Tag Archives: God’s Word

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In These Last Days

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“In These Last Days”

Hebrews 1:1-4 (1:2) – October 5, 2025

            Can you think of an excellent host or hostess you know? Perhaps one or your friends or family? Celebrating or hosting is a big part of coming together as friends, as family, for all kinds of festive occasions. Some people are especially blessed with the skills, gifts and graces that are part and parcel of being a wonderful host or hostess. Today is World Communion Sunday, and our Lord Jesus is our heavenly Host today at this service.

But first, we need to take a closer look at our Scripture reading for today. The letter to the scattered Hebrews (Jews who believe in Jesus as their Messiah) was a circulating letter, traveling from place to place, copied and sent from one small group of believers, one congregation to the next. In order to understand this letter more deeply, we need to look at it as directed to people with a Jewish understanding, and a Jewish viewpoint.

“God spoke to our ancestors in many times/ways through the prophets, but now God speaks through the Son” – in the same way, we can view the older Hebrew Scriptures as God speaking through the prophets (and writers of narrative and poetry), but now (as in the New Testament), God speaks through the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ – especially in the Gospels.

Jesus – before He came to the earth and emptied Himself of all God-hood to become a little baby born in Bethlehem – created the universe at the beginning of time, and Jesus is the one who will possess all things at the end of time. So, before the beginning and after the end – there was the Son long before His incarnation, the second person of the Trinity. Before the universe, before the Big Bang and all things were created, there was the pre-incarnate Son.

 Plus – Jesus sustains/continues/upholds the universe with His powerful Word. The Word that had the creative force in the beginning of time!

Let’s think about that creative force for a moment. In chapters 8 and 9 in The Magician’s Nephew, one of the Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis has the Great Lion Aslan walking around on a brand new world. The Lion is singing, and the sheer creative force is magnificent, as shown by the reaction of all creation, land, water and sky to the sounds and the notes of Aslan’s powerful, creative voice. [1]

Yet, that is not all! We can see the writer of the letter to the Hebrews goes on to tell us more about what Jesus did. After Jesus finished His work on earth and achieved forgiveness for all sins for all human beings (for all time), the resurrected, ascended Jesus SAT DOWN in heaven. This goes along with what Paul says in the first chapter of the letter to the Ephesians, 1:20-22, which sounds quite a lot like Hebrews 1:3 from our reading today.

In the worship in the Temple before the first century CE, even at the time that the Rabbi Jesus was walking around Palestine for three years before His death, resurrection and ascension into heaven, Jewish priests continually stood up when they did their work in the Temple. That was the way of it. That was how priests went about their priestly duties, continually standing before the Lord, continuing to offer sacrifices for sins, making atonement for the sins of everyone who came to them.

Except – our Lord Jesus was not like the earthly priests. The apostle Paul said Jesus sat down in heaven, and no longer had to continually stand and continue to offer sacrifices to the Lord. Here in our reading today, the writer of the letter to the scattered Hebrews (or, Jews) tells them that Jesus “sat down in heaven at the right side/hand of God, the Supreme Power.”

As our commentator Carolyn Brown retells these three verses from Hebrews chapter 1, she says “Jesus was one with God at the beginning of everything and will be one with God after everything ends. Jesus worked with God on creating the whole world and keeps taking care of it. In Jesus of Nazareth God lived among us as a person and allowed himself to be crucified. Jesus is God in human skin.  Everything we know about Jesus tells us what God is like.  Jesus Christ forgives us.” [2]

Do you understand how powerful that declaration is? As one of what I consider one of the most meaningful gospel songs says, “Jesus paid it all! All to Him I owe, Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” This is one of the reasons we celebrate Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, because we are so grateful to Jesus for being the Lamb of God, who as our reading today tells us, “achieved the forgiveness of sins for all human beings.”

The first Sunday of October is World Communion Sunday in most congregations.  Not only set apart for children and young people, but for everyone. “That means raising awareness that Christians all around the world are one big family.  We may have skin of different colors, wear different clothes, speak different languages, and do all sorts of different things, but we are all baptized and we all share communion.” [3] 

Do you hear? All believers, worldwide, are all one big family. That means that we all come together around the communion table, from north and south, from east and west, from every tribe and people-group and nationality. Across national borders, regardless of languages spoken, paying no attention to differences of politics, or of allegiances, of national dress, or of regional separations.

All of these earthly differences do not matter to eternity. Jesus tells us so. All are welcome at the Lord’s table. And, it is His table. As I have said many times before, on many Communion Sundays in the past 11 and a half years, this is not St. Luke’s table. It is not the United Church of Christ’s table. It is not the Protestant Church’s table. Instead, this is the Lord’s table, and our Lord Jesus says all are welcome.

We can see how great God’s love is for humanity through the incarnation. Yes, God sent God’s son to earth to become human, live among us, and die for us. And, on this World Communion Sunday, we remember how our Lord Jesus provided communion for us, as a sacrament, a means of grace, and to remember Him.

Through the centuries, all believing Christians have celebrated this meal, this Lord’s Supper, in remembrance of Him. “Today, through World Communion, we also celebrate that though each church does things differently, we each and all of us need God and God’s grace. By participating together around the world in Holy Communion, we celebrate our common need for God, and together we celebrate receiving His love and grace.” [4]

This weekend is a jam-packed weekend, indeed. Not only is today World Communion Sunday, but yesterday 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.

As we reflect on our Lord Jesus, God’s Son before the beginning of time and after the end of time, I want to end our sermon today with a benediction; the final 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] Lewis, C.S., The Magician’s Nephew (Macmillan Publishing Co., New York NY, Collier Books edition: 1970), 101, 104-07.

[2] https://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2012/09/year-b-proper-22-27th-sunday-in.html

[3] Ibid.

[4] https://onthechancelsteps.wordpress.com/2013/09/22/same/

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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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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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Powerful Name of Jesus!

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“Powerful Name of Jesus!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@chaplaineliza

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

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

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

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

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Our Refuge and Strength!

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“Our Refuge and Strength!”

Psalm 46:1-7 – October 29, 2023

Here we are at Reformation Sunday, the week of the year when we remember Martin Luther posting his list of grievances against the church establishment of the Catholic Church, more than 500 years ago in 1517. These 95 grievances against the Church sparked a movement of protest that was felt around the world. And thus, the Protestant Church was born.

But, that was more than 500 years ago. Long ago history, to a lot of people today! And our Scripture reading Psalm 46? Written about 2000 years ago? That is really ancient times! How can these people and writings be relevant to us, today?

If you have any concept of what it means to “go viral,” Martin Luther’s 95 Theses did just that. For those who are not familiar with that term, “go viral” means a computer post that is popularly shared on email or social networking sites (Facebook, Instagram, etc.). The Urban Dictionary defines “going viral” as “an image, video, or web link that spreads rapidly through a population by being frequently shared with a number of individuals.” [1] That means that lots and lots of people forward posts or images to lots and lots of their online friends.

Martin Luther did not have an easy life,especially after the 95 Theses (or grievances against the Catholic Church) were published and popularized in large parts of Europe.

Seriously, when Martin Luther’s highly inflammatory writings were widely published, he gained a LOT of powerful enemies! And, he went on the run for a number of years, even secretly hiding out in a powerful ally’s castle for two years. But, what about the man?

Father Martin Luther – for he was a Catholic priest – was a sincere, devout follower of Jesus Christ. He thought long and hard about sin and confession, faith and grace. He also thought a lot about and valued God’s Word. Martin eventually translated the whole Bible – both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament – into his dialect of German, the common tongue of his day and area of Germany.

The Catholic Church considered Martin Luther to be a very dangerous agitator and heretic. They sent armies to find and arrest Luther, and he stayed in hiding for several years.  Because he translated the Bible into German, the Catholic Church got even more mad, since they wanted the Bible to be available only in the specialized language of Latin. Martin disagreed!

Which brings us back to Psalm 46, a psalm of King David. This psalm written in a time of great need is reputed to be Martin Luther’s favorite psalm. Such a favorite, in fact, that Martin wrote the hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” based on Psalm 46.

            Just imagine running for your life – which Martin was. Soldiers, even small armies were actively searching for him. The first verse of Psalm 46 proclaims “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When he translated this psalm into his mother tongue, I suspect the words became very precious and real to Martin.

            Modern translators have done a great deal of study into the meaning of Biblical words. There is a footnote after the phrase “very present.” “Here the translators have indicated that the verse may also read: “God is our refuge and strength, a well-proved help in trouble.” If you go with “very present” you have a God who is right there with you, keeping you secure in your time of trouble. If you go with “well-proved,” you have a God who has been time-tested and, over and over again, can be trusted upon to keep you secure in your time of trouble. Either way – and in all times and circumstances – you have a God who has got you covered. That is what Psalm 46 declares. And that is what Luther wanted to proclaim in ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God.’” [2]

            I have a special soft spot in my heart for Reformation Sunday. I was baptized and confirmed as a Lutheran in a church on the northwest side of Chicago (now sadly closed). I can remember very well those Sundays in Octobers past where churches had joyous organ preludes, Reformation celebrations, and brass accompaniment for the hymn “A Mighty Fortress.” I remember sermons where Martin Luther’s bold proclamation of “Here I stand, I can do no other” rang forth from the pulpit. And, I try to make certain our congregation understands how vitally important this date is, in the history of Christianity.

            Yet, I am also a hospice chaplain. I choose not to bring the intellectual ideas of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation to my patients and their families, nor should I. However, I can bring them the very real understanding that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble and need. For, who has more serious need of the Holy than a family dealing with the realities of significant physical decline and approaching end of life?

For that matter, we can embrace this psalm, too. God is always present, always at our sides. “Indeed, is this not as much a promise for a whole community of believers living in a time of uncertainty and anxiety as it is for the individual who is nearing the end of his life now?” [3]

Whether we are on the run – like King David from Saul’s armies, or Martin Luther from soldiers sent by the Catholic Church – or whether you, or I, or our families are going through difficult periods of serious illness, psychological upset, financial distress or political turmoil, God is indeed our refuge and strength.

Is anyone surprised that Martin Luther considered this comforting psalm his favorite? Even though everything is falling apart on all sides, Martin can stand safe and secure in his Lord’s care. And, so can we. That is good news for all of us! 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.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=go%20viral

[2] https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/reformation-day/commentary-on-psalm-46-6

[3] https://dancingwiththeword.com/being-still-letting-go/

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Delight in God’s Word!

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“Delight in God’s Word!”

Psalm 119:9-16 (119:11) – March 24, 2021 (Midweek Lenten Service, Week 5)

            I have been fascinated by Psalm 119 for decades. Since I was a teenager, in fact. These many verses describe what so many seek – a close relationship with God through God’s Word. Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in our Bible book of Psalms, and an acrostic psalm. That means that each group of eight verses begins with the same Hebrew letter. In verses 9-16, each verse begins with the second letter “B” or “bet” in Hebrew.  

What’s more, this psalm is all about God’s Word – the Bible. This psalm uses many instructive and innovative descriptions of speaking, meditating, pondering and just plain reading the Bible. One of the first verses I ever memorized as a teen is found here, in Psalm 119:11 – “Thy Word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” (King James version)

A helpful way for me to consider these verses is to focus on the verbs: how does the psalmist ask us to think about the Word of God? Bible commentator Joan Stott broke the verbs down into three sections, the past tense, present tense and future tense. (Such wise assistance.) First, the present tense: verse 12. “I praise You, Lord.” That is a continuous song of praise! Hebrew has a continuous action for the present tense, and this is it! I’ve been trained as a musician, and Nancy is a professional musician, too. Praising God with music can be amazing!

The church musician Johann Sebastian Bach inscribed almost every piece of music he ever wrote with the initials “SDG,” or Soli Deo Gloria. To God alone be the glory. That is what Bach intended for all of his glorious music – that it glorify God alone. And then, the second half of verse 12 is “teach me Your laws.” Again, “teach” is in the present tense. Continuous action! We need to be taught (or, reminded) about God’s Word, regularly.

            Then, the past tense. As Stott says, “The past tense section of these verses can also teach us more about reflecting on and confessing our sin; and praying for God’s help to overcome these temptations. “…I have tried hard to find you – don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”  [1]

            We need to keep trying, keep striving to find God. One of my all-time favorite hymns has the lines “prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, / Prone to leave the God I love.” “Come, Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing” is a gentle reminder that we do need to keep following, and to ask God for help when you and I are prone to wander.

             “The future tense section of verses is about the various commitments we make to God—but do we keep them? “…I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word…” [2] Ahh. I find myself reflected in this section, more than I would like. I do not study God’s Word much now. (I confess.) Yes, I do reflect on it, but I don’t dig in and truly study hard. I used to! But now, not as often.

            However, there is the verb “delight.” This is a word we all can choose to do. And, God will be so pleased when we delight in God’s Word! We have such wonderful verses to reflect upon. Not only in Psalms, but in Isaiah, and sprinkled in the historical books of the Hebrew Scriptures. Large parts of the New Testament are a delight and comfort for us to read, too. This is what God wants us to do, you understand! Psalm 119 is a wonderful place to start, too.

            Delight is joy, satisfaction, enchantment, or even glee. We are invited to love God, and sing praises to God’s name! Have you delighted in the Lord lately? And if not, why not start now? Plus, perhaps we can memorize a verse or two, and hide God’s Word in our hearts, too. That will please God so much, too. Amen!

[1] http://www.thetimelesspsalms.net/w_resources/lent5b_2018.htm

The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 119:9-16, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2018.

[2] Ibid.

@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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Reviving the Soul

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“Reviving the Soul”

Psalm 19:7-10 (19:7) – March 10, 2021 (Midweek Lenten Service, Week 3)

            When I think back to elementary school and the playground, a lot of memories come back. Isn’t it that way with you, too? Many children really want to know the rules for specific things, whether it’s games, or the class schedule, or riding the bus. How many of us recognize the plaintive cries, “It’s not fair!” and “You’re breaking the rules!”

            Here in Psalm 19, we see a number of statements about the rules of God. The Lord loves the people of Israel so much that God has set boundaries, and has shown us standards to live by. Although many people don’t give a care about God’s rule book or God’s law codes, Psalm 19 lets us know that God cares, very much.

            Psalm 19 uses several synonyms for the rule book of God, including laws, decrees, statutes and ordinances. Setting boundaries or parameters around behavior and speech, giving God’s people standards to live by are totally in keeping with God’s loving care for God’s people.  

            Let’s take a closer look at verses 7 through 9. Each verse begins with a synonym for God’s rule book – the Torah, or Law of the Lord. Law, decrees, precepts, commandment, fear and ordinances. All of these refer to the Scriptures as a whole. Plus, this psalm does not mean “law” in the legal sense. According to commentator Rolf Jacobson, God’s rule book refers to “’instruction’ in a more holistic sense. This section of the poem celebrates what God has done and continues to do through the Scriptures. God revives the soul, makes wise the simple, enlightens the eye, endures forever, and is altogether righteous.” [1]

            Psalm 19 is chief among these hymns of praise and thanksgiving, specifically for lifting up the Word of God. Or, as we can see, the instruction book or rule book of God.

            In this past year of the pandemic, all of us, everywhere, have had to adapt and react to new and ever-changing rules, regulations and laws. This has been a tumultuous and upsetting year for most everyone, especially those who have had their personal lives turned upside down by COVID. The majority of society has conformed to these rules, regulations and laws, out of loving concern and respect for those around them – regardless of whether it is family, friends, neighbors or strangers. As with God’s rule book – for example, the Ten Commandments – these rules were not given out of a desire to control, oppress, or crush expression. No! Right here in Psalm 19 we can see such rules given by God in love and concern, and as a means of promoting revival, wisdom, joy and light. [2]

            We do not have a distant, uncaring God! Not one who is mean or nasty or punitive, either! Instead, by following God’s rule book, we can be caring and loving to all those around us. Plus, we will show our love for God, too! As if that wasn’t enough, our Psalmist then declares that God will abundantly pardon our missteps, when we do break God’s rules.

            The prayer at the end of this psalm is a prayer frequently used by preachers at the start of their sermons. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” I am certain that God is unhappy from time to time with my sermons, no matter how hard I try to rightly discern and handle the Word of God.

Thank God that the Lord is gracious and forgiving, full of compassion for preachers and for all those who have hidden faults – that is everyone, you know! God is forgiving, as well, for everyone in God’s vast creation. God, our Rock and our Redeemer, fully redeems us, too. And for that, we all can thank and praise God. Amen!

[1] https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-26-2/commentary-on-psalm-197-14-3

Commentary, Psalm 19, Rolf Jacobson, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2012.

[2] https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/74507/7-March-3-Sunday-in-Lent.pdf

The Faith Nurture Forum would like to thank Rev Jonathan Fleming, Minister of Cumbrae with Largs St John’s, for his thoughts on the third Sunday in Lent.

@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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Temptations

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“Temptations”

Jesus The-Temptation-of-Christ-Botticelli

Matthew 4:1-11, Genesis 3:1-7 – March 1, 2020

Different people are tempted by different kinds of things. I suppose most everyone here has been tempted at one time or another. Not necessarily with big stuff, or important things, but somewhere, sometime, there has been some kind of thing that has tempted you sorely. Maybe it was something as simple as a plate of freshly baked cookies on the kitchen counter. You knew that dinnertime was in only half an hour, but that plate of cookies looked so tempting. Or, perhaps cutting corners at work in order to save time, not quite following procedure. Or, maybe telling a little fib. You know, something that nobody else would know about. Except for you.

Of course, these are small kinds of temptations. Not quite the big, huge temptations we just heard about in our two Scripture readings this morning: the original temptation, with the special fruit and the snake from Genesis 3, and our Lord Jesus at the beginning of His ministry, tempted by Satan from Matthew 4.

This is the first Sunday of Lent, and we begin our journey with Jesus through these next weeks, until Holy Week, that time we remember the Passion of Christ. In these weeks of Lent we will look at different Scripture readings that hold the “Stories that Shape Us:” our Lenten series for this season. Today, we take a closer look at Temptations.

Are you and I tempted by the things we do, say, and think that really aren’t “too bad?” You know, all that stuff that the world tells us is okay? What about telling little fibs? Or, actions that seem like little speed bumps, or that we explain away by saying “everybody’s doing it—it’s okay! Isn’t it?” Aren’t those temptations, too?

Today we are going to zero in on our Lord Jesus, just after His baptism, as He withdraws into the wilderness to fast, pray and prepare for His years of ministry.

While Jesus is there, He’s tempted by Satan. That part is important, too. Just like the original temptation, of Eve and Adam at that special tree in the garden, so long ago.

Let’s look at Matthew’s take on the temptation. He doesn’t waste any time, but plunges right into the meat of the narrative. Verse 1: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Here is the ultimate faceoff, between the Son of God and Satan, the tempter, trying to make Jesus fall or trip up.

Again, in our second reading from Genesis, we find ourselves at the tree, with Eve and the serpent. This is Genesis explaining the origin of sin, true. But, isn’t it also a way of showing each of us how human we are? Sure, God showers many blessings upon each of us, every day. But, the serpent questions that blessing, that trustworthiness of God, even quoting God’s own words back to Eve with a sly smirk in its beady eyes.

Aren’t both Bible readings communicating similar narratives? There is a lack, a hole, a need for something in our lives. And, Satan—the devil—the serpent can give it to us. Or, show us where to get it.

Think about Madison Avenue, and advertising on television, in print media, and now, on the computer. More and more, advertising plays upon our emotions, showing us our supposed “needs” or “lacks,” and then quickly following up with just what we need to fill that hole!

Jesus must have been the most self-assured, self-possessed human being, ever. He wasn’t like the typical human, feeling alone, incomplete, having a hole inside our heart and spirit. Isn’t that what each of us typical humans feel like, at least some of the time? Maybe, even, a lot of the time? Yet, our Gospel reading today tells us that Jesus was, indeed, tempted by the devil.

The first temptation was hunger. Or rather, for Jesus to use His power to take care of His own needs, His own hunger. I can just hear Satan say: “Come on, Jesus! You’re miles from anywhere. No one will see You do it! C’mon, turn these stones into bread. After all, You’re human. You’re hungry. Feel those hunger pangs in Your stomach? You know You want to.”

Yet, as commentator Carolyn Brown said, Jesus had been led out into the wilderness to learn something important. He wanted to be obedient to God and do as God asked, even if it meant being hungry in the wilderness. [1] And what was Jesus’ response? ““It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

The second temptation was Satan encouraging Jesus to use His power in stunts, almost like a circus performer, to get attention and show everyone how important He was. Satan even added the heavenly icing on top of this temptation: saying that angels would come catch Jesus if He threw Himself off the top of the temple. What was Jesus’s response? “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Again, Carolyn Brown tells us that God did not want the human Jesus to show off in such a flashy way, or prove how powerful and mighty God is. Instead, Jesus was sent to love and forgive people, have caring relationships, and be a visual example of what God was all about. [2]

Satan’s last temptation must have been tempting, indeed. Sure, lots of kings and rulers had tried to rule large parts of the world, but they were all fallible humans, with sins and shortcomings and all kinds of flaws all over the place. When Satan offered Jesus the opportunity to be King over the whole world, it must have been some temptation. Since Jesus was the perfect human, He would have been the absolute best King of the world. Oh, yeah. Plus, Jesus needed to bow down and worship Satan in order to become an instant King.

But, this wasn’t in God’s timetable. And, Jesus knew that.

What was Jesus’ response?  Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

We can see how Eve and Adam were persuaded by the serpent to give in to temptation, and eat the apple. We can see how Jesus defeated Satan, the tempter. Jesus trusted and obeyed God His heavenly Father. This struggle, this faceoff with Satan was the important thing. He showed that to Satan by responding directly and clearly, quoting Scripture passages with which all believers in Israel were familiar. [3] And after the tempter left Him, Matthew lets us know that Jesus was ministered to by angels. Like a boxer, after a hard-won fight in the ring.

For us, today, temptation is a regular part of our lives. “I’m only human!” some say. Our lives as Christians do not eliminate doubt, lacks, needs, or a sense of incompleteness. Satan will zero in on those so often! However, we can embrace our relationship with God as that place where our needs are indeed met, where our lives and very selves are made complete.

Sure, we are descendants of Adam and Eve, and as such we can be needy and lacking, searching for that God-shaped filler for the hole inside each of us. Thanks be to God that Jesus has come into our lives. We can trust Him to pick us up when we fall short from temptations’ snares. We can confess our failings and sins, and trust through the crucified and risen Jesus we indeed have the promise of forgiveness and eternal life. Amen!

 

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my regular blog for 2020: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and my other blog,  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

(I would like to thank the Rev. Dr. David Lose. For this sermon, I have borrowed several extended ideas from his article http://www.workingpreacher.org/craft.aspx?post=1488  “Into Temptation,” David Lose, Working Preacher, 2011.  Thanks so much!)

[1] http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2014/02/year-first-sunday-in-lent-march-13-2011.html

Worshiping with Children, Lent 1, Including children in the congregation’s worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2014.

[2] Ibid.

[3] http://www.taize.fr/en_article167.html?date=2007-03-01

“Jesus Put to the Test,” Commented Bible Passages from Taize, 2007.

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In Whom I Delight

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“In Whom I Delight”

Matt 3-16 baptism word cloud

Isaiah 42:1-8, Matthew 3:13-17 – January 12, 2020

Most people are familiar with job descriptions. A job description for a bus driver would highlight their ability to be able to transport people safely and efficiently from one place to another. A job description for a magazine editor would feature their skill at editing and synthesizing copy for publication. But, what would the job description be for the Messiah, the Chosen One of the Lord?

We turn to our Gospel reading for this morning, from Matthew chapter 3. We meet Jesus at the very beginning of His public ministry at the River Jordan. He presents Himself to John the Baptist, along with a whole crowd of other people. They all want to be baptized, yes. But, what will Jesus do after baptism? What is His ministry going to look like? Do we know the requirements of His position as Servant of the Lord?

If we step back from this close-up view of Jesus and His cousin John the Baptist, we might be surprised at what we see. John had made a big splash in Jewish society, and in fact that whole geographical region. There were many, many people coming to where he was stationed at the River Jordan. Sure, many of them had heard the fire-and-brimstone way he preached. Many others wanted the first-hand experience with a true prophet of God. He called for serious repentance! Not a simple, breezy “I’m sorry” sort of thing. No, John preached a genuine, heartfelt, sometimes gut-wrenching repentance.

Isn’t that what you and I are supposed to do, before we come to the waters of baptism? Repent? Follow God? Or, if we are bringing babies or small children to be baptized, aren’t the parents and godparents supposed to answer for the children and affirm that these little ones are going to strive to follow God all the days of their lives? Serious matters. Serious vows.

But, Jesus was sinless! He did not need to be baptized! Why on earth did Jesus do this? Two of the reasons I believe Jesus went through the waters of baptism: He publicly inaugurated His public ministry, and He closely identified with the penitent people of God. How better to let people know that He was one of them than to experience all things in the same way that they did, go through all of life’s ups and downs, striving to live life as God would have Him live it.

Yet, John also prophesied the coming of the Lord’s Messiah—or as translated into Greek, the Christ. The Servant of the Lord, as mentioned by several prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures. There has got to be a job description in one of those Servant-of-the-Lord sections. Isn’t there?

Many organizations and businesses have detailed job descriptions for each of their positions. In want-ads on line, you can see details of each job, listing required qualifications, desired expectations, practically everything an applicant would need to know in order to apply for the featured position.

In our Hebrew Scripture reading from Isaiah 42, we see a clear description of the prophesied Servant of the Lord. In other words, a job description for the Messiah. We can also think of this as a checklist for the several years of the Rabbi Jesus’s public ministry.

The first qualification the prophet talks about? “I have called you in righteousness.” This is answered directly by Jesus, in Matthew 3. Why was one of the reasons for Jesus’s baptism? As Jesus said, “to fulfill all righteousness.” I suspect Jesus may have had this very section in Isaiah 42 in mind when he responded to John the Baptist.

We hear this job description repeated again and again, by various prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures, as well as prophecy fulfilled in the Gospels. Sort of like a first-century job board. Is it any wonder that many people already knew what was ahead of the Rabbi Jesus as He begins His ministry among the people of Israel?

The prophet Isaiah writes God “will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,” We go back to that jam-packed chapter 2 of the Gospel of Luke. After the angels and the shepherds went away, Mary and Joseph took the eight-day old baby Jesus to be presented at the Temple in Jerusalem. When he saw this Baby, the devout man Simeon also made a prophesy about this Gift from God. It is almost word-for-word out of Isaiah 42. Simeon said “For my eyes have seen [God’s] salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” As Luke said, Simeon had been told by the Lord that he would live to see the Messiah. Lo and behold, when Mary and Joseph brought the Baby into the Temple, Simeon was there, to be a witness.

Another phrase from Isaiah 42: “to open eyes that are blind.” A number of times in the Gospels, we see Jesus healing people who are blind, restoring their sight. One of these healings is recorded in John 9, where Jesus publicly heals a man born blind, and argues with the religious leaders while He was doing the healing. (Plus, an editorial comment: I cannot believe Jesus would heal anyone’s sight to less than 20/20. Perfect sight.)
The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Servant of the Lord would “free captives from prison and release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” When Jesus proclaimed in His hometown synagogue that He was the Servant of the Lord, He read from another section of Isaiah. Jesus said these same words: He would free the captives and set the oppressed free.
Last but certainly not least, Isaiah 42 begins with a summary statement: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight.” Could this be any more clearly the voice of the Lord, echoing across the waters of the River Jordan? “A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” What love. What affirmation. What blessing.

If only we all could have that approval from our earthly parents and families. As one of my favorite commentators David Lose said, “Baptism is nothing less than the promise that we are God’s beloved children. That no matter where we go, God will be with us.” [1]

Certain job descriptions designate people with specific titles or names. I suspect you are familiar with a number of them, too. “Nurse,” “doctor,” “judge,” “teacher,” and even “pastor.” Jesus had the job titles “rabbi,” “teacher” and even “Messiah” or “Christ.” Names or titles are important; some lifting up, and others tearing down.

Think of the various titles or names you have had in your life, as will I. Were all those names or titles positive, good, or helpful? Or, were some of these hurtful, hateful, or demeaning? Some of these names or titles can stay in the memory for years, or even longer, when said in a mean or nasty way. Think of names or titles like “Stupid” or “Egghead,” “Fatso” or “Ugly.” Names like “Loser” or “Prissy,” “Know-it-all” or “Victim”.

As I remind all of us about these negative, hateful names or titles, and we sit with them for a moment, it is just for a moment. Each of us has a God-inspired job description, too. Each of us has the title or name of beloved child. Think about it. We may hold this title, this name, to our hearts—Christian. What an affirmation. What a blessing!

Just as Jesus had the title God’s beloved in His job description, so do we. We have God’s word on it.  

(I would like to thank the commentator David Lose for his article on the Baptism of Jesus and Matthew 3 from Dear Working Preacher. For this sermon, I have borrowed several ideas and quotes from this devotional. Thanks so much!)

[1] http://www.workingpreacher.org/craft.aspx?post=1580

“The Power of a Good Name,” David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2011.

 

 

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Suit Yourselves!

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“Suit Yourselves!”

2 Tim 4-3 itching ears

2 Timothy 4:1-5 – October 20, 2019

Have you seen the comics lately? I’m sure everyone here is familiar with the comics section of the newspapers—the daily comics in black and white, and the Sunday comics in full color—even if you don’t read them regularly. Can you picture this scene from the comics? A single panel, showing two business men by an office water cooler. One looks like a boss, and he says to the other, “If there’s one thing I hate, it’s a yes-man. Isn’t that right, Baxter?”

We chuckle, because we all are familiar with that kind of attitude. I’m sure we can recognize that tendency in other forms. Getting some yes-man to tell us what we want to hear . . . not what’s good for us to hear, not what we need to hear, but instead what we want to hear.

With all the worry and anxiety, trouble and danger in this modern world, people are actively searching for good news. Many are searching in all the wrong places. Commercialism and consumerism are rampant, with many people accumulating more and more stuff and always needing to get something else, something more, something new.

Sometimes, some people search for thrills, for that adrenaline rush, for some kind of excitement in life. It doesn’t matter if thrills come from drag racing, gambling, or risky behavior, like a wild bender at the local bar. Oftentimes, these people are trying to fill a hole deep inside.

Other people turn inward, searching for spiritual fulfilment. There are many ways of experiencing some kind of spirituality, like through the martial arts, or through meditative practices. Fung shui, the Chinese method of arranging furniture is an attempt to try to find balance and proper order in this life. Sure, doing an inside job, concentrating on the inside of ourselves is a great place to start, but . . . searching for inward, spiritual fulfillment on our own just won’t work. Anyway, not without God.

We have the assurance, from our scripture passage today, that Timothy had the opportunity to know God. Timothy was instructed, from the time he was very young, in the way of salvation through Jesus Christ. His mother and grandmother were both women of faith, and Timothy grew up in a believing household, a household that put God first.

As we read further in our passage today, we find there are people who will not put up with sound doctrine. They will not even want to listen to the truth! Even when the truth is as clear as day, and presented to them in a straight-forward manner, still, some will turn away.

You probably are all familiar with that modern phenomenon—tele-evangelists, some of whom are worthy people of God. However, there are those who are frauds. Charlatans. Fakes. Preachers not of sound doctrine or biblical teaching, but instead telling their listeners exactly what they—the listeners—want to hear.

Are you familiar with the health, wealth and happiness gospel, which focuses on only a few isolated passages from scripture? This false gospel tell the listeners that God wants us all to be healthy, wealthy and happy! All the time! And even shows us the example of Job—why, didn’t God give back to Job everything that was taken away? But . . . we must have faith! And if anything is wrong in our lives, or if our house burns down, or if we get sick, or if someone we love loses a job, or if our child gets in trouble, or . . . or . . . or . . . you get the picture. Well, we just didn’t have enough faith. Oh, and we didn’t send enough money to the tele-evangelist. So, God apparently must be withholding His blessing because of our lack of faith and our stinginess.

Not so!! This is a perverse, yet skillful, twisting of the truth! I bet you can see parts of the true Gospel here in what I’ve just described, but the rest is so skillfully bent and twisted, It sounds so similar to the Good News of God we have come to know and to understand and to love. Like, and yet unlike. The true Gospel tells us that God does indeed want to bless us abundantly! And, it is an inside job! God wants to change us, to help us change ourselves, to make us new creations from the inside out, through faith in Jesus Christ.

But, what about unsuspecting folks, who get turned away from the truth in God’s Word? What did our scripture passage today say about this sort of people? It mentions that they have “itching ears.” This is a Greek phrase that can be translated several ways—another way is “having their ears tickled.” In other words, having the preacher tell you exactly what you want to hear! These people with the itching ears, who wanted nice, warm, soft, fuzzy things said to them, nonthreatening, reassuring things preached to them from the pulpit, these people turned their backs on the truth of God’s Word and of sound doctrine.

These people with the itching ears had an agenda—and that was to hear only what they wanted to hear, at all times. None of the challenging words, none of the admonishing words, none of the emotional words of Scripture. This is another form of idolatry: putting themselves first, putting God aside as an afterthought. You know the attitude—me, me, me! I’m the most important person around here! Everything needs to go my way! Nobody else counts!

As I was thinking about this text over the past days, it came to me—what would Calvin say? John Calvin was one of the foremost theologians in the Reformed tradition, the tradition we in the UCC adhere to. What would Calvin say about these false teachers, preaching a “health, wealth and happiness” gospel, or any other sort of false gospel, for that matter?

How would he deal with these false teachers, leading people astray? Checking the Institutes, I find that Calvin spoke strong words against these false teachers, saying that they, in fact, pose the greatest danger to the church. They lead people away from true scripture and sound doctrine, and are responsible for bringing in destructive heresies. [1]

But . . . that’s not what we learned. That’s not what Timothy learned. We have the “sacred writings that are able to instruct us for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” We have the opportunity to come into a relationship with Jesus Christ. How wonderful, how awesome, and how sobering that Jesus entrusted us with the message of His Good News.

Now what? The different New Testament letters do indeed tell us definite things about doctrine, about theology . . . but then . . . what do we do with all of this information? How do we put it into practice? How do we live the Christian life? Now what, in other words?

I consider the commands in this passage to be good advice to anyone wanting to follow Christ more nearly. We are to proclaim the message. Communicate the Good News!

This command may give some people pause. How can I preach the Good News? Am I supposed to go to some cable television station and get on the air as yet another tele-evangelist? Or how about standing out on a street corner, preaching with a megaphone? Both of these are valid ways of preaching God’s Good News, but I don’t think most of us here in this church could ever see ourselves doing either of these things. But there are other ways to proclaim the message.

Preach the Good News. Another way of thinking about it is . . . telling what God has done in your life. What has God done for you? How has God made a difference in your life? How has God made a difference in mine? What new things have you and I learned from the Lord lately? What an opportunity to share these things with others, with our friends, with those who might not know God in a personal way.

Do we need advanced degrees in divinity or theology to do this? To share what God has done for us? No! Oftentimes, we are excited to tell people about other things, like who won the latest ball game, or about the neighbor next door spraining her ankle, or what exciting story we just heard on the news. Why can’t I tell people about Jesus, and what He’s done for me? Why can’t you?     I can tell about God’s faithfulness in my busy, hectic life. I can praise God for helping me to walk the Christian walk, one day at a time.

Thank God we have been given this Good News! What a opportunity! What a thing to celebrate! Praise God, we have been granted salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. That’s truly something to celebrate. That’s truly Good News to share.             Alleluia, Amen.

[1] Calvin, John, Institutes of the Christian Religion, edited by John T. McNeill (Westminster Press: Philadelphia, 1960), IV.9.4.

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my regular blog for 2019: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and my other blog,  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!