Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
{31} He (Jesus) put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; {32} it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." {33} He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.".... {44} "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. {45} "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; {46} on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. {47} "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; {48} when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. {49} So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous {50} and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. {51} "Have you understood all this?" They answered, "Yes." {52} And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."
The Kingdom of Heaven is like the following – tiny seed, yeast, hidden treasure, a great pearl, a net and, of course, many other things. Jesus, by telling these short parables, makes the point that the Kingdom of God is everywhere. The presence of God is universal. It is also mysterious. Tiny seeds growing into the greatest shrubs do create surprise. Yeast making a lump of stiff dough soft, growing, and ready for the oven portrays slow yet celebrated change. Finding a pearl of great value or hidden treasure produces swift action and untold joy.
The Kingdom of heaven is! In our ministry in this place and throughout the world, you and I receive opportunity to witness this Kingdom again and again. My list of Kingdom recognition grows weekly. The list is too large to be comprehensive but I venture into naming just a few: Stephen Ministry; Confirmation Ministry; 30 New Members; A Year for Service Mission Trips; Youth Ministry; Vacation Bible School; Visitation Pastor Joan Haug; and a new Prayer Chain. These are all vibrant signs of the Kingdom. I am thankful to God for such things!
I also have witnessed Kingdom work in the Faith Budget which becomes reality before our eyes. That Faith Budget which was approved at our annual meeting asks our membership to share an extra $16,000 for ministry. As promised, your church council and I have stepped forward, not just with words but in action. We know new commitment to go beyond our purposed giving and meet new ministry possibility. I am pleased to announce that our leadership has promised an extra gift of over $4800.00. The HTLC Church Council has promised nearly 1/3 of that Faith Budget. Now we ask you to joyfully consider the Kingdom. Give from what God in Christ has first given you and know once again inexplicable joy in the Kingdom of God.
During the month of August, we will consider this important commitment to growing ministry. Please continue or begin prayer filled consideration for recognition of how God has blessed you. Give according to that gift.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
June 2008 - Walk with Jesus: Wise or Foolish?
Matthew 7:21-29
“Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?' 23 Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.' 24 Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell — and great was its fall!" 28 Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
These words of Jesus bring a harsh and challenging mandate. Again, in typical fashion, Jesus does not seem clear, at least not to me. (How about you?) I thought prophetic words, shutting down evil things, and acting powerful would make him happy. Doesn’t seem that way, does it? “Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord.” He warns. The dangerous and perhaps eventual words, “Go away,” is the warning.
Anytime Jesus tells a parable, I become a bit uneasy. I have come to realize that his story telling is for me. His story telling aims a divine arrow that has many intentions. Compassion, mercy, affliction, and self-examination are just a few of the things I experience in his parables. This one seems straight forward. Wise people build on rock. Fools build on sand. Wise hear Jesus’ words. Foolish don’t. It should be easy right? I don’t think so.
As soon as I read this parable, I can’t help but think of Paul’s mind bender in I Corinthians (take a break and go read I Corinthians chapter one). His upside down thinking of “fools for Christ” remains a centerpiece in my life. The cross is foolishness to “those,” but to you and me it is the power of God. By now you might be saying, “Now wait just a minute. Which is it fools or wise?” The answer, like so many that come from God’s word is, “Yes.” Both work, I suppose.
Early Christians who were subjects of the powerful Roman Empire were often accused of being atheists. They didn’t believe in the God’s of the prevailing culture. The Roman gods were not god in the hearts, minds, and actions of the followers of Christ. Such attitudes cost many of them their lives. In other words, they were found guilty of not believing in the gods of their culture. Foolish one that I am, I often worry that if such a measuring was done today, I would not be found guilty of atheism in regard to the gods of my culture. How does the evidence stack up against you in your worship of the gods? Yes, Jesus does have high expectations and, yes, the gods of culture have high expectations. Our time, talents, and treasures are going to be placed in one authority of one or the another. How wise are you? Are you a fool for the cross? Are you wise to the authority of the one true God?
You see, this gets confusing, challenging, and even confrontational. Come to worship this week, knowing we have a challenging word from God. Come, knowing that there is only one “authority.” We, like the listeners at Jesus feet, pray that we, too, will recognize the only true authority.
Matthew 7:28 Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
Come, Walk with Jesus!
“Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?' 23 Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.' 24 Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell — and great was its fall!" 28 Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
These words of Jesus bring a harsh and challenging mandate. Again, in typical fashion, Jesus does not seem clear, at least not to me. (How about you?) I thought prophetic words, shutting down evil things, and acting powerful would make him happy. Doesn’t seem that way, does it? “Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord.” He warns. The dangerous and perhaps eventual words, “Go away,” is the warning.
Anytime Jesus tells a parable, I become a bit uneasy. I have come to realize that his story telling is for me. His story telling aims a divine arrow that has many intentions. Compassion, mercy, affliction, and self-examination are just a few of the things I experience in his parables. This one seems straight forward. Wise people build on rock. Fools build on sand. Wise hear Jesus’ words. Foolish don’t. It should be easy right? I don’t think so.
As soon as I read this parable, I can’t help but think of Paul’s mind bender in I Corinthians (take a break and go read I Corinthians chapter one). His upside down thinking of “fools for Christ” remains a centerpiece in my life. The cross is foolishness to “those,” but to you and me it is the power of God. By now you might be saying, “Now wait just a minute. Which is it fools or wise?” The answer, like so many that come from God’s word is, “Yes.” Both work, I suppose.
Early Christians who were subjects of the powerful Roman Empire were often accused of being atheists. They didn’t believe in the God’s of the prevailing culture. The Roman gods were not god in the hearts, minds, and actions of the followers of Christ. Such attitudes cost many of them their lives. In other words, they were found guilty of not believing in the gods of their culture. Foolish one that I am, I often worry that if such a measuring was done today, I would not be found guilty of atheism in regard to the gods of my culture. How does the evidence stack up against you in your worship of the gods? Yes, Jesus does have high expectations and, yes, the gods of culture have high expectations. Our time, talents, and treasures are going to be placed in one authority of one or the another. How wise are you? Are you a fool for the cross? Are you wise to the authority of the one true God?
You see, this gets confusing, challenging, and even confrontational. Come to worship this week, knowing we have a challenging word from God. Come, knowing that there is only one “authority.” We, like the listeners at Jesus feet, pray that we, too, will recognize the only true authority.
Matthew 7:28 Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
Come, Walk with Jesus!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
May 2008 - STEPHEN MINISTRY
Philippians 2:4-5
Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
I am both humbled and elated to introduce you to our first group of Stephen Ministers. God has richly blessed us in those who have heard the Spirit’s direction to enter in this ministry. For the past four months, Cheryl Rose and I have had the privilege to gather for two and a half hours each Thursday night to learn and to teach the gift of caring for others in the love of Christ Jesus.
Those who will be commissioned for Stephen Ministry on Sunday, June 1 include: Denise Philippi, Bev Haberman, Norma Peterson, Audra Lehman, Joyce Graves, Carol Winick, Andy and Jenny Parker, Sheryl Ryan, Keith Dralle, and Cheryl Rose (see their photos in the May Tidings). I sense in these people strong spirituality and sense of purpose that only Christ can bring. We celebrate and learn more about Stephen Ministry at all three services the weekend of June 1.
The decision to pursue Stephen Ministry, I believe, was an important decision of our congregation’s leadership. I am eager for this ministry to begin as we care for our members and those outside of our congregation. The power of Christ present in us is already obvious in these people. Eleven trained ministers will only begin to serve the vast needs.
Continue to pray for the next group of trainees. Cheryl and I look forward to another class this fall. The new Stephen Ministers are eager to talk to you about the training and the sense of Christ in their lives in this new endeavor. I pray daily for more to step forward for this ministry.
The Stephen Ministry logo consists of a cross and circle, together with a broken person and a whole person. The broken person stands behind the cross, symbolizing the brokenness in our lives as a result of our sin. The whole person stands in front of the cross because it is through the cross of Jesus that we again are made whole. The circle symbolizes both the wholeness we receive through Christ and God’s unending love for us.
Please learn more about Stephen Ministry at www.stephenministries.org
Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.
I am both humbled and elated to introduce you to our first group of Stephen Ministers. God has richly blessed us in those who have heard the Spirit’s direction to enter in this ministry. For the past four months, Cheryl Rose and I have had the privilege to gather for two and a half hours each Thursday night to learn and to teach the gift of caring for others in the love of Christ Jesus.
Those who will be commissioned for Stephen Ministry on Sunday, June 1 include: Denise Philippi, Bev Haberman, Norma Peterson, Audra Lehman, Joyce Graves, Carol Winick, Andy and Jenny Parker, Sheryl Ryan, Keith Dralle, and Cheryl Rose (see their photos in the May Tidings). I sense in these people strong spirituality and sense of purpose that only Christ can bring. We celebrate and learn more about Stephen Ministry at all three services the weekend of June 1.
The decision to pursue Stephen Ministry, I believe, was an important decision of our congregation’s leadership. I am eager for this ministry to begin as we care for our members and those outside of our congregation. The power of Christ present in us is already obvious in these people. Eleven trained ministers will only begin to serve the vast needs.
Continue to pray for the next group of trainees. Cheryl and I look forward to another class this fall. The new Stephen Ministers are eager to talk to you about the training and the sense of Christ in their lives in this new endeavor. I pray daily for more to step forward for this ministry.
The Stephen Ministry logo consists of a cross and circle, together with a broken person and a whole person. The broken person stands behind the cross, symbolizing the brokenness in our lives as a result of our sin. The whole person stands in front of the cross because it is through the cross of Jesus that we again are made whole. The circle symbolizes both the wholeness we receive through Christ and God’s unending love for us.
Please learn more about Stephen Ministry at www.stephenministries.org
Thursday, April 3, 2008
April 2008 - Easter The Only Story
Matthew 28: After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
“Easter: The Only Story,” continues as an important truth for our life in Christ. In our worship, this past weekend on Easter Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ and heard his directions to follow him.
The Easter Story is the only story which gives us life and then a promised direction to live that life. While our wealth, intelligence, leisure activity, and general opportunities in the American lifestyle grow or decline, this truth remains: All other activities linked to such things like vocations, hobbies, and relationships are not “the” story. When we allow these types of things to fill our lives, we challenge the story that God has given us in Christ.
Making any other story our central story can lead to a self produced idolatry. This kind of idolatry is well compared to Genesis, chapter three. There we hear of humanity’s need to be “god-like.” We are reminded that we try to make ourselves God when the world’s activity became our central life experience. God carefully reminds us that God is God and we are not.
As Paul reminds, “while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) This good news of Easter makes it clear that God has come in Christ to save us from anything that would take us from God’s love. This incredible love is present and preserved daily in the gift of our baptism. In the wondrous love of Christ, risen from the dead, we are invited to follow Jesus. As he invited the disciples to Galilee, he also invites us to remember his mandate: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This mandate is as old and as new as the resurrection of Christ himself. What good news we have. We are to share this promise while baptizing and teaching of this Gospel news!
Jesus calls us to reach out to a hurting world. In our message on Easter Sunday, we heard an “unspoken plea.” The video we witnessed reminded us that the world needs this Gospel and we are invited by Christ himself to seek out those who are distant from or never have experienced the Gospel of Christ. That good news sharing must be renewed and re-focused each and every Resurrection day. Let’s hear the invitation to go to Galilee and grow in the only story!
“Easter: The Only Story,” continues as an important truth for our life in Christ. In our worship, this past weekend on Easter Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ and heard his directions to follow him.
The Easter Story is the only story which gives us life and then a promised direction to live that life. While our wealth, intelligence, leisure activity, and general opportunities in the American lifestyle grow or decline, this truth remains: All other activities linked to such things like vocations, hobbies, and relationships are not “the” story. When we allow these types of things to fill our lives, we challenge the story that God has given us in Christ.
Making any other story our central story can lead to a self produced idolatry. This kind of idolatry is well compared to Genesis, chapter three. There we hear of humanity’s need to be “god-like.” We are reminded that we try to make ourselves God when the world’s activity became our central life experience. God carefully reminds us that God is God and we are not.
As Paul reminds, “while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) This good news of Easter makes it clear that God has come in Christ to save us from anything that would take us from God’s love. This incredible love is present and preserved daily in the gift of our baptism. In the wondrous love of Christ, risen from the dead, we are invited to follow Jesus. As he invited the disciples to Galilee, he also invites us to remember his mandate: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This mandate is as old and as new as the resurrection of Christ himself. What good news we have. We are to share this promise while baptizing and teaching of this Gospel news!
Jesus calls us to reach out to a hurting world. In our message on Easter Sunday, we heard an “unspoken plea.” The video we witnessed reminded us that the world needs this Gospel and we are invited by Christ himself to seek out those who are distant from or never have experienced the Gospel of Christ. That good news sharing must be renewed and re-focused each and every Resurrection day. Let’s hear the invitation to go to Galilee and grow in the only story!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
March 2008 - To See or Not to See
John 9:1 As he (Jesus) walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see.
On the weekend of March 2nd and 3rd, we will hear the powerful story of John, chapter nine. This entire chapter of the Gospel of John deals with a man who receives his sight from Jesus. In typical style of the storyteller of John, we are encouraged to see double meaning in this “vision” giving. The man is given sight but more importantly, as the story progresses, he comes to see the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. Learned religious officials, so it appears, choose not to have that type of vision when it comes to Jesus. They do not see him as the Light of the world. They do not recognize the hope, life, and good news His message brings. This theme, “ To See or Not to See” reminds us of the great dilemma for 21st century Christians. Where is God calling us in our personal lives and to what type of ministry is God calling Holy Trinity Lutheran Church? Discernment is never an easy task. Faithfulness to God’s call in one person’s eyes is paramount to blasphemy to another. Keeping our eyes on Christ is never an easy task, especially when it is human nature to keep eyes on self, or at least the things that we want in life.
I met with our Holy Trinity Church Council in a weekend retreat in February. The mood was positive and yet realistic. We did some visioning. In that discernment, we were reminded that we were graced with a past year of faithful ministry. We also recognized that our growing congregation faces challenges. Do you suppose that we need Jesus to rub some mud in our eyes on the way to better vision?
We are a congregation with attributes which growing congregations possess. For example, we have a vibrant worship life with great variety in three weekend services led by gifted staff members. We also have family ministry opportunities that few congregations can match. Members often remark at the large number of children present at our youth message times. An exceptional preschool directed by Jenny Goodno and a Youth and Family Ministry with Sara McCaw lead the way. A growing and exciting process of Christian Education for all ages also continues here.
In all this, I understand that some of us, including me, are coming to realize that the daily demand of maintaining this ministry is beyond the ability of one pastor, at least beyond mine. I often feel overwhelmed as I recognize that many key aspects of ministry go unattended. The most obvious is pastoral care and new member development.
A parallel to that vision process will need to be the question of giving (finances). This calendar year of ministry finds us in a “faith budget.” We are not sure if will meet all the ministry expenses for 2008 and remember all too well that 2007 brought a shortfall in giving. I believe our financial leaders prepared a sound budget for 2007, but our giving fell short. I am always confident that God directed ministry is never really blocked by lack of funds. The Holy Spirit will direct and encourage us if God decides that we are to continue to grow as we have in past years. I am eager to join in a vision filled with prayer and a watchful eye. Our congregation has more than enough financial resource in our families for whatever ministry God will set before us. With patience and hope we will together join in this journey of, “To See or Not to See?”
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
February 2008
Immediately?
Matthew 4:12-23{12} Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. {13} He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, {14} so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: {15} "Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-- {16} the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." {17} From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." {18} As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. {19} And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." {20} Immediately they left their nets and followed him. {21} As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. {22} Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. {23} Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
The storyteller of the Gospel of Matthew wants us to know that an encounter with Jesus is immediate and life-changing. This life-changing event, of course, fits into a larger story. The storyteller wants us to know that this story began long before we arrived on the scene and will continue long after we leave it. The ancient boundaries which are described in this passage, remind us that God has been active over the millenniums and is still active. Throughout the eons God has invited all people to know that there is light in the darkness. We are invited and privileged to know that we also have come to see great light. You and I belong to God's people. This Epiphany brings us great joy.
Yet, as so often is the case in the word of God, this story may be unsettling. God comes to us in our vocational settings and brings a sudden life-changing invitation. Jesus proclaims repent, and at the same time, brings an invitation. The Kingdom of God is all around and the immediacy of this event calls us to follow. I am energized and also troubled by Jesus’ words to his disciples as he said, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." "Follow me and I will make you..." seems a strong word. "He will make me," it says. So much of the culture around me encourages me to be self-made. Personal autonomy is something to be treasured, so says the world but Jesus says, “hurry up and follow me.” That almost seems like saying, in my mind, "hurry up and wait." At least it seems like that in my middle-aged, middle-class, middle American, frame of mind.
In this story of the disciples, Peter, Andrew, James and John, they leave everything and immediately follow him. In their following, at least in the early stages, they seem to do more watching than anything else. One might recognize this as a type of discernment. Discerning what God is directing for our lives is never an easy task. It seems that a new calendar year and a new church year remind us of new beginnings. A new beginning is always a time to ask, "what's next?" It seems like these disciples had to make an immediate choice. What important life-changing things is God going to make of you "immediately?" Watching and waiting and then receiving this "making" is the joy of this journey. May we open ourselves to such immediacy and follow.
Matthew 4:12-23{12} Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. {13} He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, {14} so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: {15} "Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-- {16} the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." {17} From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." {18} As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. {19} And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." {20} Immediately they left their nets and followed him. {21} As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. {22} Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. {23} Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
The storyteller of the Gospel of Matthew wants us to know that an encounter with Jesus is immediate and life-changing. This life-changing event, of course, fits into a larger story. The storyteller wants us to know that this story began long before we arrived on the scene and will continue long after we leave it. The ancient boundaries which are described in this passage, remind us that God has been active over the millenniums and is still active. Throughout the eons God has invited all people to know that there is light in the darkness. We are invited and privileged to know that we also have come to see great light. You and I belong to God's people. This Epiphany brings us great joy.
Yet, as so often is the case in the word of God, this story may be unsettling. God comes to us in our vocational settings and brings a sudden life-changing invitation. Jesus proclaims repent, and at the same time, brings an invitation. The Kingdom of God is all around and the immediacy of this event calls us to follow. I am energized and also troubled by Jesus’ words to his disciples as he said, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." "Follow me and I will make you..." seems a strong word. "He will make me," it says. So much of the culture around me encourages me to be self-made. Personal autonomy is something to be treasured, so says the world but Jesus says, “hurry up and follow me.” That almost seems like saying, in my mind, "hurry up and wait." At least it seems like that in my middle-aged, middle-class, middle American, frame of mind.
In this story of the disciples, Peter, Andrew, James and John, they leave everything and immediately follow him. In their following, at least in the early stages, they seem to do more watching than anything else. One might recognize this as a type of discernment. Discerning what God is directing for our lives is never an easy task. It seems that a new calendar year and a new church year remind us of new beginnings. A new beginning is always a time to ask, "what's next?" It seems like these disciples had to make an immediate choice. What important life-changing things is God going to make of you "immediately?" Watching and waiting and then receiving this "making" is the joy of this journey. May we open ourselves to such immediacy and follow.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
“A Story for All People”
The season of Advent has come once again. This time of the year brings a threefold hope and teaching. Jesus Christ is the one who was, is, and is to come. This promise becomes a fact in our Advent journey. This is truly a story for all people. Our Advent devotions and worship, “A Story for All People” will remind us of the biblical truth that Christ comes and is present in spite of a world which ignores him or attempts to strive without him. The next four Sundays offer us Gospel news which we are eager to live and to share. I have chosen four themes which I believe will aid us in learning, experiencing, and then, witnessing to Jesus Christ.
The First Sunday in Advent centers in:
“Your Lord is Coming”
Matthew 24:36-44
The Second Sunday in Advent’s theme is:
“He Will Baptize You”
Matthew 3:1-12
The Third Sunday of Advent invites us to:
“Go and Tell What You Hear and See”
Matthew 11:2-11
The Fourth Sunday theme brings us to Christmas:
“The Birth of Jesus the Messiah”
Matthew 1:18-25
Make these four Gospel texts a central part of the next four weeks. Read them carefully before worship and join in the audio CD devotion on the days following each Sunday. Reflect on their gifts for life. The word of God is life itself and brings us from Advent expectation to Christmas joy. The words of the hymn writer Dori Erwin Collins will serve us well in this year’s Advent song and prayer. This is indeed “A Story for All People.”
As people wait in darkness, in fear of endless night,
send forth your word of comfort, a message of great light.
The world stands proud before you, conflicted, hungry, poor.
Come, scatter pride and foolishness, and mend all souls with Savior love once more.
Refrain
A story for all people, old story new today.
A song of love and healing,
a light to show the way.
The season of Advent has come once again. This time of the year brings a threefold hope and teaching. Jesus Christ is the one who was, is, and is to come. This promise becomes a fact in our Advent journey. This is truly a story for all people. Our Advent devotions and worship, “A Story for All People” will remind us of the biblical truth that Christ comes and is present in spite of a world which ignores him or attempts to strive without him. The next four Sundays offer us Gospel news which we are eager to live and to share. I have chosen four themes which I believe will aid us in learning, experiencing, and then, witnessing to Jesus Christ.
The First Sunday in Advent centers in:
“Your Lord is Coming”
Matthew 24:36-44
The Second Sunday in Advent’s theme is:
“He Will Baptize You”
Matthew 3:1-12
The Third Sunday of Advent invites us to:
“Go and Tell What You Hear and See”
Matthew 11:2-11
The Fourth Sunday theme brings us to Christmas:
“The Birth of Jesus the Messiah”
Matthew 1:18-25
Make these four Gospel texts a central part of the next four weeks. Read them carefully before worship and join in the audio CD devotion on the days following each Sunday. Reflect on their gifts for life. The word of God is life itself and brings us from Advent expectation to Christmas joy. The words of the hymn writer Dori Erwin Collins will serve us well in this year’s Advent song and prayer. This is indeed “A Story for All People.”
As people wait in darkness, in fear of endless night,
send forth your word of comfort, a message of great light.
The world stands proud before you, conflicted, hungry, poor.
Come, scatter pride and foolishness, and mend all souls with Savior love once more.
Refrain
A story for all people, old story new today.
A song of love and healing,
a light to show the way.
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