2nd Sunday after Epiphany – Year C
January 17, 2010
John 2:1-11
“First” Sets a pattern
Like many of you (perhaps like most of you) I have been glued to the coverage of the earthquake in Haiti. The pictures, the stories, the series of events are both horrifying and unimaginable. I don’t think it is intended to be shock journalism, but some of the photos have been a bit too much.
I was trying to pay attention to my conversation partner yesterday afternoon, but the TV in the coffee shop kept showing the same clip of a woman found alive but trapped. The subtitles scrolling across the screen spoke of the miracle that she had been found alive and of what it took to free her. But, the story went on to report, she died before reaching the hospital.
Perhaps you have heard that among the US citizens who died was Ben Larson. Son of Bishop April Larson, Ben and his wife were in Haiti in connection with their seminary education. Renee, and another Wartburg student – Jonathan, were in the same building as Ben. They escaped and made their way back to the Guest House, but Ben never showed up. Attempts to return to the facility where he had been teaching were unsuccessful. Renee and Jonathan were evacuated to the Dominican Republic, leaving behind any hope of finding Ben or his body.
Some of you will remember that I went to Haiti, in February of 2003. I have a white stole was made by the young girls working in the sewing shop at the Episcopal school in Cange. When I returned I told you what so many have been saying for the past four days – the people of Haiti are wonderful, but the economic and social conditions are horrible. The place was a wreck before the earthquake. A wreck for many reasons, corrupt government among them, but certainly not (as some radio talk-show hosts have implied) as a result of the people’s sinfulness or unwillingness to improve their lot.
The news stories which always catch my eye and ear are those which begin to ask “the God question.” By that I mean “Where was God when this was happening?” Or “How could God allow this to happen.” Or “What did they do to deserve this?” Such questions are inevitable at such a time, and they deserve an answer. Unfortunately, the answer is either naively simple, or terribly complex. The quick, naive answers are unhelpful; and the pulpit isn’t the place for a complex presentation of the long answer.
I would be happy to share what I have learned, in whatever setting would be best for you – just ask. For now, let me say that there are five classical answers to the question of how an all powerful and all loving God could allow bad things to happen. These five – each logical and Biblically defensible – are outlined in a book I have in my office. Titled Encountering Evil, I will be happy to loan you a copy. You can also get a pretty good glimpse of four of the five classical answers if you read The Shack. While the author doesn’t set forth the four options as conflicting options, each is explored in discussions between Mac and the three persons of the Trinity and the judge.
One of the five, the one with which I am most comfortable, refuses to accept suffering and death as a tit-for-tat equation. There is no blame associated with the presence of hardships. Nor is there always a greater good to be realized when it is all over. Things happen. And whether those things be good things or bad things, God’s presence is never to be doubted; God’s love is never to be questioned.
There are a lot of Biblical verses which support this answer to why horrible things happen. Most notably are Jesus’ own words. In Luke 13 he asks, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all others Galileans? No, I tell you. …. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them – do you think that they were worse offenders? No, I tell you.” Jesus debunks the mistaken notion that bad things happen to us because we deserve it. The Haitians aren’t more evil than the rest of us. They did not and should not be shunned because of what has befallen them.
God loves us; God cares for us. The central message of all of scripture is God’s desire to make our lives fuller and more joyful. God is not sitting around looking for an opportunity to punish us; God actively seeks opportunities to lift us up and help us understand how deeply we are valued.
This is the message to be drawn out of our Gospel Lesson for today. It is a story which underscores the good news that far from looking upon us with a judgmental eye, God is looking upon us with a kind and giving heart.
John is careful to tell us that this miracle, performed at a wedding ceremony, is the first of Jesus’ miracles. The first of his miracles is to change water into wine in order to prevent the chief steward and/or the groom from being embarrassed.
“Firsts” are usually pretty important to us. I remember my first Sunday at University Lutheran. As Linda Lavold said, “It is standing room only in there.” You made me feel so welcome.
Last week Pastor Hartsell spoke of the need to tell one another of our love. I remember the first time Laura said to me, “I love you.” “Firsts” are pretty important. They set a tone; they communicate significance.
What then are we to make of Jesus’ first miracle?
Other miracles are to follow; other amazing miracles. He will walk on water, calm a storm, raise a dead little girl, feed 5,000 with a few loaves and fish, heal the sick, and give sight to the blind. Amazing stuff. By comparison, this little stunt at the wedding reception might seem out of place. Was he just warming up? Did he need to get his sea legs before he could take on the really big things like healing the 10 lepers?
What are we to make of Jesus’ “first” miracle?
It struck me, as I was dragging myself away from the news coverage, and back to my sermon that maybe Jesus’ “first” miracle is carefully positioned to remind us of the purpose and hope of each of his miracles. Jesus came among us to assure us that God’s concern is not with the heavens; God’s concern is with us. Jesus came among us to make sure that we never undervalue this life, this existence. All of our days – filled as they may be with trials or bursting with celebrations – all of our days are the days which matter most to Jesus.
What better way of teaching us this than to make his first miracle a miracle which occurs during a celebration of life and love and commitment?
It is not an answer to why all those people in Haiti had to die. It is not an explanation of how an all loving and all powerful God could stand by why such a thing happened. But it is an undeniable assurance that this did not happen because God just doesn’t care. God does care. Cares enough to transform the water into wine in order that our celebration of life might go on, unhindered by our own poor planning.
One more thing about this miracle. The circle of those who are in the know is very limited. The servants know; the chief steward does not; it is therefore doubtful that the guests would have been informed. Jesus does what he needs to do/Jesus does what he wants to do in rather anonymity. He provides the wine, and steps into the shadows. His miracles do not call attention to themselves.
The miracles happening these days in Haiti are most likely to be God’s miracles when they follow suit. It isn’t that which is flashy and showy which is of God. It is the gentle act of filling a few jugs with water which mimics what it is that our God does. Think about that. Some will speak of planning mission trips or evacuating orphaned children. All those things are good. But the act which is most like the work of Jesus is giving $5 to the Red Cross so they can send down a gallon of water.
There are horrible pictures and stories emerging out of Haiti. There is every reason to ask “the God question,” and those who suffer will inevitably be asking it. While there are many perfectly acceptable answers, it is helpful to remember that one of those answers continues to affirm God’s intentions toward us. There are sufficient stories within our Bibles so as to allow us to believe that hardship is not a result of transgression; that God is concerned and has a deep desire to provide for His children – even when those children might fail to think ahead and be prepared for every eventuality.
Amen.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Devotion - Thusday, January 14
In seminary I took a course on Genesis 1-11. The professor was one of my favorite, a bit overly emotional at times. But passionate about his work and he passed on to me a love for the material in the Old Testament.
The course was advertised as Genesis 1-11, but it became clear we wouldn’t get that far into the text. Most of the ten weeks were given over to Genesis 1-3.
The lectionary is moving me through these chapters of the first book of my Bible. This morning, as I was reading Genesis 4:17-26 I remembered how much there is in these pages which is so often read and forgotten.
After the death of Abel, Cain moves away from Adam and Eve. He establishes a home the land of Nod. He marries and begins to form a family. It is his descendants (5 generations later) who take up various trades and begin the tasks which distinguish one tribe from another.
After all this is reported, Genesis returns to share with us that Adam and Eve become parents once more, giving birth to Seth.
During the devotional at LCM last night, Smith shared his thoughts regarding the diversity of the world’s people and how each person chooses their own particular approach to God. “It is the same God whom they seek,” he said.
The 4th chapter of Genesis goes a step further; we begin to see the traits and the characteristics which divide us, all within the same family. We are enemies, destined to be at each others necks, we are children of the same ancestor.
Much is to be learned from this simple lesson in a chapter of our Bibles we might not see highlighted. We are family, even as we spread across the face of the earth; even as we adopt differing traditions and customs. Surely it pleases God when we remember this and act accordingly.
The course was advertised as Genesis 1-11, but it became clear we wouldn’t get that far into the text. Most of the ten weeks were given over to Genesis 1-3.
The lectionary is moving me through these chapters of the first book of my Bible. This morning, as I was reading Genesis 4:17-26 I remembered how much there is in these pages which is so often read and forgotten.
After the death of Abel, Cain moves away from Adam and Eve. He establishes a home the land of Nod. He marries and begins to form a family. It is his descendants (5 generations later) who take up various trades and begin the tasks which distinguish one tribe from another.
After all this is reported, Genesis returns to share with us that Adam and Eve become parents once more, giving birth to Seth.
During the devotional at LCM last night, Smith shared his thoughts regarding the diversity of the world’s people and how each person chooses their own particular approach to God. “It is the same God whom they seek,” he said.
The 4th chapter of Genesis goes a step further; we begin to see the traits and the characteristics which divide us, all within the same family. We are enemies, destined to be at each others necks, we are children of the same ancestor.
Much is to be learned from this simple lesson in a chapter of our Bibles we might not see highlighted. We are family, even as we spread across the face of the earth; even as we adopt differing traditions and customs. Surely it pleases God when we remember this and act accordingly.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Devotion - Wednesday, Jan 13
It is in John 1:29-42 that we get the gospel writer’s depiction of Jesus’ baptism. As Pastor Hartsell noted in his sermon this past Sunday (The Baptism of our Lord,) John’s gospel does not have the story of Jesus’ baptism, only the transition of attention from the Baptist to Jesus.
John sees Jesus “coming toward him, and said ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’” He reports that he “saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on (Jesus).”
It is our theology, that at our baptism, this same Spirit takes the same course of action. It is the Spirit which then guides us in to the way of sanctification.
How strong is that presence in your life? How aware of you of the guidance of the Spirit? As westerners, we tend to live in our heads. It is our thoughts which dominate. Even when we try to speak of matters of the heart, we use cognitive language.
“The Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him.”
Give this a one day trial – each time you are faced with a decision ask how the Spirit might feel about the options. Whenever you are engaged in a discussion, consider whether that conversation would be pleasing to the Spirit who is listening in. Develop within yourself the ability to perceive the presence of this Spirit; the ability to draw guidance from this Spirit.
We often do a better job remembering our baptism than we do remembering the gift of the Spirit. Both are given to us; both are a part of who we are. Learning to live into this new reality is what occupies our journey of faith.
John sees Jesus “coming toward him, and said ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’” He reports that he “saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on (Jesus).”
It is our theology, that at our baptism, this same Spirit takes the same course of action. It is the Spirit which then guides us in to the way of sanctification.
How strong is that presence in your life? How aware of you of the guidance of the Spirit? As westerners, we tend to live in our heads. It is our thoughts which dominate. Even when we try to speak of matters of the heart, we use cognitive language.
“The Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him.”
Give this a one day trial – each time you are faced with a decision ask how the Spirit might feel about the options. Whenever you are engaged in a discussion, consider whether that conversation would be pleasing to the Spirit who is listening in. Develop within yourself the ability to perceive the presence of this Spirit; the ability to draw guidance from this Spirit.
We often do a better job remembering our baptism than we do remembering the gift of the Spirit. Both are given to us; both are a part of who we are. Learning to live into this new reality is what occupies our journey of faith.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Devotion - Tuesday, January 12
We have been studying Hebrews in our Tuesday evening bible study. The Daily Lectionary has me reading through it as a one of my morning readings.
In the early chapters of Hebrews, we realize that the writer is concerned that there might be some confusion as to the nature of Christ. He alludes to a fascination or admiration of angels.
Angels sometimes get a lot of attention in our conversations. Certainly the figure into the Christmas story; their images are found in many homes throughout the year.
The writer of Hebrews wants to make sure that no one confuses Jesus with an angel. Jesus, the writer insists, is something completely different.
To understand some of these differences, you can read Hebrews yourself. For now, let me draw attention to the difference between what an angel does (or might do) and what Jesus does. When the Bible speaks of an angel, the task associated with that angel is to be God’s messenger. An angel comes to Zachariah to tell him that Elizabeth will bear a son. And angel visits Mary to tell her of the birth of Jesus. Angels are messengers. They come to share information.
Jesus is something more than angel. Yes, he shares the good news with us, but more importantly he embodies that good news. He is God’s presence in our midst and when he dies it is God who is taken our sin upon His own self. Jesus is God’s very presence.
The name by which we are knows is “Christians.” We are “Christ” to one another. We aren’t angels. We don’t merely share a message we live it; and we embody it.
The “pioneer” of our salvation has revealed to us the way we are to see ourselves; the way we are to live our lives.
In the early chapters of Hebrews, we realize that the writer is concerned that there might be some confusion as to the nature of Christ. He alludes to a fascination or admiration of angels.
Angels sometimes get a lot of attention in our conversations. Certainly the figure into the Christmas story; their images are found in many homes throughout the year.
The writer of Hebrews wants to make sure that no one confuses Jesus with an angel. Jesus, the writer insists, is something completely different.
To understand some of these differences, you can read Hebrews yourself. For now, let me draw attention to the difference between what an angel does (or might do) and what Jesus does. When the Bible speaks of an angel, the task associated with that angel is to be God’s messenger. An angel comes to Zachariah to tell him that Elizabeth will bear a son. And angel visits Mary to tell her of the birth of Jesus. Angels are messengers. They come to share information.
Jesus is something more than angel. Yes, he shares the good news with us, but more importantly he embodies that good news. He is God’s presence in our midst and when he dies it is God who is taken our sin upon His own self. Jesus is God’s very presence.
The name by which we are knows is “Christians.” We are “Christ” to one another. We aren’t angels. We don’t merely share a message we live it; and we embody it.
The “pioneer” of our salvation has revealed to us the way we are to see ourselves; the way we are to live our lives.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Devotion - Monday, January 11
During this season of The Epiphany, some things ought to become apparent to us. The Light which has come into the world makes it possible for us to understand things which might otherwise be beyond our grasp.
Today’s appointed Gospel reading is John 1:1-18. What a wonderful view into our God and our God’s ways. The technical term is incarnation – the notion that God would take on human flesh and dwell among us. This incarnation means that God has set aside the heavens in order to be among those whom God created, loves, and desires to redeem.
In taking on human flesh, God was doing more than finding a delivery system which we could accept. The incarnation has significance beyond merely bottling a note in a non-threatening packaging. God takes on our form in order to affirm for us, to reveal to us, the significance of this form.
We sometimes look past this life, as if it were merely the proving grounds for some other life. There are temptations to see our actions as indicators of where our true identity is to be found. Any such thoughts undermine the message of John, chapter 1. Here, we are told that God chose to be like us. In these verses, we are forbidden to think that this existence is but a passing thing.
The revelation of Christmas is that God has come to us; the revelation of Epiphany instructs us that his arrival affirms the goodness of creation and God’s created ones. Live your day with this confidence; live your life so as to reveal your appreciation for what God has done.
Today’s appointed Gospel reading is John 1:1-18. What a wonderful view into our God and our God’s ways. The technical term is incarnation – the notion that God would take on human flesh and dwell among us. This incarnation means that God has set aside the heavens in order to be among those whom God created, loves, and desires to redeem.
In taking on human flesh, God was doing more than finding a delivery system which we could accept. The incarnation has significance beyond merely bottling a note in a non-threatening packaging. God takes on our form in order to affirm for us, to reveal to us, the significance of this form.
We sometimes look past this life, as if it were merely the proving grounds for some other life. There are temptations to see our actions as indicators of where our true identity is to be found. Any such thoughts undermine the message of John, chapter 1. Here, we are told that God chose to be like us. In these verses, we are forbidden to think that this existence is but a passing thing.
The revelation of Christmas is that God has come to us; the revelation of Epiphany instructs us that his arrival affirms the goodness of creation and God’s created ones. Live your day with this confidence; live your life so as to reveal your appreciation for what God has done.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Devotion - Thursday, Jan 7
John 6 is one of the sections of scripture which lead many early critics of Jesus’ followers to question what went on as the community gathered. Jesus says, “The bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The early Church was questioned as to what was in the cup and what was on the plate, passed around at worship services.
The image of “eating Christ’s body and drinking Christ’s blood” is both terrifying and insightful.
Terrifying, in that nothing could be further from the intentions of our Lord than to cannibalize another. Ours is a belief system rooted in caring for others and sacrificing ourselves for their well-being.
The image is insightful, in that it makes us aware of our dependence upon the one whom we call Lord. We do not merely worship this one; we depend upon this one for our very lives. We cannot live unless we eat; we cannot live unless we receive the bread which has come down from heaven.
Following Jesus is not a decision we make in our heads. Being a child of God means living with the awareness that life itself is impossible unless we receive the bread which comes down from heaven. Having eaten some will give thanks and acknowledge the source of the meal. Others will get up from the table, rub their stomachs, and go on with their lives.
The bread which fills us and sustains us and strengthens us is the body of our Lord and savior.
The image of “eating Christ’s body and drinking Christ’s blood” is both terrifying and insightful.
Terrifying, in that nothing could be further from the intentions of our Lord than to cannibalize another. Ours is a belief system rooted in caring for others and sacrificing ourselves for their well-being.
The image is insightful, in that it makes us aware of our dependence upon the one whom we call Lord. We do not merely worship this one; we depend upon this one for our very lives. We cannot live unless we eat; we cannot live unless we receive the bread which has come down from heaven.
Following Jesus is not a decision we make in our heads. Being a child of God means living with the awareness that life itself is impossible unless we receive the bread which comes down from heaven. Having eaten some will give thanks and acknowledge the source of the meal. Others will get up from the table, rub their stomachs, and go on with their lives.
The bread which fills us and sustains us and strengthens us is the body of our Lord and savior.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Devotion - Wednesday, Jan 6
I remember as a child, going around the neighborhood singing carols to those who were home-bound. This was an outing of the Choir, so my whole family would go - me, Mom, Dad, and David. As we stood outside the door, the Director would take suggestions as to which carol we ought to sing next. I remember my Dad suggesting that we sing "We Three Kings."
It said it was his favorite carol. And he was very disappointed with the "new" hymnal, the Song Book and Hymnal, circa 1962, no longer included this hymn.
It is that "star of wonder, star of night, star of royal beauty bright" which guides the visitors from the East to the place where the baby Jesus is laid. This star brings to Christ those who know not the promise, the anticipation, nor the hope which this child signifies. They only know that something wonderful has happened. They realize that regardless of their own belief system, this is an event to which they need to pay attention.
January 6 is the Day of the Epiphany. This is the day on which we remember the visit of the wise men. It is a day for us acknowledge that Jesus' arrival is an event for all creation.
Jesus is still shining, for all the world to see. Jesus continues to invite all persons to gather at the manger and experience the peace and good will of God's presence.
Let the light shine in you this day. Allow the wonder and royal beauty to be seen in the ways in which you reflect his presence.
It said it was his favorite carol. And he was very disappointed with the "new" hymnal, the Song Book and Hymnal, circa 1962, no longer included this hymn.
It is that "star of wonder, star of night, star of royal beauty bright" which guides the visitors from the East to the place where the baby Jesus is laid. This star brings to Christ those who know not the promise, the anticipation, nor the hope which this child signifies. They only know that something wonderful has happened. They realize that regardless of their own belief system, this is an event to which they need to pay attention.
January 6 is the Day of the Epiphany. This is the day on which we remember the visit of the wise men. It is a day for us acknowledge that Jesus' arrival is an event for all creation.
Jesus is still shining, for all the world to see. Jesus continues to invite all persons to gather at the manger and experience the peace and good will of God's presence.
Let the light shine in you this day. Allow the wonder and royal beauty to be seen in the ways in which you reflect his presence.
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