Monthly Archives: January 2024

Powerful Name of Jesus!

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“Powerful Name of Jesus!”

Mark 1:21-28 (1:27) – January 28, 2024

            . Illness is a sad reality in this world, and all of us are witness. We all know people who either are sick right now, or have been sick in the past. Some are friends, others acquaintances, still others family members Many, many illnesses come from micro-organisms like viruses or bacteria. Today, the medical world can diagnose many of these diseases by looking at a person’s blood under a microscope or running a specific test.

            We know sickness is a part of this broken, fallen world we live in. That is a fact. Yes, this present world is full of God’s beauty and majesty, but it is also full of evil and danger, trauma, and illness. Both physical illness as well as mental illness.

            As we think about our Scripture reading this morning, what kinds of thoughts are in your mind? The Gospel of Mark shows us the Rabbi Jesus very early in His ministry. He is preaching and teaching in the area around the sea of Galilee. Listen again: “The people who heard Jesus were amazed at the way he taught, for he wasn’t like the teachers of the Law.” So, we can see “We open with Jesus and his newly formed group of disciples coming to Capernaum and the people in the synagogue being impressed with Jesus’s authority.” [1]

            Right off the bat, the Rabbi Jesus shows who and what He is. We can see, through Mark’s account of Jesus’ words and actions, that Jesus exerts power and authority. Mark wanted to make crystal clear what Jesus’s mission here on earth truly was – not only to bring Good News but also to bring freedom to the captives. We can also see that Jesus has marvelous understanding of what God means to the people He is preaching to, as well as what God intends for those same people to be – and become. Just so with this reading today

What does Jesus encounter in this synagogue? Let us listen again: “Just then a man with an evil spirit came into the synagogue and screamed, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Are you here to destroy us? I know who you are—you are God’s holy messenger!”

I’m going to stop right here and say that I believe this event did happen. Yes, we here in the 21st century have a more nuanced view of the psyche, and what mental health and mental illness look like. Yes, chemical imbalances affect brain health and chemistry, too. This could be severe mental illness, or a complicated medical diagnosis that affects mood and stability. At the same time, I believe there are also powerful unseen forces in the wider world today, and these forces can affect individuals and their mental and emotional stability.

So, we have the Rabbi Jesus, here in the Capernaum synagogue. Next thing we know, a man with a demon inside comes up and confronts Jesus – face to face! Yes, the man in this instance could have severe mental or behavioral problems. And, yes, Jesus could well be involved in a situation with something in the spiritual realm. Any way you look at it, our Lord Jesus is exerting mighty power and authority. 

This confrontation brings things to a head, and with just a word, Jesus shuts down the evil spirit. He commands, “Be quiet!” This can also be translated “Be muzzled!” Have you ever seen an animal wearing a muzzle? This is often done with dangerous or wild animals, and the muzzle takes away their power to bite and roar. [2]

            Through this strong command, “Jesus makes the unclean spirit feeble, weak, unable to continue to use its words to exert its power. By doing so, Jesus proves that the unclean spirit does not have real authority—it is just masquerading like all other evil spirits and forces in the world.”[3] We see here, just as we are shown over and over through the Gospels, our Lord Jesus displays His mighty, Divine power and authority, and people respond! With amazement, awe and even fear.

            I don’t know if you have ever been in the presence of someone who is larger than life? Someone who you can tell has real power, real authority, and knows for sure how to use them. From all the Gospel accounts, that was Jesus. He not only was an effective teacher, but also a compelling preacher. Plus, Jesus had a remarkable gift for showing His power and authority in a winsome, persuasive and – most importantly, an authentic manner.

            The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus is the living Word of God who became a human being. We can see how effective His spoken words are with this evil spirit. “It is notable following the man’s outburst, and immediately after the unclean spirit has left him, that again the congregation talk about Jesus’ teaching. This is the first recorded miracle by Mark. The drama is not primarily presented as a healing miracle, rather a deliverance of an individual from the grip of chaotic forces that convulse and threaten their life.” [4]

            Life here in the Chicago area today is certainly different than life in the first century. The modern day is vastly different from the ancient world, or medieval times. But, our Lord Jesus is still the same. He is still mighty and powerful, and has remarkable authority over all things.

Yes, Jesus has authority over things today, too. In our own lives, we might have emotional barriers or spiritual problems. With such sadness, upset and distraction going on, who wouldn’t have some difficulties and problems in their lives right now? Whether you have deep feelings, some heartache or pain, grief or despair that you are dealing with today, Jesus can work wonders in your life and spirit, too.

            I tell you today that our Lord Jesus is not afraid to face down the evil things, the traumatic events that come into each of our lives on a regular basis. Just as our Lord Jesus showed in the Gospels again and again, the authority of God and God’s Word is for God’s people’s wholeness and healing. All God’s people. That is a promise, and that is a blessed reality. Alleluia, amen!

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

[1] https://cepreaching.org/commentary/2024-01-22/mark-121-28-4/

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/weekly-worship/monthly/2024-january/28-january-2024-fourth-sunday-after-epiphany-year-b#topic5

Jesus Is Calling!

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“Jesus Is Calling!”

Mark 1:14-20 (1:20) – January 21, 2024

            What would make you change your whole life? I know some people radically change, but what would push you to change everything about your life? For some, it’s a marriage proposal, a chance on true love. For others, it’s a wonderful job offer. Still others, a chance to do something amazing in another part of the country, even another part of the world.

            Now, what did the rabbi Jesus offer? Just think – Jesus was a former carpenter, now a rabbi and itinerant preacher. He came preaching and teaching, offering God’s good news, about God’s kingdom come near. These four career fishermen put down their nets and took off with this radical rabbi for something completely different! [1]

Again, I ask what offers, what commitments convince us that they are worth living for? Changing everything for?

            Let’s look at our Scripture passage for today. We have Mark beginning his gospel with “the Good News of Jesus the Christ, the Son of God.” This is the very start of Jesus’ ministry, I want everyone to understand. Jesus suddenly breaks onto the scene! The urgency, the immediacy is palpable! Can’t you just feel it?

 Only a few verses into the first chapter of the Gospel, the rabbi Jesus takes a purposeful walk. “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.”  

            Jesus was brilliant in His approach to these fishermen, Peter, Andrew, James and John. These were career fishermen, and they knew fishing backwards and forwards. Jesus came asking them to let down their metaphorical nets with an offer of God’s Good News. He said, 17 “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” Although, they probably did wonder, at least a little, what on earth they were doing. Leaving it all behind! Boats, nets, livelihood, everything!

Do you think this was the absolute first time these four men had ever seen Jesus? I suspect not. I would imagine the brothers might have seen Jesus preaching and teaching when they went into town, stood among the crowd and listened. Perhaps the brothers had discussed what Jesus had said while they were working on the job, in their boats, or mending their nets.

            Notice what Jesus did not say to these men! He did not say, “I have a theological system which I would like you to investigate.” No! Jesus did not say, “I have certain theories I would like you to think over.” Certainly not! They followed Jesus because they believed what He said about God’s Good News, about commitment. Reorienting. Reframing their whole lives.

            Let me tell you a bit about reframing. When the wood frame around a window is water damaged, carpenters pull out the wood frame and do what is called a reframing of the window. Straightening out the frame so the window will set plumb and straight up and down. It’s similar to going a new way, a new direction. These four fishermen put down their old lives and set their lives in a totally new direction. Reframing their lives, following Jesus and His call.

The commentator Gary Burge tells us “All we can say about the call is that “the kingdom of God” has broken into their lives in the immediacy of Jesus’ call. There are also two other fishermen on the shore mending their nets, James and John, sons of their father Zebedee. The call of Jesus to them is the same and their response is the same. They leave their livelihood and their father and “immediately” follow this stranger (1:20).” [2]

Friends, as Mark’s Gospel reminds us, God has broken into our world. Jesus proclaimed the Good News, but His whole point is not, “Have an opinion about the Good News.” Or, “This Good News is nice and inoffensive.” Rather, Jesus is calling for a radical, total, unqualified basing of one’s life on this Good News. Just as following this radical Rabbi is a radical idea, a radical reframing of these fishermen’s lives, so is His offer, His calling to us.  

As Lutheran pastor Janet Hunt reminds us, “I wonder now what it is that Jesus is calling us away from and what Jesus is calling us to, don’t you?  I wonder how our worlds would change if we just ‘left our nets behind’ and stepped into the new life before us. I wonder how the world itself would change if we just did this, too.” [3]

As commentator David Lose says, “We follow [Jesus] in particular and distinct ways that may or may not be like the first disciples. And that, I think, is the point. Perhaps we follow by becoming a teacher. Perhaps we follow by volunteering at the senior center. Perhaps we follow by looking out for those in our schools [or workplaces] who always seem on the outside and invite them in. Perhaps we follow by being generous with our wealth and with our time. Perhaps we follow by listening to those around us and responding with encouragement and care. Perhaps we follow by caring for an aging parent, or special needs child, or someone else who needs our care. Perhaps we follow by….” [4] Well, you get the idea.

There is a song I would like to bring to your attention. It’s a recently-written hymn called “The Summons,” written by John Bell, a member of the Iona Community, an ecumenical Christian community in Scotland. The first four verses of the hymn are questions from Jesus. He is asking these questions of us. The last verse is a first-person response to these questions. I would like to read the first and last verses of this hymn. 

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I’ll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me. [5]

            Friends, Jesus is calling. Jesus says, “Come, follow Me.” Just as He called those four fisherman by the Sea of Galilee. He calls to each of us, today. Can you see Him? He has His hand extended. Jesus is calling. “Come, follow Me.”

            God willing, with Your help, Lord Jesus, I will follow. Will you?  

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

[1] https://www.workingpreacher.org/dear-working-preacher/the-call-of-the-disciples-and-the-decline-of-the-church

[2] https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/third-sunday-after-epiphany-2/commentary-on-mark-114-20

[3] https://dancingwiththeword.com/gone-fishing/

[4] https://www.workingpreacher.org/dear-working-preacher/the-call-of-the-disciples-and-the-decline-of-the-church

[5] Words © 1987 John Bell, The Iona Community, administered by GIA Publications, Inc.

The Baptism, the Love!

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“The Baptism, the Love!”

Mark 1:1-11 (1:11) – January 14, 2024

            I don’t know about you, but I love taking a bath! My husband is more of a shower person, instead. What do we need when we take a bath? How about a bar of soap, a bottle of shampoo, and maybe a back scrubber? I remember my small children liked a big, fluffy towel, and perhaps even bath toys! That was when they were really small.

            I know people need to take regular baths and showers. That’s in order to stay clean and healthy. And, we take baths and showers again and again, because we keep getting dirty and keep needing the cleansing that soap and shampoo provide.

But, what does this have to do with our Scripture reading today? Did you realize that some people – certain faith traditions – refer to baptism as a bath? Do we need soap, shampoo, or bath toys for a baptism? No, not quite the same thing. But, we do need water, and we definitely need the Word of God for this sacrament. [1]

We read these words from the Gospel of Mark: “John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.” Not the same thing as taking a bath in a roomy tub, is it?

John the Baptist is specific about a baptism of repentance! And, the Gospel record says that many, many people from Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside flocked to the River Jordan to get baptized.

John the Baptist and Jesus are cousins, and I suspect they grew up together, talked, walked and interacted with one another often. Perhaps studied together, too. Now, John has burst upon the public scene and is proclaimed as a prophet of God! John even has the audacity (and temerity) to call for public confession of sins and a subsequent baptism in the River Jordan! The chief draw was John’s urgent call for the forgiveness of sins. That is the attraction!

Let us shift our focus from the general baptism for the repentance of sins to the specific baptism of Jesus. This special event happens right up front, at the very beginning of the Gospel of Mark. John already has a following, and disciples. John’s getting a great deal of publicity in Palestine. His star is rising, for sure.  And what should happen but Jesus shows up at one of John’s baptism events by the river?

Remember, this was before Jesus even started His ministry, before He ever said anything important, or healed anyone, or done anything special at this point. Just think: there is so much pressure on people to be successful in this day and age.

If John the Baptist were our contemporary and had his prophetic ministry today, I can just see him on television, perhaps YouTube. Maybe even short TikTok videos. He was probably too much of a rebel and outsider to be on the inner circle of any denomination or official structure, but I think John would definitely make a splash and be well-known for his straight talking and action-oriented way of communication!

And get this – Jesus asks John to be baptized! Just as Jesus began His ministry with obedience to God, with being baptized, so we are encouraged to begin our lives, our ministries, with baptism, too. 

As we consider Jesus being baptized, what happened as He was with His cousin John in the river? Listen to the words of Mark’s Gospel: “Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’”

Remember: this was before Jesus had ever done a miracle, preached a sermon or done anything else that was special. And God said that Jesus was loved and God was well-pleased with Him. “Notice in Mark’s treatment of the story of Jesus’ baptism two things. First, notice God’s words to Jesus. They are personal, poignant, and powerful. “You are my beloved son. With you I am well pleased.” Wrapped in these words of acceptance are the blessings of identity, worth, and unwavering regard.” [2]

What about you and me? When we were baptized, do you think we were loved by God? Yes, God was well-pleased with us, and with every other human of God’s creation! Yes, you and I are also accepted, with the added blessings of identity, worth and unwavering regard, too!

You may remember bracelets and t-shirts with the initials “WWJD” imprinted on them. The words “What Would Jesus Do?” were a Christian, even pop-culture, trend some years ago. Remembering this trend brings up a valid question. Let’s reframe it into a question about baptism. Who would Jesus exclude? For that matter, who would John turn away from baptism?

We celebrate this event in our Lord’s life each year during the season of Epiphany, during January. Yes, praise God, Jesus went into the waters of baptism, and served as an example for us. Plus, this day is a reminder for each of us who have been baptized. Maybe we made our own promises, or perhaps someone made them on our behalf. [3] Regardless, all are welcome to the waters of baptism! This is a sacrament of repentance, forgiveness, and of radical welcome.

St. Luke’s Church, our church, is a member church of the United Churches of Christ. UCC churches are supposed to welcome everyone. No matter if someone is grumpy, or mean, or stingy. You are welcome here at St. Luke’s Church. No matter if someone is painfully shy, or has some physical or mental infirmity, or has a really strong personality. No matter what your gender or sexual orientation is, either. All are welcome here, in this particular church, too. 

That means a radical, open-hearted, open-handed welcome to all people, no matter what. No matter who. You and I are welcome with God. We are welcome to the waters of baptism, and with you – and me – God is well-pleased. Amen, alleluia.

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

[1] https://www.stewardshipoflife.org/2015/01/wet-well-pleased/

[2] https://www.davidlose.net/2015/01/baptism-of-our-lord-b/

[3] https://www.stewardshipoflife.org/2015/01/wet-well-pleased/

Star of Wonder!

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“Star of Wonder!”

Matthew 2:1-12 (2:11) – January 7, 2024

            I know the image of a manger scene is familiar to all of us here. Who hasn’t seen an adorable little Nativity on a friend’s mantle or under a relative’s Christmas tree? And remember the Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas?” Christmas does not end on December 25th. Christmastide continues for twelve days, through January 5th. Some here might be familiar with Twelfth Night, and Three Kings Day (which is Epiphany, or January 6th).

            While we are all thinking of a Nativity scene, let me tell you some news: the Magi did not come to see the newborn infant Jesus while He was lying in a manger. They did not show up in Bethlehem for some months. The Gospel of Matthew tells us the Magi came to see the child (or toddler) Jesus and brought Him their gifts. A different Gospel story than the angels and shepherds and the infant lying in a manger! That narrative is found in the Gospel of Luke.

            Not all of those Nativity figures we or our children unwrapped to set up around the stable under the tree are found in both stories. Some churches keep the camels and magi of the Nativity set off to the side all through Advent and Christmas, until Epiphany. Following that Star of Wonder, guiding the Magi all along.

            Matthew’s birth story centers around the Star. We have come to see this as the Star of Epiphany, the Light that has come into the world! We use Light to symbolize God. The Star of Wonder represents the Light of God! Just think of the Star at the top of many Christmas trees. This signifies the Star that the Magi followed – that same star we talk about today.

            We may reminisce about Christmas pageants we saw in years past, or how adorable the grandchildren looked, dressed up as shepherds or angels or even the Magi. But have you ever given thought to how much it meant for the Magi to really follow that Star for days, weeks, perhaps even a month or two? These foreign Magi were most probably nobility, astronomers and wise men – or should I say, wise people? For there were women who were accounted as some of these Magi, too. And, they determined to travel to where this newborn King was.

            I wonder – would you or I do as much? Would we undertake a difficult journey to find an emissary of God, not knowing quite where we were going, or when the trip would end? Would we rather stay in our safe homes, and predictable places, and steady jobs? Or, would we pick up and leave immediately because the wondrous Star suddenly was on the move?

            The Magi finally arrived in Jerusalem. Remember, these are foreign dignitaries, and at least minor nobility and perhaps royalty. They went to the palace in Jerusalem to inquire of King Herod, “Where is the one born King of the Jews?” Matthew says they asked, “We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him..” Some translations use the more archaic term “pay him homage,” just as someone bows before a king.

“This verse might lead us to ask one another: What signs have pointed you toward faith in Christ? Are you prepared to pay him homage? To kneel at his feet as a classic, time honored posture of reverence to a king?” [1]  These are serious questions for us to ponder, and hopefully, to pray about. Most importantly, God wants us to consider these questions.

             “The [Magi] are scholars and astronomers schooled in the close observation of the stars, but how are they at observing human nature? They see signs of deity in the stars. How are they at discerning signs of deception in shifty eyes?” [2] For that matter, how are we at discerning signs of deception, those hints that someone is shifty, even untrustworthy? Do we simply keep our heads down and go about our own business, or keep our eyes on that Star, following to find the Messiah, the one born King of the Jews? Thankfully, the Magi got the information they needed and set off a few miles down the road to Bethlehem. There they found the small child Jesus, and gave Him gifts suited for a King! Gold, frankincense and myrrh.

These gifts are certainly appropriate to offer to a king. “Gold has great value; frankincense is a perfume; and myrrh is a common anointing oil. The gifts have symbolic significance in light of the identity of the baby to whom they are given. Gold is a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (used for incense) is a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) is a symbol of death.” [3]

            The Magi are savvy enough to discern that King Herod is not the kind ruler that some might think. Quite the contrary! Any student of the first century knows that this Herod is a bloodthirsty tyrant. These wise people (wise in several ways!) quietly leave Herod’s territory by another way to go back to their homes.   

            As the Magi return home, you and I are left with the Star of Wonder. What will we do with this star? The Star was so significant to the journey of the Magi as it guided them to the Christ Child. But, what about today? What guides us in our lives? Whose guidance do we seek and trust? This is a sure opportunity to follow the signs that can lead us to Christ. And, may you and I be as savvy to threats in this world.

            Just as the Magi gave precious gifts to the Christ Child, we, too, can bring our gifts. We all can give our talents, and even ourselves to Christ this Epiphany. May we continue to place ourselves and our hearts and lives in Christ’s keeping. May God bless us all as we travel on the road to God’s country. Alleluia, amen.

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

[1] https://www.patheos.com/progressive-christian/gold-frankincense-myrrh-alyce-mckenzie-01-03-2013

[2] https://www.patheos.com/progressive-christian/gold-frankincense-myrrh-alyce-mckenzie-01-03-2013

[3] Ibid.