Author Archives: chaplaineliza

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Tempted by the Devil!

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“Tempted by the Devil!”

Luke 4:1-13 (4:2) – March 9, 2025

With the coming of March, our thoughts can turn to the coming of spring, of Easter, and of spring break. My son Peter will have spring break this coming week, and he has taken advantage of the opportunity to go on a trip. He flew to New York City for six days, to spend time with one of his good friends who is now living there. My son was very much looking forward to this journey, and I hope he has a wonderful time with his friend.  

My son has not made a journey like this for several years. The last trip he made two years ago was by train to New England. As I have been thinking about Lent, similarities with travel popped into my head. The Rabbi Jesus traveled a great deal through His life. He made stops at various places, staying at some for a longer time, some for a shorter time.  Jesus made a journey; a significant journey, a lifelong journey. Specifically, His journey through His public ministry is the subject matter for the four gospels in the New Testament.

Our scripture passage for today tells us about the beginning of that journey. This is one of the first major things recorded in the New Testament. The temptation of our Lord is a really significant event that happened to Jesus. Yes, it’s huge in His life experience. And, we can gather many spiritual principles and several excellent Scriptural examples for our hearts and lives.

We know about the temptations that the Devil used to try to get under Jesus’ guard. These words help to provide us with a big map, where we can more clearly see Jesus and the beginning of His journey. In the same way, each of us has started our individual journey through life. We are all on the way. We all have stops at various places, some big, life-changing events, and some small, little happenings that are hardly worth writing home about. But, all of us are on a journey, too, and we’re actively involved in our journey, at any point along the way.

This Scripture reading is – as I said – foundational for the life and experience of Jesus. Each of our Scripture readings during Lent will be telling us about one of the phrases (or, as they are referred to in “church-speak,” petitions) from the Lord’s Prayer. These clear connections are not necessarily in order, but all the phrases are there. We say the Lord’s Prayer each week; this pattern prayer is meaningful to untold millions of people. Today’s connection is to “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” [1]

Except – what does temptation look like for each of us? If we are unsure about exactly what temptations are, we might not be able to avoid them. Or, we might not be able to answer the Devil back when he tempts us with these sneaky, shiny, sleek, or surprising temptations.  

If we consider some temptations for our children, or our grandchildren, recognizing them can be more straightforward. For example, we might list some familiar temptations such as a plate of cookies left on the counter, or a cool item (maybe a smart phone) left unattended in a very public place, or a set of test answers in such plain view that you can hardly help but see them on the desk of the student next to you. [2]

 However, it’s harder and more nuanced when we come to adult temptations. Sure, some are obvious! Like tempting to outright steal, or flat out lie, or hoodwink blatantly, or a “racy” conversation about sex, or drugs, or power dynamics. Can you and I resist when such tempting rewards are dangled in front of us?

We can read about the three temptations that Jesus faced in the wilderness. You remember, the Devil said, “If you are God’s Son…” Yes, and we see how absolutely effective Jesus was at confronting the Devil with direct quotes from the Word of God! Praise God, we can pattern our lives and behavior after our Lord Jesus.

What would Jesus do today, with our current temptations? Really, and seriously?

In today’s Gospel reading from Dr. Luke, we see Jesus going toe to toe with the Devil. Yes, the Devil is trying “to sow mistrust! You may go hungry; you do not have enough; how do you know God is trustworthy?” [3] We see that our Lord Jesus replies with Scripture. I consider knowing the Bible that well is certainly a help in time of trouble, a refuge and a strength, truly!

Following our Lord’s example, you and I can also get familiar with the Word of God. We can read it on a regular basis, and get so well acquainted with it that we will also be able to answer the little and not-so-little temptations that come up each and every day. To quote from Psalm 119:11, “Your Word I have hid in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Plus, reading God’s Word, the Bible, is a wonderful way of building a relationship with our Heavenly Father. This is another tool that God gives to us, to help us along the journey through life.

Except – is our simple solution simply having a magic Bible verse for every situation?

As commentator Dr. David Lose says, he wonders “if it’s not so much that Jesus quotes Scripture to deflect temptation as it is that Jesus finds in Scripture the words to give voice to his trust. Because at the heart of each reply is Jesus’ absolute trust in – and dependence on – God for his identity and future.” [4]

I would like each of us today to consider the crucial link between trust and temptation. If we allow natural insecurity to twist our minds and hearts so that we mistrust God for our daily needs, our daily bread (to quote the Lord’s Prayer), where does that leave us? I think that natural insecurity, that lack of trust in our Heavenly Parent leaves each of us flailing and floundering in the wilderness, not on the journey with Jesus. This is the really important part: flailing and floundering is exactly where the Devil wants us to be!  

If that mistrust of God is the case, then we are open to the possibility, appeal, and temptation of the proposition that it is all up to us, that God is not able to provide and so we’d better take matters into our own hands. [5]

Certainly, we are each on the journey with Jesus. It is a day-by-day journey, one day at a time. The best part is that Jesus is traveling with us, by our side. That’s a promise, too. There is a lot to celebrate! God has promised never to leave us, or forsake us. Even though life happens, even though tough times come, Jesus travels with us. And that’s a promise we all can trust.

Amen, amen!

@chaplaineliza

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

[1] Http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2016/01/year-c-first-sunday-in-lent-february-14.html

[2] Ibid.

[3] https://www.workingpreacher.org/dear-working-preacher/trust-and-temptation

[4]  Ibid,

[5] Ibid.

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Dazzling White!

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“Dazzling White!”

Luke 9:28-36 (9:35) – March 2, 2025

Have you ever seen a caterpillar? I know that crawly caterpillars are not particularly exciting to look at. Walking around on multiple little feet, eating big hunks of leaves and generally being crawly – some might say a bit creepy. As caterpillars begin to go through the process of changing from a rather ugly crawly thing into a breathtaking, lovely butterfly, that multiple-day process is called metamorphosis. How remarkable to see a new butterfly coming out of a chrysalis! As it has turned from a crawly caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly!  

I know, this natural process takes a great number of days, and we cannot closely compare the caterpillar-to-butterfly to our Bible reading today. Except – in a marvelous, unexpected way, we can. As we stop, look and see our Lord Jesus transforming His appearance on top of the mountain, I am reminded of the beautiful butterfly we see coming out of the chrysalis.

Christian tradition tells us Luke was a doctor—and a Gentile, a Greek. The only non-Jewish writer of two books of the Bible. Three of the Gospel accounts show us the Transfiguration. But, Dr. Luke is the only one who adds the description of Jesus leading the other three disciples up on the mountain. Let’s take those three disciples, Peter, James, and John, his brother. Jesus asks them to climb with Him to the top of a mountain to pray. This was a regular thing that Jesus did—not the mountain part, but going away by Himself—or with a couple of other people—to pray and meditate in depth.

And, what is the reaction of the three disciples? Where do we find our faithful friends, Peter, James and John? Fast asleep. Again. We do not know why or how they wake up, but they did. They wake to the sight of Jesus looking dazzling bright, whiter than snow, brighter than anything they had ever seen.  

Dr. Luke says, “The appearance of his face changed” (Luke 9:29). “The appearance. He didn’t look like what they were used to looking at. He looked different. He looked … more. Transfigured is the word that we are used to reading here. That sounds more holy somehow, more theological than to say simply that he changed. But the Greek word here is metamorphothe, from which we get metamorphosis. Or change.” [1]

This event is truly a situation where I can say: Oh. My. God!!

I do think our friends the disciples have a bit of a problem. Here they have their Rabbi Jesus, the best example of Godly living the world has ever seen. The best example of living with a close and deep relationship with God, with prayer and meditation front and center in His life. And where are they at this significant time in the life of Jesus? Asleep at the switch. Not paying attention, not getting involved or participating.

Remember, even though the disciples followed Jesus, the disciples were not exactly sure who the Rabbi Jesus really and truly was, before the Transfiguration. True, they understood the Rabbi Jesus was especially anointed by God, and was a definite prophet and miracle-worker, and anointed preacher. They had been traveling with Jesus. They ate with Him and even bunked down by Him at night. You get to know a person very well if you do that for long enough. The disciples knew that Jesus was something special.  However, these earnest disciples may have been confused about the exact identity of who they were following.   

Our Lord Jesus did not need the Transfiguration, certainly. He was rock solid in His identity, and knew He was God’s Son. He understood His mission here on earth. Who needed the Transfiguration, then? God did this special showing or metamorphosis in particular for the disciples, for Peter, James and John. And for those who would later read about it – all of us.

Yes, our Lord Jesus appeared all dazzling white, and was deep in conversation on top of the mountain with a transfigured Moses and Elijah. These disciples had been eye-witnesses to some really big miracles, even before this mountaintop experience! Except … these three certainly were puzzled and amazed here. And, I get the feeling that these three and the other disciples at the bottom of the mountain looked that way most of the time!

 “They knew Jesus was special, but they were never quite sure what that meant.  By wrapping Jesus in a shiny cloud and incredible clothes, God was telling the disciples, ‘Jesus is more than a special person.  Jesus is God with you.’” [2]

What happened on top of that mountain was much more than just a spectacular laser, fog and lights show, with fancy costumes. As Jesus – and Moses and Elijah – appeared in dazzling white, glorious robes, the essence of Jesus became more visible, more obvious. Our Lord Jesus was the same Person who climbed the mountain, the same Person who went down again. He displayed even more of Himself on that mountaintop. He is always who He is, just as Jesus is always present in the fullness of His being.[3]  

And, if that picture is not mind-blowing, I do not know what is!

How can we open our ears and take this narrative into our hearts and lives today? Remember, Jesus took the disciples away to pray with them, there on the mountain top. What happened, again? They didn’t pay attention. They fell asleep. How often do we do the same thing? How often do we just go through the motions? How often do we want the same old experiences and are hesitant to accept any change in life or church or a new part of the service? How often are we more concerned with what our fellow believers are wearing than the condition of their hearts?  Their souls? Their emotional lives? Their physical well-being? Wouldn’t Jesus concern Himself with real people’s lives, with prayer and word and praise? Or would Jesus get sidetracked like the disciples? Going through the motions?

Hard to imagine our Lord Jesus doing anything of the kind.

As we gather in this place for communion today, we remember. Jesus said, “Do this to remember Me.” Do what? Pray together. Participate together. More specifically, all of us are to participate in the communion meal, where Jesus is revealed in the breaking of the bread.

And afterwards, we are sent forth to bring Jesus into the world. Jesus, God’s Chosen One! Jesus, the hope of the nations! Jesus, the Prince of peace.  Alleluia! Amen.

@chaplaineliza

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

(Many thanks to the website www.umcdiscipleship.org for their preaching notes for Transfiguration Sunday! I am very grateful to this wonderful website for several significant ideas for this sermon.)

[1] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/where-you-are-far-horizons/transfiguration-sunday-year-c-lectionary-planning-notes/transfiguration-sunday-year-c-preaching-notes

[2] http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2013/01/year-c-transfiguration-of-lord-february.html

[3] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/where-you-are-far-horizons/transfiguration-sunday-year-c-lectionary-planning-notes/transfiguration-sunday-year-c-preaching-notes

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We Should Love WHO?

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“We Should Love WHO?”

Luke 6:27-38 (6:35) – February 23, 2025

Throughout history, we can trace many battles between enemies. I don’t mean outright war, like between armies with guns and tanks and bombs, but I mean enemies, nevertheless. Serious sports rivalries can turn ugly, causing fistfights and even rioting. Factions and strife in a town can even cause a cohesive neighborhood to break up. And in recent times, political differences can cause serious rifts between former friends. Deep tension even makes family members stop speaking to each other, sometimes for years.

What is this corrosive feeling between enemies? Some say envy, others say fear, others say hatred, plain and simple. Which brings us to the Gospel reading for today. What does Jesus say about enemies?

            First, we need to back up, and remind ourselves of what came just before. Or rather, what we heard last week. Just a reminder that Luke chapter 6 contains much of the same information that Jesus preached in Matthew, chapters 5, 6 and 7. Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount—leading off with the Beatitudes—is summarized in about one third of the space, right here. In Dr. Luke’s Sermon on the Plain.

            I do not want you to take my word for it! Let us listen to the words of our Lord Jesus, again, the words I am highlighting for us from the Sermon on the Plain. “27 “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If anyone hits you on one cheek, let him hit the other one too; if someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well. 30 Give to everyone who asks you for something, and when someone takes what is yours, do not ask for it back. 31 Do for others just what you want them to do for you.”

            Loving our families? Yes, certainly. Loving our acquaintances? Well, that seems possible. But, loving our enemies? Those who are mean to us, or hurt us? Humanly impossible!

            How on earth does anyone expect us to love our enemies? “Are these words we really want to hear, to really listen to, and perhaps change our lives around? Well, no, let’s be honest. [Especially in today’s political climate] we live in a world that nurses grudges, that licks wounds, that lives to get even. Talk about swimming against the tide. These words of Jesus here in the Gospel of Luke sound like a discordant note out of tune in the symphony of our lives. Love your enemies? Come on!” [1]

            How does Jesus expect anyone to even come close to loving their enemies?

Jesus’ own country of Israel was under occupation. Just imagine occupied France or the Netherlands during World War II under Nazi occupation, and you are on the right track. The hated Romans were Israel’s overlords, and the whole country had to pay Roman taxes. Essentially, paying tribute to Caesar and his armies. The Roman soldiers threw their weight around, and it was backed up by the threat of force of arms. In other words, Roman garrisons were stationed in towns throughout Israel, keeping the populace in line and making certain there was order in Rome’s occupied territory. 

Somehow, I doubt whether the Rabbi Jesus scored many points with either the Jewish leaders or the Jewish people by preaching about loving their enemies.

Let’s take a closer look at what our Lord Jesus actually said. He repeats the same charge, the same command, four times. Jesus says, and I quote, “Love your enemies. do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.” In other words, love those who hate you. Love those who curse you. Love those who abuse you.

In Scripture, where there is repetition, pay attention! The speaker is making a huge point! And, repeating it four times, with slight variations – Jesus underlines His point, right here!

Jesus actually provides more context. Love, do good, bless, pray for. In these four specific but related ways Jesus tells us how to put this command into practice! Jesus is NOT telling us just to roll over, or play dead, or sit and take whatever enemies deal out. No! Jesus “doesn’t tell us to be the doormat of anyone and everyone. What He tells us is, don’t become them. Don’t harbor the kind of corrosive hate that allows abuse and cursing to happen.” [2]

            I would like to remind everyone that this Gospel reading from Luke this morning features the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In the United Nations Building in New York there is a large mosaic by Norman Rockwell that depicts people of all ages, of different genders, and many nationalities; embedded within the tiles are those same words, the words of the Golden Rule. Yes, they are the words of our Lord Jesus! We need to recognize that they are also words from other faiths, other traditions, and other cultures. [3] 

            We can see how we might begin to love our enemies, by treating them the way we want to be treated ourselves. Please, notice the variations in what Jesus says. “Do good” means encounter, to get close enough to impact our enemy’s life, in some way. As we encounter in love, we are treating our enemies as we ourselves wish to be treated.  

            When we “bless” our enemies, that can be at arm’s length. Perhaps it is not so safe to come nose to nose with our enemies. When enemies are cursing us, sometimes it might be very prudent to step back. However, we can still bless them, with all sincerity! Blessings can come from a distance, and be just as effective, too.

We can “pray” while our enemy or abuser is at work or some distance away. And, we always need to act with prudence and wisdom. It is so important that we “pray for God’s healing and God’s love to transform the abuser. Leave behind the inclination to return the hurt as you have been hurt. [That inclination] doesn’t help with healing. It doesn’t make right what has been a horrible wrong. Let it go and love. Love from a distance. Or better yet, pray that God’s love can do what your love is incapable of at the moment.” [4]

And if all else fails – if we just cannot, cannot love enemies by our frail, human selves – we can pray that God will step in and love our enemies with us, through us, and even – despite us.

Please God, help us all to love our enemies, as Jesus commands.  If you need help? Ask Jesus. He will help us to love everyone, and help us as we follow Him.

Alleluia, amen.

@chaplaineliza

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

(Many thanks to the website www.umcdiscipleship.org for their preaching notes for Epiphany 7! I am very grateful to this wonderful website for several significant ideas for this sermon.)

[1] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/where-you-are-far-horizons/seventh-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-lectionary-planning-notes/seventh-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-preaching-notes

[2] Ibid.

[3] https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/weekly-worship/monthly/2025-february/sunday-23-february-2025-seventh-sunday-after-epiphany-year-c

[4] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/where-you-are-far-horizons/seventh-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-lectionary-planning-notes/seventh-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-preaching-notes

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In Search of…?

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“In Search of…?”

Luke 6:17-26 (6:23) – February 16, 2025

Have you ever been looking forward to something, with all your heart? Perhaps, getting to a stadium early, and looking forward to a great ball game? Or, arriving at the church, looking forward to a wedding of two people who are dear to you? Maybe, finally going to a concert you’ve been waiting for, for many months. Looking forward to—what, exactly?

            Reading again from Luke 6: “Jesus went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of His disciples was there and a great number of people who had come to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured.”

            Yes, this was very early in the Rabbi Jesus’s ministry, but there already was talk about this promising young Rabbi. He not only teaches with authority, but this Jesus heals people’s diseases, too! And, He even casts demons out of people!

But, let us step back from this reading in Luke, for a moment. This reading is very similar to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. In fact, this larger reading in Luke is called the Sermon on the Plain. Our reading today echoes Matthew’s Beatitudes! However, there are significant differences between these two readings.

In Matthew, the Beatitudes are pretty straight-forward. It’s the Rabbi Jesus giving blessings to groups of people, who do specific things. The disciple Matthew was Jewish, writing primarily for Jews. But here in the Gospel of Luke, we have a slightly different perspective. Dr. Luke was Greek, and he wrote for a much more diverse audience. As we look at Luke’s version of blessings here in the Sermon on the Plain, we also find Jesus pronouncing woes! Such a difference from Matthew and the Beatitudes, for a diverse audience, this time!  

Who hasn’t turned to the Beatitudes for comfort, for reassurance, knowing that our Lord Jesus is on our side? Knowing that Jesus is supporting us, and in our corner? Certainly, we can still do all that, looking at Dr. Luke’s words from the Sermon on the Plain. “But there is more in these words, and some of it is a little hard to take. ‘Rejoice in that day,’ Jesus says, not about good things that happen, but about suffering, about being hated, about being rejected. This is not something we want to feel joy about.” [1]

When some people read Luke 6, some might nod their heads. Or, say nice things, like “wonderful words!” or “meaningful sentiments, surely!” But, are these opinions simply surface platitudes? Do people who praise this reading from Luke understand its full implications? 

But, this isn’t about us. We do not get to pick and choose what parts of the Gospels and which words of our Lord Jesus we like. No, we all are called to minister, to reach out to all people. As the Rev. Ernest Lyght mentions, “Perhaps there are some similarities between the crowd on the plain and the crowds that come to our churches. When you look out into your congregation, whom do you see? What are their needs? Who are the people who come to our churches? Do they reflect the neighborhoods around the church?

“Surely, they are folks who want to hear a Word from the Lord, and they want to be healed. They come with certain expectations.”[2]

In our society here in the United States, these precise words of Jesus are not particularly popular. In popular culture today – even in the church – do we often see wealth and success as signs of being favored or lucky? Who is often praised or lifted up as being wealthy and successful? Sports stars? Pop musicians and rappers? What about leaders in industry or CEOs of large corporations? How many of these supposedly “wealthy, successful” people follow these particular words of Jesus? These words of Jesus are not about following the crowd. These are challenging words from Jesus, difficult to hear, and even more difficult to put into action.  

            Which leads us to the next question: what are you looking forward to from the worship service, this morning? Were you expecting a warm, familiar service, with nice, familiar hymns, and a warm, comforting sermon?

Here is a poem written by a (then) ten-year-old boy, a few years back. The boy, now a teenager, is autistic, on the Aspergers spectrum. Listen to this view from someone our society would not consider “successful.”

I am odd, I am new / I wonder if you are too
I hear voices in the air / I see you don’t, and that’s not fair
I want to not feel blue / I am odd, I am new
I pretend that you are too / I feel like a boy in outerspace
I touch the stars and feel out of place / I worry what others might think
I cry when people laugh, it makes me shrink / I am odd, I am new
I understand now that so are you / I say I, “feel like a castaway”
I dream of a day that that’s okay / I try to fit in
I hope that someday I do / I am odd, I am new. [3]

Were you surprised and even taken aback when we listened to this lovely boy with autism who wrote that wonderful poem for his English assignment? (I had tears in my eyes when I finished reading that poem. God bless that boy, and God bless that teacher, too.)

            Look again at Luke’s version of the Beatitudes: “’Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.’”

“We don’t rejoice because someone has hurt us, but we rejoice because we have a community that can help us heal from the hurt. We have relationships that can insulate us from the suffering that any of us might encounter living in the world. In worship, then, we can celebrate that community of support and encouragement. We give thanks for one another and the way we have been enfolded into a loving environment that helps shape our identity as an antidote to the identity we sometimes encounter in the world.” [4]

               Does Jesus challenge you in your daily walk with Him, or are you just looking for a nice, easy, quiet stroll with Jesus? Do we have open doors? Who are the people who do not come to our church, on this corner? Do we truly welcome all people?

These words of Jesus are not about following the crowd. What are you looking forward to? Check with our Lord Jesus, and see who He would welcome. Alleluia, amen.

@chaplaineliza

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

[1] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/where-you-are-far-horizons/sixth-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-lectionary-planning-notes

[2] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship/season-after-epiphany-2019-part-2-worship-planning-series/february-17-sixth-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c/sixth-sunday-after-the-epiphany-2019-year-c-preaching-notes  

[3] https://en.stories.newsner.com/family/10-year-old-boy-with-autism-writes-poem-for-homework-his-teacher-is-at-a-loss-for-words/

[4] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/where-you-are-far-horizons/sixth-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-lectionary-planning-notes

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Let’s Go Deep!

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“Let’s Go Deep!”

Luke 5:1-11 (5:4) – February 9, 2025

When did God become real to you? Were you sitting in Sunday school, when you felt deep within that God was real, and you felt wonder? Or, were you at a camp or retreat, around a campfire, when something let you know God was the real thing, and you felt nothing but awe? Or, perhaps, were you praying next to a loved one’s bed in the hospital, and you powerfully understood that God is real, and you felt deep comfort? Have you had a God-encounter?

            The situation here today is where God becomes real for these people. Edward just read the Gospel lesson from Luke 5 to us, and we heard about Jesus calling the first disciples. But, we need to back up in this reading, before the Rabbi Jesus calls anyone to be a disciple.  

            We break into the action quite early in the public ministry of Jesus. So early, in fact, that He has not even called anyone to follow Him, to be His disciples. We see Rabbi Jesus, alone, teaching, preaching, healing, and beginning His ministry. Luke starts off with the phrase “One day as Jesus was standing on the shore of the Lake of Gennesaret.” I think Doctor Luke meant this to say that this was a typical day in the life of Jesus. Teaching, preaching, doing miracles. All in a day’s activities, for the Rabbi Jesus.

            But, Jesus is not the only one mentioned in this Gospel reading today. We are introduced to Simon. (or Simon Peter, but that name comes later on.) Simon did not have a good night fishing. In those days, people fished at night.

“The fishermen would spend the night in the shallows, tossing their nets and pulling in the catch. Then as dawn broke, they would bring the fish to shore and sell them at the market. Because of a lack of facilities for preserving fish, this was a daily event. Except this day.” [1]

            Have you ever had a bad day (or night) at work, too? Or how about at school? Has everything gone off the rails? Did you get off on the wrong foot? Or, was your supervisor, or teacher, or co-worker just downright grumpy, and their negative attitude threw a monkey wrench into the whole day?

            I suspect our friend – and future disciple – Simon could relate. He caught nothing the whole night long, so he had nothing to sell at the local market, and nothing to take to his folks at home to eat. No one knows for certain how Simon was feeling, but I know that many people in a similar situation would feel demoralized, defeated, or just plain empty inside. All because the nets had been empty all night long! But this Gospel reading does not only feature Jesus and Simon, No, there is a crowd, too!

The crowds who have gathered to hear the Rabbi Jesus teach and preach—and watch the miracles!—I suspect are filled with wonder, curiosity, and questions. Who is this rabbi with such clarity in teaching the word of God? Who is this rabbi with such power and authority? Yes, we see the people crowding around Jesus so much that He got in a boat by the seashore, put out a little way, and then preached to the crowd.

(Did you know—little known fact—that Jesus was using the natural amplification of the water to make His voice heard better? When someone is out in the water a little distance from shore, their voice can be heard as naturally amplified because of the sound waves bouncing off or echoing off of the surface of the water and traveling on towards the shore.)

            Doctor Luke tells us what happened next. When Jesus was done preaching, He asked Simon to cast off, take the boat out again, and lower his nets. Now, fishermen would customarily dock the boats, then wash their nets away from the boats. They had already cleaned up after a night and early morning’s work and were ready to go home. [2]

And yes, this non-fisherman Rabbi Jesus asked Simon to start all over again. To go out into the deep water and go fishing – again! In the daytime! Against his better judgment, Simon agrees to traipse out to the deep water to go fishing, even though they have worked hard all night, because Jesus requested that he and his co-workers go out and try fishing again.

We know what happened. Hardly had the nets gone into the water, but the fish came swimming into the nets. The nets were filled to bursting! It was a miracle. Simon Peter and his co-workers experienced it—they were eye witnesses.  

“Just think. A little invitation from Jesus, a small inconvenience, and before you know it, Simon was in over his head. Did Jesus show up that day looking for followers? Or was that a bonus? The catch of the day?” [3] Was this all because Jesus asked them to go deep, and to set sail for deep waters?

What was the surprising response? Continuing from Luke 5: “When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.”

What happened? Simon Peter had a God-encounter, there in the boat. God became real to him. Simon Peter deeply experienced God as very real to his life, but couldn’t handle it. What is Jesus’s unexpected response? Jesus tells Simon Peter and his co-workers, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” Jesus calls them into a God-encounter.

For Simon Peter and his co-workers, his friends, this was decision-time. They decided to drop their nets on the shore, leave their boats where they were, and follow Jesus. There were many, many people in the crowd who also had the opportunity to follow Jesus, but they did not. The crowd only stayed for the good preaching and the miracles, not the following-Jesus-part.

Has Jesus struck you to the heart and soul, like Peter? Has God become real to you, through this Scripture reading? I encourage you to follow Him today. Thank Him for forgiving your shortcomings and sins. Thank Jesus for inviting you to come with Him for the journey.

What can we do with this newfound, exciting relationship with God? Become a disciple. Go out and talk about how God became real in your life. Talk about God’s Good News, today. God will be wonderfully praised by all who tell how God has become very real to them, and changed their hearts and lives.

How has God become real to you? Go deep. Become a disciple. Go and tell.

@chaplaineliza

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

[1] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/where-you-are-far-horizons/fifth-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-lectionary-planning-notes/fifth-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-preaching-notes

[2] http://www.word-sunday.com/Files/c/5-c/A-5-c.html

[3] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/where-you-are-far-horizons/fifth-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-lectionary-planning-notes/fifth-sunday-after-the-epiphany-year-c-preaching-notes

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Love: God’s Better Way

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“Love: God’s Better Way”

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (13:4) – February 2, 2025

One of the most popular themes for songs is that of love. Songs that describe love of one person for another, or songs that tell about how awful it is to have unrequited love. Also, songs that tell about the emotions and feelings that come with being “in love.”

            One classic popular song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David talks about love in a basic and simple way. Saying, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.”

What is the state of the world, anyway? Judging from a quick view of the local news, the city of Chicago, the state of Illinois, the federal government, the uproar in Washington D.C., unemployment, not to mention abuse of different kinds—against women, children, and seniors. That is not even mentioning the various armed conflicts throughout the world—fights over territory, disputes over resources, differences between people of different religious beliefs.

            What can possibly bring harmony, hope and wholeness into the world today?

            This brings us to our scripture reading for the day, from 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter is called the Love Chapter. It is so often used as a scripture text for weddings! Perhaps you or a friend or relative had this chapter read at a wedding. But, did you know that the apostle Paul did not write this chapter to glorify romantic love?

One of my favorite commentators, Karoline Lewis, states “that this “Wedding Text” is not a passive, observable event that seeks our affirmation and support, but something that calls for our participation. This is not a text where we are asked to look on as guests, dressed for a party and seated dutifully in the church pews, but rather necessitates our involvement.” [1] Did you hear? Our participation! Our involvement!  

We are not supposed to sit quietly in a pew and let love happen to us. We are not supposed to sit in the bleachers while the professionals handle this love business. No! Let us take a closer look at exactly what Paul tells us to do, and how we are to get involved.

            Let us listen again to a portion of the words of 1 Corinthians 13, as brought up to date by Eugene Peterson in his modern translation “The Message.” “Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel.”

This is a penetrating way to teach people. Show them by example—examples of how not to love. Examples of jealousy or boasting, arrogance or rudeness. And especially, an example of a horrible injustice, where people are openly bigoted against females. (This can also be true of people who are bigoted about other differences, too, like about handicaps, or people of color, or of a different class of people, or of other nationalities or countries of origin.)

Those bad examples? Paul shows us clearly in this passage—don’t do those things! Don’t be that way! Sometimes, a bad example is the quickest way to our hearts and minds.

Paul was involved in a longer argument here in chapters 12 and 13 of his first letter to the Corinthian believers. Chapter 12 was all about the spiritual gifts that came from God, and meant for the strengthening of the body of Christ – the Church. Then in chapter 13, Paul zeros in on the most excellent of all of these God-given gifts. The gift of love. (or, charity, if we are speaking in a more flowery, King-James-version kind of a way).

            In this section I just read, Paul tells his friends and former church members what love is definitely not! Doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, isn’t always “Me First!” Paul was making comparisons here! He had lived in the city of Corinth for many months, while he was pastor of this young church. He knew the rough and tumble, political attitude of the general population of the city of Corinth. Plus, he knew that this uncaring, callous attitude was rubbing off on the people inside of the church, too! That is why he wrote these words.

If we want to find out more about 1st century Corinth, “Charity [or, love] was not the activity of his opponents that spread their agenda. They promoted themselves, acted with arrogance, even engaged in shameful activities (backdoor politics?). As they sought personal gain, they provoked others, instilled animosities, and celebrated when others “lost face.” These were not the hallmarks of Christian community.” [2] In fact, all this crony-ism and inside politics sounds sadly familiar to me. But then, I grew up here in Chicago.

Instead, the apostle Paul gives us a marvelous example of what true love – and Godly caring, support, empathy – looks like. Listen again: “Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.”

I don’t need to scramble and strive to love all by myself, trying really, really hard. It’s not all me, putting together my own faulty, human kind of caring. No! God freely gives gifts of love to all God’s children. That is what true love looks like. This is what true church looks like, too.

We can clearly see that Paul’s ministry of love, harmony and wholeness is for the whole world. Not just about taking care of those in our own families, although that’s important. It’s more than “taking care of our own,” although that is certainly laudable. It’s about showing love for everyone. For those affected by loneliness, or despair, disaster or disease wherever they are, without exclusion of those not like us or even of those we fear. Everyone.

Ending as I began, we look again at the Bacharach and David song, “What the World Needs Now.” The chorus of the song tells us the world needs love, sweet Godly love. Needs it badly. “No, not just for some, but for every, every, everyone.” Amen, Lord. Amen.

@chaplaineliza

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

[1] https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/fourth-sunday-after-epiphany-3/commentary-on-1-corinthians-131-13-3

[2] http://www.word-sunday.com/Files/c/4-c/SR-4-c.html

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God-Given Gifts!

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“God-Given Gifts!”

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (12:12) – January 26, 2025

At this time of the year, many people get all excited about sports. Hockey, basketball, and especially football. The end of the football season is upon us! There are many different types of positions on a football team. I was wondering: how good would a team be if all of the players were big and bulky, like offensive linemen? Or, how about if all the players wiry and nimble, like wide receivers? How successful would a team like that be? 

The Apostle Paul told the church in Corinth about another group, or team. Except, he called it a body—God’s Body. God put together all the different believers into a team, or body called the church. God’s team. When we consider our Bible reading for today, we can also see that God made different kinds of gifts. God’s plan is for human beings to live together in one body. That is, with one another, in a great big community, in all its colorful diversity.

What on earth is Paul talking about? A body? Why is he mentioning a metaphor like that? He was responding to a letter from the church in the city of Corinth. He had spent a number of months in the city, teaching and preaching. Then, he went on his way to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to other cities. He was an itinerant preacher and missionary, after all.  I suspect Paul had a great number of people sending him letters, asking him questions, wanting his advice about continuing problems in the various churches he had founded. A number of big things were the matter with the church in Corinth. In his letter, Paul tried to correct several issues, including this important issue about spiritual gifts, and unity in the church.

What is the background of today’s reading? One chapter before, in chapter 11, Paul offers instruction on public worship. He deals with the believers in church acting inappropriately, and lets them know they ought to straighten up, and be unified – together! Then, in chapter 12, Paul continues the theme of unity – except he brings in the wonderful concept of spiritual gifts in the Church. Diversity of spiritual gifts, given to each member of the Church, of the Body of Christ.

That is not just a few members, or only some members of the Church. It is not even most members of the Church. God gives gifts to ALL members of the Church, of the Body of Christ. Each person in the Church, no matter who, no matter where they are from, is a beloved member of the Body of Christ. That is the Church Universal, and God gives gifts to all.

Not just the church on this side of Morton Grove, not just the church that holds their worship services in English, not just the church that has people who “look like us.” No, each individual person is beloved, and is given a share in the diverse gifts of the worldwide Body of Christ. Can you, can I possibly imagine the diversity in that worldwide body? And, can you, can I possibly begin to understand that God is so pleased when we all, worldwide, agree together and act and worship and live together in unity as a loving Body of Christ?

We all are probably familiar with a popular children’s toy. Put out by Hasbro, small children have played with it for decades. Made even more famous by an appearance in Toy Story movies from Pixar. Mr. Potato Head, accompanied by his partner, Mrs. Potato Head, of course. You remember how Mr. Potato Head works. A large potato. And, the separate parts of the body: eyes, ears, nose, mouth. Hands, feet.

Reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s metaphor of the Church, the body of Christ, doesn’t it? But what if our Potato Head had all eyes, and no hands? Or, all ears and no feet? What then? Lopsided? Wouldn’t work properly? Just imagine if our local church, St. Luke’s Church, was all lopsided like this? Wouldn’t work properly? Not only is the Church meant to have unity, and work well together, it is also made up of diverse or different parts, on purpose!

            Looking back at Genesis, we can see that diversity is definitely in God’s plan for humanity from the very beginning. The sheer creativity of God in creation is so big and so varied. A countless variety of individuals made in every size, shape, color, ethnicity. Having endless variations of gifts and abilities that God gave to each of us.

This is a recurring problem in Corinth – the people were convinced that some people and some gifts were better than others. They completely missed Paul’s repeated statements that God gives a multitude of diverse gifts and abilities to all of God’s beloved, diverse church members! Not that some church members were better, or more popular, or had a greater gift than everyone else. No! Paul states plainly that every person counts! Every gift counts, and every single person in each of their lovely, multi-colored, multicultural diversity is beloved of God. What is more, has received God’s spiritual gifts for free use in the multi-colored, multicultural Body of Christ!

Yes, tension and division and racism and enmity exist – all within the Body of Christ. I cannot even imagine how that breaks God’s heart, knowing that churches on one side of town are arguing with churches on the other side of town. Or, that some churches are ignoring the plain words of the prophet Micah to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. Or, ignoring the plain words of Jesus to be merciful to the powerless and the least of these.

Yes, in today’s uncertain times, the Church has “tensions from within and without which are bringing doubt and confusion to the Body as we face the challenges of the near and distant future.” [1] Thank God we have a firm foundation on which we all stand. Thank God we have the words of Paul here in 1 Corinthians calling us to unity under God, rejoicing in our diversity with all the multi-colored, multicultural people of God, worldwide.

Yes, each of us is different from each other. And, yes, we are all one in Christ Jesus. We can celebrate that blessed both/and reality today! Just imagine what a marvelous job each Church could do, if each member used what God has freely given to each one, to the best of their ability! What an opportunity for ministry and outreach!

What possibilities lie before us as a church, as the Body of Christ in this place? May each of us prayerfully ask today what God would have us to do with the gifts and abilities God has given each of us.  Amen, alleluia!

@chaplaineliza

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

[1] https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/weekly-worship/monthly/2025-january/sunday-26-january-2025-third-sunday-after-epiphany-year-c

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Diverse Gifts and Abilities!

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“Diverse Gifts and Abilities!”

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (12:10) – January 19, 2025

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” God created everything on the face of the earth. Just think of the myriads of different kinds of plants, animals, climates, languages, cultures. God made it all, and God rejoices in the countless variations and differences. What a diversity in creation! We can be amazed over and over, at the ever-renewable wonders of God’s creation, whether we look at a flower in a vase, through a microscope at a microbe, or at the photographs sent from the landing craft now exploring on the planet Mars.

When we consider our reading for today, we can also see that God made different kinds of spiritual gifts, as well. God’s plan is for human beings to live together, with one another, in community. The main purpose for these diverse gifts is for the common good. God wants us to use our gifts for one another. What an awesome opportunity! Here, God freely and openly gives us gifts—spiritual gifts—to serve one another.

Now, let’s back up. The Apostle Paul cites Jesus Christ as a starting point at the beginning of Chapter 12. He states the authority of Jesus, and even makes the statement “Jesus is Lord” a sort of litmus test for being a follower of Jesus Christ. After all, no one who is a pagan can say “Jesus is Lord” and really mean it (at least in Paul’s day, that was true). But there is a problem. The problem is us human beings.

We are fallen people. We sin. In and of ourselves, we have no standing, and are not righteous before God. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, “There is none righteous, no, not one.” But the Holy Spirit gives us a big assist here! The Holy Spirit helps us to say the words “Jesus is Lord!” It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we exercise these gifts that God so graciously gives to us!

Let’s look at what Paul says about these spiritual gifts. There are many kinds of gifts! Yet, there is one Lord. There are diverse abilities! Yet, one Spirit. I see a definite connection here. It’s all about God, and God’s immense creativity. Just as God created the world in all of its glory, beauty and diversity, so too the Lord created people in all their wonderful diversity, with diverse gifts and abilities for us to share with one another.

I started out quoting Genesis 1:1–”in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Looking back at Genesis, we can see that diversity is definitely in God’s plan for humanity from the very beginning. The sheer creativity of God in creation is so big and so varied. Musically speaking, there are countless variations on a countless number of themes. The only way I can figure this out is that God is pleased when we use our God-given creativity in any one of a myriad of ways—inventing, designing, doing, helping, making, thinking, crafting, composing, giving. And when we use our God-given gifts and abilities, it plain feels good inside.

When we look at this chapter in 1 Corinthians, Paul stresses that the church—the group of believers in Christ he was writing to–in all of its diversity, is a community. A great, big extended family, if that helps you think about it. I know that can remind us of the whole topic of the families each of us were born into–and some people don’t want to go there–with in-laws, out-laws, black sheep, and all the rest. But biblically speaking, this is God’s family.

This reminds me of my birth family, my family of origin. I am one of six sisters and brothers. The six of us are about as diverse as anyone would want to see. Across the political spectrum, in terms of talents, abilities, interests and activities, the six of us are so different from each other. Yet, we came from the same parents, and grew up in the same household. Even within my own family, there is such a rich diversity.

With God as our Heavenly Parent, we as believers in Jesus Christ are all sisters and brothers of one another. Why? Because God’s Word says so. Paul says, several verses down in this same chapter, “For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greek, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”

There are different services, and different activities, yet there is one Holy Spirit over all, energizing all. And this is a corollary benefit: whatever happens, whenever people use their God-given gifts and abilities, God receives praise and honor!

Tomorrow, we observe a federal holiday, where we remember and give thanks for Martin Luther King Jr. His stirring words helped to move this nation toward justice, empathy and equity. His witness called forth the best of all of us.

Sadly, in recent years, we have seen the increasing rise of hatred, separation one from another, and white supremacy. We need to go forward towards those loving, caring and equitable ideas that Martin spoke of. We have been given these gifts to show the whole world that God means for all of us to serve one another, no matter who they are, no matter where they may be.

God can break through insular, tribal loyalties! God can and does knit all of us together as one humanity, one great big extended family. Plus, tomorrow as a Day of Service is not simply a day on the calendar, but it is a day on which all of us can serve and work, pray and hope, struggle and strive to – as Martin said – bend the arc of history closer to justice, and be shaped into the people of God that God’s prophets call all of us to be. Each day. Every day.

So, we can praise God that we have been graciously given these gifts and abilities to use, for each person we meet.  What an awesome opportunity! Here, God freely and openly gives us gifts—spiritual gifts—to serve one another, for the common good. How can you take that opportunity, and use these gifts for one another’s benefit, and continue to build the Beloved Community we are told of repeatedly in the Bible? Not just tomorrow, on the MLK Day of Service, but every day? How can you best serve God’s worldwide family? How can I?

God willing, we can and we will. Alleluia, amen.

@chaplaineliza

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

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Remember Your Baptism!

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“Remember Your Baptism!”

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (3:21) – January 12, 2025

Photos are marvelous at capturing memories. Now, of course, almost everyone snaps photos with their cell phones. But, can you remember looking at old photos? Especially when we are together with good friends or relatives, and several of us look at the photos together, pointing out special features, memories can come to life!

Memories are special things. Perhaps you have a memory of an exciting event, or of a special friend or relative, and the photo perfectly captures your memory. And, when you are with others now who were there for that special event in the past – something wonderful can happen.

I wonder how many of us can remember our baptisms? In this particular church’s tradition, I know the pastors almost always baptize babies and small children. That is a particular theological view of baptism, and one where we affirm that God extends heavenly blessing and grace to all, regardless of when they come before God in baptism.

How often have you have seen someone get baptized? What do you think of when you remember? The darling little child, getting baptized? The proud parents and sponsors, bringing their child forward to be welcomed into God’s forever family? The congregation, promising to teach this little one the ways of God, and to help the parents bring up this child in a manner pleasing to God?

            Well, that’s today. That’s one common understanding we now have of baptism.

            What about our scripture passage today? This section of Luke’s gospel tells about John the Baptist, baptizing people in the wilderness. John was a prophet of God. He was set apart for a special purpose, to give out a special message from God. The companion Gospel of Mark even tells us a little about John—about the rough clothes he wore, and the food he was able to scrounge from subsistence living where he was in the wilderness, some distance from Jerusalem.

            Two thousand years ago, John the Baptist wanted adults to confess their own sinfulness, to realize that each one had sinned and fallen short before God. As a result of that confession, John would then baptize each one. This is a slightly different view of baptism, and one that was (and is) just as valid. And, we come back to Jesus, waiting patiently. Jesus wanted John to baptize Him, too – even though Jesus never sinned.

The Rev. Jeff Campbell relates, “A loving God is constantly reaching out, wanting to be at the center of our lives. And although we might still have questions, we are directed to Jesus, just as John directed those gathered who were seeking a Messiah.” [1]

As we consider this baptism of Jesus focus of our service today, some may wonder about who John was. As we see in these Gospel accounts of Jesus’ baptism, some wondered there, too. In Mark’s Gospel, he tells us they were questioning in their hearts whether John the Baptist might possibly be the Messiah. John redirected their questioning and their gaze by pointing to one who would come after him. John pointed to Jesus. 

Jesus was an extra-special case, since He already had an intimate relationship with His Heavenly Father. Looking at today’s reading, we can see what happened, from Luke’s account: “And as [Jesus] was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

As we consider these loving words of the Lord, there are several things that are abundantly clear.  God says this about Jesus before he has taught anybody, healed anyone, or died on the cross.  As we remember this remarkable event at the beginning of a new year, God’s statement especially reminds us that God loved Jesus and loves us not because of anything we do but just because God loves us.  Period. [2]

Some people have the idea that baptism is needed and necessary for salvation. Other people see the baptism of infants and young children as a sort of rite of passage, something that needs to be done, and so they want their minister to “do the baptism.” Some faith traditions encourage this way of thinking and this kind of theology. [3]

John baptizes Jesus. In centuries to come, many differing views arise about John’s simple, straight-forward act of baptism. We don’t know if Jesus was immersed or sprinkled. We don’t know which liturgy John prefers, or if the vows that Jesus made were the same as the ones we make or not.

However, baptism is a sign of this marvelous, free gift of God’s love. God’s rich and abundant love and grace are poured out. As we can see from our reading today in Luke, all the people present received this marvelous gift, this love and grace from God. And, each of us is encouraged to follow the example of our Lord Jesus, and be baptized, too.

Just a short time ago we celebrated the birth of the Baby born in Bethlehem. We remember in the fullness of time, Jesus was nurtured in the water of Mary’s uterus. We remember Jesus was baptized by John in the water of the Jordan. We remember that Jesus became living water to a woman at a Samaritan well. We remember Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. And, we remember Jesus sent His friends forth to baptize all peoples, all nations, by water and the Holy Spirit.

Yes, Jesus was baptized, and received this affirmation of God’s love at the beginning of His ministry! As we remember our baptism, we also remember that each of us received this same love and grace from God through water and the Word.

Praise God. What wondrous love towards our Lord Jesus. What wondrous love toward each of us. God calls each of us beloved. With each one of us God is pleased.

            Alleluia, amen!

@chaplaineliza

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

[1] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship/season-after-epiphany-2019-part-1-worship-planning-series/january-13-baptism-of-the-lord-sunday-year-c/baptism-of-the-lord-2019-year-c-preaching-notes

[2] http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2012/11/year-c-baptism-of-lord-january-13-2013.html

[3] https://www.stewardshipoflife.org/2013/01/remember-your-baptism-live-it/

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A Star and a Gift from God!

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“A Star and a Gift from God!”

Matthew 2:1-12 (2:10) – January 5, 2025

I remember Christmases when I was very young. I was the youngest of six children, and we lived on the northwest side of Chicago. My father worked for the National Safety Council, which was a not-for-profit organization. He didn’t get paid a huge amount of money, so I remember Christmases when we children would not have a huge pile of presents under the Christmas tree, like the television commercials of today always seem to show. But, I do remember the happiness and joy of those Christmas mornings. Those are warm memories, all of us gathered around the tree, exchanging presents.

I’m sure we all could bring to mind a similar warm memory or two, regarding Christmas. Many of my memories do involve gifts. The Scripture passage just read mentions gifts, too. It’s from Matthew, Chapter 2, the traditional Epiphany narrative, when Magi from the East came to see the young child Jesus, bearing gifts.

Here we have some wise people—probably nobles who know a great deal about stars and constellations. They have been studying the heavens for years and years, as well as studying religious books and writings. Just as it says in the gospel record, a great sign (or star) rose in the sky, so these wise astrologers knew that something momentous was going to happen.

These wise people, or Magi, were not Jewish wise people, but instead were Gentiles. Non-Jews. “Could an unusual phenomenon in the night skies have caught the attention of some of them—interest in the stars was legendary in the region—and led them to set out to Jerusalem? That people of other lands and religions are drawn to Jesus, even as a child, is also significant: in Christ, God is speaking to the hearts and minds of all people.” [1]

The old saying is true, “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.” These Magi traveled together, and supported one another. These wise people encouraged each other and (I suspect) spurred each other on to continue following that star. It is important to point out that they were on the lookout and knew which way to go—towards Jerusalem. And, eventually, they turned up at the palace, on King Herod’s doorstep.

God understood that these Magi made a careful study of the stars, and God sovereignly decided to display signs and wonders in the heavenly places at the time of the birth of Jesus. God reached these Magi where they were at. The wonderful thing is: God continues to reach out to people, no matter what is happening to them, no matter where they might happen to be.

But, let’s go back to these Wise people. No one is exactly sure about the number of Magi who arrived in Jerusalem so long ago. Church tradition tells us that the number was three. These were not just Magi, but also royalty of the East. Assuming they were at least minor royalty, these non-Jewish V.I.P.s show up at King Herod’s palace, and he was not pleased to see them.

Turning back to our Scripture reading, “After the Magi had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

            The Non-Jewish wise people who followed that star found what they were searching for. And, they were overjoyed, they worshipped, and then gave precious gifts.

What about that special star? Is it easy for us to get so distracted that we cannot even see the majesty and wonder of God’s creation? Do we get turned around and separated, all alone?

For that matter, do we get comments of direction from an unlikely source? Because, that is exactly what King Herod was: an unlikely source of direction. Do we get lost as we try to follow Jesus? Or, have you even found Him in the first place?

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.

I have mentioned God’s Gift, and I have mentioned God’s Light. The Gift given to the world, and the Light that has come into the world. Epiphany is all about celebrating the light that has come into the world as the Baby Jesus, and at the same time Christ the Lord. “But it is also a celebration of the community that gathers to see and follow that light. Worship this day needs to be corporate. It needs to move away from “I” language toward “us” language. We need to be reminded that this is a walk we take together.” [2]

We are reminded that the Magi came together to the Baby Jesus with a need to worship, to come to Him and bow down, and give rich gifts. “That is what brought these Magi so far – however far it was. That was why they went to Herod and anyone who might help them find their way. They longed to worship, as do we all.” [3]

Today, we celebrate Epiphany, Twelfth Night, Three Kings Day, January 6th. We mark this celebration a day early, since the 6th falls on Monday this year. Today is also our celebration of Communion, the Lord’s Supper. Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi as told to us by Matthew. As we consider the Star the Magi followed, we fix our eyes on Jesus, the Light of the World, the Bright Morning Star. And as we consider the precious gifts the Magi gave to the Baby in Bethlehem, we also consider that best Christmas Gift of all, for all the world – and we worship Jesus. As the Christmas carol tells us, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

We, too, can bring our gifts. We all can give our talents, and our hearts to our Lord Jesus this Epiphany. May we continue to place ourselves, our hearts and lives in Christ’s keeping. May God bless us all as we walk with Jesus in this new year. Alleluia, amen.

@chaplaineliza

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

[1] http://www.taize.fr/en_article167.html?date=2012-01-01

“Jesus, Herod, the Magi and Us,” Commented Bible Passages from Taize, 2012.

[2] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/re-membering-the-body/second-sunday-after-christmas-day-epiphany-year-c-lectionary-planning-notes

[3] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/re-membering-the-body/second-sunday-after-christmas-day-epiphany-year-c-lectionary-planning-notes/second-sunday-after-christmas-day-epiphany-year-c-preaching-notes