharisees are being critical.
In his attempts to help them, Jesus says, “If you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.”
The instructive value of this verse should not be lost on us. We are not Pharisees; however we sometimes encounter those who ground their devotion in sacrifice. We speak of being “pure” and
“holy” as qualities obtain by remaining unstained by sin. We hear talk of avoiding particular behaviors as a way of demonstrating our commitment to Christ.
Not engaging in hurtful or harmful behaviors is wonderful. But Matthew 12 would remind us that our avoidance should be based on a desire to show mercy. “Sacrificing” for the sake of Jesus, is an orientation point we might want to avoid.
“I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” Jesus reveals that his way, his point of orientation is to look for opportunities to do good. He will serve God by showing to others the mercy God has shown.
In his attempts to help them, Jesus says, “If you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless.”
The instructive value of this verse should not be lost on us. We are not Pharisees; however we sometimes encounter those who ground their devotion in sacrifice. We speak of being “pure” and
“holy” as qualities obtain by remaining unstained by sin. We hear talk of avoiding particular behaviors as a way of demonstrating our commitment to Christ.
Not engaging in hurtful or harmful behaviors is wonderful. But Matthew 12 would remind us that our avoidance should be based on a desire to show mercy. “Sacrificing” for the sake of Jesus, is an orientation point we might want to avoid.
“I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” Jesus reveals that his way, his point of orientation is to look for opportunities to do good. He will serve God by showing to others the mercy God has shown.
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