Are we a “joy” family or a “peace” family? My daughter and I talk about that each year when we put up our Christmas decorations. We have several pieces among our decorations that say either “joy” or “peace.” Neither of those is easy to live out in our day. There is much around us that doesn’t make for peace and it is just plain hard to be joyful all the time. Both peace and joy take practice.
Our video clip for this week offers a fun way to think about this. We will be showing a clip from the extra items on the DVD of the movie “Evan Almighty.” It is segment on how they trained the animals for that movie. For those who have not seen the movie, it is modern day "Noah's Ark" story with lots of animals on the set.
This lesson from 1 Thessalonians invites us to practice rejoicing. While Thessalonians is one of the earliest writings that we have in the New Testament, it already raises the question of how to remain hopeful even though Jesus did not return as quickly as the early Christians thought he would. Paul is instructing the church on how to live in the meanwhile – the time between Christ’s first and final advents.
We still live in the “in between” time. Even after all these centuries, we still need to practice our waiting skills. We need to train ourselves. What wisdom can we find in this passage on how to live as Christians? What practices does Paul offer to us for this “in between” time? What kind of training do we need?
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Isaiah 41:1-11
Before I headed off to seminary and the ordained ministry, I thought that I would have career as a junior high geography teacher. I amazed my students by being able to identify the states simply from seeing their shape aside from a map. I knew all their capitals and other facts. I could also tell them all about far away places like Peru and India. I will save the story of how I went from being a geography teacher to a minister for another time.
I bring that up this week because I was struck by a thought as I read this passage from Isaiah. God is creating a new geography here for his people who have been in exile. God is raising valleys and lowering mountains. This newly smoothed path will lead them back to Jerusalem – the heart and center of their faith.
Imagine the sense of peace that would have come over those who first heard these words. They are tired after years of war and being refugees. They have been in a foreign country for years unable to practice their faith. Now they hear these words that come as a peaceful balm on their ears. The image of a loving shepherd is repeated again and again in scripture for there is no better way to understand this gift of God’s presence and care. Nothing could be more soothing than being held safely by the shepherd at the end of a difficult day.
But after the other harsh words of judgment that Isaiah offers earlier these words bring a great sense of peace. Where have you experienced God’s peace in your life or in your relationships? Where have you been surprised by a peaceful gesture in your life?
What a great metaphor after years of trudging up and down mountains to know that God will make the way straight and flat! What a great sense of peace to know that no matter what God’s peace abounds!
I bring that up this week because I was struck by a thought as I read this passage from Isaiah. God is creating a new geography here for his people who have been in exile. God is raising valleys and lowering mountains. This newly smoothed path will lead them back to Jerusalem – the heart and center of their faith.
Imagine the sense of peace that would have come over those who first heard these words. They are tired after years of war and being refugees. They have been in a foreign country for years unable to practice their faith. Now they hear these words that come as a peaceful balm on their ears. The image of a loving shepherd is repeated again and again in scripture for there is no better way to understand this gift of God’s presence and care. Nothing could be more soothing than being held safely by the shepherd at the end of a difficult day.
But after the other harsh words of judgment that Isaiah offers earlier these words bring a great sense of peace. Where have you experienced God’s peace in your life or in your relationships? Where have you been surprised by a peaceful gesture in your life?
What a great metaphor after years of trudging up and down mountains to know that God will make the way straight and flat! What a great sense of peace to know that no matter what God’s peace abounds!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Mark 13:24-37
What would I do if I knew I had only a short time left to live? What would be on my “bucket list?” I would want to do some traveling. I would want to spend as much time with my family as possible. As I write those things, I am struck by the fact that my first thoughts are about me and making me feel good. Is that the kind of watchfulness that the gospel writer Mark is inviting us to? I wonder.
The young boy dying of leukemia in Seattle whose dying wish to help the hungry led to a very successful drive for food donations inspired me. Surround by his family he appealed to the entire region to remember those who are hungry. He didn’t get hung up on the politics of homelessness or the legality of the tent city. He just saw people in need. That is a vision of faithfulness that would bring an “amen” from an Old Testament prophet.
Perhaps as we begin our journey to Bethlehem we would do well think about our “bucket list.” We do not know the day or the hour. Each day should be lived as though it is our last.
The young boy dying of leukemia in Seattle whose dying wish to help the hungry led to a very successful drive for food donations inspired me. Surround by his family he appealed to the entire region to remember those who are hungry. He didn’t get hung up on the politics of homelessness or the legality of the tent city. He just saw people in need. That is a vision of faithfulness that would bring an “amen” from an Old Testament prophet.
Perhaps as we begin our journey to Bethlehem we would do well think about our “bucket list.” We do not know the day or the hour. Each day should be lived as though it is our last.
Monday, October 27, 2008
All Saints' Sunday
I sing a song of the saints of God,
patient and brave and true,
who toiled and fought and lived and died for the Lord
they loved and knew.
And was a doctor, and one was a queen,
and one was a shepherdess on the green;
they were all of them saints of God,
and I mean, God helping, to be one too.
That is the first verse of the hymn “I Sing a Song of Saints of God” which is a favorite song in our family. While it is not very familiar to we Methodists, it is a song from my husband’s childhood. It reminds us of the “everyday saints” that we meet each day.
On Sunday, I learned from parishioners from a former church that a dear saint of that church passed away recently. It brought a flood of memories to mind. I had served as her pastor when her husband died and while she recovered from several health problems. She was a powerful pray-er and strong spiritual presence in my life often challenging me to be more honest and prophetic in my preaching.
Who are the “everyday saints” in your life? Maybe a neighbor or family member? Maybe someone who has made the transition to eternal life or someone that still walks among the living? I would love to hear your stories.,
patient and brave and true,
who toiled and fought and lived and died for the Lord
they loved and knew.
And was a doctor, and one was a queen,
and one was a shepherdess on the green;
they were all of them saints of God,
and I mean, God helping, to be one too.
That is the first verse of the hymn “I Sing a Song of Saints of God” which is a favorite song in our family. While it is not very familiar to we Methodists, it is a song from my husband’s childhood. It reminds us of the “everyday saints” that we meet each day.
On Sunday, I learned from parishioners from a former church that a dear saint of that church passed away recently. It brought a flood of memories to mind. I had served as her pastor when her husband died and while she recovered from several health problems. She was a powerful pray-er and strong spiritual presence in my life often challenging me to be more honest and prophetic in my preaching.
Who are the “everyday saints” in your life? Maybe a neighbor or family member? Maybe someone who has made the transition to eternal life or someone that still walks among the living? I would love to hear your stories.,
Monday, October 20, 2008
Matthew 22:34-46
My ballot is on the kitchen table waiting for me to take my pen and fill it out. I know how I am going to vote but I am not quite ready to make it final. The election is just two weeks away and I am very tired of the all the TV ads but I am still not ready to mark my ballot. I suppose that may sound strange. Maybe it is a little like Christmas. Many times the best part of Christmas is the anticipation. When Christmas finally arrives, it is such a letdown because we had such high expectations. I hope that my candidate or my position will prevail but I have been disappointed before.
I know that by Sunday many of you will have casted your ballots. So our conversation will be more about principles of voting as a Christian than about the specifics of this election. How do we apply the teachings of Jesus to the way we elect our leaders or decided on initiatives? I know that there are both Democrats and Republicans sitting in the pews. So I would pose some questions:
I know that by Sunday many of you will have casted your ballots. So our conversation will be more about principles of voting as a Christian than about the specifics of this election. How do we apply the teachings of Jesus to the way we elect our leaders or decided on initiatives? I know that there are both Democrats and Republicans sitting in the pews. So I would pose some questions:
- The two great commandments from this week's scripture invite us into loving relationships with God and one another. How do we invite our leaders to create a nation where such relationships are of the highest value?
- In Matthew 5 Jesus invites us to be peacemakers. Do the people we are electing see war as a tool of last resort seeking peace instead?
- God calls us to be advocates for the vulnerable in our society. Whose policies and values seek to protect our children, disabled, and elderly?
- Creation is a gift from God for which we are to be good stewards. Do our policies and laws protect the environment?
There are many other questions to explore but this is perhaps enough to get the conversation started.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Two weeks ago as part of a drama in worship, Charlene Edwards played the part of a homeless person who wandered into worship on communion Sunday looking for something to eat. As she was waiting for her entrance and exploring her character, she picked up a devotional magazine in the church parlor. She opened it to a first person poem in which a stranger – outsider – maybe a homeless person – is speaking out asking for respect and acceptance by the community of faith. Charlene has now asked to reprise that character and share that poem with the congregation.
In 1 Thessalonians Paul says that he doesn’t need to tell folks about that community of Christians because everywhere he goes in Macedonia people have already heard of their “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness in hope.” Paul invites the people to be “living messages” for the gospel.
This Sunday we will be focusing on the work of laity and our three simple rules. In our 21st century world what does it look like to be a “living message?” How does it involve the words that come forth from our mouths? How does it involve the action of our hands and feet? What does it say to us about how we respond to those in need that we see along life's way?
In 1 Thessalonians Paul says that he doesn’t need to tell folks about that community of Christians because everywhere he goes in Macedonia people have already heard of their “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness in hope.” Paul invites the people to be “living messages” for the gospel.
This Sunday we will be focusing on the work of laity and our three simple rules. In our 21st century world what does it look like to be a “living message?” How does it involve the words that come forth from our mouths? How does it involve the action of our hands and feet? What does it say to us about how we respond to those in need that we see along life's way?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Children's Sabbath Reflections
I first began observing the Children's Defense Fund "Children's Sabbath" in 1994. That year I worked with other pastors in the Sumner, WA area on an event to call attention to stopping violence against children. We hosted a rally and prayer vigil in a city park. In those days my own children were in elementary school and I suppose that to many folks I was just being a concerned mother. Now my children are grown - almost finished with college and graduate school. So some would say that I can now go on to other concerns - widen my interests so to speak. However, I find myself more drawn to the plight of children than ever. My heart grieves for the children on my community, our nation, and our world who go to bed hungry, who know only violence and war, who have no loving community to surround them.
This week we return to very familiar words in the Gospel of Matthew for our reflection on the children's sabbath, the plight of children and John Wesley's general rules. In Matthew 19:13-22 Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." What if this is a parable? What if Jesus is saying the kingdom of heaven is like a little child?
In keeping with those questions, I have been observing the children around me to see what glimpses of the realm of God that they can give us. What about the children in your life? How do you see the realm of God being lived out in them?
Now I am also realistic enough to know that children can also represent the worse of humanity as well. We must also ask ourselves how can we better model for our children and the children of the world what it means to do no harm, do good and stay in love with God. What are some of your practices that could help our children?
This week we return to very familiar words in the Gospel of Matthew for our reflection on the children's sabbath, the plight of children and John Wesley's general rules. In Matthew 19:13-22 Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." What if this is a parable? What if Jesus is saying the kingdom of heaven is like a little child?
In keeping with those questions, I have been observing the children around me to see what glimpses of the realm of God that they can give us. What about the children in your life? How do you see the realm of God being lived out in them?
Now I am also realistic enough to know that children can also represent the worse of humanity as well. We must also ask ourselves how can we better model for our children and the children of the world what it means to do no harm, do good and stay in love with God. What are some of your practices that could help our children?
Monday, September 8, 2008
Romans 13:8-14
Paul argues in this section of Scripture that “loving your neighbor” is the ultimate rule of law. All other commandments are summed up in this one. We could spend time talking about loving your neighbor and how love is an action not a noun. But many of us have heard a sermon like that before.
So I’d like us to focus on verses 11-14 in this text. Paul tell us that we need to wake from sleep and “put on the armour of light; let us live honourably as in the day” (vs 12b-13a). In Paul’s theology, we must do this partly because Jesus will return to earth anytime now. So we have little time to act as we should for we will be judged soon.
In this text, Paul uses the word “time” or the Greek equivalent “karios.” Karios time is time that is ripe for things to happen. I was watching CNN’s presentation of “Obama Revealed” a couple of days ago. And an individual remembered commenting to Obama that there are times when you pick to run for president and then there are times that pick you. He went on to comment to Obama that the current time had picked him. For the speaker, the current time would be karios time for Obama. (In all fairness, I hope to watch “McCain Revealed” this week.)
How does this relate to the church? I am not sure. I am left with a couple of questions: Is our current time (2008-09) “ripe for things to happen”? And if so, what is the role of the church? Do we evangelize? Be prophetic? Change ourselves? Reach out to the forgotten? Refocus on our “core” beliefs? Revert back to the past? And if we are not in karios time, where are we? do we continue with the status quo?
Your thoughts are welcomed. And please feel free to attend our Sermon Planning Discussion on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm at the church.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Romans 12:9-21
This Sunday we will be recognizing a new child in the family of God as we baptize one of the children of our congregation. I love baptizing babies and small children. I love to hold them in my arms and remember that they and we (no matter how old or how long we have been Christians) are all beloved children of God.
Our baptismal ritual includes these words spoken by the congregation: "With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the example of Christ. We will surround this child with a community of love and forgiveness, that he/she may grow in his/her service to others…"
I thought of those words as I read this passage from Romans. While it seems that the words are partly intended for the Roman Christians, they also echo Jesus’ teaching as well as ancient Jewish and Greek wisdom. That suggests that perhaps they were part of what was taught to new converts to the Christian way.
What would happen in our world if we were to make those words in Romans 12:9-21 the core of how we live and how we invite others to live with us in the Christian way? What would happen if we as United Methodists returned to seeking to live under John Wesley’s “General Rules" which embody those same words?
What are those General Rules? Simply stated they are:
Do no harm.
Do good in every place.
Stay in love with God.
Our Christian community, the church, would be transformed. Our personal lives would be transformed. Our world would be transformed. How might your day look different if you made those rules the center of your morning, midday and nightly prayers? How might the church look and act differently if those became its rules perhaps instead of “Robert’s Rules of Order?” How might politics look differently if our leaders had those rules written on their hearts, in their minds, and on their lips? Just think about it for a few minutes. What a different world this would be!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Matthew 14:22-33
In “super Bible” class in seminary, I was assigned John’s version of this story for our major New Testament exegetical paper. I was to write at least 20 pages on the theological significance of the story taking into account all of the latest Biblical research and scientific information on whether or not one could actually walk on water. We were trained to look at the miracles as stories told by ancient people who didn’t know the laws of science. We were to look for the “theological meaning” and disregard the portions of the story that seemed to go against natural laws. We were to even try to “explain away” what happened with scientific explanations – the water was shallow or Jesus knew where the stones were. I guess that is the way of the Age on Enlightenment. But what does the 21st century postmodern worldview say about stories like this one?
I would begin by suggesting that perhaps when we expect God to act within our current notions of science or theology, we are limiting both God and ourselves. If we must reduce God to fit our view, we may miss some vision for creation or the future that God envisions for us. In the same way we may be limiting God by deciding who is in or out of the story and realm of God.
If God is always present and always active in the world, are there deeper feats of healing or transformation than fit with our normal views of the order of things? If God is always present and always active in the world, are there ways in which we are limiting God’s ability to work in our midst?
I would begin by suggesting that perhaps when we expect God to act within our current notions of science or theology, we are limiting both God and ourselves. If we must reduce God to fit our view, we may miss some vision for creation or the future that God envisions for us. In the same way we may be limiting God by deciding who is in or out of the story and realm of God.
If God is always present and always active in the world, are there deeper feats of healing or transformation than fit with our normal views of the order of things? If God is always present and always active in the world, are there ways in which we are limiting God’s ability to work in our midst?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Romans 10:5-15
While I try to be a good “Wesleyan” scholar and follower, I am not much into “fire and brimstone” preaching nor will I admonish you to “flee from the wrath to come” – a favorite Wesleyan phrase. Yet reading those verses in Romans causes me to consider what is our message to the world as we are moving through the 21st century.
I hear critics of more liberal or progressive theology saying those liberals don’t believe in anything. Actually that has been said to me on occasion. I can hear people saying to me after my sermon two weeks ago – “God decides who is in and who is out and everybody is in – “why do you even bother with Christianity or sharing a message?” If there is no hell to fear, everyone is eventually saved, and there is truth in other faiths, why tell the gospel story at all?
My response is that is the most amazing good news possible! Our world truly needs to hear of God’s radical hospitality that doesn’t leave anyone out and invites everyone to the table. The world that I see from my office window and my television is desperately in need of that kind of healing touch. Our world needs Christians who are partnering with God to bring grace, justice and healing.
Who has shared a word of grace and healing with you? How was it shared? Who have you seen working for justice? Where are the areas you see out your window or on your TV that need to hear of God’s grace, justice and healing?
I hear critics of more liberal or progressive theology saying those liberals don’t believe in anything. Actually that has been said to me on occasion. I can hear people saying to me after my sermon two weeks ago – “God decides who is in and who is out and everybody is in – “why do you even bother with Christianity or sharing a message?” If there is no hell to fear, everyone is eventually saved, and there is truth in other faiths, why tell the gospel story at all?
My response is that is the most amazing good news possible! Our world truly needs to hear of God’s radical hospitality that doesn’t leave anyone out and invites everyone to the table. The world that I see from my office window and my television is desperately in need of that kind of healing touch. Our world needs Christians who are partnering with God to bring grace, justice and healing.
Who has shared a word of grace and healing with you? How was it shared? Who have you seen working for justice? Where are the areas you see out your window or on your TV that need to hear of God’s grace, justice and healing?
Monday, August 11, 2008
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
After last week’s entry, I would guess that you are wondering what I will do with this week’s passage (Romans 10:5-15). If God decides who is in and who is out and everyone is in, then how or even why do we proclaim the gospel as Paul invites us to do in chapter 10? I will get to that conversation but remembering that this is a road trip, I just found a side trip that I would like to take. After all, road trips are all about the side trips. This side trip may take a couple of weeks.
The lectionary Old Testament passage from Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 caught my eye and I want to take sometime with it this week. It has much to say to us about morality in a postmodern world. Then next week I want to look at that passage from Romans and what it says to us about our message as Christians in a postmodern world. Finally, on August 24 I want to look at the gospel lesson about Jesus walking on water. How does a postmodern see the miracles in the gospels?
In Genesis 37, we find the very dysfunctional family of Jacob and his 12 sons. Jacob is very clear that Joseph is his favorite. Joseph with his dreams drives his brothers even further from him until they create a plot to kill him. There don’t really seem to be any heroes in the story. There seems to be little grace and no good news in the story. That makes it very easy to just skip right over it.
Where is God in that story of Joseph being sold by his brothers? What does it say to us about morality and making decisions?
Perhaps Ruben is the hero of the story. He seems to be listening to God’s voice in moving them from violence – at least sparing Joseph’s life. Is this not the way that God works in all our lives? God is always there nudging us in the direction of order, goodness, and beauty – helping is to make the best possible decision from among a variety of less than perfect choices. God is indeed present in the messiness of the world.
So for your reflection this week, where have you seen God working in your life or in the world guiding you to make life-giving choices in the midst of the pain and conflict?
The lectionary Old Testament passage from Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 caught my eye and I want to take sometime with it this week. It has much to say to us about morality in a postmodern world. Then next week I want to look at that passage from Romans and what it says to us about our message as Christians in a postmodern world. Finally, on August 24 I want to look at the gospel lesson about Jesus walking on water. How does a postmodern see the miracles in the gospels?
In Genesis 37, we find the very dysfunctional family of Jacob and his 12 sons. Jacob is very clear that Joseph is his favorite. Joseph with his dreams drives his brothers even further from him until they create a plot to kill him. There don’t really seem to be any heroes in the story. There seems to be little grace and no good news in the story. That makes it very easy to just skip right over it.
Where is God in that story of Joseph being sold by his brothers? What does it say to us about morality and making decisions?
Perhaps Ruben is the hero of the story. He seems to be listening to God’s voice in moving them from violence – at least sparing Joseph’s life. Is this not the way that God works in all our lives? God is always there nudging us in the direction of order, goodness, and beauty – helping is to make the best possible decision from among a variety of less than perfect choices. God is indeed present in the messiness of the world.
So for your reflection this week, where have you seen God working in your life or in the world guiding you to make life-giving choices in the midst of the pain and conflict?
Monday, August 4, 2008
Wrestling with God's Grace and Mercy
For our summer worship, we have said that we are on a “road trip” with Jesus into the 21st century. We have invited the apostle Paul to join us because he truly understands road trips.
While we are not really following the lectionary, I believe that the texts that go along with Romans 9:1-5 truly guide us into an important conversation for the 21st century. In Genesis 32:22-31, Jacob wrestles with a stranger and receives God’s blessing and a new name even though his life has been less than perfect. In Matthew 14:13-21, Jesus withdraws from the controversy of his day for reflect and returns with an incredible sense of compassion for those who have come to hear him – so much so that he invited 5000 of them to the table with him. In Romans 9:1-5, Paul honestly grieves over his fellow Jews and struggles to understand what God is doing.
All three of these biblical characters are seeking to understand God’s grace and mercy. When we look at these stories through “modern” eyes, we see either/or struggles. One is either protected by God or not. One is either for Jesus or against Jesus. One is either part of God’s promises or not. If we can begin to look at these passages through “post-modern” eyes, we can begin to see another way of looking at them and God’s grace and mercy.
For a visual image of what I think this means, I am reminded of a favorite pastime of my husband and children. For many years we lived near the Puget Sound and enjoyed going to the beach to watch the sunset. The beach was covered with stones that were perfect for “skipping” across the water. While I am not very good at this, my husband is skilled at skipping stones and taught our children.
The idea is throw the stone at just the right angle so that it skims across the surface of the water. The goal is to see how many times the stone can touch the surface of the water before it sinks. Of course, each time it touches the water, the stone sets the water in motion with wavelets of small growing circles. As the wavelets move out, they begin to cross the wavelets made by the next group of wavelets. This creates a beautiful pattern on the surface of the water.
What if God’s grace and mercy are like that – not lines and boxes drawn to exclude people but gentle waves that move over us from many directions until all are included? Maybe God’s mercy and grace are at the very core of creation – inviting all of creation into a fuller relationship. Maybe God’s promises are for everyone. God decides who is in and who is out and everyone is in.
Or to use another image, what if God's grace and mercy are not about seeing things as black or white but instead in technicolor?
While we are not really following the lectionary, I believe that the texts that go along with Romans 9:1-5 truly guide us into an important conversation for the 21st century. In Genesis 32:22-31, Jacob wrestles with a stranger and receives God’s blessing and a new name even though his life has been less than perfect. In Matthew 14:13-21, Jesus withdraws from the controversy of his day for reflect and returns with an incredible sense of compassion for those who have come to hear him – so much so that he invited 5000 of them to the table with him. In Romans 9:1-5, Paul honestly grieves over his fellow Jews and struggles to understand what God is doing.
All three of these biblical characters are seeking to understand God’s grace and mercy. When we look at these stories through “modern” eyes, we see either/or struggles. One is either protected by God or not. One is either for Jesus or against Jesus. One is either part of God’s promises or not. If we can begin to look at these passages through “post-modern” eyes, we can begin to see another way of looking at them and God’s grace and mercy.
For a visual image of what I think this means, I am reminded of a favorite pastime of my husband and children. For many years we lived near the Puget Sound and enjoyed going to the beach to watch the sunset. The beach was covered with stones that were perfect for “skipping” across the water. While I am not very good at this, my husband is skilled at skipping stones and taught our children.
The idea is throw the stone at just the right angle so that it skims across the surface of the water. The goal is to see how many times the stone can touch the surface of the water before it sinks. Of course, each time it touches the water, the stone sets the water in motion with wavelets of small growing circles. As the wavelets move out, they begin to cross the wavelets made by the next group of wavelets. This creates a beautiful pattern on the surface of the water.
What if God’s grace and mercy are like that – not lines and boxes drawn to exclude people but gentle waves that move over us from many directions until all are included? Maybe God’s mercy and grace are at the very core of creation – inviting all of creation into a fuller relationship. Maybe God’s promises are for everyone. God decides who is in and who is out and everyone is in.
Or to use another image, what if God's grace and mercy are not about seeing things as black or white but instead in technicolor?
Monday, July 28, 2008
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
These actions against the law give the Pharisees reasons to call Jesus demonic (12:22). In this interchange with the Pharisees, Jesus claims that he casts out Satan by the power of the Spirit. And because this is true, then the Kingdom of God "has come to you" (12:28). Jesus then warns the Pharisees of seeking signs.
It is then in chapter 13 that we read the parables of the sower and the wheat and the weeds. These parables are Jesus' first attempts at helping the disciples understanding the Kingdom of God. And following these scriptures is where we pick up the stories. We hear about the mustard seed, the yeast, the hidden treasure, the pearl, and the net. What might Jesus be saying about the Kingdom of God through these parables? Are we to stand by and watch the Kingdom happen? Can the Kingdom be created through one simple task? And how do we go about finding the Kingdom?
This chapter is followed by stories of the death of John the Baptist, feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water in chapter 14. What do you think the author of Matthew might be telling his audience about Jesus? The Kingdom? The Gospel?
Monday, July 21, 2008
Romans 8:12-25
In beginning of my reflection on this Scripture, I am left with two questions: "What are we waiting for?" and "What are we birthing?" Let us begin with the first question. Paul speaks of the hope that will come, the hope that we, Gentiles, will be adopted by God and "the redemption of our bodies" (v23). So God has not adopted us? And yet, Paul speaks to our ability to cry out to God as our Father/Mother and God understands. If we are already children of God, then what more could we be waiting for, the redemption of our bodies? But Paul says in 2 Corinthians that when we believe in Christ, we become new creations? Is this different then the redemption of our bodies?
My second question, "What are we birthing?" is evident in the reading of the New revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible. However, Eugene Peterson in the Message expands on this image in his version of this text. Pregnancy, expectancy, enlarging, waiting, birth pains, labor, and etc. all lead the reader to connect with this image. But if we as humans and, according to Paul, all of creation, are pregnant, what are we giving birth to? What is enlarging our bellies? Is it the food we eat, the morals we adopt, the way we live our lives, or what we believe? Paul says in 8:9 that the Spirit of God "dwells within" us. Is it the Spirit that is enlarging our bellies? If so, what then will we give birth to? The Spirit? And why is all of creation pregnant? Is it possible that Paul is suggesting that we might give birth to the Kingdom of God? If so, how can we as humans give birth to the Kingdom of God? Is not God the Creator?
While I have yet, to answer these questions myself, I would love to hear your responses. I would also love to hear your stories of creation. How do you create in your everyday life? You can click on the comment link below and type your response or you can come by the church Tuesday at 6:30pm and dialogue with the community about them.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Romans 8:1-11
Last week my daughter celebrated her birthday. That always makes a mother think back to when her child was born. I remember holding my daughter in my arms and seeing in her great potential. As her parent, I had the responsibility to guide her to make good use of that potential. Of course, she would from time to time make poor choices but I knew that there was always the possibility of redeeming those choices. Each of those choices became part of her and formed (and continue to form) who she is. I guess that is to say that I didn’t see her life in black and white, good or bad but, rather, that God would move through life with her guiding, redeeming, and healing her as needed in each adventure of life. I was confident that God could bring good out of any of her experiences or choices.
All of this is to say that my personal experience of human nature and the power of God to transform the world runs counter to Paul’s perspective. I don’t see an either/or world with the kind of dualism of which Paul speaks. While that dualism fits well with Paul’s time, it seems out of place in the 21st century. Today many of us have come to see God’s movement and presence in very different terms.
The nudging of God is to be constantly moving us toward greater love and knowledge of God as well as greater love and service toward the world. We may move closer to God or further from God but we are never beyond God’s grace. In addition each moment of our being helps to form who we are and will be in the future.
John Wesley speaks of “being perfected in love” or “going onto perfection.” I guess I prefer that language for speaking of “walking in the Spirit.” What language or metaphors help you in understanding what Paul is saying here?
All of this is to say that my personal experience of human nature and the power of God to transform the world runs counter to Paul’s perspective. I don’t see an either/or world with the kind of dualism of which Paul speaks. While that dualism fits well with Paul’s time, it seems out of place in the 21st century. Today many of us have come to see God’s movement and presence in very different terms.
The nudging of God is to be constantly moving us toward greater love and knowledge of God as well as greater love and service toward the world. We may move closer to God or further from God but we are never beyond God’s grace. In addition each moment of our being helps to form who we are and will be in the future.
John Wesley speaks of “being perfected in love” or “going onto perfection.” I guess I prefer that language for speaking of “walking in the Spirit.” What language or metaphors help you in understanding what Paul is saying here?
Monday, July 7, 2008
Romans 7:15-25a
In preaching class, it was suggested that personal stories make good illustrations but one should be careful to not make the sermon “all about the preacher.” My family does not appreciate my use of family stories in my sermons. As well, the age of internet has made the collecting of stories a difficult path. We all know preachers who have told some internet story as though it actually happened to them. So how do we find good ways to open windows in our preaching and make scripture come alive?
Those thoughts come to mind as I read the commentaries on Romans 7:15-25a. Many scholars go to great lengths talking about whether or not Paul is being autobiographical in this passage. They wonder as well about what sin it was that had such a grip on him. Perhaps the use of the first person in this passage is a device to help open up the point he is making. It allows us to know that Paul just like the rest of us struggles with the human dilemma of knowing that while the law has its place but it is life in the Spirit made available to us through the faithfulness of Jesus to which we are now called.
Paul wants us to know that conversation about the Jewish concepts of the “evil impulse” and the “good impulse” is not just abstract theological one but rather a very human and personal ongoing struggle. So it would seem that the question for this week is: How do we live in that tension between God’s nudging us toward wholeness and shalom and all that draws us away from that? How do we open up windows in our preaching and in our lives that help ourselves and others to know of this great freedom that we have in the Spirit to live as God intends for us to live?
Those thoughts come to mind as I read the commentaries on Romans 7:15-25a. Many scholars go to great lengths talking about whether or not Paul is being autobiographical in this passage. They wonder as well about what sin it was that had such a grip on him. Perhaps the use of the first person in this passage is a device to help open up the point he is making. It allows us to know that Paul just like the rest of us struggles with the human dilemma of knowing that while the law has its place but it is life in the Spirit made available to us through the faithfulness of Jesus to which we are now called.
Paul wants us to know that conversation about the Jewish concepts of the “evil impulse” and the “good impulse” is not just abstract theological one but rather a very human and personal ongoing struggle. So it would seem that the question for this week is: How do we live in that tension between God’s nudging us toward wholeness and shalom and all that draws us away from that? How do we open up windows in our preaching and in our lives that help ourselves and others to know of this great freedom that we have in the Spirit to live as God intends for us to live?
Monday, June 30, 2008
Romans 6:12-23
On this past Sunday, we talked about sin and grace. We discussed personal and corporate sin. But most importantly, we conversed about grace and grace’s power to cover all sin. We as Christians have left the country of sin and now live in the country of grace. And grace can never be taken from us.
So Paul asks us, if grace is so free flowing, why not sin all the more? Why not do whatever we want? What should keep us from sinning? Because it is the right thing to do? Because of the law? Because of God’s wrath? Because of God’s love for us? Because of our love for God? Or for some other reason? Why do you try not to sin? What is your motivation?
Our next meeting is Tuesday at 6:30pm.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Romans 6:1-11
As we continue our study through the book of Romans, I have been trying to understand Paul's point in chapter 6. While it has been percolating for some time and I think I've begun to grasp his idea, I have been perpetually coming back to one question in particular. How can we understand and live into the grace that Paul speaks of, if we don't know what it means to live on the other side of grace? In other words, how do we responsibly live in grace if we first don't define sin? So here is my question to all of you, what is sin? Is sin defined in the Bible? Is sin dependent on the culture of the day? How do we know what sin is? Is sin different for everyone? Are we born with original sin?
Our next meeting will be Tuesday at 6:30pm at the church. Please come with your thoughts and/or post them here!!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Welcome to the table
I, too, want to welcome you to our new blog. In my office is a table - actually my kitchen table. I often gather with folks around that table to share our faith journeys and to reflect on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. It is my hope that at this table we can do the same.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Welcome!
Welcome to our sermon planning website for Wenatchee United Methodist Church (WFUMC). At WFUMC, we believe that all members of the church have an equal voice at the all tables but most importantly, at God's table. Because we believe that all members are ministers, we are all responsible for voicing our experiences with God and the world. This responsibility extends also to the sermon. We invite all interested people to join us on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm at the church for a discussion regarding next week's sermon. This summer we will be discussing the book of Romans.
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