This week we continue our theme of learning how to worship. The passages are a little strange to use together. The Gospel passage is about how Jesus changed water into wine at the wedding in Cana. The other passage is about using our spiritual gifts.
John 2:1-11
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Even though these two passages are very different, I realized that they both talk about the kind of gifts that God gives. Jesus didn't make cheap or low quality wine, he made the very best. And, when God decided to give us all spiritual gifts, God did not go for the cheap presents. Instead, we were given the very best. If you were to keep reading in 1 Corinthians, you would see Paul's reminder to us that all the gifts are vital to the congregation. We know that God gives very good gifts. And, even more, God expects us to use the gifts we are given.
Think about the gifts that you might give to someone at a wedding or other special occasion. You would not only try to pick out something nice, but you would want to give something that the couple could use. We want people to use and enjoy the gifts that we give, and in the same way, God wants us to use our gifts too. Spiritual gifts are given not to glorify one individual, but instead they are given so that everyone might benefit.
Questions to ponder...
Why is it that the text tells us that Jesus' "water/wine" was of such a high quality?
What gifts has God given you?
How are you using these gifts?
Let us remember to thank God for all the gifts that we have been given.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Offering Up Our Treasures
This Sunday is Epiphany Sunday. The day of Epiphany is January 6th, but we celebrate this day on the Sunday before. The word epiphany means an appearance of a god or God. In the Christian Calendar, this day celebrates the way that Christ was made known to the gentiles, or the Wise Men.
And so, our readings also focus on the Wise Men:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Matthew 2:1-12
This story differs in many ways from the story of Jesus' birth as recorded by the Gospel of Luke. Luke's Gospel tells us of poor shepherds who heard the news, saw the baby, and went away rejoicing. Matthew's story is different. It tells of priestly astrologers from Persia who observed the rising of the star and came to seek the new great Jewish king. The story also tells us the panic that spread through Herod and all of Jerusalem when this news was announced. Far from being excited the people were frightened.
It seems strange that these priests of another religion entirely saw the signs for a great king, and then went to worship him. In contrast, the Jewish leaders who should have been excited about this new king who came for them, were frightened. The Magi came with gifts worthy of a king. Herod sent soldiers in an attempt to prevent the new king from rising.
The gifts and the attitude that they brought to Jesus were radically different from one another. My commentary (The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary) points out that most preaching about the magi emphasizes their actions. "They acted on the light they had; they went to Bethlehem while the scribes who knew the Bible did not; they gave precious gifts to Jesus." These things are very important. We need to remember and follow the example of the magi who took great risk and sacrifice to come and present their gifts to the king.
Yet, we must be careful not to focus solely on their actions. The commentary concludes by saying, "their action is a response to the divine initiative. Here as elsewhere, God's grace precedes human action." We must remember that all worship is God initiated.
Questions to ponder...
What might the reaction be today if God came again? Do people want to hear about God's presence in our world, or are they frightened and skeptical like Herod and the people of Jerusalem?
Even more, how do we respond to God today? Do we worship God as the Magi did, bringing everything to God?
What are the gifts that God would have us bring to worship?
How does it change our attitude of worship, if we remember that we worship because of "Divine Initiative," or because God loved us first?
May God be with you as you worship this week.
And so, our readings also focus on the Wise Men:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Matthew 2:1-12
This story differs in many ways from the story of Jesus' birth as recorded by the Gospel of Luke. Luke's Gospel tells us of poor shepherds who heard the news, saw the baby, and went away rejoicing. Matthew's story is different. It tells of priestly astrologers from Persia who observed the rising of the star and came to seek the new great Jewish king. The story also tells us the panic that spread through Herod and all of Jerusalem when this news was announced. Far from being excited the people were frightened.
It seems strange that these priests of another religion entirely saw the signs for a great king, and then went to worship him. In contrast, the Jewish leaders who should have been excited about this new king who came for them, were frightened. The Magi came with gifts worthy of a king. Herod sent soldiers in an attempt to prevent the new king from rising.
The gifts and the attitude that they brought to Jesus were radically different from one another. My commentary (The New Interpreter's Bible Commentary) points out that most preaching about the magi emphasizes their actions. "They acted on the light they had; they went to Bethlehem while the scribes who knew the Bible did not; they gave precious gifts to Jesus." These things are very important. We need to remember and follow the example of the magi who took great risk and sacrifice to come and present their gifts to the king.
Yet, we must be careful not to focus solely on their actions. The commentary concludes by saying, "their action is a response to the divine initiative. Here as elsewhere, God's grace precedes human action." We must remember that all worship is God initiated.
Questions to ponder...
What might the reaction be today if God came again? Do people want to hear about God's presence in our world, or are they frightened and skeptical like Herod and the people of Jerusalem?
Even more, how do we respond to God today? Do we worship God as the Magi did, bringing everything to God?
What are the gifts that God would have us bring to worship?
How does it change our attitude of worship, if we remember that we worship because of "Divine Initiative," or because God loved us first?
May God be with you as you worship this week.
A New Resolution...
The New Year is almost here and that means it is time once again to make those annual New Year’s Resolutions. We promise to diet or exercise or do all of those good things that we know we should be doing. We want so very much to try harder and to be better, but so often by February or March the resolutions have been forgotten, and we are back where we started.
This year I’d like to suggest a different kind of resolution. Worship God. That’s it. It seems pretty simple, and in many ways it is. Worship is a part of the Christian way of living. It is how we give thanks for all the ways we see God working. Worship should flow out of us naturally each and every day.
And yet, we often find worship difficult, because we get so busy that we forget about God. Not only that, but many of us aren’t really sure what worship is. Is it just about singing? Is it only saying thank-you? What is worship really? And, how can we worship more fully?
This January and February, I encourage you to join us as we answer these questions together. Each week we will explore how to truly find the “Heart of Worship.” I believe that as we seek to worship God more fully, we will find many gifts waiting for us. Christmas Day may have come and gone, but God’s gifts for us are still coming. As we worship, we discover that a deeper relationship with God is worth more than anything we could ever buy.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been worshiping God from the cradle, or if you are brand new to church, God longs for us to worship. So, come and explore with us what it means to worship.
This year I’d like to suggest a different kind of resolution. Worship God. That’s it. It seems pretty simple, and in many ways it is. Worship is a part of the Christian way of living. It is how we give thanks for all the ways we see God working. Worship should flow out of us naturally each and every day.
And yet, we often find worship difficult, because we get so busy that we forget about God. Not only that, but many of us aren’t really sure what worship is. Is it just about singing? Is it only saying thank-you? What is worship really? And, how can we worship more fully?
This January and February, I encourage you to join us as we answer these questions together. Each week we will explore how to truly find the “Heart of Worship.” I believe that as we seek to worship God more fully, we will find many gifts waiting for us. Christmas Day may have come and gone, but God’s gifts for us are still coming. As we worship, we discover that a deeper relationship with God is worth more than anything we could ever buy.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been worshiping God from the cradle, or if you are brand new to church, God longs for us to worship. So, come and explore with us what it means to worship.
The Light of Christ
We had a very interesting experience here at MUMC on Christmas Eve. It started out like any other Christmas Eve Service, but ended with a strange twist.
I planned to end our service with the traditional Candelight Service. We were going to sing, "Silent Night" and I was going to take the light from the Christ candle and share it with the congregation to remind us of how the light of Christ moves out into the world.
Just as I was explaining the meaning of this part of the worship service, the lights went out. It was only seconds before we planned to turn them out anyway. At first I thought someone had just "jumped the gun" and turned them out early. Then I realized that my microphone wasn't working either. The lights flashed on and off several times, before going out completely. It turned out that the ice on the powerlines caused us to lose our electricity.
Not wanting to be controlled by faulty powerlines, we continued the candlelighting service. Someone ran up to help our guitarist see his music so that we could sing Silent Night. The lights from the candles lit up the sanctuary and made a beautiful sight. Slowly and worshipfully everyone left the sanctuary while still singing.
And then, right where we would normally extinguish the candle and put it back in the box for next year, we realized that we still needed the candles!
People went out of their way to help others. Two people stationed themselves on the steps to help others see the way. Others stationed themselves at the coat rack to help people put on their coats. Someone else ran and got a flashlight from their car to help others see outside. Everyone pitched in to help others find their way.
Reflecting on this experience later, I realized that we really were "the light of Christ." We were doing exactly what we should be doing ... helping others to find their way.
May we all be candles for the world that on the darkest night, our light from Christ can shine brightly to help others find their way.
I planned to end our service with the traditional Candelight Service. We were going to sing, "Silent Night" and I was going to take the light from the Christ candle and share it with the congregation to remind us of how the light of Christ moves out into the world.
Just as I was explaining the meaning of this part of the worship service, the lights went out. It was only seconds before we planned to turn them out anyway. At first I thought someone had just "jumped the gun" and turned them out early. Then I realized that my microphone wasn't working either. The lights flashed on and off several times, before going out completely. It turned out that the ice on the powerlines caused us to lose our electricity.
Not wanting to be controlled by faulty powerlines, we continued the candlelighting service. Someone ran up to help our guitarist see his music so that we could sing Silent Night. The lights from the candles lit up the sanctuary and made a beautiful sight. Slowly and worshipfully everyone left the sanctuary while still singing.
And then, right where we would normally extinguish the candle and put it back in the box for next year, we realized that we still needed the candles!
People went out of their way to help others. Two people stationed themselves on the steps to help others see the way. Others stationed themselves at the coat rack to help people put on their coats. Someone else ran and got a flashlight from their car to help others see outside. Everyone pitched in to help others find their way.
Reflecting on this experience later, I realized that we really were "the light of Christ." We were doing exactly what we should be doing ... helping others to find their way.
May we all be candles for the world that on the darkest night, our light from Christ can shine brightly to help others find their way.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Open The Doors -- Welcome Home!
While I was in Seminary, I had the opportunity to serve at a church in Dubuque by working with their "Food for the Soul" program. They served a free meal every Saturday night to anyone who was in need. I worked as the Hostess for the meal. My job was to make sure that everyone felt welcomed, to pray for the meal, and to help with other logistics.
One night while I was working there, I saw a man reading a book. I asked him what he was reading and found out that he was reading Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky. I was surprised that this homeless man was reading such a difficult book. This discovery opened the doors to a rather long and unexpected conversation about Classic Literature and our favorite authors.
Afterwards, I called my sister to share this strange happening. I told her that I couldn't believe that he had read so many classic books, I am ashamed to admit that I assumed most of the people were at a very low reading level. My sister, (being a fount of wisdom) said, "you were probably right about most of the people, but it's those other 10% that get you every time."
"The other 10%.." I've never forgotten that phrase, and sometime would like to do a whole sermon series about how God uses those "other ten percent" in powerful and mighty ways.
This theme can be powerfully seen in the passages for this week:
Micah 5:2-5a
Luke 1:39-45
Luke 1:47-55
Surpisingly it is little and insignificant Bethlehem that is the birthplace for the Messiah. It is two unlikely women that God chooses to bear John the Baptist and Jesus. It is the lowly that are lifted up in Mary's Magnificat. It is the proud that are scattered. God turns the tables on our assumptions and prejudices and helps us to see "the other 10 percent." God welcomes us home not because we are rich or proud or mighty or intelligent. God welcomes us home because we are faithful.
Questions to ponder...
Who are the "other 10 percent" in your world? Who have you ignored, or forgotten, or made assumptions about? How do these passages challenge us to reach out to the least, lost, and forgotten of the world?
What does it mean that God uses the lowly and the forgotten to be bearers of God's message?
Where have you told God, "no" because you thought you were too insignificant? How might God be challenging you through these passages to step out in faith?
Remember that whoever you are, and wherever you are, God loves you! And despite how small and insignificant you may feel, you play a special part in God's plan. So, this week, remember that God has opened the doors for you (and the other 10 percent of the world we forget about) and is calling us home.
One night while I was working there, I saw a man reading a book. I asked him what he was reading and found out that he was reading Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky. I was surprised that this homeless man was reading such a difficult book. This discovery opened the doors to a rather long and unexpected conversation about Classic Literature and our favorite authors.
Afterwards, I called my sister to share this strange happening. I told her that I couldn't believe that he had read so many classic books, I am ashamed to admit that I assumed most of the people were at a very low reading level. My sister, (being a fount of wisdom) said, "you were probably right about most of the people, but it's those other 10% that get you every time."
"The other 10%.." I've never forgotten that phrase, and sometime would like to do a whole sermon series about how God uses those "other ten percent" in powerful and mighty ways.
This theme can be powerfully seen in the passages for this week:
Micah 5:2-5a
Luke 1:39-45
Luke 1:47-55
Surpisingly it is little and insignificant Bethlehem that is the birthplace for the Messiah. It is two unlikely women that God chooses to bear John the Baptist and Jesus. It is the lowly that are lifted up in Mary's Magnificat. It is the proud that are scattered. God turns the tables on our assumptions and prejudices and helps us to see "the other 10 percent." God welcomes us home not because we are rich or proud or mighty or intelligent. God welcomes us home because we are faithful.
Questions to ponder...
Who are the "other 10 percent" in your world? Who have you ignored, or forgotten, or made assumptions about? How do these passages challenge us to reach out to the least, lost, and forgotten of the world?
What does it mean that God uses the lowly and the forgotten to be bearers of God's message?
Where have you told God, "no" because you thought you were too insignificant? How might God be challenging you through these passages to step out in faith?
Remember that whoever you are, and wherever you are, God loves you! And despite how small and insignificant you may feel, you play a special part in God's plan. So, this week, remember that God has opened the doors for you (and the other 10 percent of the world we forget about) and is calling us home.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Home Is Where We Find Welcome
We began our journey of talking about home as the place for which our heart is longing. Just as the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) eventually longed to return to his Father's house, our hearts are programed to long to be in God's house. We long for the joy and the peace that only God's home can provide. Last week we talked about how the journey home requires preparation. We must prepare our hearts to receive the good gifts that God has waiting for us. And that means recognizing, confessing and repenting of our sins. This week we again look at repentance and the incredible gifts that come after one repents.
This weeks passages are:
Luke 3:7-18
Zephaniah3:14-20
"You brood of vipers!" This is how John starts his sermon to the people. Reading this passage can feel a bit like a slap in the face. You think, "how dare you, John, call me a viper!!" John's harsh message of repentance can be hard to swallow. But, here's the interesting thing. You would think that a crazy man railing in the desert would be largely ignored by the people. Maybe you'd get a few people going to see this novelty, but you'd think that most people would get offended and leave. But they don't.
Instead, as the passage continues, we see that there are crowds around him, not just listening, but even more asking him for advice on how to live their lives. Even more, the crowds contain the hated tax collectors and soldiers. How is it that this crazy preacher with such a severe message attracts such a wide variety of followers?
I think, it comes because people know truth when they find it. These people knew they needed to repent and turn around and live a new life, and they were thrilled when someone was bold enough to confess it. The notes in my Study Bible say, "John's message emphasizes judgement, but even news of judgement can be good news if it brings people to genuine repentance and moral transformation."
The news of judgement brought people from every walk of life: peasants, tax collectors, soldiers. All were welcome to hear and receive this news. And even better, to those who receive it, they find the peace and joy that comes through repentance.
The JOY of repentance is found in the passage from Zechariah in which God rejoices and sings and gathers and renews the repentant Israelites. After the harsh punishment of exile, the people have repented and returned to God and now they find the welcome and joy that only God can give.
Questions to ponder...
How do you react to John's message of judgement and repentance?
Spend some time in prayer. Are there places in your life where you need to turn around and repent?
Can you imagine God rejoicing over you with singing?
As you walk through the call to repentance remember that God asks us to repent not to beat ourselves up with guilt, but so that we can be in relationship with God and realize that our God rejoices over us with singing! Praise be to God!!
This weeks passages are:
Luke 3:7-18
Zephaniah3:14-20
"You brood of vipers!" This is how John starts his sermon to the people. Reading this passage can feel a bit like a slap in the face. You think, "how dare you, John, call me a viper!!" John's harsh message of repentance can be hard to swallow. But, here's the interesting thing. You would think that a crazy man railing in the desert would be largely ignored by the people. Maybe you'd get a few people going to see this novelty, but you'd think that most people would get offended and leave. But they don't.
Instead, as the passage continues, we see that there are crowds around him, not just listening, but even more asking him for advice on how to live their lives. Even more, the crowds contain the hated tax collectors and soldiers. How is it that this crazy preacher with such a severe message attracts such a wide variety of followers?
I think, it comes because people know truth when they find it. These people knew they needed to repent and turn around and live a new life, and they were thrilled when someone was bold enough to confess it. The notes in my Study Bible say, "John's message emphasizes judgement, but even news of judgement can be good news if it brings people to genuine repentance and moral transformation."
The news of judgement brought people from every walk of life: peasants, tax collectors, soldiers. All were welcome to hear and receive this news. And even better, to those who receive it, they find the peace and joy that comes through repentance.
The JOY of repentance is found in the passage from Zechariah in which God rejoices and sings and gathers and renews the repentant Israelites. After the harsh punishment of exile, the people have repented and returned to God and now they find the welcome and joy that only God can give.
Questions to ponder...
How do you react to John's message of judgement and repentance?
Spend some time in prayer. Are there places in your life where you need to turn around and repent?
Can you imagine God rejoicing over you with singing?
As you walk through the call to repentance remember that God asks us to repent not to beat ourselves up with guilt, but so that we can be in relationship with God and realize that our God rejoices over us with singing! Praise be to God!!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Coming Home Takes Preparation
As we continue to focus on our theme of "Coming Home for Christmas" this week we turn our attention to the preparation required in order to go home for Christmas. More specifically, what does it take to spend quality time with God and our Christian family this season?
The passages for Sunday are:
Malachi 3:1-4
Luke 1:68-79
Luke 3:1-6
These passages all focus on John the Baptist's coming. As you probably know, John the Baptist is the messanger who came in order to prepare the way for Jesus. John the Baptist is an interesting character. He is rough and gruff and does not worry about being pretty. Next week we get a taste of his sermon style, but even this week as he is introduced we get the idea that this messenger isn't preparing the way for Jesus by sprinkling rose petals.
Malachi writes, "who can endure the day when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and a fuller's soap." Zechariah says of his son, "you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins." No matter how you look at things, John the Baptist requires you to get ready for Jesus by doing some cleaning up and examining your sins.
This is important for us, too. Sometimes, we need to look at our lives and do a little cleaning. We need to throw out the bad habits and make way for new. We need to clear off our schedule so that we can find time to spend with Jesus.
And while it's true that the cleaning process is rarely easy, it is equally true that being clean is worth all the effort.
Questions to ponder?
Why is John the Baptist's message important during Advent? Why do we need to look at our own sins in order to focus on Jesus' return?
John the Baptist reminds us to prepare the way for Christ. What do you need to do to prepare to see Jesus during this Advent season?
What things are cluttering your life and preventing you from finding true worship this Advent? What can you do to change this? Is their anything your Christian family can do to help?
May God bless you in your Advent preparations this year!
The passages for Sunday are:
Malachi 3:1-4
Luke 1:68-79
Luke 3:1-6
These passages all focus on John the Baptist's coming. As you probably know, John the Baptist is the messanger who came in order to prepare the way for Jesus. John the Baptist is an interesting character. He is rough and gruff and does not worry about being pretty. Next week we get a taste of his sermon style, but even this week as he is introduced we get the idea that this messenger isn't preparing the way for Jesus by sprinkling rose petals.
Malachi writes, "who can endure the day when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and a fuller's soap." Zechariah says of his son, "you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins." No matter how you look at things, John the Baptist requires you to get ready for Jesus by doing some cleaning up and examining your sins.
This is important for us, too. Sometimes, we need to look at our lives and do a little cleaning. We need to throw out the bad habits and make way for new. We need to clear off our schedule so that we can find time to spend with Jesus.
And while it's true that the cleaning process is rarely easy, it is equally true that being clean is worth all the effort.
Questions to ponder?
Why is John the Baptist's message important during Advent? Why do we need to look at our own sins in order to focus on Jesus' return?
John the Baptist reminds us to prepare the way for Christ. What do you need to do to prepare to see Jesus during this Advent season?
What things are cluttering your life and preventing you from finding true worship this Advent? What can you do to change this? Is their anything your Christian family can do to help?
May God bless you in your Advent preparations this year!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Come Home This Christmas
This year for Advent, we will be focusing on the theme of “Coming Home.” For me, the best image of homecoming comes from an old commercial for coffee where the oldest son/daughter returns back home and starts the coffee brewing. All the other members in the house eventually smell the coffee and run downstairs to greet the long-absent member of their family.
I love this commercial because in this brief moment, you see the family at their very best. They happily and excitedly welcome home their family member. Their joy is made complete because the one person, who was gone, has now returned home.
This is God’s experience when we “come home” to renew and refresh our faith. One only needs to read the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) to know how God celebrates when one who is lost comes home.
Advent is the season not just for the preparation of the Christmas celebration, but it is also the season when we anticipate Christ’s return to earth. We remember that Christ promised to come again and take us to our true home. Where we get to experience the fullness of God’s love for us. Advent reminds us that even though life might seem very dark right now, Jesus, the light of the world, promised to come again to light our way.
This is an undeniably busy season. Undoubtedly you have many things happening in your lives. But, in the midst of the chaos, we invite you to come worship with us this Advent season. Let us together remind ourselves that God invites us to come and find our true home in the love and peace of Christian community.
I love this commercial because in this brief moment, you see the family at their very best. They happily and excitedly welcome home their family member. Their joy is made complete because the one person, who was gone, has now returned home.
This is God’s experience when we “come home” to renew and refresh our faith. One only needs to read the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) to know how God celebrates when one who is lost comes home.
Advent is the season not just for the preparation of the Christmas celebration, but it is also the season when we anticipate Christ’s return to earth. We remember that Christ promised to come again and take us to our true home. Where we get to experience the fullness of God’s love for us. Advent reminds us that even though life might seem very dark right now, Jesus, the light of the world, promised to come again to light our way.
This is an undeniably busy season. Undoubtedly you have many things happening in your lives. But, in the midst of the chaos, we invite you to come worship with us this Advent season. Let us together remind ourselves that God invites us to come and find our true home in the love and peace of Christian community.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Being Thankful For Our King
This Sunday is officially, "Christ the King" Sunday. This Sunday is always the last Sunday of the Lectionary calendar. It happens the week before Advent begins. It is kind of interesting to think about Christ as our King right before we begin to focus on Christ as a newborn baby.
Anyway, the passages for this week are...
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37
They are very interesting passages because they present two very different pictures of Christ as King. The first is a picture of Christ in glory coming on the clouds. And the second is right before his crucifixion, and describes how Pilate questioned Jesus on whether or not he was the King of the Jews.
Questions for discussion...
Which passage better matches your image of Christ the King?
Which image do you relate to better? Christ as "exaulted king" or Christ the "suffering king?" Do life circumstances make us cling to one image or the other?
Jesus answers Pilate, "my kingdom is not of this world." What does Jesus' kingdom look like? What role do we have within Jesus' kingdom?
Anyway, the passages for this week are...
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37
They are very interesting passages because they present two very different pictures of Christ as King. The first is a picture of Christ in glory coming on the clouds. And the second is right before his crucifixion, and describes how Pilate questioned Jesus on whether or not he was the King of the Jews.
Questions for discussion...
Which passage better matches your image of Christ the King?
Which image do you relate to better? Christ as "exaulted king" or Christ the "suffering king?" Do life circumstances make us cling to one image or the other?
Jesus answers Pilate, "my kingdom is not of this world." What does Jesus' kingdom look like? What role do we have within Jesus' kingdom?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Being Thankful in Desperate Moments
During the month of November we are focusing on being thankful. We did this last year, too, but last year I picked passages that specifically focused on giving praise to God. This year, I've decided to use the lectionary, and take these "everyday" passages and look at them closely to find ways to be thankful in the midst of everyday life.
Using the lectionary readings to find stories of thanksgiving has been challenging. Last week we talked about "being thankful for the small and strange." This week the focus is "being thankful in desperate moments."
The passages this week are...
1 Samuel 1:4-20
Hebrews 10:11-25
Mark 13:1-8
The first passage is the story of Hannah. Hannah is the very definition of desperate. The image of her desperately praying in the temple is one that is very moving to me. I realize as I read this story that Hannah is a great model for our faith. She faced a very desperate situation, and did not hide her emotions. But, she didn't waste time complaining or blaming others for her affliction. She took the problem to God. Her earnest, fervrent prayer is a fantastic model for how to deal with desperate moments. Not only that, but when she prayed she made a bargain with God. This is not a move that I recommend, but Hannah (unlike most of us) actually keeps her half of the bargain. She was so thankful, and so completly trusted in God's promises that she was able to completly give her child back to God.
The second passage is from Hebrews, and again reminds us that because of all that Jesus did for us on the cross, we can lift up our hearts and be thankful. Even more, the author seems to know human nature very well, and so reminds us that we need to remember to "provoke one another to love and good deeds." Sometimes, we all need a little help being thankful. But, as Hebrews reminds us, when we gather together, we can help one another to live out our calling.
Last, but not least, we have the passage from the Gospel of Mark. In it, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple, and the end of the world. I can imagine the shock and the horror that his disciples must have felt upon hearing this news. No one wants to imagine such horrible destruction and chaos. Yet, here is the question that I have, what does it mean that these awful predictions came from Jesus, their trusted teacher, friend, and Savior? Somehow in the very fact that Jesus predicted such awful things, we know that Jesus will be with us in these awful moments. And that, gives us a reason to be thankful.
Questions to ponder...
Where have I seen God working in the desperate moments in my life?
How do we comfort those who are going through desperate times? How do we show them that God is there?
Using the lectionary readings to find stories of thanksgiving has been challenging. Last week we talked about "being thankful for the small and strange." This week the focus is "being thankful in desperate moments."
The passages this week are...
1 Samuel 1:4-20
Hebrews 10:11-25
Mark 13:1-8
The first passage is the story of Hannah. Hannah is the very definition of desperate. The image of her desperately praying in the temple is one that is very moving to me. I realize as I read this story that Hannah is a great model for our faith. She faced a very desperate situation, and did not hide her emotions. But, she didn't waste time complaining or blaming others for her affliction. She took the problem to God. Her earnest, fervrent prayer is a fantastic model for how to deal with desperate moments. Not only that, but when she prayed she made a bargain with God. This is not a move that I recommend, but Hannah (unlike most of us) actually keeps her half of the bargain. She was so thankful, and so completly trusted in God's promises that she was able to completly give her child back to God.
The second passage is from Hebrews, and again reminds us that because of all that Jesus did for us on the cross, we can lift up our hearts and be thankful. Even more, the author seems to know human nature very well, and so reminds us that we need to remember to "provoke one another to love and good deeds." Sometimes, we all need a little help being thankful. But, as Hebrews reminds us, when we gather together, we can help one another to live out our calling.
Last, but not least, we have the passage from the Gospel of Mark. In it, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple, and the end of the world. I can imagine the shock and the horror that his disciples must have felt upon hearing this news. No one wants to imagine such horrible destruction and chaos. Yet, here is the question that I have, what does it mean that these awful predictions came from Jesus, their trusted teacher, friend, and Savior? Somehow in the very fact that Jesus predicted such awful things, we know that Jesus will be with us in these awful moments. And that, gives us a reason to be thankful.
Questions to ponder...
Where have I seen God working in the desperate moments in my life?
How do we comfort those who are going through desperate times? How do we show them that God is there?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Being Thankful for the Small and Strange
November is here, and that means that my thoughts have turned to one of my favorite holidays... Thanksgiving. I know everyone else likes Christmas best. But, Thanksgiving has always been a favorite of mine. There is no pressure to buy people gifts that they don't want or need. There is no need to dress in costume or hang lots of lights or anything like that. Thanksgiving is about spending time with people you love, enjoying a meal together, and being thankful.
And so, during the month of November, I think it's important to spend time being thankful. We need to be thankful for what God has done, not just on Thanksgiving day, but be thankful always. And so, here are this week's passages to inspire thankful hearts...
Ruth 1:19-21 & 4:13-17
Mark 12:38-44
Hebrews 9:24-28
It isn't really much of a list. Actually, these passages have more to do with how miserable life can be, and not how to be thankful.
The first part of the story from the book of Ruth is about tragedy. A famine caused Naomi's family to move to Moab. Something happened in Moab so that her husband, and two sons both died. While it may have been a blessing that Ruth stayed by her side, she still had no way to provide for herself or her daughter-in-law. She changes her name from Naomi (meaning that is pleasant) to Mara (meaning that is bitter). Life is very difficult for her.
The Mark passage doesn't have much cheer either. Jesus criticizes the well respected scribes for putting on a show of holiness, but instead actually doing much harm to the widows. Everything they do is "for the sake of appearance." The only person who doesn't put on airs is a very, very poor woman who puts into the temple treasury all she has to live on. It is a sad picture-- this lonely widow, putting in ALL the money she has to live on. How can she be thankful now that she has no money?
Finally, we have the passage from Hebrews. This passage contains much good news, but the text focuses around the sacrifice of Christ. It is easy to look at death by crucifixion as a great tragedy. And it was not easy (at first) to find anything to be thankful for about such terrible suffering and shame.
Each of these stories contain difficult and depressing images. At first glance, there's not much for which we can be thankful. But...
We know that the story of Naomi and Ruth has a great ending. Better than either of them could have ever imagined.
Similarly, the widow in the temple does not leave in shame because she could only put in two coins. Instead, she leaves with the praise and accolades from Jesus. Her act of faith and courage does not go unnoticed.
Lastly, we know that while there was great shame in the crucifixion, there was also redemption and resurrection. God transformed the shame of the cross into glory so that now Jesus is our great high priest. He speaks directly to God and intercedes for us. His sacrifice was once for all for the sins of the world. And, he has promised to return to those who are eagerly waiting for him.
God invites us to share in a secret. The people that the world quickly dismisses, are not quickly dismissed by God. God walks with us (as Ruth walked with Naomi) in the midst of our sorrow. Not only that, but God can bring redemption and rejoicing even in the midst of the worst tragedies.
This Thanksgiving, do not let your grief and sorrow overwhelm you. Instead, ask God to help you be thankful for the "small and strange." Ask God to help you find ways to rejoice even in the midst of deep pain.
Questions for reflection...
When have you had the opportunity to give thanks for something small and strange?
Has God ever turned your tragedy into something greater?
And so, during the month of November, I think it's important to spend time being thankful. We need to be thankful for what God has done, not just on Thanksgiving day, but be thankful always. And so, here are this week's passages to inspire thankful hearts...
Ruth 1:19-21 & 4:13-17
Mark 12:38-44
Hebrews 9:24-28
It isn't really much of a list. Actually, these passages have more to do with how miserable life can be, and not how to be thankful.
The first part of the story from the book of Ruth is about tragedy. A famine caused Naomi's family to move to Moab. Something happened in Moab so that her husband, and two sons both died. While it may have been a blessing that Ruth stayed by her side, she still had no way to provide for herself or her daughter-in-law. She changes her name from Naomi (meaning that is pleasant) to Mara (meaning that is bitter). Life is very difficult for her.
The Mark passage doesn't have much cheer either. Jesus criticizes the well respected scribes for putting on a show of holiness, but instead actually doing much harm to the widows. Everything they do is "for the sake of appearance." The only person who doesn't put on airs is a very, very poor woman who puts into the temple treasury all she has to live on. It is a sad picture-- this lonely widow, putting in ALL the money she has to live on. How can she be thankful now that she has no money?
Finally, we have the passage from Hebrews. This passage contains much good news, but the text focuses around the sacrifice of Christ. It is easy to look at death by crucifixion as a great tragedy. And it was not easy (at first) to find anything to be thankful for about such terrible suffering and shame.
Each of these stories contain difficult and depressing images. At first glance, there's not much for which we can be thankful. But...
We know that the story of Naomi and Ruth has a great ending. Better than either of them could have ever imagined.
Similarly, the widow in the temple does not leave in shame because she could only put in two coins. Instead, she leaves with the praise and accolades from Jesus. Her act of faith and courage does not go unnoticed.
Lastly, we know that while there was great shame in the crucifixion, there was also redemption and resurrection. God transformed the shame of the cross into glory so that now Jesus is our great high priest. He speaks directly to God and intercedes for us. His sacrifice was once for all for the sins of the world. And, he has promised to return to those who are eagerly waiting for him.
God invites us to share in a secret. The people that the world quickly dismisses, are not quickly dismissed by God. God walks with us (as Ruth walked with Naomi) in the midst of our sorrow. Not only that, but God can bring redemption and rejoicing even in the midst of the worst tragedies.
This Thanksgiving, do not let your grief and sorrow overwhelm you. Instead, ask God to help you be thankful for the "small and strange." Ask God to help you find ways to rejoice even in the midst of deep pain.
Questions for reflection...
When have you had the opportunity to give thanks for something small and strange?
Has God ever turned your tragedy into something greater?
An Apology
Before I say anything about today's passage, I first want to apologize for a comment in my earlier posting. I was trying to re-motivate myself last week to start blogging again. And in doing so, I described the pity party that I was throwing for myself. I wrote "no one reads this blog anyway."
I am very, very thankful that this statement is not true. There are many of you who do read the blog. We have made new friends through this blog.
So, let me say a big thank-you to all of you who read and comment on the blog, and let me send out a wish that more may join in reading and commenting -- so that we can all grow together.
I am very, very thankful that this statement is not true. There are many of you who do read the blog. We have made new friends through this blog.
So, let me say a big thank-you to all of you who read and comment on the blog, and let me send out a wish that more may join in reading and commenting -- so that we can all grow together.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
All Saints Day
All Saints Day is a day in the Christian Calendar that is not always celebrated or recognized. Especially in the Protestant Church. We tend to think of this holiday (if we think of it at all) as a very Catholic celebration.
Yet, All Saints Day offers us a chance to think about death in a Christian context. Usually, we only think about death when we have to go to a funeral. And, usually at a funeral, you are too busy grieving to consider what your theological understanding of death. But, on All Saint's Day we have the opportunity to think about and remind ourselves what the Christian understanding of death looks like.
Here are the Scripture Passages for this Sunday:
Isaiah 25:6-9
Revelation 21:1-6a
John 11:32-44
These passages tell us quite a bit about what heaven looks like, and they help us to answer some of the difficult questions that arise after someone dies.
The passage from Isaiah paints heaven as a great feast. It is a beautiful picture that helps us to see the lavish abundance of God's love.
The passage from Revelation is similar. It, again, helps us to envision what heaven will look like. It is a beautiful picture with no more crying and no more tears.
But, the passage from John is my favorite. This passage reminds us what life is like before we get to heaven. It is full of tears. But, the tears do not come just from the ordinary people, they also come from Jesus. In this passage, we see God's compassion during the funeral and grieving process. We see Jesus weep. It is a powerful passage that not only helps us understand death, but helps us to begin to understand the resurrecting power of God.
Here are some questions to consider...
Do I celebrate the fact that my Christian faith leads to eternal life?
What does it mean to me that God is preparing a lavish and heavenly banquet for us?
In the meantime, how do I deal with the tears? How can we see God in the midst of the grieving process?
And, last but not least, remember to celebrate on All Saint's Day the fact that we are connected to all of the people (or Saints) who have led us in the faith. Give thanks for the guidance that others have given you, and consider how you might be a guide to those around you.
Yet, All Saints Day offers us a chance to think about death in a Christian context. Usually, we only think about death when we have to go to a funeral. And, usually at a funeral, you are too busy grieving to consider what your theological understanding of death. But, on All Saint's Day we have the opportunity to think about and remind ourselves what the Christian understanding of death looks like.
Here are the Scripture Passages for this Sunday:
Isaiah 25:6-9
Revelation 21:1-6a
John 11:32-44
These passages tell us quite a bit about what heaven looks like, and they help us to answer some of the difficult questions that arise after someone dies.
The passage from Isaiah paints heaven as a great feast. It is a beautiful picture that helps us to see the lavish abundance of God's love.
The passage from Revelation is similar. It, again, helps us to envision what heaven will look like. It is a beautiful picture with no more crying and no more tears.
But, the passage from John is my favorite. This passage reminds us what life is like before we get to heaven. It is full of tears. But, the tears do not come just from the ordinary people, they also come from Jesus. In this passage, we see God's compassion during the funeral and grieving process. We see Jesus weep. It is a powerful passage that not only helps us understand death, but helps us to begin to understand the resurrecting power of God.
Here are some questions to consider...
Do I celebrate the fact that my Christian faith leads to eternal life?
What does it mean to me that God is preparing a lavish and heavenly banquet for us?
In the meantime, how do I deal with the tears? How can we see God in the midst of the grieving process?
And, last but not least, remember to celebrate on All Saint's Day the fact that we are connected to all of the people (or Saints) who have led us in the faith. Give thanks for the guidance that others have given you, and consider how you might be a guide to those around you.
A new look... and a renewed motivation
...so it would seem that I haven't posted anything since July!
It's true that life has been very busy. And yet, I cannot quite seem to remember what I've been doing with my time.
Lots of meetings, seminars, and other activities have caught my attention. I have abandoned this discipline of updating the blog. I thought, no one reads it anyway.
But, a few friends and family have noticed that the blog has gone without updates. And, I realized that even if no one reads it, it is a good way for me to begin thinking through the sermon.
All of this thinking leads me to a renewed desire to start blogging. I hope that others are reading and enjoying the posts. But, even more, I hope to start posting more regularly so that I can be more focused and motivated to write my sermons.
Sometimes, it's important to re-prioritize, and make room for the things that are important.
It's true that life has been very busy. And yet, I cannot quite seem to remember what I've been doing with my time.
Lots of meetings, seminars, and other activities have caught my attention. I have abandoned this discipline of updating the blog. I thought, no one reads it anyway.
But, a few friends and family have noticed that the blog has gone without updates. And, I realized that even if no one reads it, it is a good way for me to begin thinking through the sermon.
All of this thinking leads me to a renewed desire to start blogging. I hope that others are reading and enjoying the posts. But, even more, I hope to start posting more regularly so that I can be more focused and motivated to write my sermons.
Sometimes, it's important to re-prioritize, and make room for the things that are important.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Taking a Rest
On every journey, sometimes you just need to rest. Even though driving is "just sitting down," it is tiring. Sometimes, those rest stops that you encounter along the journey seem quite heavenly. It is a blessing to be able to just stop and rest.
Surprisingly, rest stops are also needed in our faith journey. We need to sometimes just stop and remind ourselves of who we are, and who God is. God doesn't just recommend rest stops, instead, God actually commands us to rest. The 4th commandment which tells us to "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" is one of the longest commandments. (Ex. 20:1-17) This should indicate to us, the readers, that this one is an important one.
Keeping the Sabbath is an important command, but it is also a command that is easy to forget and overlook. We think, "I don't have time to rest now, I'll do it later." But God encourages us to rest now.
You see, when we rest, we stop all of our minute by minute running, and we have time to remember. We remember that we are God's creation. We are deeply loved by our Creator. And, there is a plan and a purpose for our lives beyond running errands. Keeping the Sabbath reminds us of all of these things.
So this week, I have no deep or difficult questions for you to ponder. Instead, go take a BREAK! Enjoy the Sabbath, and remember that you are created by a Creator who loves you more than you can ever imagine.
Surprisingly, rest stops are also needed in our faith journey. We need to sometimes just stop and remind ourselves of who we are, and who God is. God doesn't just recommend rest stops, instead, God actually commands us to rest. The 4th commandment which tells us to "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" is one of the longest commandments. (Ex. 20:1-17) This should indicate to us, the readers, that this one is an important one.
Keeping the Sabbath is an important command, but it is also a command that is easy to forget and overlook. We think, "I don't have time to rest now, I'll do it later." But God encourages us to rest now.
You see, when we rest, we stop all of our minute by minute running, and we have time to remember. We remember that we are God's creation. We are deeply loved by our Creator. And, there is a plan and a purpose for our lives beyond running errands. Keeping the Sabbath reminds us of all of these things.
So this week, I have no deep or difficult questions for you to ponder. Instead, go take a BREAK! Enjoy the Sabbath, and remember that you are created by a Creator who loves you more than you can ever imagine.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dealing with Detours and Navigating U-Turns
The text for this week is 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:16.
There is much to talk about in this text, but for me, the verse that stands out is 7:9, which says: "Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance; for you felt a godly grief...."
The context of this verse is that Paul wrote the church in Corinth a letter in which he was forced to use "frank speech" and admonish them for their actions. But, it grieved Paul to be forced to use such honest speech. The entire book of 2 Corinthians (at least up until this point) shows Paul trying to explain his actions and reconcile with the Corinthian church.
All of this is of course very important. But even more important for me is the idea of "godly grief." What is "godly grief" and how does it work in our lives.
We all know that confession and repentance is important. One must be honest with God and freely admit faults and failings. But, feeling bad and guilty is NOT where the story ends. If you ask my family and friends they might tell you that I often suffer from an overactive guilt complex. I'm always wanting to apologize for things that are not my fault and/or out of my control. But, that over-active grieving is not the goal here.
When Paul says that "godly grief" is important, he is not just talking about feeling grief for our actions, but he is also encouraging repentance. Repentance is that moment of turning around and re-focusing your life on God. He tells the Corinthians that their grief led them to repentance, meaning they were able to turn around.
Questions for the week:
How would you define godly grief?
When is it important & when do we take it too far?
What can we do to help us in that process of turning around and putting our focus back on God?
There is much to talk about in this text, but for me, the verse that stands out is 7:9, which says: "Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance; for you felt a godly grief...."
The context of this verse is that Paul wrote the church in Corinth a letter in which he was forced to use "frank speech" and admonish them for their actions. But, it grieved Paul to be forced to use such honest speech. The entire book of 2 Corinthians (at least up until this point) shows Paul trying to explain his actions and reconcile with the Corinthian church.
All of this is of course very important. But even more important for me is the idea of "godly grief." What is "godly grief" and how does it work in our lives.
We all know that confession and repentance is important. One must be honest with God and freely admit faults and failings. But, feeling bad and guilty is NOT where the story ends. If you ask my family and friends they might tell you that I often suffer from an overactive guilt complex. I'm always wanting to apologize for things that are not my fault and/or out of my control. But, that over-active grieving is not the goal here.
When Paul says that "godly grief" is important, he is not just talking about feeling grief for our actions, but he is also encouraging repentance. Repentance is that moment of turning around and re-focusing your life on God. He tells the Corinthians that their grief led them to repentance, meaning they were able to turn around.
Questions for the week:
How would you define godly grief?
When is it important & when do we take it too far?
What can we do to help us in that process of turning around and putting our focus back on God?
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Paving the Way for Reconciliation
The text this week is 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:11.
In this passage, Paul continues his argument for why the church in Corinth should accept him and his ministry. The bulk of his argument in this section centers around the fact that it is God's reconciliation with us that makes it possible for us to reconcile with others.
There are several verses that stand out to me:
After discussing the meaning of the death and resurrection of Christ, Paul writes in v. 5:16 - 17: "From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view ... So if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!"
v. 5:20 - 21: "So, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
v. 6:1: "As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain."
The image for the sermon this week is paving a road. When paving a road, most of the work comes before actually laying down the asphalt. The same is true with reconciliation. Paul realizes that even though reconciling human relationships is important, the most important part of reconciliation is preparing that foundation with God. It is because of the work Christ did, that we can be reconciled to God, and reconciled to one another.
Questions for the week:
What does it mean to be an "ambassador for Christ"? How can we do this in our everyday lives?
Why is it important to understand our reconciliation with God, before we can be reconciled with others?
Where have you seen reconciliation in your own life? (Reconciliation with God? Reconciliation with others?)
In this passage, Paul continues his argument for why the church in Corinth should accept him and his ministry. The bulk of his argument in this section centers around the fact that it is God's reconciliation with us that makes it possible for us to reconcile with others.
There are several verses that stand out to me:
After discussing the meaning of the death and resurrection of Christ, Paul writes in v. 5:16 - 17: "From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view ... So if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!"
v. 5:20 - 21: "So, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
v. 6:1: "As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain."
The image for the sermon this week is paving a road. When paving a road, most of the work comes before actually laying down the asphalt. The same is true with reconciliation. Paul realizes that even though reconciling human relationships is important, the most important part of reconciliation is preparing that foundation with God. It is because of the work Christ did, that we can be reconciled to God, and reconciled to one another.
Questions for the week:
What does it mean to be an "ambassador for Christ"? How can we do this in our everyday lives?
Why is it important to understand our reconciliation with God, before we can be reconciled with others?
Where have you seen reconciliation in your own life? (Reconciliation with God? Reconciliation with others?)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Recognizing and Avoiding the Hazards in Our Ministry Together
This week's text is 2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10
In this passage, Paul continues to make his case to the Corinthian church. He wants to convince them that he really is an authentic Christian who did proclaim the true gospel to them. But, in the defense that he gives to them, we learn a lot about how to live out our calling.
We know from the Great Commission (Mt. 28:16-20) that we are called to make disciples. Yet, we also know that this calling is difficult. Paul tells the Corinthian church about the challenges that he faced, and he tells them how he dealt with these issues. Here is some of his advice to them...
1. Live with honesty and integrity
2. Be aware that many are blinded by the god of this world
3. Avoid selfishness -- Proclaim Christ's glory, not your own
4. Recognize that our treasure is in clay jars
5. Despite affliction -- God will carry us through
6. Give yourself up to death for Jesus' sake -- in other words, die to your personal ambitions, so that Christ may shine through more clearly
7. Focus on the needs of the people to whom you are preaching -- Paul says "everything is for your sake"
8. Remember to have an Eternal Perspective
So, my questions for you...
Look at the list, what is your favorite? What gives you the most trouble? What questions do you have about how to carry these tasks out?
In this passage, Paul continues to make his case to the Corinthian church. He wants to convince them that he really is an authentic Christian who did proclaim the true gospel to them. But, in the defense that he gives to them, we learn a lot about how to live out our calling.
We know from the Great Commission (Mt. 28:16-20) that we are called to make disciples. Yet, we also know that this calling is difficult. Paul tells the Corinthian church about the challenges that he faced, and he tells them how he dealt with these issues. Here is some of his advice to them...
1. Live with honesty and integrity
2. Be aware that many are blinded by the god of this world
3. Avoid selfishness -- Proclaim Christ's glory, not your own
4. Recognize that our treasure is in clay jars
5. Despite affliction -- God will carry us through
6. Give yourself up to death for Jesus' sake -- in other words, die to your personal ambitions, so that Christ may shine through more clearly
7. Focus on the needs of the people to whom you are preaching -- Paul says "everything is for your sake"
8. Remember to have an Eternal Perspective
So, my questions for you...
Look at the list, what is your favorite? What gives you the most trouble? What questions do you have about how to carry these tasks out?
Living as the Aroma of God
The third week our text was 2 Corinthians 2:12-3:18, and the theme was Living as the Aroma of God. Here's part of the sermon...
Smells are incredibly important. It is your sense of smell, and not your taste buds, that give your food its flavor. And, smell is one of the strongest triggers of memory. You know the way that certain smells will remind you of childhood, or Grandmas, or camping, etc. And, of course, as I already said, smells often makes us hungry.
Today’s text begins by telling us how to be “the aroma of Christ to God for those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” It’s kind of an odd image isn’t it? Your job as a Christian is to be …a smell.
But, if we are to be the aroma of God for the world, how do we accomplish this?
Paul gives us three very strong images. The first is being part of a triumphal procession, the second is being a reference letter for God, and the third is being a shining light.
All of these images get at the idea, that as Christians we need to be faithful always. We cannot simply pretend to live as a Christian on Sunday, and forget the rest of the week. We must be authentic in our faith and beliefs all the time.
This means that we have a great responsibility. Whether you see yourself as part of the Triumphal Processional, being the aroma of the thanksgiving offering, or whether you see yourself as the letter of recommendation for God that the world reads, or whether you see yourself as a shining radiant light, your actions matter. You (all of us together) share the glory of God.
C.S. Lewis reflected on this situation in his essay, “The Weight of Glory.” He wrote, “It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and corruption such as now you meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations.”
When we recognize that we are responsible for showing God to the world, it puts a great weight on our shoulders. What kind of “aroma” do we give off as Christians, or as the church? If others are reading us as a recommendation letter of what God is like, what will they think? Do we hide God’s glory under a veil, or are we shining so that all can see?
Smells are incredibly important. It is your sense of smell, and not your taste buds, that give your food its flavor. And, smell is one of the strongest triggers of memory. You know the way that certain smells will remind you of childhood, or Grandmas, or camping, etc. And, of course, as I already said, smells often makes us hungry.
Today’s text begins by telling us how to be “the aroma of Christ to God for those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” It’s kind of an odd image isn’t it? Your job as a Christian is to be …a smell.
But, if we are to be the aroma of God for the world, how do we accomplish this?
Paul gives us three very strong images. The first is being part of a triumphal procession, the second is being a reference letter for God, and the third is being a shining light.
All of these images get at the idea, that as Christians we need to be faithful always. We cannot simply pretend to live as a Christian on Sunday, and forget the rest of the week. We must be authentic in our faith and beliefs all the time.
This means that we have a great responsibility. Whether you see yourself as part of the Triumphal Processional, being the aroma of the thanksgiving offering, or whether you see yourself as the letter of recommendation for God that the world reads, or whether you see yourself as a shining radiant light, your actions matter. You (all of us together) share the glory of God.
C.S. Lewis reflected on this situation in his essay, “The Weight of Glory.” He wrote, “It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and corruption such as now you meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations.”
When we recognize that we are responsible for showing God to the world, it puts a great weight on our shoulders. What kind of “aroma” do we give off as Christians, or as the church? If others are reading us as a recommendation letter of what God is like, what will they think? Do we hide God’s glory under a veil, or are we shining so that all can see?
The Journey So Far...
In our journey through 2 Corinthians we have discovered several things about how to be signposts to God.
In the first week, we studied 2 Corinthians 1:1-11. The theme was Finding Signs for God in the midst of suffering. We discussed how often suffering builds our faith and helps us to rely upon God more fully. How have you seen God work through the midst of difficult situations?
In the second week, we studied 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11. The theme was "Finding Signs for Forgiveness." When we are a forgiving people, others notice and begin to see God’s work in and through us more clearly. Who do you need to forgive?
In the first week, we studied 2 Corinthians 1:1-11. The theme was Finding Signs for God in the midst of suffering. We discussed how often suffering builds our faith and helps us to rely upon God more fully. How have you seen God work through the midst of difficult situations?
In the second week, we studied 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11. The theme was "Finding Signs for Forgiveness." When we are a forgiving people, others notice and begin to see God’s work in and through us more clearly. Who do you need to forgive?
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