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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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Amazed by Love!

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“Amazed by Love!”

Luke 2:15-20 (2:18) – December 22, 2024

Merry Christmas! What a wonderful expression. People greeting each other on the street, in the stores, here at church. I know not everyone celebrates Christmas, but still. What a joyous time of the year. Today, we are here at the 4th Sunday of Advent! Many, many people can hardly wait for the arrival of Christmas Day! Especially for children, I bet some people are so excited that they hardly sleep a wink for the next few nights. (But that’s mostly for reasons of Santa and presents under the tree, not for the religious reasons I’m talking about this morning.)

Merry Christmas, many people say! But I want you to go back, two thousand years. Go back to a time when “Merry Christmas” was not even a phrase, a wish, not even an idea in people’s heads. Go back to the time Dr. Luke describes in his Gospel. Back to the time when Israel was an occupied country, and the Roman Empire was the occupying force. Back to the time when all people in Israel needed to be enrolled. The Roman government decided to have a census, so that they would be able to tax the people of Israel more accurately.

            We remember this census. The Holy Family, Joseph and his fiancée Mary, went to Bethlehem to enroll, because Joseph was a direct descendent of King David. I suspect there were many people on the roads. Today, traveling can be stressful and nerve-wracking. I am certain travel in the first century was much more difficult. Poor roads, with many people walking to get from one place to another. We might imagine that Joseph and Mary had a donkey, but nowhere in the Gospel is that mentioned. Travel conditions were challenging, at best.

Wait a minute. Do we really concentrate on the difficulties and trials of travel to Bethlehem, of the labor and birth of a baby without medication, or of any of the rest of this real-life narrative from Luke chapter 2? Or, do we imagine a nice, tidy, picture-perfect Christmas card? With Mary in a rich, bright blue robe, gazing lovingly at her radiant newborn baby, Joseph looking adoringly at both mother and child. Not to mention the cleaned-up shepherds gazing in wonder, their tidy, well-groomed sheep lying quietly in adoration, too.

That picture-perfect Christmas card was not what actually happened, not by a long shot. Mary felt the pains of labor begin. What a scary thing! To be far, far from home, in an unfamiliar place, and to have such a significant event happen. Significant, and potentially life-threatening, too. Plus, anyone who has worked with large animals (even many smaller animals) knows what a group of them smell like. That’s where Jesus was laid, in a manger among the animals. And, is anyone familiar with the hustle, bustle and smells associated with the labor and delivery room of a hospital? This refocused picture of the birth is not all gentle, meek and mild, to be sure.

As Luke tells us, there were shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. When messengers personally come to deliver a special announcement, it is a big deal. These angels coming to the shepherds, well, that was a super big deal, to be sure!

            And the announcement? This isn’t the birth of a normal, ordinary baby. No! This baby is an extra special baby. The Messiah, who will save His people from their sins. Did you hear? This special baby, this Savior, Christ the Lord, is born to you—to me—to all of us, in the city of David, which is called Bethlehem.

            Did you hear? The Savior, the Christ, the promised Messiah, came into this world as a Baby. The Eternal Second Person of the Trinity, Creator of the whole universe, God the Son, emptied Himself of all God-ness. Took on humanity, and was born as a helpless Baby. That is not only good news, that is earth-shaking news. Good news of great joy for all the people. For you, for me, for all of us. How better to communicate to earth than to become one of the frail human beings God intended to reach?

            The Almighty God who made all of heaven and earth, the powerful God who can hold the incomprehensibly vast universe in the span of God’s fingers? Yes, that same God wanted to reach to earth—reach to each of us, to all of us, in love. With love. Through love. 

            That loving outreach is from God’s point of view. Yes, the Almighty God sent the Baby in Bethlehem to earth, in love. But, what if frightened, nervous humans did not in the least expect that? What if short-sighted humans closed their eyes and their hearts to the possibilities of God’s love breaking into the world in such a tender way?

            Mary could have been frightened half to death of the angel and closed her heart to the Divine possibilities that blessedly came about. But, Mary chose love. She chose openness and possibilities that transformed her heart and her life.

            When Mary’s baby was born, Jesus spoke quietly through the blood, sweat and tears of the labor pains of that young woman. Jesus cried softly as an infant, and allowed us all to see the unimaginable caring, the oh-so-tender love that Almighty God expressed, to each one of us. And, each of us is embraced in God’s everlasting arms of lovely love.

            One of my favorite Christmas carols talks about this very thing. This Christmas poem—before it was set to music—was written by Christina Rosetti in 1885. Here is the first verse:

Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine,
Love was born at Christmas, Star and Angels gave the sign.

Love Divine was born at Christmas. Born for you, born for me. Praise God, our Lord and Savior Jesus was born as a Baby in Bethlehem. Yes, He would preach and heal and suffer and die. And, yes, He would rise again on that Easter morning years later.

Yet—right now, we rejoice in the blessed fact that Jesus was born.

Praise God, we, too, can stop by that manger in Bethlehem, and be caught up in the wonder of what happened that night, so long ago. We, too can welcome this lovely, Godly Love that has come into this broken, weary world, today.

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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Open Hearts to Joy!

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“Open Hearts to Joy!”

Luke 2:8-20 (2:15) – December 15, 2024

So many houses and apartments are decorated for the season at this time of year. Colorful lights and holiday decorations indoors and out, shining Christmas trees, special dishes and fancy tablecloths. Plus, some families have a Nativity scene in a special place, whether under the Christmas tree or placed in an extra special location, even outside, all lit up at night.

As we consider our Scripture reading for this morning, we think about the familiar words from Luke chapter 2. We think of the very pregnant Mary and her husband Joseph, coming into the town of Bethlehem late one day, but they could not find any place to stay. So familiar it is today, but I suspect you all can think of the Nativity scene figures: a kneeling Mary, Joseph hovering over his wife, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger.

Where did this tradition of decorating with a Nativity scene come from? Yes, the Nativity scene is a familiar way of retelling this story of the birth of Jesus. But—how did Nativity scenes begin? It was in 1223. “According to St. Bonaventure’s biography, St. Francis of Assisi got permission from Pope Honorious III to set up a manger with hay and two live animals—an ox and an ass—in a cave in the Italian village of Greccio. He then invited the villagers to come gaze upon the scene while he preached about ‘the babe of Bethlehem.’ (Francis was supposedly so overcome by emotion that he couldn’t say ‘Jesus.’)” [1]

            That first Nativity was located in Italy, during the 1200’s. The practice of Nativity scenes, pictures and photos has certainly spread from there, all over the world. Do you remember acting in Christmas Nativity scenes, or perhaps Christmas pageants with a Nativity scene in them? You, or your children? Or grandchildren?

            The Nativity scenes I remember always had at least one shepherd visiting the baby Jesus, along with a sheep or two. Perhaps you remember when you or your children or grandchildren were in a Christmas pageant. Were there shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night? And, sheep! I remember several Nativity scenes in Christmas pageants years ago, where the small children were dressed up as sheep.

            Let’s hear again from Dr. Luke the words the angel said to the shepherds, that Christmas night: “the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” Not just the people in Italy, where St. Francis was. Not just the people in Europe, or North America. Good news of great joy for all the people, all over the world.

This week in Advent, here at this church we are concentrating on the shepherds. As we read this familiar Christmas story, was there much in the shepherds’ daily life and experience to fill them with joy? I do not think they were particularly joy-filled, with their ordinary, workaday life and their low, social status. I wonder whether the shepherds felt like that, right before the angel chorus broke into this hum-drum, workaday world and appeared to them?

Remember the difficult situation the shepherds were in. The shepherds’ position on the social ladder in Palestine was pretty much the bottom rung. The Jewish religious leaders even considered shepherds ritually unclean, since their duties and their work of looking after sheep made it impossible for them to observe the Sabbath. Working as a shepherd was something that vagrants might pick up, or a job for ne’er-do-wells, or others who were very much down on their luck. Their society stereotyped shepherds as liars, degenerates, and thieves.

 Just imagine the reaction of these lowly shepherds as they heard this news from the angels! Good news of great joy, especially, particularly for them! And centuries later, imagine the reaction of these same shepherds to think that they are now an integral part of a Nativity scene, a central part of the Christmas story played out time and time again, year after year.  

When my children were small, one of the first Christmas decorations I’d take out of the box would be our little Nativity scene. The little figures were all children, and it was intended specifically for the young. I would tell and re-tell the Christmas story again and again. When they were small, all four of my children would love to play with the figures, spending a good long time with those inexpensive yet meaningful little figures.  

Different churches do different things to communicate this narrative of the birth of Jesus. I read that the Rev. Janet Hunt has a yearly practice she does in her Lutheran church in De Kalb. But, I will let her tell you herself. “It has been my practice for many years to ‘build the creche’ with the children during the children’s sermon during Advent.  One week we add the animals. The next week the angels join them. Pretty soon Mary and Joseph arrive and not long after the baby Jesus and shepherds and the three sages from the East arrive last of all. The order is not perfect, of course, but it is one way of bringing the story home.” [2]

My personal Nativity scene, the one my children played with, has white children, every one. I had not thought about this when I bought the set of figures, more than thirty years ago. Even though my children were part of a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural school system, we still had an all-white Nativity set. Were the people in that first Nativity people of color? Yes, they were.

            Let us return to these shepherds of the first century, on the hills surrounding Bethlehem. They were downhearted outsiders, all right! People of color, non-white, on the bottom rung of their society, for sure. “But God does not give up on us. God sends angels to people who have given up on God. How would you respond to God sending angels to you when you’d given up on God? Like the shepherds, I’d be terrified.” [3]     

Remember the words of the angel of the Lord: “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” We can praise God! God did not send good news of great joy to just a few people in the world, or even some of the world’s people. Or, only people of a certain position in society. No, our God sent good news of great joy to all the people of the world.

The angel has come to all cultures, all ethnicities, all people, wherever their position on the social ladder. All people, everywhere. Even us. You and I can truly come to the manger in Bethlehem side by side with the lowly shepherds.

            That is not only GOOD news, that is GREAT news. Good news of great joy, for all the people of the world! 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.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-first-nativity-scene-was-created-in-1223-161485505/ 

[2] https://dancingwiththeword.com/re-telling-the-story/

[3] http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1522

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Uncertain? Hope!

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“Uncertain? Hope!”

Luke 1:26-38 (1:37) – December 1, 2024

This week, we read one of the most familiar of the narratives in the New Testament, perhaps even of the whole Bible. From the first chapter of Luke, here is the first part of the reading:  “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

            Let’s take a closer look at this situation. Imagine yourself as Mary, a teenaged girl. Perhaps doing housework, cooking in the kitchen, or folding laundry. When, out of nowhere, an angel appears. My goodness! Out of the clear blue sky, something completely supernatural happens! And not only that, but to be greeted by the angel with such words?

            Mary’s response is one of puzzlement: “Mary was greatly troubled at the angel’s words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.” Let’s face it—Mary is perplexed! She is wondering at the angel’s words: “the Lord is with you.” What kind of a greeting is this, anyway?

            We can be fairly sure that Mary (or, as was probably her name, for a young Jewish woman, Miriam) Mary knew her Hebrew scriptures. The phrase “The Lord is with you” is repeated several times in the Hebrew scriptures, primarily expressing the Lord’s help or assistance. This would puzzle Mary even further—why on earth did she need the Lord’s help?

            We see Mary, probably in the middle of an ordinary day, with the angel Gabriel paying a surprise visit to her! What gives? What is going on?

           I know this is not exactly the same, but I would like to compare Mary’s surprise situation to ours, today. Specifically, to my friend Anita, some time ago now. Out of the clear blue sky, she found out that she needed surgery. Before the beginning of October, she was traveling along, blithely, no serious cares or concerns. After the first week in October? Her life was turned upside down, with a serious medical situation, quickly followed by major surgery.

            How often does something like that happen? Perhaps not a medical emergency in your life, or a loved one’s life, but some other serious situation out of a clear blue sky.

            But, let’s return to Mary. Or, more directly, to the angel Gabriel and what the next words out of the angel’s mouth are: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”

            I suspect, if I had the opportunity to see an angel, I probably would be afraid, too! Practically every time an angel visits someone in the Bible, “Do not be afraid!” is one of the first things out of their mouths! Gabriel continues: “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”

            Understandably, Mary is even more puzzled, hearing this! Her response—quite sensible, under the circumstances—“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?”

            I can see Mary’s point. The word from the angel? Surprise! Truth to tell, it’s hard to top a virgin birth! We can look at other places in the Scriptures, and see other miracles. We can look at the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus when He was an adult, and acknowledge the fact that He did miracles, regularly. But—here we have Mary, herself, wondering how on earth this miracle is going to happen to her?

            The angel has an answer for Mary, sure enough. “The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” In brief, here we have the angel describing the divine plan for a miraculous conception. Mary expresses doubt and uncertainty, Gabriel explains God’s plan in greater detail, Mary consents, and the angel departs.

This whole narrative makes me want to ask Mary so many questions.

How soon did you tell your parents you were pregnant? Did you tell Joseph about the pregnancy yourself, or did the gossipmongers of Nazareth take care of that for you? Was there anyone in the village who believed your story? For that matter, after the angel Gabriel left, did you doubt his visitation to you? Did you think it was a dream? Question your sanity? And what about the townspeople’s response—did you fear for your life, since people probably thought you committed adultery?

The Gospel of Luke is silent on this matter. It leaves us with so many unanswered questions! All we know is what Mary said to the angel. “I am the Lord’s servant,” she answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled,” was her response.

I feel deeply for Mary. An unmarried girl who happened to be pregnant was not just looked down on but actively persecuted. Sure, she knows that she takes the risk of being rejected as a slut, as a tramp, as unworthy of polite company, as a result of this new openness to God’s surprise activity in her life.  I would not blame her one bit for being uncertain!

            Yet, we can see that Mary exemplifies the kind of response to God’s surprises that I would like in my own life. We can see from the Gospel that Mary afterwards goes to see her older cousin Elizabeth, who also is pregnant, miraculously. (I bet they have a good deal to say to each other, too!)

Though—out of a clear blue sky—God completely spun Mary’s life around, though Mary knew that her life would never be what she expected it to be before, she nevertheless said “yes” to God in faith. Yes, she worshiped God (especially in her prayer, which comes after our Scripture reading for today.) She models the heart of worship, the giving of ourselves to the one who has given everything to us.

Mary’s example challenges and encourages us to have the courage to say to the Lord: “Be it to me according to Your word!” This is blessed hope in God’s word!

Remember, Mary may have had thoughts about how this would affect the life she had planned out. However, she realizes there is something special about to happen, that God’s plan must take precedence over her own. She accepts the challenge with hope and faith as she realizes she will be carrying the Messiah her people have longed for.

            I’d like to remind all of us today that Mary—an ordinary Jewish teenager—was visited by an angel out of a clear blue sky. Mary was an ordinary person who was willing to say “yes” to God, to respond to God’s call willingly and with courage, and go forward in faith.

            It doesn’t matter what our situations are, today. God can come into any of our lives, seemingly out of nowhere. God can rush right in, abruptly, with no warning. We all—each one of us—are encouraged to respond to God in the same way as Mary did. To agree with God, to say “yes” to God, willingly, with hope, and go forward in faith.    

@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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God’s Faithful Promises

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“God’s Faithful Promises”

Hebrews 10:15-25 (10:24-25) – Sunday, November 17, 2024

            Have you ever thought of all the different kinds of churches? Big churches, small churches, fancy places with lots of stained glass and stone carvings, or plain buildings with wooden pews and earnest prayers, plus house churches, all over the world!

            My friend Tiffany used to attend church at the National Cathedral in Washington. She grew up there. She remembers running around in that gorgeous building along with the other children in their renowned youth choir. Up and down the corridors, and even playing hide and seek in the building. Imagine having that glorious cathedral as a familiar, home church!

            I would like for us to focus on one particular idea in this Scripture reading from the letter to the Hebrews, today. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

I have worshiped at churches in a number of different faith traditions, in all different kinds of church buildings, and they all proclaimed the same Lord, Jesus Christ. The same God receives all the glory! Some churches pray in a more rambunctious manner than we do here. Yet, in every church, believers come together to worship God, and to encourage each other.

This letter to the Hebrews is a circulating letter. That means it and other circulating letters were sent from place to place in Asia Minor, so the small, struggling groups of believers could receive encouragement and teaching in writing from the Apostles and other newer church leaders. This particular letter was sent to Jews who lived a long way from Jerusalem, and possibly had rarely been to Palestine. Right here in chapter 10, this letter to the Hebrews gives the command to keep up meeting together.

Remember, the Christian community was extremely small at this point! In these towns and cities in Asia Minor and all over the Roman Empire, the Jewish community was decidedly small, too. Except, the Jewish religion at this time was known and accepted by the Roman government. Since Christianity was such a brand new religion, the Roman government did not recognize it, and in fact in some places, wanted to persecute followers of Christ!

I want everyone here to understand: in these early days, followers of Christ were not going to worship in large building dedicated to the Lord, set apart to the worship of our God. Not at all! This gathering together we read about in Hebrews 10 is in very early days of the church. We are talking about small house churches! Gathering together took place in each others’ homes, and maybe, perhaps, in a large spare room belonging to one of their number.

I’ve attended some African-American worship services. They are often quite different from the more quiet, sedate way we worship here at St. Luke’s Church. I had the privilege to preach in one service some years ago, at a Baptist church on the west side of Chicago. In a converted building, three storefronts put together. The building did not look like much from the outside. But, inside? A whole different thing.

The spirit of God came down and transformed that worship space – and the worshipers. Marvelous to experience. They truly encouraged one another, cared for one another, and helped one another show good to others. In their own context, familiar to them, on the west side of Chicago.

“After all, God has graciously adopted us into God’s family. God has transformed you and me from God’s enemies into God’s children, and from strangers into siblings. So when Christians meet together, we come to a kind of family reunion.” [1] When we meet together, whether it’s in a soaring cathedral or just where two or three are gathered together, God is present with us. And, God can draw us close. Closer to God, and closer to each other.

Now, this is only the first part of what happens when we gather together. What else can happen? What is another command from Hebrews chaplain 10? “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

So often, we as believers are told to be nice and gentle, meek and mild. And, that is one side of our Lord Jesus, certainly. But, the Rabbi Jesus when He was here on this earth was not just a meek, mild, retiring kind of guy. He often stepped out, and stepped up. Jesus actively worked on behalf of the poor, the forgotten, those left behind, in both love and good deeds!

How often are we called to be bold in the Scripture? To spur one another on to expressions of love and caring, to strike out and be bold and courageous? Yes, we are also called to be bold, and outspoken, and hard-working – like our Lord Jesus! This connects to the gospel call to face dangerous or difficult times bravely knowing that God is in charge. [2]

There is one important factor here, though. It’s very difficult to be brave, bold and courageous all alone. But – it helps if we do it together.

I would like to point out that all of these pronouns in these verses are plural. In the original Greek, the writer to the Hebrews is talking to “you all” when he mentions “you,” and especially when mentioning “we.” In all of these instances, all of these commands, these verses are talking to us Christians as a group. That is, all of us followers of Christ. Eugene Peterson’s excellent translation The Message interprets this as a summons to “be inventive … in encouraging love and helping out.”

As we come to the end of the church year, we consider a number of Scripture readings that talk about the end of our time here on Earth, when we look forward to our Lord Jesus returning. This Scripture reading from Hebrews is no exception. Listen again: “encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Just as Boy Scouts are required to do a community service project to earn their Eagle Scout award, they need to organize others to help them do their special project. In the process of completing the project, they learn how to spur one another on to accomplish that goal, to join in together on good works that benefit their community. [3]

In the same way, we Christians are called to be faithful, to encourage each other, and to spur one another on! And, as each of us is drawn closer together to other believers, we are drawn closer to our God.

We followers of Christ are all called to actively work on behalf of the poor, the forgotten, those left behind, in both love and good deeds! And, all the more, as we all look forward to that Day when our Lord returns in glory.  We practice, we love each other, and we work together, looking forward to that Day when “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” What marvelous blessings for ourselves, for each other, for our communities, and for the world.  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://cepreaching.org/commentary/2018-11-12/hebrews-1011-14-15-18-19-25/

[2] http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2015/10/year-b-proper-28-33rd-sunday-in.html

[3] Ibid.

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Out of Their Abundance?

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“Out of Their Abundance?”

Mark 12:38-44 (12:44) – November 10, 2024

Just think, for a moment, about the sound two coins make as they clink into each other. I have two coins here. I’m going to take them both in my hand and shake them. Can you hear that? What does that sound bring to mind? Do you feel satisfied, or scary? Is that the sound of abundance, or scarcity? What do you think of that sound? [1]

We turn to the Gospel reading for today, from Mark 12. The Rabbi Jesus and His disciples are in Jerusalem, and Jesus is having another in those continuing discussions with the chief leaders and teachers of the Jewish Law. They happen to be in the rear of the Temple. Large sanctuary, many people walked and talked, and went to and fro. Business being transacted, multiple conversations and commotion going on. Except – the sound of two coins shaken together would be easily drowned out.

Listen again to a portion of today’s Gospel reading: “a poor widow came and put two very small copper coins into the temple treasury, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their abundance; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Yes, I realize that our Lord Jesus was talking primarily about giving money. But, I have always thought of giving and being generous to count just as much for giving our time, and our talents, and our generosity in many other kinds of ways. Not simply in terms of money. I have a friend who has been retired for almost ten years now. He goes around town, quietly, and does good. He was raised in the church, but that was many years ago. Yes, he does have a belief in God, and he expresses that faith by doing good for others and being faithful.

Sometimes that means driving a friend to a doctor’s appointment. Or volunteering at a local not-for-profit organization. Sometimes that means picking up the left-over baked goods from a business at the end of the day, at closing time. And then, delivering those baked goods to a homeless shelter. He does all of this without thanks, with little or no fanfare. He is faithful. He is dependable. He contributes, in any way he can. And, I am so glad he is my friend.

Except, this is not the way that many religious people operate. Many religious folks – good, church-going folks – have been taught is that God works through deals. You do this, and I’ll do that. We do our bit, and then God will follow through with God’s part. “Pay a little extra and get a better seat at God’s table. Put in some overtime, split hairs on the detail of the law and you’ll get a nice long robe and watch everyone in the marketplace bow to you as you pass. Sure, maybe they had to foreclose on a widow or two, but business is business after all. And to make up for it look how much they gave, how much went into the offering box. Isn’t that what we want, more in the [offering] plate?” [2]

I know there are multiple ways to give, to be generous, including online giving – which is a wonderful thing. Here in the United States and in many other places around the world, we can give at the touch of a computer key or by pressing a cell phone button.

A number of years ago, at another church, I remember walking by the room next to the sanctuary where two trustees would be counting the offering after the worship service. But today, we don’t hear the offering. “The clink of coins is lost. Perhaps the value we place in pennies, nickels, and dimes has been lost, too. We no longer hear, see, or feel the weight of what happens when our small offerings come together in praise and honor of the God of abundant life.” [3]

But, back to our widow, the woman our Lord Jesus specifically points out. She had next to nothing to live on. God sees this woman, and many, many just like her. God cares about her, and about the countless others around the world. Along with commentator David Lose, I doubt anyone else, including the religious elite parading around the Temple that day and dropping in their token offerings and spare change, noticed this woman.

            Don’t you think that God also sees our struggles today, recognizes our challenges, cares about where we are hard pressed to make ends meet? And, isn’t God inviting each of us? This congregation knows I do not bring divisive politics into this pulpit. I preach what the Gospel teaches, what our Lord Jesus tells each of us to do.

I’m exhorting each of us to have open ears to what God is saying. God invites us to look around and see each other, those in our community we know and those we don’t.  I mean really see each other – the pain of those who are discriminated against because of their ethnicity, the desolation of those who cannot find work and have been abandoned to fend for themselves, the despair of those who have given up on finding work and have lost hope, the anguish of those who have been exploited by unfair employers, abusive landlords, or even detestable sex traffickers. God is inviting us to see them, to care for them, and to advocate for a system that does not leave anyone behind.[4]

This vignette from the Gospel of Mark is just a slice of the widow’s life. But, I’d like to follow the widow home. See how she treats her neighbors. Does she bring over a pot of soup to a sick friend? Does she clean the apartment of someone who has fallen and broken their leg? And what about her listening skills? Is she someone people come to, to talk about their troubles? Giving to God is so much more than just dollars and cents. So much more than just the coins the show-offy rich people put into the collection box in the Temple.

What about us, today? How can we take this scripture lesson today, and apply it to our lives? Is it just a nice story about what happened to people in Jesus’s day? Or, is it much more?

Today, we all can be like the widow in Jerusalem. This widow gave extravagantly. She gave over and above. She gave, trusting in God’s abundance. And, this widow decides that everything she is and has belongs to God. Like my friend I told you about, who does lots of things without thanks, with little or no fanfare. We all can be faithful. We all can be dependable. We all can contribute, in any way we can, to God and to God’s kingdom.

God willing, I’ll contribute to God’s kingdom. Will you contribute, too? 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/truth-telling/twenty-fifth-sunday-after-pentecost-year-b-lectionary-planning-notes

[2] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/truth-telling/twenty-fifth-sunday-after-pentecost-year-b-lectionary-planning-notes/twenty-fifth-sunday-after-pentecost-year-b-preaching-notes

[3] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/truth-telling/twenty-fifth-sunday-after-pentecost-year-b-lectionary-planning-notes

[4] https://www.davidlose.net/2015/11/pentecost-24-b-surprisingly-good-news/

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Who Does Jesus Love?

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“Who Does Jesus Love?”

John 11:32-44 – Sunday, November 3, 2024

            Today is All Saints Sunday. A lot of people think of “saints” as super-holy people. Like St. Francis of Assisi, or Mother Teresa, or St. Ignatius of Loyola. These people and many other titled saints are super-stars (or, super-saints) of the faith! What kinds of things do you think about when you consider these super-holy people? Do they pray all the time? Do they do good works for God all the time? Or, what exactly do they do all day long? And when they get to heaven, do they play harps all the time?

            When we consider the people of the Bible, many of them are considered saints. Yet, if we read more closely, almost every person recorded in the Bible – either in the Hebrew Scriptures or the New Testament – displays very human characteristics! They show very human emotions, grieve, cry, get mad, say or do stupid things, and sometimes even worse.  

            Listen to Mary of Bethany as she pours out her agonized heart to her friend the Rabbi Jesus, and the following, very human exchange: “Mary came to where Jesus was waiting and fell at his feet, saying, “Master, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

 When Jesus saw her sobbing and the Jews with her sobbing, a deep anger welled up within him. He said, “Where did you put him?”“Master, come and see,” they said. Now Jesus wept.”

            Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary has several definitions for “saint,” including “one of the spirits of the departed in heaven” and “one of God’s chosen and usually Christian people.” [1] This definition is more broad than what people often think of, when they think about saints. If we take this broader definition to heart, we can think of all Christians as being saints, and all of the people in the Hebrew Scripture as being saints, too.  

            Our Scripture reading today from the Gospel of John is often read during Lent, during the period right before Easter. However, this reading is also read on All Saints Sunday, as a witness to the power of our Lord Jesus over death. This reading is also lifted up in the African American tradition in a service of healing, for those suffering emotional distress, grief, divorce, and physical ailments. This healing also “speaks to a range of human issues and concerns. Suffering often drives individuals to petition for God’s healing.” [2]

            Whether we come to the Gospel of John expecting healing, or in preparation for Easter, or to commemorate all the saints, this reading remains one of the most hopeful, one of the most triumphant proclamations in the Bible. Our Lord Jesus has power over the living and the dead.

            Yet, here we are, on All Saints Sunday. Consider our Lord Jesus – or, the Rabbi Jesus, as He was considered then. His reaction to the death of Lazarus brings the reality of death close to us all. Jesus wept! He wept over his friend Lazarus. As our commentator Karoline Lewis says, “death is inevitable, and its pain, its loss, its cause for anger is all true and real.” She is speaking to preachers, like me. We are working professionals, who bear the hard part of death, being in the business of tending its consequences to those we professionally care for, yet so often do not take the time for our own personal sadness and grief. [3]

            How often do we tell ourselves that we will grieve “later on,” after we finish this necessary paperwork, or after we make these phone calls, or after we do these needed errands, putting off the grieving, the pain, the loss of our loved ones.

            The message we receive from the Gospel of John today tells us in detail about the raising of Lazarus. But before that happens, his sisters are devastated! Who wouldn’t be? A loved one’s death is devastating, even if death is a blessed release or a welcome and final end of pain.

I know, in my life, it is difficult for me to get up and get going when I feel devastated. It’s so hard to continue doing the normal, everyday things that need to get done in my life.  Have you ever experienced this kind of an invisible wall? Or, has someone close to you ever come up against something like this? These kinds of deep feelings happen with sad regularity among people who have just lost a loved one, a dear relative.

So many people let us down, here in this world. Either on purpose, or accidentally. Even unconsciously, sometimes. I know, it still happens. We get let down, time and again. It feels like a punch in the gut, sometimes! It hurts!

Here is where this Scripture reading comes in. It works on our hearts, draws each of us closer. We see the grief Jesus clearly felt, being disturbed at death and at the brokenness of this world, as we see Him approach the tomb. The wonder of Lazarus stepping out and the command to unbind him is a certain and sure symbol and promise of the freedom we will all know one day! And surely, this points to God’s Power, God’s Grace and God’s Gifts, for all of us. [4]

            We gather together here, in this place, to remember our friends and relatives each of us has lost, whether in this past year or in years past. Yes, we grieve and mourn. It is fitting and right that we do so. We are reminded that Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus.

There is a tension we hold – holding many complicated emotions, holding grief and mourning, and at the same time joy and gratitude as we sit with the stark fact of missing our friends, our relatives who have died. And yes, we can rejoice as we consider “the promise and hope of the Resurrection and that even as Lazarus and his beloved family are privileged to live into that promise in this life even now, so are we [for the resurrection life to come]. So are we. Thank God, so are we.” [5]

Our Scripture reading today asks us to reflect that Jesus is, indeed, the Resurrection and the Life, not just for the crisis moment of death, but for all moments in life. Jesus announces that the world is definitively under God’s care and power. And, John chapter 11 offers all of us the promise about how each of us can live our lives today, not just about how our days will end. [6]

Is there someone you particularly remember, or especially miss? Someone who has crossed that river Jordan to join our Lord Jesus in the heavenly places? We have candles here. I invite anyone who wishes to come, to light candles for those loved ones. Light them in your hearts as well, as we come together in gentle comfort and encouragement of each other.

As we lean on relationship with each other in this life, even when faced with death itself, we see with eyes of hope that new life can spring up, through faith in Jesus Christ.  Yes, there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul, to make the wounded whole, and His name is Jesus. 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.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saint

[2] http://www.theafricanamericanlectionary.org/PopupLectionaryReading.asp?LRID=64

[3] https://www.workingpreacher.org/dear-working-preacher/for-all-the-saints-2

[4] http://dancingwiththeword.com/these-precious-gifts-of-all-saints-day/

[5] Ibid.

[6] O’Day, Gail R., Gospel of John, New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 9 (Abington Press, 1996) 695.

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God’s Free Gift!

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“God’s Free Gift!”

Romans 3:19-31 (3:24) – October 27, 2024

I have a confession to make. I was raised a Lutheran. Baptized and confirmed in a Lutheran church on the northwest side of Chicago, I loved everything about that church. learned all I could about being a Lutheran, and about Martin Luther. I studied Luther’s Small Catechism during my two years of confirmation classes in seventh and eighth grades. I know a thing or two about Martin Luther and about the church that to this day bears his name.

            This Thursday, October 31st, is the 507th anniversary of the day Martin Luther tacked up the 95 Theses, his 95 points of disagreement he had with the Catholic Church. In 1517, the priest and doctor of theology Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the chapel door in Wittenberg, Germany, at the university where he served as professor. Thanks to the printing press, these 95 points of disagreement spread like wildfire. Not only in Germany, but throughout Europe. The Reformation began in earnest. 

            Why was Martin so upset? When he was a very young man, Martin Luther felt unworthy of God’s love. He felt lower than a worm sometimes, and tried his hardest to get into God’s good graces! He would go to confession several times a week, do penance after penance, and he made several pilgrimages. All of these things and more to stop feeling unworthy and sinful.  

            Taking a quick look at the letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the Roman church, you and I might get that same message, too. From chapter three, “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” All have sinned! Martin felt that so deeply! All fall short of God’s glory! All means everyone. All of us.

            Romans 3:23 is pretty bad news. Rotten news. Really hopeless news. That is the news Martin Luther faced, the more and more he read and studied the Bible, meditated, and prayed.

            Martin was right. According to the Law of Moses, given to the nation of Israel in the Hebrew Scriptures, no one can follow the Law one hundred percent. Not the Jews in the time of Moses, not Jews in Jesus’s day, not Martin Luther, five hundred years ago. And, not you and me, today, either. There is no way anyone can keep every single one of God’s commands!

            That was what I felt, when I was a teenager. I knew I couldn’t keep all of God’s rules, even if I tried really, really hard. Remember Romans 3:23? “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  When I was a teenager, I was a particularly studious teen. I would read books on the Bible and on theology when I was in high school. I prayed regularly, and tried my hardest to get closer to God. I felt sinful, unlovely and unlovable a good deal of the time. 

Martin Luther tried even harder to get close to God! He did a ton of good works. He got a university degree in theology, and started teaching from the Old and New Testament at the university in Wittenberg. He studied even more about God, and preached regularly in a church in town. And yet—Martin still felt sinful and far from God! He still felt unlovable!

            Can anyone relate to Martin? Are there times when you—when I—feel unlovable?
            I remember hearing the story of a woman, horribly burned in a fire. Her husband came to see her in the hospital and was disgusted and horrified. “You are not the woman I married,” he said, and divorced her. Are we so unlovable? Is that what we are afraid God might do to us?

            What’s more, even after lots and lots of good works and all these years of reading and study, Martin still felt so inadequate. He felt God could not possibly love or forgive him. That is—until he was reading the letter to the Romans, chapter 1, verse 17: “ For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” 

            Do you hear? Do you understand? It wasn’t about how sinful or unlovable Martin was. Or, how hard he tried to do good things, or tried to get on God’s good side, or tried to live by good works. God’s righteousness comes by faith. Faith alone! Faith in God!

            Remember Romans 3:23? “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That is true. But—that isn’t the whole story! From verse 3:21: “21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

“From Paul’s declaration that we have all been justified by grace to Luther’s hammering his theses against the Wittenburg Church door to remind us that grace reigns supreme, the whole darn Reformation-thing was intended to tell us that, in the end, we don’t need to do anything, earn anything, say anything, accomplish anything, or buy anything to earn God’s love. That we already have it, and that most of the Church’s problems – and, indeed, the world’s problems – start when we forget we already have love and worth and dignity as a gift from God and try to earn it or take it from someone else.” [1]

I can almost see Martin falling off his chair, once he realizes how huge this is. Our sin is taken away through the redeeming that came through Jesus. We are made lovable through God’s grace. Our low self-worth and low self-esteem is now viewed by God through Jesus.

God looks at all of us, each one of us, through Jesus-tinted lenses.  We are brothers and sisters of Jesus, God’s beloved children! We are redeemed freely. By His grace, through faith, through the redemption that came by and through Christ Jesus.

The best part of this gift? It’s a free, undeserved gift, so that no one can pridefully boast about it. Another way to look at this gift from God comes from a sermon study board online I follow. I recently read this, written a few years ago by a pastor named Erik in Wisconsin.       

“This Sunday we celebrate confirmation. As a part of their confirmation requirements, students have to meet with me for a brief discussion/interview. I ask them about faith, life, God, etc. – see if they learned anything during confirmation. One question I always ask is “How will you get into heaven? How are you saved?” Most often I get the answers – “Pray. Go to church. Do good deeds.” And I shake my head and ask myself “Didn’t I emphasize grace enough?”

            “Finally, I said to the class, “Listen, you are saved purely by God’s grace as a gift. I will ask you how you are saved in your confirmation interview. If you don’t remember anything else I’ve taught during these two years, remember this: “You are saved by God’s grace!” Why is it so hard to remember? Probably because we’ve been taught not to trust anything we might get for free, even if it is from God.”

            As Martin Luther studied scripture, he finally discovered he was saved by grace, not because of anything he did or deserved. The Rev. David Hansen tells us, “He discovered a God who would send the only Son—not for the perfect people, but for the sinners. He discovered, above all else, a God and a Savior that will NEVER abandon us, that will stand by our side no matter how often we fail or how short we fall.” [2] Isn’t that good news? Jesus died for our sins. Jesus showed us radical, God-sized grace, and radical, God-sized love.

As I proclaim each week after the Confession of Sin during the Assurance of Pardon, “Believe the Good News of the Gospel: in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!”

Alleluia, amen!

Thanks to Rev. David L. Hansen and Pastor Erik from Wisconsin for their assistance in the formulation of this sermon!

@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.davidlose.net/2015/10/reformationpen-22-freedom/

[2] from http://www.gmi.org/services/missiographics/library/world-refugee-day

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Who Then Can Be Saved?

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“Who Then Can Be Saved?”

Mark 10:17-27 (10:26) – October 13, 2024

If we turn on the television, read a book, or listen to a podcast or talk radio, sometimes we might hear experts giving advice. These knowledgeable experts are often from well-known places. This week I am thinking about advice on how to live the “right” way. That’s sometimes thought to be a fruitful life, or a healthy life, or a spiritual life. Wouldn’t you be interested if you heard a radio program with a noted author or well-known expert in just this subject?

            That’s the case with Rabbi Jesus, today. In today’s scripture lesson, we get just a hint of what our Lord Jesus had to deal with much of the time. Can you see this situation? I love St. Ignatius and his prayer suggestion to put ourselves into the narrative. Let us imagine ourselves being there, right with our Lord Jesus the itinerant Rabbi, and His disciples.

The Rabbi Jesus was about to travel somewhere, and a number of His disciples are getting ready to accompany Him. It is significant to read what our commentator David Lose has to say about this journey. “In Mark, this is not merely “a journey” in general (per the NRSV), but rather represents the road to Jerusalem and the cross.” [1] And, repeatedly, our Gospel writer Mark tells us that Jesus has His face set to go to Jerusalem.

When, what happens? “17 As Jesus went out into the street, a man came running up, greeted him with great reverence, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?” That is a pretty big question, isn’t it? Many people throughout the ages have wondered exactly that! The Rabbi Jesus was a widely acknowledged wise person, an expert in the interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Law of Moses and in lots of things associated with religious and spiritual life.

After all, you don’t get an expert in religion and spiritual life coming to your town just any old day.

The Rabbi Jesus is matter-of-fact, and responds (as many Rabbis would), “You know the commandments: Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t cheat, honor your father and mother.”

This is a shortened list of some of the Ten Commandments from the book of Exodus. These commands from God are revered as being the shorthand version of God’s rules for living. Now, while we have our imagining caps on, imagine we are watching this whole scene play out. Our teacher, the Rabbi Jesus, is involved in conversation with this earnest young man.

Except, something is different about this young man. He’s well-dressed, and looks to be really rich. Plus, he answers the Rabbi Jesus in all seriousness! “He said, “Teacher, I have—from my youth—kept them all!” 21 Jesus looked him hard in the eye—and loved him!”

 What do we see here? “Jesus looks at him with love (verse 21). He does not treat him as insincere or mock him as self-righteous, but rather loves him. Every interpretation we may offer must therefore take seriously Jesus’ absolute regard and unconditional love for this man.” [2]

I am still looking at this whole scene through my imagination, too. I am right there, watching everything go on. Watching the gathered crowd in the dusty afternoon in one of the towns of Palestine. And, we can see the love shining out of our Rabbi’s eyes!

But, let us get back to our rich young man who asked Rabbi Jesus this serious question. “’Jesus said, “There’s one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.’ 22 The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.”

Dr. David Lose said about this point in the reading, “what Jesus really meant was that we needed to unburden ourselves of whatever might be keeping us from relying on God.” [3] Yes, the rich man had a great deal of difficulty hearing these words of Jesus.

            Let’s face it: these are difficult words for many people to hear. We love our stuff, don’t we? Or, if not most of our stuff, at least some of our stuff. I would really have difficulty giving up my computer and my car. I think I am not the only one in this room today for whom that is true. Others might have difficulty unburdening themselves of whatever might be keeping each one from God.

“Jesus knew that the only thing that could overcome the gravity of the riches of this life is a force stronger, a greater pull. Love redeems; love rescues; love wins. He knew that. He knows that. Jesus loved him even though it didn’t seem to work. The young man walked away, grieving. The burden on his heart increased, instead of lightened. He had the antidote; he had the prescription. But the medicine was too bitter for him to swallow.” [4]

Let me ask, as we still consider us being there, right next to Jesus. What would it be like to have Jesus look upon each of us with that same love? What is more, Jesus asks each of us the same question about our stuff, about following Jesus. And, what is our response to Jesus?

All of our stuff gets in the way between us and God’s kingdom. All of this clutter and distraction in our lives keeps us at a distance from God. We know what Jesus has asked us to do, just like this young man did. When you don’t do what God has asked you to do, how do you picture God responding to you? Do you imagine God looks at you—at us—with loving compassion like Jesus did in this story? What’s more, we all will see how all of our “small steps” in loving and giving combine to create a beautiful impact of compassion in God’s world.

            And, maybe, just maybe “God’s gift of salvation can actually free us to do something: to love each other, to care for God’s people and world, to share the good news…right here, right now, wherever it may be that God has placed us.” [5]  

            God willing, we can all show love, giving, and compassion, every day. 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.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-28-2/commentary-on-mark-1017-31-3

[2] Ibid.

[3] http://www.davidlose.net/2015/10/pentecost-20-b-curing-our-heartsickness/

[4] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/walking-with-jesus/twenty-first-sunday-after-pentecost-year-b-lectionary-planning-notes/twenty-first-sunday-after-pentecost-year-b-preaching-notes

[5] http://www.davidlose.net/2015/10/pentecost-20-b-curing-our-heartsickness/

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How Majestic is God’s Name!

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“How Majestic is God’s Name!”

Psalm 8 (8:4) – October 6, 2024

            How many here can think of a truly unforgettable experience you have had? Maybe going on vacation, and seeing an unforgettable sunset or rainbow? Or perhaps taking a trip to a National Park, and experiencing some unforgettable scenery, like a spectacular waterfall? Or maybe traveling by boat or ship and seeing unforgettable sea creatures, whales, or sea lions? The world is full of marvelous, unforgettable things, and God created them all!

            But, we can’t go on vacation every day. Very few of us are able to see marvelous scenery or go to exotic places on a regular basis In the every-day, ordinary kind of way, I wonder if you and I really think the world is majestic? Awesome? God has made the world, and I think the Lord has done a pretty good job. But, how many of us think the Lord is majestic? Awesome? I mean, on an every-day basis. Are we stunned, at a loss for words by the majesty of the Lord?

            Let’s hear how our psalm today starts, again. “Lord, our Lord,  how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.” Wow! And, that is just the first verse! The Lord is OUR Lord, and the Lord’s name is majestic. Not just so-so, not pretty good, but majestic! Not to mention, the Lord has set glory and majesty in the heavens!

            I can see the stars on a clear night, but not quite as many here in Chicago as I can up in Wisconsin or in Michigan, far from the city. My husband Kevin spent two years in the mountains of Colorado, a number of years ago. He said the stars regularly put on an amazing display in the mountains, on a clear night. And, the moon, too! Truly majestic to see.

            Our psalmist marvels at the heavens, too – and more! “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is humankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”

Our psalmist King David started out contemplating the heavens, and the awesome majesty of God. Now, he shifts to considering humanity. “In comparison to the grandeur of the universe, the psalmist questions why God would be mindful of humanity and care for them.” [1] Really, this is a valid question! After God created the heavens, and the stars and moons and all the other heavenly bodies, we humans are like grains of sand. Maybe even smaller, maybe microscopic. Who are we that God is even mindful, even aware of us? 

From time to time, maybe even more often than that, it is so easy to get caught up in the pressures and expectations of the world! You and I can know that very well. Such feelings of loneliness, insecurity and doubt can threaten to overwhelm us. Imagine, not being sure that we are worth anything, and feeling that we are like tiny grasshoppers or worms.

I don’t know about you, but just reading this description of humanity makes me feel so insignificant, especially in the face of such glory, such grandeur of all creation. However, isn’t this an opportunity to affirm, to witness to the blessed fact that this God who is described here by King David is also my God? In fact, our God?

            We have reassurance from King David! “Psalm 8 reminds us of our unique identity as children of God and the incredible value and purpose we have in Him. This psalm teaches us to look beyond ourselves and recognize the greatness of our Creator, who has entrusted us with the responsibility to care for [God’s] creation.” [2]

            Listen to the next verses of this psalm, and see how much trust the Lord gives to us, how much happiness and at the same time, responsibility: “5 You have made thema little lower than the angelsand crowned them with glory and honor 6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet:”

            How amazing that we – we puny humans – are crowned by God with glory and honor! And, that is all humanity we are talking about. Not just a few humans, not just the humans in our particular group or from our particular country. No! This psalm says ALL. Everyone. What a Godly proclamation to give each of us a worthy opinion of ourselves!

But wait, there’s more! God not only has made a royal proclamation that crowns all of us with glory and honor, the Lord has also made each of us heaven-appointed stewards of this marvelous world we all inhabit.

We all have a task to do, simply by nature of being born on this earth. Just as in the beginning of Genesis, Adam and Eve were assigned tasks by God to tend and keep the Garden of Eden, so with each person today. Whether we garden, or recycle and pick up trash, or choose responsibly-sourced food items and clothing, we all can be good stewards of this beautiful earth God has created for each of us and given us to live in.   
            One of my favorite people I follow on social media comes from the Peak District in northern England. She is a brilliant photographer of her native Peak district, and her handle is “Peaklass.” I love the description and the advice she gives: “In our rush through life, moving faster, working smarter, we miss so much. We miss the drift of seasons and the gentle ebb and flow of nature. We miss patterns, colours, changing light. We miss beauty and quiet. Sometimes we all need to stop and just watch the clouds roll.” [3]

            This psalm ends as it begins, “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Can you think of a more wonderful praise and prayer to our God than to enjoy the beauty and majesty of God’s creation, today? Yes, God’s name is majestic in all the earth! Each of us can stop where we are today, and praise God for all creation, all creatures great and small.  

            Two days ago was the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi; many faith traditions celebrate with a Blessing of the Animals this weekend. St. Francis is not only a patron saint of animals, he is also the patron of all creation, or the natural world. I want to end today with a benediction, a verse from the hymn that is attributed to Francis, “All Creatures of Our God and King.”

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

            O, let us praise God, indeed! 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://youthgroupministry.com/lessons/youth-ministry-lesson-on-psalm-8-embracing-our-identity-in-christ/

[2] Ibid.

[3] https://x.com/peaklass1/status/1842835391595905259/photo/1