tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1484217842369516922024-03-13T14:58:08.688-05:00SermonsSermons by the Rev. Dave Inglis, Pastor,
St. John's United Church of Christ,
Union, IllinoisRev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-31358673135095596072023-05-28T09:30:00.008-05:002023-05-28T09:30:00.146-05:00E Pluribus Unum<p><span style="color: #403152;">May 28, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=552019654" target="_blank">Acts 2:1-21</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><i>E Pluribus Unum</i> is Latin
for “Out of many, one.” You’re familiar with the phrase, of course, from the
Great Seal of the United States, which appears on the back of the One-Dollar
Bill, among other places. It was considered a de-facto motto of the U.S. until
1956 when the United States Congress passed an act, adopting “In God We Trust”
as the official motto.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">At the time of the American
Revolution, the phrase appeared prominently on the title page of a popular
periodical, <i>The Gentleman’s Magazine</i>,<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
which collected articles from many sources into one “magazine,” an
old-fashioned news aggregate website, if you will.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The meaning of the phrase was that
out of many states (or colonies) emerged a single nation. It has also come to
mean that out of many peoples, races, religions, languages, and ancestries has
emerged a single people and nation—the “melting pot.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Now, I think the melting pot
concept has a flaw, in that it suggests that, when we come together, we turn
into a uniform material, that we all conform to one common culture. While this
sounds nice, it’s not what really happens. I suggest that we – as a nation made
of many different peoples – are more like a stew. The chunks of beef, carrots,
potatoes, and other ingredients remain distinct while making one dish.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Most people adopt English as the
language of interaction, while retaining their first language at home and in
gatherings such as churches. For example, several years ago my wife, Felicia,
led worship in Spanish at the First Presbyterian Church of Marengo. This church,
like many of our sister congregations in the United Church of Christ, was
formed by German immigrants, and worship services were, until the 1940’s,
conducted in German.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">In 2001, following the September
11 attacks, the Ad Council launched a public service announcement in which
ethnically diverse people say “I am an American.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Near the end, the phrase <i>E Pluribus Unum</i> is seen with the English
translation underneath. This is who we are today, a people made of many
peoples, yet one nation. As the musician David Wilcox wrote, “We are children
of slavery, children of immigrants, remnants of tribes and of tired refugees. As
the walls tumble down, we are stronger together.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">As Christians, this concept of
many becoming one takes us back to that moment, Pentecost, fifty days after the
resurrection of Jesus when God’s Holy Spirit came like the rush of the wind.
The church was born as the Holy Spirit entered in and rested like a tongue of
fire on each of them. Though they, the disciples at least, were all Galilean
Jews, the crowd that gathered were from every nation. The people heard them
speaking in many languages, and each person understood, no matter where they
were from.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Jerusalem is a crossroads of the
ancient near-east. Travelers, merchants, and armies have long crossed through
this region. And Jerusalem bears the scars of many invasions, as empire after
empire conquered the land and ruled over the people. So, the crowd that
gathered probably represented much of the region around Jerusalem, at least,
and possibly from much further away. And within just a few generations, the
Holy Spirit would be poured out, if not on all flesh, at least in nearly every
nation in the Eastern Hemisphere.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The rush of wind, tongues of fire,
and humble Galileans speaking persuasively in many tongues were dramatic signs
that God was doing something new, something that would transform the lives of
all those present, and far beyond, in time and place. Though the disciples, I’m
sure, had no idea what was to come, in hindsight we can see that the church was
destined from the beginning to circle the globe.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Now, it makes me sad that Sunday
morning at 10:00 a.m. is the most segregated hour in this nation. Though we
Christians share the same bible, are baptized, and share The Lord’s Supper, we
have fractured into thousands of pieces. It is estimated that there are some
43,000 different denominations of Christians.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Now, it depends on how you count,
of course. These “denominations” are defined in terms of being separate
organizations, not necessarily separate belief systems. The largest component
(something like two thirds to three quarters) are “independent” churches,
mostly in Africa, which are not necessarily different in doctrine, but are
simply independent. The estimate includes national branches of the same
denomination, such as the Lutheran Church of Germany and the Lutheran Church of
Australia, as separate organizations. And there are many so-called
“non-Denominational” churches which have effectively the same teachings, just
different locations, different leaders, etc.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Some sources suggest Christian
denominations can be divided into 6 major groups: Roman Catholics, Orthodox,
Anglicans, Protestants, Independents, and “Marginals”. Wikipedia<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
lists about 40 major divisions, each of whom have some variation in belief. And
there are serious disagreements between our various churches. Is this a bad
thing? Not necessarily.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The differences among us, just as
the differences among the members of the crowd that heard Peter preach that
Pentecost morning, reveal the diversity of humanity united as followers of
Jesus. Instead of dividing us, that diversity can provide a startling
illustration of just how great the power of God is. Rather than dressing us
each in a white robe and erasing our individual identities, God enters into relationship
with us just as we are, wherever we have come from, no matter the languages we
speak, and despite all that might cause us to turn away from one another.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Today, on the birthday of a church
called to spread to the ends of the earth, the love of God is given for
everyone. Not just the disciples, gathered in a room, trying to figure out what
to do now that Jesus has gone. Not just the holiest or the most faithful or the
most learned, not just the believers, not just those who were with Jesus on the
road or who witnessed him resurrected. No, at this moment, “all flesh,” male
and female, old and young, slave and free, all are invited and included—all of
us members of one body, indispensable.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The same Spirit of God that
inspired the tongues of those gathered in Jerusalem is looking to inspire a
rebirth within us. It is the same Spirit that led Isaiah to envision a holy
mountain for all people, and gave the vision to John of Patmos of a city with
no walls and no temple, where God dwells among us. It is the same Spirit that
is breaking in to our cloudy consciousness renewing us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The differences between us don’t
matter to God. You’ve heard it said: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is
no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are
one in Christ Jesus.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The rules that are designed to keep us apart have been broken by this God who
loves all people. God is bigger than one group or another. There is no longer
Catholic or Protestant, there is no longer Presbyterian or Methodist, there is
no longer Congregational or Evangelical. God is bigger than any denomination.
God is the Creator of the entire universe and all that is within it. God’s love
is not limited to this people or that; God’s love is for all people, no
exceptions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Though this day marks an end to my
time with you, this can be a time of renewal for this church, an opportunity to
re-examine the essential question of how to be the church, a United Church in a
town named for our Union as a nation. This is a time to re-commit to the idea
that “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is
honored, all rejoice together with it”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>.
This is a time for our children to prophesy, for young people to dream dreams
and older folk to see visions, a time to welcome the outpouring of Spirit that
calls us into tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Today’s story is not an ending,
but a beginning. The celebration of Pentecost, which began as a remembrance of
God giving the Law to Moses at Sinai, now marks the giving of new life and the
gift of the church, a new way of living for those who would follow Jesus in
every land and in every age. Not just some kinds of people, but all different
kinds of people, in all different places, different languages and customs,
different cultures and backgrounds and experiences, different abilities and
genders and races and orientations. All different kinds of people, no matter
where they are on life’s journey, are welcome here, loved by God, and filled
with God’s Spirit, a new creation just as it could and ought to be.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">May you experience the fire of
God’s Holy Spirit, give in to it with love, and let it sustain you in the days
to come and in all that comes your way. Out of many, may we be one in living
the gospel, bringing good news to the world that God loves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard Version
Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_pluribus_unum">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_pluribus_unum</a>.
<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwOJBEyih1s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwOJBEyih1s</a>.
<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
David Wilcox, “City of Dreams” on <i>Into the Mystery</i> © 2003.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_denomination">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_denomination</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Galatians
3:28.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-28%20Pentecost/E%20Pluribus%20Unum.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> 1
Corinthians 12:26.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-69930822458143135342023-05-21T09:30:00.006-05:002023-05-21T09:30:00.147-05:00A Prayer for the People<p><span style="color: #403152;">May 21, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=551595575" target="_blank">Psalm 1:1-3</a>; <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=551595602" target="_blank">John 17:4-21a</a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-21/A%20Prayer%20for%20the%20People.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">I wonder how the disciples felt,
after supper, listening as Jesus prayed for them. He had washed their feet, a surprising
thing for their master to do, demonstrating through this act that they were to
live as servants to one another. Judas had left, though they did not yet know
why. They had to understand that something big was about to happen; Jesus had
told them he was leaving the world and going to God. He had given them a new
commandment, that they love one another as he had loved them. And he had warned
them that the world would hate them, and told them that they do not belong to
the world.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">It was a lot to take in. They may
have felt like their world was being upended, and I’m sure they were afraid of
what was to come. “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” Jesus tells them, and
he prays for them. “While I was with them, I protected them,” Jesus prays, “I
guarded them… But now I am coming to you… I ask you to protect them from the
evil one.” Jesus entrusts them to the care of God, and asks that they be
sanctified, that they be made holy. They will be sent out into the world, a
world that will hate them, and they will need one another like they never have
before. Jesus prays for their unity, “that they may be one,” as Jesus and God
are one, and that they may be included in that oneness. And Jesus prays that
they may have joy.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">This is what Jesus prays for them,
and also for us. “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of
those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.” The
prayer of Jesus for the disciples, a prayer for the people of God through all
the ages, is a prayer that all of us need to hear. And in that prayer, we begin
to understand what Jesus meant by “abide in me.” To abide in Christ is to
trust, to love, to be one, to be holy, and to know joy.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Jesus began by turning the tables
of the disciples’ lives upside down, and nothing would ever be the same. But
after that supper, after all Jesus did and said in that moment, they must have
felt that everything was about to change again, but this time they would lose
the one for whom they had left everything behind. The disciples were facing what
is known as a liminal time, a time of change and transition between one way of
being and the next. They were uncertain of their future and the changes that
would come.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">I find it encouraging that the
disciples experienced that liminal time. We, too, are facing change and
uncertainty, a time when what has been is not what will be. This congregation
will have new leadership, a new servant of Christ who will pray, teach, and
guide you in the days to come. I am sure that they will come to love you as I have
loved you.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">It is natural to long for what has
been, even as we realize that things are no longer what they were before. It is
only human to be anxious when we are going through change. But we can take
heart that other faithful people have been here before us. We can be encouraged
when we remember that we abide in Christ, and we are the people for whom Jesus
prays.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">“Holy Father, protect them in your
name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one” (v. 11).
Jesus prays that God will protect us and lead us to unity. Jesus prays that we
will love our neighbors as ourselves, serving the world as teachers of love,
grace, and hope.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">“I am not asking you to take them
out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one” (v. 15). We can’t
just leave, jet off to some safer place where nothing ever changes, but Jesus
prays that we will be protected from the evil one. When some people fill their
pockets and secure their power while millions of others lose their jobs, their
homes, or even their hope, evil is on the loose. Protect your people from evil,
O God of goodness and love.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Jesus prayed for the disciples,
and prays for us. Jesus prays that we will know that God loves us, God is with
us, and we are one with God. This prayer assures us that even when the world
around us seems to fall apart, even when our anxiety is justified and the
future will be difficult and dangerous, God is with us. God is pulling us onward,
asking us to trust that we will not be alone, we are in Christ and Christ is
with us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">“I will not leave you orphaned,”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-21/A%20Prayer%20for%20the%20People.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Jesus tells them, and promises that the Holy Spirit will be with them. Next
Sunday we celebrate Pentecost, remembering that day when the Holy Spirit came
like the rush of the wind, resting on each of the disciples like tongues of
fire, and they were filled with the Spirit. That same Spirit fills us as well, sanctifying
us, empowering us, and making us one.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">As a people not of the world, but
sent into the world, we are called live a life dedicated to God, loving God
with all that we are, showing love and compassion for others, making hard
choices and trusting that we are not alone.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">God watches over us. We are like
trees planted by streams of water, which yield fruit in its season, and our
leaves do not wither. God watches over us, so that in all that we do, in love
and in service, we prosper. We are the people that Jesus prays for, a community
even when we are apart, uncertain of our future, but moving ahead as one, one
with each other, and one with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-21/A%20Prayer%20for%20the%20People.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.A.</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-21/A%20Prayer%20for%20the%20People.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 14:18.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-61668574898759182932023-05-14T09:30:00.008-05:002023-05-14T09:30:00.151-05:00By What Power?<p><span style="color: #403152;">May 14, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=550988349" target="_blank">Acts 4:1-11</a>; <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=550988368" target="_blank">John 14:8-24</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-14%20Mothers%20Day/By%20What%20Power.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Have you ever been challenged to
defend yourself, what you believe, what you have done, or what you have said? It
can come as a shock, startling us into defensiveness. Sometimes we know what to
say, but when we’re caught off-guard, we often draw a blank. How could the
other person not understand things the way I do? How could my intentions not be
clear?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">A musician I know, Ron Berg, once
wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Why do you ask? Must I explain?<br />
Is it wrong to believe; is my faith a crime?<br />
Where will it end? Do you understand?<br />
I am just being me, with God by my side.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-14%20Mothers%20Day/By%20What%20Power.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">In the scripture passages for today,
Peter is challenged by the high priests of Israel, and Jesus is challenged by
Philip. Peter has healed a man, and the priests are threatened. They are the
ones who are supposed to hold the power. People are supposed to come to the
temple to be healed. But this Peter person has side-stepped all of that. “Who
do you think you are?” they seem to ask. “By what power or by what name did you
do this?” (v. 7) We’re the authorities here, and we didn’t give you
authorization. Peter answers, “I have done a good thing! This man has been
healed by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.” But the priests don’t see it
that way. Jesus and his followers are a threat to their power.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Philip challenges Jesus in a
similar way. He seems to ask, “Where does your power come from? If it is from
God, then show us God and we’ll believe.” Jesus answers, “Have I been with you
all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me?” (v. 9) “The words that I
say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his
works.” (v. 10) Power, real power, comes from God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Power is often measured by control
over others. It is control based on money, fear, and ignorance. Peter and Jesus
have a different understanding of power. Power is love, healing, truth-telling,
moral clarity, and love of God above all else. Power belongs to God alone, and
we are merely the instruments of God’s power.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Most of us do not truly understand
the power of God that resides in us. Jesus understood. He said, “I am in the
Father and the Father is in me.” (v. 11) Philip did not understand, even though
Jesus did many things to show him the power of God within him. Peter didn’t get
it then, either. It was only after the death and resurrection of Jesus, after
the Pentecost, when Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, that he understood
the power that was within him.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">If Peter and Philip didn’t get it,
and they walked around with the living, breathing, Jesus, it’s no wonder we
struggle too. But the power is there. The power of God is within each of us.
And if we believe and trust in God, that power will be revealed. Jesus said,
“Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that
I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the
Father.” (v. 12) By the power of God, Peter stood up to the powerful and
brought healing. What works of love, justice, and peace might we accomplish if we
believe in the power of God, and trust God to use us well?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Now, we can’t expect to become
miracle workers like Jesus. Faith healers that put on a show for the TV cameras
are doing just that – putting on a show. No one has ever been able to move a
mountain just by having faith and praying for it to move. The thunderstorm that
woke my children in the night didn’t stop when I said “Peace, be still,” and
I’m an ordained minister! However, by connecting to God, praying for God to
increase my courage and strength, I have been able to calm the storm in myself,
and help others move metaphorical mountains. With the help of God, I have
helped others to connect to the love and grace of God in moments of joy and
pain. And when others have shown their love and care for me in my time of need,
I too have experienced the power of God’s love.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The greatest power Jesus possessed
was love. As he nears the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus makes plain to the
disciples the most important aspect of his mission: “I give you a new
commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also
should love one another.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-14%20Mothers%20Day/By%20What%20Power.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
This commandment, so simple and yet so hard at times to follow. This is the
core of all the teaching, the motivation for all the miracles, the source of
the Savior’s power.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The Gospel of John was written in a
time when the empire of Rome dominated the world of this budding faith, when
violence ruled, and rebels might have raised a call to arms. In a striking
contrast, the Gospel makes a different claim about power. Real power, the power
to transform lives and relationships, is the power of God’s love, love that
endured the cross, and even death, and will not abandon the disciples. As Jesus
prepares to leave them, his parting message is that love abides. “They who have
my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will
be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them” (v. 21).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">If this were simply the love of
greeting cards and romance movies, the disciples would have been lost. This was
not sunshine and roses but the lived reality of Jesus, a person they knew from
Nazareth, who looked and talked like them, and lived as one of them. Revealed
in that life of healing the sick, feeding the hungry, touching the lepers, and
treating each person with compassion, was the powerful love of God. In
challenging the ethics of legal scholars, and lifting up the value of each
person, even sinners, even outcasts, Jesus made the powerful claim that each
one of them, and each one of us, is worthy of love, respect, and peace.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">In the command to love one
another, to love our neighbor, to love God, is the call to recognize the image
of God that lives in every other. Love requires that we see them, those people,
the “other” as people whom God also loves and wants us to love. It is not a
love that is hierarchical, superior, or condescending but mutual, understood in
serving one another, sharing in common what is needed for life to thrive. Jesus
poured water into a basin and washed the disciples’ feet, telling them, “If I,
your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one
another’s feet.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-14%20Mothers%20Day/By%20What%20Power.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> As
the early church was formed, “All who believed were together and had all things
in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the
proceeds to all, as any had need.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-14%20Mothers%20Day/By%20What%20Power.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
With love as the source and rule of life, the Christian community became known
for their love.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">My friends, you may not have
magical healing powers, but you are connected to the power of God. Jesus said,
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (v. 15). Love God, and love
your neighbor as yourself. Love one another as I have loved you. Ideas that
seem so simple, and yet require of us all our heart and mind and strength. But
if you love Jesus, if you love God, the Spirit of God abides with you. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">In every act of compassion, in
every work of kindness, we encounter the power of God. In every age, sharing what we have with others as they have need,
listening as the broken-hearted pour out their grief, challenging the power of
those who would use violence and hatred to dominate others, we carry on the
mission of Jesus to reveal the powerful love of God to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-14%20Mothers%20Day/By%20What%20Power.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-14%20Mothers%20Day/By%20What%20Power.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> “A
Question of Faith” by MADD Camp 1984 © 1984 Ron Berg.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-14%20Mothers%20Day/By%20What%20Power.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 13:34.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-14%20Mothers%20Day/By%20What%20Power.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 13:14.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-14%20Mothers%20Day/By%20What%20Power.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Acts 2:44-45.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-38012808468331762612023-05-07T09:30:00.010-05:002023-05-07T09:30:00.137-05:00God's Dwelling<p><span style="color: #403152;">May 7, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=550408636" target="_blank">John 14:1-14</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-07/Gods%20Dwelling.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">If you have been to a funeral, you
have probably heard this passage. It is one that I have used many times. In this
passage from John, Jesus is talking about leaving the disciples. He is trying
to prepare them for what is coming. Jesus gives them this vision of heaven. When
Jesus tried to describe heaven, he used words that meant home: love, and peace,
and family. “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places… I go to
prepare a place for you” (v. 2). There is a place prepared for each of us. We
have a home that is beyond this world. A home filled with love and peace. A
home where God welcomes us like a father or a mother.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">When Jesus spoke of God, he used
the word “Father.” Joseph, the human father of Jesus, must have been a
wonderful father. His family must have been his true passion. Joseph loved his
family so much, that when Jesus had to choose one word to describe God, he
chose “Father.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Jesus might have used the word
“Mother.” After all, it was his mother who outlived Joseph, raised Jesus on her
own for at least part of his life, and stuck by her son as he became a
traveling preacher and healer. She even tried to get him to come home when she
feared the authorities might come to take him away. Mary was even there at the
cross, despite all the horror, pain, and loss. Mother was always there.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">God’s love for us is
unconditional, like the love of our mothers and fathers. Jesus assures us that
we have a home with God, a home where we will be welcomed like a devoted child.
There are many dwelling places in the house of God. There is room for everyone.
There is a place for you.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">These words of encouragement were
part of the farewell message that Jesus gave the disciples in order to prepare
them for what was to come. Their hearts were troubled, as Jesus told them he was
leaving. What they had been expecting was not working out the way they thought.
They had been following Jesus for so long, yet still they weren’t truly
understanding his message, vision, and mission. They found the Messiah in Jesus,
yet he was not what they expected.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">They may have expected the Messiah
to be immortal, but he was about to be crucified. They may have thought that he
would lead them to liberation from the Roman occupation and restore the kingdom
of David, but their defeat seemed assured. Jesus wasn’t rallying the troops,
but saying goodbye. His death would mean the death of their hopes and dreams.
Their understanding of who he was will be transformed. In that moment, they
begin to grieve the loss of what they had known and believed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">And yet, this goodbye is not only
an ending. In the upper room, death and birth are revealed. Rev. Shannon Pater,
a minister in Atlanta, describes this moment: “In both the maternity wing and
the hospice room, the family is changed—all things <i>are</i> being made new.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-07/Gods%20Dwelling.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
What is old – who they have been, plans and dreams now shattered – is dying.
Their sense of self, built over years of following Jesus, passes away. In that
moment, what is new – the hope of the resurrection, the church, the mission of
the apostles – is being born. In that in between moment, Jesus is the hospice
chaplain and the midwife, guiding the transition.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Jesus introduces them to a new
vocation: no longer followers of a teacher, they are to become followers of the
Way. Jesus refers to “the way” several times in this passage. He does not name
a specific road to take or a destination to reach. Jesus declares himself as
“The Way.” The early Christian communities, fearing persecution, referred to
themselves as “followers of The Way.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">It is important to note how this
passage, especially the phrase “No one comes to the Father except through me”
(v. 6), has been used to advance anti-Semitic ideology. Jesus did not renounce
or denigrate Judaism. His critique was centered on religious leaders who create
their own impossible standards for others to follow, who choose rigid adherence
to established norms over the needs of real human beings, and who sought
monetary gain from those seeking God’s grace. That critique should caution us
all to beware of religious traditions and leaders that seek power and control
rather than mercy and love.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The Way is a Person, not a path or
a place. The Way of Jesus is the way of abundant and flourishing life in
relationship with the Holy One and with creation. It is the way of living on
earth as though we already live in heaven. The Way is Truth. The Way is Life.
The Way is an invitation to new life in Christ, a way of being in the world like
Christ.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">As the world changes, and we change
with it, leaving behind an old way that is dying, not yet knowing what is to
come, we need the presence of one who reassures us as we transition. Just as
Thomas asks “How can we know the way?” (v. 5), we too are unsure what the
future holds for us. Like Phillip, if we could just see what lies ahead, that
would be enough.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">In the upper room, Jesus assured
the disciples that no matter what happened, no matter the horror and loss to
come, the most important thing would remain unchanged. There is a place
prepared for you, with many dwelling places. I will come and take you there.
The relationship you have with me, the relationship you have with God who is in
me, will continue, even through all the change that is to come.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The change in the relationship the
disciples had with God was a movement from outward seeking to inward dwelling.
For all the time they had spent with Jesus, the still looked outward: who do we
follow, where do we go, how do we find God? What they did not know, what they
needed to be pointed out to them, was that God was always with them. Jesus
begins with himself, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father
is in me?” I haven’t done all these things on my own. “The Father who dwells in
me does his works” (v. 10). Are you looking for God? Look right here! “I am the
way, and the truth, and the life” (v. 6). You know God, and you know the way,
because you know me.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">In the days to come the disciples would
lose much that they had known and understood. But they would witness the new
birth of the God of resurrection. They would know the God of life that could
not be extinguished. They would know the Holy Spirit, the presence of God
dwelling within them. If we seek to know where God is, and how we get to the
house of God, we need only look within. The Holy Spirit of God dwells within
each of us. No matter what comes next, our relationship with God remains. Let
the Comforter heal your hearts and strengthen you to stand firm in the coming
transformation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-07/Gods%20Dwelling.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-05-07/Gods%20Dwelling.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Shannon
Michael Pater, Pastoral Perspective on John 14:1-14 in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary,</i> Year
A, Vol. 2, David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, General Editors
(Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010), p. 468.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-65883425053744641232023-04-30T09:30:00.006-05:002023-04-30T09:30:00.143-05:00What Voice Do We Follow?<p><span style="color: #403152;">April 30, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=549784283" target="_blank">Psalm 23</a>; <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=549784308" target="_blank">John 10:1-10</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Okay, here it
comes again - getting compared to sheep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re supposed to be obedient and passive, following the rules, going
where we’re led, content with our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, I’m not a follower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a
leader!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can fly solo and I don’t need
anyone to tell me what I’m supposed to do or where I’m supposed to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m free and independent; I can do it on my
own, thank you very much!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">There are
times, I’m sure, when we all feel like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Someone else wants to tell us who we’re supposed to be, what we’re
supposed to do, how we should look, what we should buy, and how we should feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get tired of other people controlling us,
and we want to just shut out all the noise and just be ourselves.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">It’s all these
voices that surround us, pulling us in a thousand directions, which leave us
feeling stretched, frustrated, lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everywhere we turn there is another voice offering us better, bigger,
faster, more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The world’s thinnest
smartphone. Takes the best pictures ever!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“The Super Duty truck – built stronger, tougher, better.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We make every aspect of rolling over your
401k as simple as possible. Make the smart choice.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The ultimate, collectible, special edition –
available for a limited time!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
volume keeps getting louder and louder, and we begin to start listening.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">“Maybe if I
buy a bigger television, I’ll be happier.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“One more promotion and I’ll finally get to do what I want.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I wear right jeans, maybe she’ll notice
me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We start to listen, and we begin to
follow those voices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are very
seductive, and they sound so sincere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And then we really lose our way, because those voices confuse us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t come from a place of love and
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lead us into the dark
valley, charge admission to the green pastures, and bottle up the still waters.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">It’s not that
we haven’t heard the warnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
stop to think about it, we know where the thieves and bandits are leading
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s so much easier to climb the
fence than do what it takes to get through the gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying to do the right thing, to be the best
version of ourselves all the time can be exhausting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so much easier to just give in to
temptation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want so desperately what
the thieves and bandits promise: contentment, happiness, joy – even when we
know they can’t deliver.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">I think that
what we are all really searching for is abundance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is not the abundance of material
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not the abundance of
wealth, power, or prestige.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not
even the abundance of people who think we’re really swell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think what we are all really searching for
is something that only the true shepherd can give us – abundance of life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Psalm we hear the metaphor of the abundant
life of the spirit – green pastures, still waters, the overflowing cup.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Jesus says “I
am the good shepherd.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the hill country of ancient Israel, a shepherd
lived a hard life. There was little or no shelter, wolves and snakes to contend
with, and all those sheep in constant need of fresh grass, water, and someone
to lead them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But a good shepherd loved
the sheep as his own, and would lay down his life to protect them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Jesus is the
gate for the sheep – and when we come in and go out by the gate, we find
pasture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we hop the fence with the
thieves and bandits, we only end up being destroyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, when we hear that one voice, the voice
of the one who knows us each by name, then we know the one to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we follow the voice of the one who loves
us, we know that we will be led by right paths to the abundant pasture.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">It is lonely
when no one knows your name, your story, the real you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When no one knows you, it is as if you don’t
matter, you don’t belong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a
challenge in that for the Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
of us know the names of the people who join us each week for worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even in our small church there are people
who are not known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are people
whose names are not called, whose stories go untold, who never know a real
sense of community, of belonging, of being known. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a challenge to us, as people who are
known, to seek out the unknown, to seek out those who are lonely and lost, and
call them by name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a challenge to
us to welcome into our community those who don’t seem to fit anywhere else and
open the gate so that they can belong, because they too have a shepherd who
calls them by name.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">One of the
ways in which we name one another is something we do in worship each week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We share our joys and celebrate the ones we
love by saying the names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We celebrate
birthdays and lift up people who are sick and who have died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have celebrated young people being
confirmed when they hear their name spoken in the midst of the gathered
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On All Saints Sunday, we
speak the names of those who have died in the past year, as we celebrate the
lives they lived among us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">When Mary
Magdalene went to the garden on that first Easter morning, Jesus called her by
name, and she knew that voice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that
voice she heard the love and care and hope that God had for her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that one word, “Mary,” she knew that she
mattered.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">In the early church
the disciples had very little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they
had at least three things they could celebrate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a community where they were known by
name, a community wherein they shared all things in common, and served one
another’s needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had the presence
of the Holy Spirit as they spent time praying in the temple and breaking bread
together with glad and generous hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And they had an abundance of life as the goodness and mercy that filled
their cups overflowed into their community and beyond.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">I have enjoyed
that abundant life from time-to-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remember as a child going to church pot-lucks and festivals that filled the air
with fellowship and celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
was in high school, I went to camp, spending a week or a week-end singing,
praying, learning, and eating in sacred community.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Take a moment
and see if you can remember a time when you had that powerful experience of
fellowship, joy, and community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you
remember that feeling?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you remember
that feeling of abundance – love, and joy, and peace?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Like you I’m
sure, those moments have been fleeting for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They come around only from time-to-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I get pulled away, drawn back into the routine, the work that must be
done, the pains and sorrows, frustrations and hassles of a life that seems
everything but abundant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, sometimes
I think about climbing the fence and running off toward the false promises.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">That is why it
is so important that we remind one another that the life we seek, the abundant
life, is found in Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enter by
the gate when we listen to the voice of the one who laid down his life for us,
yet rose again to life abundant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
follow the shepherd because we know the voice.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">And how do we
know the voice of our shepherd?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps
if we stay with the flock, or hang out near the gate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We practice listening together and learning
to tune out the discordant and dissonant noise that leads us astray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We study and speak and sing the words of
Jesus until we hear him calling to us, and we know his voice: “It is I; do not
be afraid.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Those who drink of the water that I will
give them will never be thirsty.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Love one another as I have loved you.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“By this everyone will know that you are my
disciples, if you have love for one another.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Follow me.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">When we
practice listening, listening with each other for the voice of true, holy love,
we begin to hear it through the din of all the other voices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when we become adept at following that
voice, we become shepherds too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can
help others to listen to the voice of the shepherd and to stop listening to the
thieves and bandits who know us not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
become guides for one another, shepherds in sheep’s clothing, if you will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we know the way through the gate, we can
help others to find the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Listen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hear a voice calling my
name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you hear it too?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s saying “I am the way, the truth, and the
life.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 10:14.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 6:20.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 4: 14.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 15:12.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 13:35.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 1:43.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-30/What%20Voice%20Do%20We%20Follow.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 14:6.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-13655318675566576322023-04-23T09:30:00.001-05:002023-04-23T09:30:00.158-05:00Down the Road<p><span style="color: #403152;">April 23, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=549195275" target="_blank">Luke 24:13-35</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-23/Down%20the%20Road.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Our church is in a time of
transition, the ending of a chapter. We are reflecting on what we have
experienced over the past few years together. We are anticipating what will
change, and cherishing the time we have together. Like travelers on the road,
we have walked together for a time, and we will part ways, changed by the
experience.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">This passage from Luke would
actually fit chronologically before the story from last week. In Luke’s
telling, the women who go to the tomb in the early morning see only two men in
dazzling clothes; they do not encounter the risen Jesus. This journey to Emmaus
reflects the ambiguous time between the empty tomb and the appearance of Jesus
to the disciples and Thomas behind locked doors.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">As they travel, the two disciples
converse about the dramatic events of the past few days. When the stranger
joins them, the recount the mission of Jesus and the events of the passion, but
without fully understanding their meaning.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Luke’s Gospel sets the entire
story in the context of journey, the journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, and in
the following story of Acts, the journey of the early community from Jerusalem
“to the ends of the earth.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-23/Down%20the%20Road.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The early Christians were known as the people of the Way, or people of the
journey. As one scholar describes it, “For Luke the journey of Jesus and of the
church itself expresses the unfolding history of salvation that finds its
origin In Israel and through the Spirit extends salvation to the ‘ends of the
earth.’”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-23/Down%20the%20Road.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">What Jesus interpreted to them
from the scriptures, from Moses and all the prophets, is the story of God’s
saving work revealed through the people and history of Israel. God’s story is
one of life emerging from death, of the journey of renewal, reconciliation, and
transformation. As Jesus reveals the connections between the story they know
and the story they have just witnessed, they begin to understand the meaning of
Jesus’ death and resurrection. Here is some of what they might have heard.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The story of the Exodus from Egypt
is a story of bondage, liberation, a journey, and a destination. It begins with
the Hebrews as slaves in Egypt. Daily life was hard labor with perhaps enough
food to survive on, but not much more. By means of the plagues, God liberates
the people from Pharaoh. They are led into the wilderness by Moses. There they
journey for forty years toward the Promised Land.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">This story suggests that the human
condition is slavery or bondage. You and I are in bondage to many things, such
as cultural messages about what we should be like, what it means to be
successful, attractive, and to live the good life. We can also be enslaved to
fears, addictions, or other kinds of oppression. We might be trapped by debt,
or the fear of losing employer-supplied health insurance. The story of Moses
and the people seeking freedom remains a particularly poignant one for the
descendants of African slaves in America.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">God’s salvation comes as the
people are led from bondage to liberation, leaving Egypt and Pharaoh. It also
involves a journey through the wilderness. It is in the wilderness where God is
encountered and known. It can also be a place of fear and anxiety where we
sometimes find ourselves longing for the security of Egypt, of the familiar
things of the past. But the wilderness is also a place where we are nourished
by God and where God journeys with us. The destination is life in the presence
of God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">This congregation is faced with a journey
through the wilderness. As the Hebrews were not always content with the
leadership of Moses, you may find that new leaders make you long for the familiarity
of the past. But on that wilderness journey you will be nourished by the manna
of God, and led to a new experience of the presence of God promised through the
ages.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Through the prophets we learn of
the Exile. The exile began in 587 <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">BCE</span>,
when, after Jerusalem and its temple were conquered and destroyed by the
Babylonians, some of the survivors were marched into exile in Babylon some 800
miles away. There they lived as refugees, far from home and oppressed. Fifty
years later, the Babylonian Empire was conquered by the Persians, who allowed
the Jews to return to their homeland.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">We live in a time when millions of
exiles and refugees know this experience firsthand. It is an experience of
separation from all that is familiar. People contend with powerlessness and
often oppression and victimization. There is sadness, loneliness, and grief. It
is a yearning for home and a place where we belong. It can also mean the loss
of meaning or a sense of purpose. These feelings may be familiar to us as familiar
ways of working, learning, gathering, and traveling are changing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">God’s salvation from exile leads
the people on a journey of return. The religious life is a journey to the place
where God is present, a homecoming, and God assists those who undertake the
journey. As God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, “I will bring you back to
the place from which I sent you into exile.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-23/Down%20the%20Road.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
We may ask, like the exiles, “How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign
land?”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-23/Down%20the%20Road.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Perhaps in the days ahead we will sing a new song, a song of joy as we see
familiar places in a new light.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Another way in which we understand
salvation comes from the days of the temple, the priesthood, and sacrifice. It
is a story of sin, guilt, sacrifice, and forgiveness. When we people turn away
from God, we are in a state of sin and brokenness. When we are lost from the
ways of God we need to return to God, to repent, to be cleansed, washed, or
covering over. When we have done wrong, we need forgiveness. We need to
sacrifice to God to make up for what we have done wrong. Since the early Middle
Ages, some Christians have understood Jesus as the dying savior whose death is
a sacrifice for our sins, thereby making our forgiveness by God possible.
“Jesus died for our sins.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">This image of Jesus is powerful,
and can be a sign of God’s great love for us, as we know from John 3:16, “For
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes
in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” The message is simple,
direct, and radical: we are accepted, just as we are. Our own sense of sin,
impurity, and guilt need not stand between us and God. New beginnings are
possible.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Each of these stories is part of
the grand story of God’s work of salvation. For some of us, the need is
liberation; for others, the need is homecoming; and for still others, the need
is acceptance. Each of these stories helps us to understand what it means to be
Christian, living life as a journey whose central quality is a deepening and
transforming relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Where do we go from here? The
story doesn’t end with supper that night in Emmaus. That was a moment of
revelation, a vision of the living Christ in the breaking of the bread. It was
also a moment of understanding that their journey was not ended, but just
beginning.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The story of Jesus is the story of
discipleship. The word disciple means “a follower after somebody.” Discipleship
is a following after Jesus, a journeying with Jesus. It is a journey, not
alone, but in the company of fellow disciples. The Christian life is about
being in relationship with God, which transforms us into more and more
compassionate beings, changing into the likeness of Christ.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Our journey also continues, and
though we can’t see the future, we can think about what is coming down the
road. Things won’t be the “normal” we had before. The disciples didn’t just go
back to fishing. There will be changes in our lives. If nothing else, we will see
and appreciate what makes us a unique people, what binds us together, and how our
very beings are being transformed by the company of those who travel down the
road with us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">I hope that down the road you will
realize your interconnectedness in new ways, and be more grateful for all the
people who come in and out of your lives. I hope that when you break bread
together, the living Christ will be made known to you. And I pray that you will
continue on in the Way, the journey which takes us all ever-closer to the One
who saves us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-23/Down%20the%20Road.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-23/Down%20the%20Road.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Acts 1:8.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-23/Down%20the%20Road.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Donald
Senior, Exegetical Perspective on Luke 24:13-35 in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary,</i> Year
A, Vol. 2, David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, General Editors
(Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010), p. 421.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-23/Down%20the%20Road.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Jeremiah
29:14.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-23/Down%20the%20Road.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Psalm 137:4.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-9761955872192866612023-04-16T09:30:00.008-05:002023-04-16T09:30:00.157-05:00Apostles on Both Sides of the Door<p><span style="color: #403152;">April 16, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=548581257" target="_blank">John 20:19-31</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-16/Apostles%20on%20Both%20Sides%20of%20the%20Door.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">There are times
when the best idea is to stay behind closed doors. It’s safer there. Outside,
you might catch a disease, get hit by a storm, or get shot. It is a dangerous
world out there, both literally and figuratively. Our fears can drive us to
seek shelter. When you’re faced with an actual pandemic, tornado, or active
shooter, responding to our fear by seeking shelter is the right thing to do.
Make sure everyone you’re responsible for has made it to safety. Stay inside;
and wash your hands.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Responding to a
tornado, a pandemic, and gun violence require different responses; but there
are similarities. Once the storm has passed, it is time to assess the damage,
check on our neighbors, and offer help where needed. In the pandemic we kept our
doors shut, but we still needed to assess the damage, and the potential for
long-term disruptions, and we still needed to check on our neighbors. After the
terror is over, we look for the lost, check in with loved ones, and help others
recover.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Sometimes our
help is not needed, at least not yet. Tragedy and hardship can be slow moving.
It is hard to wait, knowing your help will be needed, but right now it might
aggravate the problem. Even worse, our urgency to help out diminishes with
time, and a few months from now we’ll be distracted by other urgent matters and
forget about the needs that remain from the last tragedy. We want to help right
now! But we must discipline ourselves to conserve our supplies, our money, and
our energy for when it will be most helpful.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">When the danger
is more of a metaphor, when the threat is not immanent, and the damage is
harder to discern, it can be harder to know when and how to open the door or
reach out to others. When we are safely behind the metaphorical locked door, we
can attend to our personal needs, healing and wholeness only with those we trust,
and ignore the troubles on the other side of the door.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The church, at
times, has become closed to the outside world. The sacred and pure are reserved
for a private group, and the rest of the world is profane, dirty, and
hazardous. The public and, especially, the political world outside the door is
off limits. We view with skepticism those who want the church to have a voice
in the public sphere, especially when they’re not from our church. Beyond that
door, however, are the social, economic, political, and civic realities that
affect us all. And God did not call us together as a church to hide the gospel
and hoard away the grace.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The doors of
the house where the disciples had met were locked. Whether it was fear of the
religious authorities who might come after them as associates of Jesus, or for
fear that they might be accused of having stolen away with the body, John tells
us the disciples met behind a door that was closed and locked. But the door did
not keep out the risen Christ. Jesus enters in wherever we are, even when we’re
hiding in fear, bringing peace.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Thomas had his
doubts. We don’t know why Thomas doubted; perhaps, like most of us, he resisted
easy answers to the hard questions of faith. Many of us have experienced the
deep darkness of doubt, or struggled with the troubling silence of God. Most of
us have managed to cling to our faith in the midst of such experiences. The
hardship experienced during these intense periods of doubt and despair has been
described as “the dark night of the soul.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-16/Apostles%20on%20Both%20Sides%20of%20the%20Door.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Even Mother Teresa of Calcutta struggled with doubt; she “felt so abandoned by
God that she was unable to pray.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-16/Apostles%20on%20Both%20Sides%20of%20the%20Door.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Doubt is a natural part of faith.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We might ask
the question, “Why did God let grandma die of the virus?” or “Where was God
when the floods hit Fort Lauderdale?” Why didn’t our thoughts and prayers save
the lives of those five people at the bank in Louisville, Kentucky? We doubt,
and we wonder why the terrible things keep happening.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">I get it. I
have my doubts too. But I think we often get stuck looking for a miracle, a
happy ending to everything, the perfect savior to make everything better. When
we seek only the perfect, we don’t recognize what is there in the imperfect,
the wounded, the possibility that God doesn’t always make the bad things go
away. Sometimes God is right there with us, weeping with us, praying with us,
sharing the pain and sorrow and hardship of life. Sometimes, when we search too
hard for Jesus, we don’t notice that he’s already in the room, seeking us out,
wherever we are, just as we are.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The other
disciples didn’t argue with rational and empirical explanations. Thomas didn’t
seek out Jesus to demand answers. Jesus entered the room, despite the locked
doors, in order to reach Thomas. Jesus came to meet Thomas where he was,
seeking him out when he had lost faith. It can be that way with us as well.
When we are faced with difficult questions, and our hold on faith is tenuous,
God will seek us out, enter through the locked doors that we have built around
us, and offer us love and grace when all seems lost.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">It may not look
like Jesus. John tells us that the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus, not at
first. It is likely that when Jesus comes to find us in our moments of despair,
we will not recognize him either. How can we know when God arrives? Jesus gave
two clues to Thomas. He spoke the words, “Peace be with you,” and then said to
Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it
in my side.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-16/Apostles%20on%20Both%20Sides%20of%20the%20Door.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
When God comes to us in our times of doubt, we will recognize God’s presence
when peace is offered, when the pain and sorrow of life is acknowledged, and
when we realize that we have been sought out by that love which is stronger
than death.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We may not
recognize that God was with mom when she died, as the nurse held her hand,
singing familiar songs to her as she let go of this world. We may not realize
that God was not in the tornado, but in the voice of the store manager hustling
everyone into the basement. We may not recognize the face, that it was God’s
smile on the first-responder who helped us out from under the debris. We may
not recognize the risen Christ, who appears like a regular person, wounded,
weeping, sharing the experience of life with us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">John’s story
doesn’t end with a private celebration locked away behind closed doors. The
story continues with Jesus giving them a new name and a new task. They are no
longer disciples, meaning followers. Now they are apostles, those who are sent
into the world to carry on the mission. “As [God] has sent me, so I send you.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-16/Apostles%20on%20Both%20Sides%20of%20the%20Door.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The Apostles had the Holy Spirit breathed into them, and were sent out the door
to bring peace and love, hope and healing to a world in turmoil.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We might rest content
with what we have already accomplished, sharing the peace of Christ behind the
closed door of the personal and private. But the world outside that door needs
us. Disciples, apostles, followers of Jesus can’t just focus on ourselves. We
are sent to others. Strengthened by the peace of Christ, empowered by the Holy
Spirit, we are sent into our community to help people in need or in distress,
people who have lost loved ones to the virus, their homes to the storm, or
their jobs to economic insecurity. We are sent over the phone, and through the
internet to bring hope and solidarity to those struggling with isolation and
fear. We are given the charge to bear the forgiving, transforming love of God
into every sphere of human existence, the social, economic, political, and
civic realities that dominate our lives.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The storm may
not be over. The virus may not be contained. The threat of more gun violence persists.
Our fears and doubts remain. Our questions may not yet have answers. But we are
more than disciples. We, too, are apostles. We cannot simply attend to our
personal well-being. We must be apostles on both sides of the door,<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-16/Apostles%20on%20Both%20Sides%20of%20the%20Door.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
taking care of ourselves and our own, but also taking care of everyone else
too. We share in the manifestation of the risen Christ who seeks us out
wherever we are, and sends us out to heal the world. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-16/Apostles%20on%20Both%20Sides%20of%20the%20Door.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-16/Apostles%20on%20Both%20Sides%20of%20the%20Door.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Attributed
to St. John of the Cross, 16<sup>th</sup> century Catholic mystic.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-16/Apostles%20on%20Both%20Sides%20of%20the%20Door.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Nicole
Winfield, “Mother Teresa despaired that God had abandoned her” in <i>Providence
Journal</i>, Sep. 3, 2016.<br />
<a href="https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20160903/mother-teresa-despaired-that-god-had-abandoned-her">https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20160903/mother-teresa-despaired-that-god-had-abandoned-her</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-16/Apostles%20on%20Both%20Sides%20of%20the%20Door.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> John
20:27.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-16/Apostles%20on%20Both%20Sides%20of%20the%20Door.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> John
20:21.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-16/Apostles%20on%20Both%20Sides%20of%20the%20Door.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> D.
Cameron Murchison, Pastoral Perspective on John 20:19-31 in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised
Common Lectionary,</i> Year B, Vol. 2, David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown
Taylor, General Editors (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008), p.
404.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-40251092504635247972023-04-09T08:00:00.035-05:002023-04-09T08:00:00.164-05:00The Beginning of the Story<p><span style="color: #403152;">April 9, 2023 – Easter<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=547982390" target="_blank">Matthew 28:1-10</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-09%20Easter/The%20Beginning%20of%20the%20Story.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">It was just another morning as they went to see the tomb <br />with deep and aching sorrow as the day shook off the gloom. <br />Magdalene and Mary had been there, now two days past <br />as their Lord prayed, “Why forsaken?” cried out loud, and breathed his last.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The story which had ended, sealed away inside the grave, <br />had made a tomb around their hearts; there was no hope left to save.<br />We’ve been there, if we’re honest, having lost our faith and trust.<br />When all the plans we’ve made, all our accomplishments, are dust.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The world we know is not unlike that ancient Galilee <br />
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When
every day the news comes in of loss and tragedy. <br />
Hope’s in constant danger, might makes right, and riches rule. <br />
The suffering of the poor and sick seems endless, cold, and cruel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Just like them we need to know that someone out there
cares. <br />
So often we’ve been shaken by this fragile life we share <br />
They threw their hopes upon this man who seemed to them so bold <br />
He’ll make our nation strong again if he can be controlled.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">That Jesus was arrested, even killed, is no surprise; <br />
he knew the risk, the violence and betrayal in their eyes. <br />
He’d been arguing for days with the chief priests and the scribes. <br />
He called them out for arrogance, injustices, and lies.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Then the Roman power whipped him, and in a spectacle of
pain <br />
hung him up there on the cross, the symbol of their reign. <br />
Crucifixion was a warning: peace through violence was the way; <br />
keeping people in their place, no rebellion here today.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The disciples all had scattered; even Peter failed the
test; <br />
only Joseph took the body wrapped in cloth and laid to rest. <br />
The Marys never saw it coming. For all they knew they were alone. <br />
Then the angel flashed like lightning, shook the earth, and moved the stone.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">He is not here; he has been raised! Their hearts could
beat once more. <br />
New life and joy flowed through them shining light through every pore. <br />
An empty tomb, a risen Lord, a message they must share: <br />
He’s gone ahead to Galilee; go and tell them he’ll be there.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">How we want to celebrate, to sing a triumph song <br />
The Romans did their worst to him, and Life still carries on. <br />
The evil-doer has been crushed, the bad guy’s on the run. <br />
We want to cry out “Victory!” The wrath of God was done.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">But they didn’t rally to the cry, take up the sword and
kill. <br />
That’s not who we are called to be, that’s not what Jesus willed. <br />
When tempted in the wilderness Jesus did not take the crown. <br />
Rebellion in Jerusalem would only burn the city down.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Yes, death was overcome this day, the grave did not hold
sway; <br />
but marching on in majesty was not the apostles’ way. <br />
The forces that had crucified would still seek out the rest. <br />
Three hundred years of savagery would put them to the test.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Now, some would turn against the Jews, saying they had
made him die. <br />
Only Pilate, and the Empire, could execute, could crucify. <br />
When pilgrims came for Passover to celebrate their freedom, <br />
the brutal Roman governor used terror to demean them.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">If we would honor Jesus in the way we live our lives <br />
We cannot harbor hatred, using violence and lies. <br />
How should we treat our enemies, our neighbors, and ourselves? <br />
The way, the truth, the life is LOVE that builds no boundary walls.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">We’re all immigrants and slaves-set-free, refugees and
tribes. <br />
As Christians, Muslims, Jews and all we’re meant to be alive. <br />
No one can win when others must be crushed so we can rise. <br />
We must seek the face of God each time we look another in the eyes.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I believe that Jesus rose that day, but I’m not willing
to pretend <br />
that evil was defeated, and I’ll never sin again. <br />
There are times we all still struggle, we’re all broken now and then; <br />
but new life can rise within us, set us free to start again.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">I believe that Jesus rose that day, though no one saw the
deed; <br />
and I believe that there is proof, but it’s not inerrancy. <br />The proof is in the lives transformed, the people who
were changed;<br />the resurrection witnesses did not remain the same.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">This group of scared disciples who did not dare to see
him die <br />
found the courage to tell all the world they’d seen Jesus alive. <br />
Some would go to prison, even death for saying so. <br />
Now they could taste and see the life God wants us all to know.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The power of this moment doesn’t come from strength of
arms. <br />
Instead, it comes despite the risk that we might come to harm. <br />
To stand with the oppressed, the poor, the sinners, and the lost <br />
is the reason Jesus walked this road and chose to pay the cost.</p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This was the moment that changed the
world, and today we still can see <br />
the resurrection world is not the one that used to be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Before when something threatened power,
like mercy, justice, peace, <br />
the world could just kill it and it would be gone; but with Jesus that cannot
be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The new life of Jesus is planted in us,
the new life that God has restored. <br />
Mercy and justice cannot be dismissed with a cross or even a sword. <br />
When people of faith stand together as one, we move mountains and vanquish our
fear. <br />
We have a dream, we open our hands, we say, “You’re welcome here.”</span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No longer afraid, we know that now
we’ll never walk alone. <br />
We’re ready to say, “Here am I, send me.” When you’re ready, call me home. <br />
Tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me again. <br />
Jesus gathers the scattered sheep back where the story began.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In ministry he had healed the sick, and
called the children blessed, <br />
had compassion for the suffering, and offered the weary rest, <br />
taught the crowds in parables, and fed them with two fish. <br />
The story is not over. It begins again with this:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The powers of evil did their worst. The light of the
world still shines. <br />
“I am with you always, to the end,” he said, “fear not, for you are mine.” <br />
The ministry that he once did belongs to you, my friends. <br />
The story begins with the love we share, and I pray it never ends.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Amen.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">___________________<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Resources who influenced my writing:</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Eduard Schweizer,
“Resurrection” in Donald W. Musser and Joseph L. Price, Editors, New and
Enlarged Handbook of Christian Theology (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2003), p. 425.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Nadia Bolz Weber, “Sermon on
Empty Tombs and the Suddenness of Dawn.” Online: </span><a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/nadiabolzweber/2014/04/sermon-on-empty-tombs-and-the-suddenness-of-dawn/"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.patheos.com/blogs/nadiabolzweber/2014/04/sermon-on-empty-tombs-and-the-suddenness-of-dawn/</span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Rachel Held Evans, “Hearts
of Flesh.” Online: </span><a href="http://rachelheldevans.com/blog/hearts-of-flesh"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://rachelheldevans.com/blog/hearts-of-flesh</span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Alex Joyner, “The Empty
Tomb.” Online: </span><a href="http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/article/entry/4913/the-empty-tomb?utm_campaign=eNews10Apr2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=The%20Empty%20Tomb"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/article/entry/4913/the-empty-tomb?utm_campaign=eNews10Apr2014&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=The%20Empty%20Tomb</span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Pascal Deng, “The Incredible
Need for Emptiness.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black
and The Rev. Sharon E. Watkins, “UCC, Disciples leaders offer prayers,
consolation following Kansas shooting.” Online: </span><a href="http://www.ucc.org/news/kansas-shooting-statement-04152014.html?utm_source=kyp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=kyp041514%22"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.ucc.org/news/kansas-shooting-statement-04152014.html?utm_source=kyp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=kyp041514%22</span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Kathryn Matthews Huey,
Reflection on John 20:1-18 for Sermon Seeds. </span><a href="http://www.ucc.org/worship/samuel/april-20-2014.html"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.ucc.org/worship/samuel/april-20-2014.html</span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Roger Wolsey, “A Kinder,
Gentler, more Grown-up Easter.” </span><a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogerwolsey/2014/04/a-kinder-gentler-more-grown-up-easter-2/"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogerwolsey/2014/04/a-kinder-gentler-more-grown-up-easter-2/</span></a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 3.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Rev. Dr. Susan Brooks
Thistlethwaite, “Is Easter Happy?” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-dr-susan-brooks-thistlethwaite/is-easter-happy_b_5174128.html<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-09%20Easter/The%20Beginning%20of%20the%20Story.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-82366692154795216702023-04-06T19:00:00.009-05:002023-04-06T19:00:00.157-05:00Lost on the Way<p><span style="color: #403152;">April 6, 2023 – Maundy Thursday<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=547454661" target="_blank">John 12:1-8</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-06%20Maundy%20Thursday/Lost%20on%20the%20Way.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">They were
having dinner in the home of Lazarus. Just a few verses earlier in John’s
gospel, Lazarus was raised from the dead. I imagine there was conversation
around the table that night about death. The chief priests and Pharisees
planned to put Jesus to death, and the word was out that they were looking for
him. The writing was on the wall, and Mary knew that her time with the Lord was
running short. So, in an extravagant act of love and devotion, she anoints the
feet of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We are not
given to such startling displays of emotion. We are much more reserved,
especially in church. We are more likely to respond to such an outburst with
embarrassment. We’re more likely to think, like Judas, about the waste of such
a precious resource, and of a better use for it. It is much easier for us to
push away the thought of death and say to each other “You’ll be fine.” Even
when death is inevitable, even when we know it is coming, we find it difficult
to cope with. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Mary
understood. Mary knew that life is fragile, even the life of Jesus, and that
there is a time to really show how much we love someone. There are often flowers
at the funeral, but they are perhaps more fitting in the hospital room. “The
house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume” (v. 3). The ambiance
shifted as love was poured out. Was the scent of the perfume still with him at
the end of that week? The memory of her act was surely still with him when he
washed the feet of the disciples. Mary understood, she expressed her love and
devotion, and in her actions revealed a glimpse of the extravagant love that
God pours out on us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Then Judas, the
cynic, critiques the wasteful display. The mood shifts again to tension. And in
response Jesus says: “You always have the poor with you, but you do not always
have me” (v. 8). Jesus is not saying that poverty is inevitable, that there
will always be poor people. Rather, Jesus is telling them that you will always
have people in your life who need your love and care. You will always have work
to do to relieve suffering, heal sickness and brokenness, to bring hope and joy
and peace. Even after Jesus is gone, the work of the disciples will go on.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The work will
go on, and sometimes, you will not have Jesus with you. Sometimes you will get
lost on the way, and there won’t be a guide, or a map, or GPS, or starlight,
and you will have to carry on anyway. Sometimes your faith will leave you, even
though your responsibilities don’t. Sometimes you will have a dark night of the
soul, but you will still have to get up in the morning to feed the children.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Sometimes we
lose touch with the meaning in our lives. Sometimes we’re doing good things,
and other people appreciate us for what we are doing, yet we don’t feel it. We
don’t feel inspired, connected, or engaged. Sometimes we just go through the
motions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">There are times
when we will have it all together. We will feel the meaning and importance of
what we’re doing. We’ll know where we’re going, and why, and we’re ready.
Sometimes all of the signs are in sight, we’re on the right track, and things
are going great!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">But then the
wheels come off, and we get derailed. There might be something specific that
throws us off our groove, some great loss or unexpected change, and what was
all good and right yesterday is missing today. The job, or the relationship, or
the class-work is still there, the obligations and tasks are still there, but it
no longer feels the same. I’ve got a lot to do, but why am I doing it?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Jesus tells the
disciples “You will not always have me” (v. 8). You will know darkness and
despair. You will feel alone and unprepared. You will look for me and you will
not find me. On that Saturday, so long ago, the disciples were faced with
unbearable loss, and felt pain as they never had before. And we have, or we
will, feel it too. It is the crashing wave of emptiness that washes over you
when, instead of the beloved soldier, it is the officer, and the chaplain, who
knock at the door. It is the dust falling over the city when you watched the
towers fall, and those who rushed in did not come back out. It is the stabbing
pain that causes you to fall when you arrive at the school only to be carefully
escorted by the police officer toward the counselors. It is the silence of the
watch in the night when the boat does not return to the harbor.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">But take
courage; you can survive this night. If you feel as if you’re lost and the way
is no longer clear; if you feel like the Way, the Truth, and the Life have
blown away on the wind; if you seek for Christ, for a sign that God is there,
for the whisper of the Spirit and you find nothing; do not despair. It doesn’t
mean that there is something wrong with you. It doesn’t mean that you haven’t
been faithful. It means that you are living through a part of the journey of
faith that we all experience. We all get lost on the way. Even Jesus, on the
cross, felt forsaken.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The exile began
in 587 BCE, when, after Jerusalem and its temple were conquered and destroyed
by Babylon, some of the survivors were marched into exile in Babylon some 800
miles away. There they lived as refugees, far from home and oppressed. There
was sadness, loneliness, and grief. The people yearned for home and a place
where they belonged. Many lost their sense of meaning and purpose. Fifty years
later, in 539 BCE, the Babylonian Empire was conquered by the Persians, who
allowed them to return to their homeland.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The life of
faith is about love and joy, hope and peace, and the deep connection with God
that feels as close as Mary wiping the feet of Jesus with her hair. The journey
of faith is also about loss, separation, loneliness, exile, and the vast
distance between us and God. And faith is about the journey home, the renewal,
rekindling, and rebirth of life, and love, and hope. In the depths of your
darkness, take heart my friends. We are survivors, and we can return from
exile. We are a resurrection people, and on Sunday the tomb will be empty.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Elissa Johnk, a
Pastor in Vermont, tells this story:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There once was a man who made beautiful things with
trees. His hands, dirty and calloused, seemed to meld into the rich, rough bark
with which he labored. He chose his materials carefully, looking for things
that others considered flaws: here was the year of heavy rain. There, it had
suffered - the black tattoo of a fire scarring the yearly rings. In his hands,
those disfigurements were beautiful. Indeed, they were the focal points of the
tree’s new creation - signs that it had seen hardship, and survived.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And when he was done transforming trees, he moved on
to people. In the same way, he looked for what others considered flaws - sins
and scars. And, in his hands, people found their wounds became beauty marks -
signs that they had seen hardship, and survived. Many, however, didn’t want
their wounds exposed, and so they sent him back to the trees. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The trees greeted him lovingly, the darkness of his
skin once again melding with the wood. As he had once done for them, they
stretched him into a new form - one where his wounds were the centerpieces of
new life. Our new life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You see, we tell this story not out of guilt, but
hope. Hope that, in its telling, we might feel our wounds exposed. That we might
feel our sins, our scars – our very selves – melded to the cross. That we might
feel ourselves being carved, stretched by the Master Carpenter into a new form
– one that allows us to proclaim not simply “He is risen!” But, “I am risen!”
too.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-06%20Maundy%20Thursday/Lost%20on%20the%20Way.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard Version
Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-68016306491999819492023-04-02T09:30:00.011-05:002023-04-02T09:30:00.156-05:00Rejected Hero<p><span style="color: #403152;">April 2, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=547384577" target="_blank">Isaiah 50:4-9a</a>;
<a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=547384604" target="_blank">Mark 11:1-11</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">There is
knowledge that is based on information, and knowledge that is based on
experience. The “tongue of a teacher”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
is the voice of experience – one who has been there. I have a book on my shelf
that tries to speak about historical events using the voice of experience. It
is called <i>Eyewitness to History</i>. Most history books can tell you the
who, what, where, when, and how; most history books can’t tell you what it felt
like, the power and emotion of the moment, the experience.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The teacher who
can “sustain the weary with a word”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
is the one who has experienced what it is to be worn-out, exhausted,
dead-tired. Isaiah speaks from his experience as a servant of God who counts
that experience, and all the weariness that comes with it, as a gift. It is a
gift that can empower the one who has been there to reach out to those who are living
through it right now. The teacher who has experienced weariness does not turn
away from the weary, but instead offers a word of understanding and
encouragement to the weary soul.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We can all name
someone who used their own experience to help us. Who are the mentors and
teachers who have used their experience of suffering through difficult times to
help you through your own struggles and trials? My high school chemistry
teacher used to tell great stories about chemical reactions gone bad. He would
demonstrate sometimes too, usually behind a thick shield of Plexiglas or under
the hood vent. You knew he’d been there, and he wanted us to be safe, so he
made sure we knew what not to do. It was teachers like Dr. Hendricks that I
really connected with.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">A lot of
therapists have been through depression themselves, and know what it’s like to
be unable to get out from under the clouds. Alcoholics Anonymous is built on
the idea that people who’ve been to the gutter and back can help you get up out
of the gutter. Cancer patients find great comfort in talking with someone who
had what they have and lived to tell the tale.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Maybe that’s
part of who Jesus was. God came to the world to live as a human being, to
experience our joy, to understand our fears, to know what it is to suffer and
even to die. I like to think that in the person of Jesus, God became one of us
so that we could hear the tongue of a teacher, the voice of experience, and
know that God has been there too. For me, God is like those great teachers I
really connected with.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The Gnostics in
the early church denied the humanity of Jesus, believing that Jesus was only
spirit and did not suffer pain. They were called heretics because it is vital
to our understanding of Jesus that he was fully human as well as divine, that
in Jesus Christ, God has “come to us and shared our common lot”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
as written in the UCC Statement of Faith.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Because Jesus
has been there, has experienced pain, suffering, loss, and even betrayal and
death, he can sustain the weary with a word. Those who follow Christ know that
God understands what it is to be human and trust that God will see us through
to the very end, and beyond.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">What Jesus experienced
on that Sunday when the palms waved in the air was the hero’s welcome. The
crowds cheered, not for the Roman governor who would enter the city surrounded
by soldiers marching to the sound of drums and trumpets. No, the crowd cheered
for the Teacher, for the Healer, for the one that might be the Messiah come to
save them. Hosanna! Save us now!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The crowd quotes
Psalm 118, which happens to be the Old Testament chapter most quoted in the New
Testament. It appears here, when the people shout Hosanna! “Blessed is the one
who comes in the name of the Lord!”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
We know this one, right? We hear it all the time in our communion liturgy. It
is the cry of thanksgiving for deliverance from enemies. Yet just four verses
earlier in the Psalm are the words: “The stone that the builders rejected has
become the chief cornerstone.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Even as Jesus entered the city to a hero’s welcome, he knew the impending rejection.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The people who
cheer on Jesus as he enters Jerusalem picture him as the kind of hero they <i>want</i>
him to be. “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The people want a conquering hero. They hope for the restoration of the glory
of ancient Israel, when David was king. At this high point, the crowd is caught
up in the excitement of new possibilities. This could be the moment when things
finally start going their way.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We’re all drawn
to celebrity, and it’s easy to get caught up in the pomp and circumstance of a
parade. <i>Look, there he is! Hey! Did you see that? He saw me. Jesus waved at
ME! </i>It’s a little silly, and I’m sure that the soldiers looking on thought
this little demonstration was foolish. <i>It’s just another prophet riding on a
donkey, after all. He’s no threat to the empire. Only a fool would worry about
this guy.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Things quickly
start to change. On Monday, Jesus will come back to the temple, this time in a
rage as he’ll turn over the tables of the moneychangers. Jesus will spend the
rest of the week stirring up trouble and making the authorities angry, all the
while keeping the crowd “spellbound by his teaching.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
At one point Jesus will poke fun at the scribes as the crowd “listen[s] to him
with delight.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">It is great entertainment
to watch people do dangerous things, and brazenly taunt the powerful. But when
the entertainer crosses the line, and the authorities take measures to remove
him from the stage, we quickly distance ourselves. <i>It’s all fun and games
until someone gets arrested.</i> And, at the end, even those closest to Jesus
fear to be associated with him. In Gethsemane, after the betrayal by Judas,
“All of them deserted him and fled.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Even Peter, bold enough to follow at a distance, will deny him three times
before morning.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">At the
festival, the crowd finally turns on him. Encouraged by the chief priests, they
ask for the release of Barabbas, a rebel who took part in a recent
insurrection. This is the kind of hero they’re looking for – a warrior, one who
is not afraid to take up arms against the Romans. <i>The prophet, yeah, he was
entertaining, but he’ll never change anything. And he was pretty rude over at
the temple. Sure, crucify him!<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">But do you
remember the Psalm? Jesus himself quoted it to them just a couple of days before.
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” It is
in fact the rejection and all that follows, not the “hero’s welcome,” that will
shake the world to its foundations and make Jesus the Cornerstone for a whole
new reality.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">You need a
hero? I’ve got one for you. Here is the Son of God, about to be betrayed,
abandoned, abused, and executed, riding into the city of his doom aware of what
he will face. He knows that this way leads to the cross. In these remaining
days he must give his all, to teach and to heal for the last time, and to show
the disciples the way of the servant of God who does what must be done without
fear of shame or disgrace. The choice has been made to seek the glory of God
and not human glory. In this moment, with his face set like flint, Jesus does
not turn backward. “Who are my adversaries? Let them confront me. It is the
Lord <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span> who helps me.” Ride on,
ride on in majesty. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Isaiah
50:4.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <i>Ibid.</i><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
Statement of Faith of the United Church of Christ, adopted 1959 by the General
Synod of the UCC.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Psalm
118: 26.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Psalm
118:22.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Mark 11:10.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Mark
11:18.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Mark
12:37.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-04-02%20Palm%20Sunday/Rejected%20Hero.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Mark
14:50.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-45324755180179330962023-03-26T09:30:00.007-05:002023-03-26T09:30:00.162-05:00God Holds Hope<p><span style="color: #403152;">March 26, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=546774859" target="_blank">John 11:1-45</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Three years
ago, the pandemic reminded us that we are fragile. We like to think we’re
self-sufficient, until the underlying systems we rarely think about start to
fall apart. With our health and our lives at risk in new ways, we worry more
now, about our own health and about loved ones who may be even more fragile than
us. Even though things have returned to something resembling normal, they are
different. We have experienced loss and change.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Loss and change
are part of the cycle of life. It can be good at times. Losing what has been
hurtful is a positive change. Renewal and new beginnings are positive change.
But loss and change can also be negative; and certainly, the anticipation of
loss and change increases our anxiety. When we are experiencing the negative
aspects of loss and change, it can be helpful to name that experience as grief.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">I have found it
helpful to remember that God is familiar with loss, change, and grief. God has
been with us through the pandemic, is with us in this moment, and will be with
us in the coming months as we say goodbye and begin to plan for what is next.
God knows our sorrow, receives our fears, and soothes our hearts and minds. In
the valley of dry bones, in front of the tomb of Lazarus, God holds hope for us
who struggle to hold on to hope. God gives life, and God renews life even when
death seems to have won.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We made it
through the crisis of COVID, and you will make it through this new season of
change. It will be difficult at times. As I depart and others stand in this
place, as you miss what was, you may feel like your bones are drying up. You
may feel that you are losing hope, that the church can’t go on.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">You will go on,
my friends, as a community of faith. St. John’s is a family of strong,
faithful, generous, and kind people. You have fed the hungry, sheltered the
homeless, and welcomed strangers and friends. There is a warmth here that the
cold winds of winter can’t diminish. Pastors come and go, yet you remain
committed to the Word and will of God, empowered by the grace of the Holy
Spirit.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">God brought
Ezekiel to the valley of dry bones to give him a message of hope. “Thus says
the Lord <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span> to these bones: I
will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
This is not the end, not for Israel, and not for you. Even as you cry out, “Our
bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely,”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
God reassures you that you will rise again, that even death does not have the
last word. “I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will
place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, have spoken and will act, says the
<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">God asks, “Can
these bones live?” Ezekiel answers, “O Lord <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>,
you know.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
God knows because this is the God of Israel, the God who created the world and
all that lives, who gave children to Abraham and Sarah who was thought to be
barren, who set free the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt and made the
covenant to be their God, who called on them through the prophets to seek the
way of life. This is God who gave Ezekiel a vision of dry bones coming to life
in order to give hope to the people in exile, to revive their spirits and
breathe life back into them. This is God who, in the midst of a global pandemic,
breathed life into us, and held on to hope for us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The breath of
God, the Holy Spirit that brought life into the dry bones, is the same breath
that filled the lungs of the crucified Jesus, raising him to life in the
resurrection. That same breath caused Lazarus to come out from his tomb. That
same breath filled our lungs in the moment of our birth and as we rose to
newness of life in our baptism. The breath of God brings life, and new life
even in the midst of loss, change, and grief.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">In the
incarnation, the breath of life in the flesh, we find that God truly enters our
humanity. Jesus was a fragile human like us, who knew joy and pain, friendship
and grief. In this scene from John’s gospel, as Jesus makes a risky trip to
Bethany, we see him in one of his most human moments. “When Jesus saw her
weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed
in spirit and deeply moved.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">“Jesus wept”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
is shortest verse in the King James Version of the Bible, translated slightly
differently here, and one of great significance. As one scholar writes, “This
is an emotionally profound testimony to the truth of the incarnation itself, of
Jesus being truly one of us to the point of sharing our human need for
friendship and our grief at the loss of a friend.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Jesus knows what it is to grieve. Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, and Jesus
weeps for every life that ends. Even knowing that he had the power to reverse
death and bring Lazarus to life, Jesus stops to mourn.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">You are faced
with a change, but not the end. You are faced with loss, but not death. You will
make it through this transition to a new day. It will be difficult, but trust
that God will see you through. “I will put my spirit within you, and you shall
live”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
says the Lord. “Jesus said to [Martha], ‘I am the resurrection and the life.
Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who
lives and believes in me will never die.’”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
May the hope that God holds sustain you through this change and all the changes
to come. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Ezekiel 37:5.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Ezekiel 37:11.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Ezekiel 37:14.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Ezekiel 37:3.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 11:33.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 11:35, <i>The Holy Bible, Authorized Version</i> (King James Version).<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> John
Rollefson, Homiletical Perspective on John 11:1-45 in <i>Feasting on the Word:
Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary</i>, Year A, Vol. 2, David L. Bartlett
and Barbara Brown Taylor, General Editors (Louisville: Westminster John Knox
Press, 2010), p. 141.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Ezekiel 37:14.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-26%20Lent%205/God%20Holds%20Hope.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 11:26.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-53455432764656079552023-03-19T09:30:00.004-05:002023-03-19T09:30:00.165-05:00Seeing Things<p><span style="color: #403152;">March 19, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=546152458" target="_blank">John 9:1-41</a>, selected<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-19%20Lent%204/Seeing%20Things.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><a name="_Hlk35688711">My friends,
we have seen strange and difficult times in the past few years. The effects of
the pandemic and political turmoil have caused many things to break down.
Friendships and family relationships have been strained or broken over
disagreements. Our understanding of gender and sexuality are different now than
years ago. Institutions and government structures meant to support us have
sometimes failed us. Leaders elected to serve us have instead served their own
interests. Too many people have lost jobs, homes, and loved ones.<o:p></o:p></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">We
remain isolated from one another. Even though we gather again with less fear of
spreading disease, we share fewer common experiences. While we may be watching our
friends and family through social media, we really only see what they choose to
share. With more options for news and entertainment, we share fewer common stories.
I’m watching <i>The Mandalorian</i> while my friends are watching <i>Outlander</i>,
and I never did watch or read <i>Game of Thrones</i>. I mostly read online newspapers
on my phone or computer, and short snippets from a variety of sources, while
others may only watch one network on TV.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">It
can be tempting to look to the past, to feel nostalgia for what was. People
were friendlier, more supportive, happier. At least that’s what I remember. Am
I selectively remembering, leaving out the times when I was lonely, angry,
mistreated? Do I forget when I left someone else behind, when I shouted at
someone who didn’t deserve it, when I blamed someone else for my problems?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">We
forget, in our nostalgia, that even if things were great for us back then, they
weren’t great for everyone. We can look through our history, if we dare, for
how our society and others have brought great suffering and hardship to others,
and even our own ancestors. And we can look to our scriptures, too, seeing that
the distant past was also full of turmoil, cruelty, fear, and loss.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">In
our story from John today we see the man born blind who has been failed by his
community, his family, and his religious leaders. The first thing the disciples
ask when they see him is “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he
was born blind?”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-19%20Lent%204/Seeing%20Things.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;"> Modern folk might think we’ve evolved past
thinking that blindness is a result of someone’s sin, but have we really? I’ve
heard religious leaders in our own time blame disease, natural disasters, and
even poverty on what they perceive to be the sins of others. The Pharisees,
jealous of their religious power, argue that Jesus can’t have healed him. He
must be lying, or Jesus must be using some evil power.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">The
blind man’s family distances themselves from him after his healing, fearing
that they will be shunned by the community. When they are asked about him, they
say they don’t know how it is that he can see. “He is of age, ask him.”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-19%20Lent%204/Seeing%20Things.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;"> The community fails to accept what has
happened; they don’t recognize this man who used to sit and beg. It can’t be
the same person, the blind beggar. We must be seeing things.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">Long
ago, and right now, we struggle to see beyond our preconceptions, our own view
of the world. When faced with someone else’s experience of life that is
different from our own, we get stuck. We stop listening. It is uncomfortable to
think about the difficulties of another, and we start thinking “Well, if it was
me, I would…” We choose to be blind to the experiences of others. We choose to
be isolated, holding on to a worldview that makes us comfortable, even if it no
longer matches with the reality we experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">What
is it like to be the man born blind? Can we really imagine what it would be
like to live in a different reality? In a world structured around sighted
people, to be blind means adapting and coping with a world filled with
obstacles. It means constantly teaching others how to interact with us, how to relate
to a world they don’t understand. And unless Jesus happens to be walking by, it
means living in a world that cannot be changed, a world that is radically
different from most others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">The
experience of living in a different world is not limited to blindness. A black person
in America lives in a different reality than a white person. Neither reality is
right or wrong, good or bad, but they are different. As a white person, I can
be blind to the many obstacles that others face, because they don’t appear in
my world. It takes effort, listening and learning and looking for the things I
don’t see because I don’t live in the same reality as a black person.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">As
a man, I don’t live in the same world, and face the same obstacles, as a woman.
As a straight, cis-gender person, I perceive love and relationships differently
that a person who is LGBTQ. As a person who is making enough money to get by,
but struggling to pay down my debts, I live in a different world than people
who buy and sell businesses, or those who face eviction because the paychecks
stopped coming. I climbed the stairs to stand at this lectern, but there are
others I know who will never see this view.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">The
man born blind was transformed. He was healed, and his world changed. And we
can celebrate that and be grateful for God’s healing power. But transformation
happened in that community also. As the man began to tell the truth of his
experience, over and over to the crowds, the Pharisees, and even his own
family, slowly they began to understand.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">They
resisted, of course, because it is difficult and uncomfortable to understand a
different world. It takes real effort to listen to the different experience of
another and not overlay our own experience. To imagine what life is like for a
blind man, a black person, a woman, a gay or transgender person, a
differently-abled person, a different person, is hard. But it is possible.
Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see
may see, and those who do see may become blind.”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-19%20Lent%204/Seeing%20Things.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;"> Becoming blind, to not see for the first
time, opens up a world that we never knew before. To enter the different world,
the life experience of another, and seek to truly understand, is part of the
gift of grace and healing that Jesus offered to that community, and that Jesus
offers to us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">I
have always had friends who were different. The longer I live the more
different worlds I encounter. I have not always chosen to understand their
worlds, to accept that their world is not bad or wrong. But I have been
transformed. I have come to understand my own blindness, and, even when it is
painful, to see things in the different worlds of others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk35688711;">I
can’t tell you how or why it happened. All I can tell you is that I was blind
and now I see. Before, I saw things one way, now I see differently. I am seeing
things in a new way. Before, I believed the world worked in a specific way, that
my world was the only one. Now I understand things differently. Now I am seeing
things I didn’t see before. And I believe it was Jesus who put mud on my eyes
so that I might see. I believe that Jesus is the light of the world, and with
that light I have received my sight.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-19%20Lent%204/Seeing%20Things.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version
Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.A.</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-19%20Lent%204/Seeing%20Things.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 9:2.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-19%20Lent%204/Seeing%20Things.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> John
9:23.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-19%20Lent%204/Seeing%20Things.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 9:39.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-90519096399152845802023-03-12T09:30:00.005-05:002023-03-12T09:30:00.167-05:00The Well and the Water<p><span style="color: #403152;">March 12, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=545557758" target="_blank">John 4:5-30, 40-41</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-12%20Lent%203/The%20Well%20and%20the%20Water.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We are thirsty creatures. At first our thirst
is for milk and water. As we develop, and that thirst is quenched, we begin to
sense a deeper thirst, a longing within us that aches to be filled. Often, we
don’t understand what it is that we are really thirsty for. And so, we try to
quench that thirst with things that may work for a time, but which generally
increase our thirst in the long run.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In our society we offer an amazing array of
drinks loaded with caffeine, alcohol, carbonation, and sugar. Yet these drinks
actually reduce the net fluids in our bodies. Bottled water sells amazingly
well, especially considering most of it is filtered tap water; but all the
plastic bottles take energy to make, and energy to dispose of or recycle, and
they pollute and add to our carbon footprint. And none of it has any lasting
power to satisfy us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There are so many other ways in which we try to
fill the void, or to distract ourselves from the thirst we feel. Whether we
look to books, film, television, or video games; sporting events, concerts, or
Disney vacations; we may feel good for a time, but the thirst returns.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our parents and grandparents were thirsty too.
And they sought out ways to quench that thirst. They ventured into buildings
with crosses on the roof, stars or crescents on the walls, and incense,
candles, and Hebrew, Arabic, German, or Latin inside. They tried to drink from
the deep waters of tradition, to sit by the well and hear the stories and sing
the songs. And they made offerings and said prayers in order to bless the wells
and make the waters sweet and healing and powerful. And for a time their thirst
was satisfied.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We too have sought out the wells that will
quench our thirst. We have gathered by candlelight on Christmas Eve, marked our
foreheads with ashes, and listened as the choir sang of hope and joy. We have shared
tacos and bunches of lunches, and talked over meals in Fellowship Hall. We have
celebrated lives that have ended and lives just beginning. We sometimes get a
taste of that living water. And it is refreshing beyond our imagining. Like a
drink from Jacob’s well in the desert of Samaria, it cools us. Like an
overflowing table, it nourishes us. We have tasted that living water, yet we
still thirst. I know I don’t drink from the holy source every day, no matter
how hard I try, and the water flows away.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One of my favorite musicians, David Wilcox,
wrote a song that talks about the cup inside us that holds love. “There’s a
break in the cup,”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-12%20Lent%203/The%20Well%20and%20the%20Water.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> he
writes. No matter how much we try to fill our cups, or to fill the cups of
others, “that little break’ll let it run right out.” And so “we must go to the
waterfall.” We must continually seek out the source that never runs dry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One of the most amazing things about the living
water is that there are many ways to find it. You may find one source and I may
find another. There are many wells, many sources for that which will sustain
and nourish us at the deepest level. However, one thing I have observed is that
we, as a culture, have a short attention span when it comes to our faith.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We spend a lot of time and energy moving from
well to well because we feel the waters are too stale to satisfy our thirst. We
dig new wells, or seek out the latest fashion, or travel to distant lands which
feel exotic and exciting, but rarely do we remain long enough to drink deeply
from any well. A wise person once said, “If the water is sixty feet
underground, you won’t reach it by digging six ten-foot wells.” There are some
of us who doubt that there is water in the depths at all. Some dig into the
earth until they are sore and discouraged, sipping frantically at any bit of
moisture they find, then assume that there is no more water to be found at that
well and run off to dig somewhere else. The water is often deep underground, my
friends, and it takes perseverance to find it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We may also make things more difficult for
ourselves if we spend a lot of time digging alone. The well must often be deep,
and if we have others with whom to share the labor, our burden is lighter. When
we are drawn to the well, we find that there are others there who are also
thirsty. The living waters of spirit, hope, and meaning not only sustain us as
individuals; coming to the well is a communal experience. The church is our
“village well.” We come not only for the water but for the company. My wife has
a wall-hanging called “Women at the Well.” On it is written this story:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Told that most North American women pipe water
into their homes, a Nigerian woman grew somber. “How do the women speak to one
another? If I didn’t talk with the women at the village well, I wouldn’t know
about their lives.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It helps to meet with others who share our
journey, who thirst for the same water that we seek. Together we may find what
none of us could find alone. We can be a check on one another, steering each
other away from drinks that fill us up but don’t quench our thirst. We can
celebrate alone when we find the water, and we can even splash and dance
around. But my children will tell you, it is much more fun to splash others
with the water, I mean to have others to splash with!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">And so, this woman found Jesus at the well.
Jesus shows up in a lot of unexpected places, and there he was clearly in a
place where one would not expect to find a Jew. “Jews do not share things in
common with Samaritans.” The Jews and the Samaritans have shared ancestors,
like Jacob, but they are estranged. There are many different, complicated
reasons for it, but suffice it to say, there were long-standing hostilities
between them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The woman is also unexpectedly there. She
picked an unusual time of day to visit – at noon when no one else is around.
The other women would have visited during the cooler hours of the morning or
evening. Perhaps she has reason to want to be alone, as we discern from the
discussion about her husbands. She has a questionable past, and the other women
may have been cruel toward her. Additionally, there were rules about how men
and women should interact. The two strangers should not have been alone, and
certainly they should not be talking with one another. And yet, this
conversation is the longest one-on-one Jesus has with anyone.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What do they talk about? Jesus talks about the
basic things of life: water and bread, salt and light. He has wandered in the
desert, and he knows what it feels like to hunger and thirst, and what it means
to resist temptation. He has felt pain, and he knows what it is like to be
betrayed. Now, tired and thirsty, Jesus talks about water. But Jesus takes this
simple, every-day, ordinary element and uses it to reach into that longing
within her. He teaches her about “living water.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At first, she thinks in concrete terms: how
heavy that clay jar is each day on her way home. But she quickly grasps that
he’s talking about something even more central to her well-being and more
necessary for her life than water itself. The living water of which Jesus
speaks will satisfy the deepest longings of her soul. She has a thirst that she
had not understood before, a thirst for love and grace and acceptance. Jesus
knows about her past, yet he does not scorn her or turn away. He accepts her,
just as she is, and offers her “a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now, in this moment, when the water floods
through her, she begins to recognize who he is. And then he invites her to go
deeper. Jesus, the Jewish man, and the Samaritan woman talk theology. She asks
him about a question that divides the Jews and Samaritans: where is the proper
place to worship God? And Jesus gives her much more than the answer she’s
looking for. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“The hour is coming,” Jesus says, “and is now
here – when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will
not matter.” What matters is who you are and the way you live. You must engage
your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people God is looking
for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before God in their worship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Most of us already know that God accepts us and
loves us and showers us with grace, no matter who we are or where we are on
life’s journey. We have been blessed by our encounter with God through this
congregation. Worshiping God together, simply and honestly, as our true selves,
can transform our lives just as surely as meeting Jesus transformed the life of
that solitary woman by the well. But we must be willing to drink the water from
the well.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When a person is not ready to take a close look
at themselves, they will avoid the well at all costs. We all know people who do
this. Jesus knows the woman at the well in all her human frailty. Somehow she
is able to put aside her shame and allow him to love her just as she is. Many
of us are not ready, not yet. We dabble in the shallows of spiritual life,
sometimes for our entire lives. Perhaps we know that venturing into the deep
waters will expose our own shame, our fears, mistakes, weaknesses, and
insecurities. Deep water can be dangerous.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But there he sits. Jesus says to us “Give me a
drink.” Will you come to the well with me? Will you dare to ask for living
water? This water that Jesus offers will spring up into eternal life for all
who drink, and share. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-12%20Lent%203/The%20Well%20and%20the%20Water.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version
Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.A.</st1:country-region></st1:place><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-12%20Lent%203/The%20Well%20and%20the%20Water.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> David
Wilcox, “Break in the Cup” on <i>Big Horizon</i>, 1994.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-4087010188399453342023-03-05T09:30:00.007-06:002023-03-05T09:30:00.151-06:00A Spirit of Adoption<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #403152;">March 5, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=544952176" target="_blank">Romans 8:1-17</a>; <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=544952197" target="_blank">John 3:1-17</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night. He is perhaps afraid or
embarrassed to be seen with Jesus. He is, after all, a Pharisee, a teacher of
Israel, and as we learn later in John’s Gospel, a member of the Sanhedrin.
These are the people most threatened by Jesus, and who will eventually put him
on trial. So, Nicodemus doesn’t want to be seen with this rabble-rouser. But he
is troubled, confused. He has questions for which he cannot find answers. He is
no longer sure where he belongs. He comes by night to speak with Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Jesus seems to leave Nicodemus more confused than when he
arrived. He talks about being born from above, born of the Spirit. “How can
these things be?”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
asks Nicodemus. A careful reading of the law and the prophets has not revealed
to him what Jesus is trying to communicate. That’s because Jesus is speaking a
different language – the language of the spiritual, the heavenly. Jesus isn’t
speaking the language of rules, of procedures and “how to get into heaven.” He
is, rather, speaking the language of relationship, of belonging, and of love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We, too, come with our questions, out of the night of fear
and confusion, seeking the fresh perspective, the new life offered by Christ.
We are pulled in a thousand directions, dragged down by the weight of
temptation at every turn, trapped in living, as Paul puts it, “according to the
flesh.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
We know that the way of the flesh is the way of death, and we are trying to
live according to the Spirit, to seek the way of life, but we are stuck
somewhere in between. We’re not sure who we are, and who we are supposed to be.
Like Nicodemus, we are drawn toward something that we don’t understand, the
mystery that is God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Jesus speaks of God in the language of relationship. To
Jesus, God is “<i>Abba</i>”, literally “Daddy.” God is a <u>parent</u> who
loves us as children, who seeks to save us from our self-absorbed lives. God is
a <u>sibling</u>, one of us, who seeks to show us the way of eternal life. God
is a <u>Spirit</u> moving through us, empowering us, shaping us. It is the
nature of God to be in relationship, and this is what we celebrate on Trinity
Sunday, the one God with three identities in relationship with one another. And
it is God who seeks us out to love us, to teach us that we belong to the family
of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Belonging is a basic human need. As children we need to know
who mommy and daddy are, and where our home is where we can feel safe. We need
to belong to a community, a country, a school, a team, a club, a church. We
need people to call family, friends, we, us. And we seek out ways to identify
ourselves with where we belong. Where we feel belonging changes over time as
well. Right now, right here, in St. John’s UCC in Union, in Lent, in the month
of March, as members and friends of this community is where we belong in this
moment. Five years ago, five years from now, things might be different.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Young people attempt to find their place, their identity, in
many ways. Some dress in the latest fashions, join teams and don the colors of
a school; others dye their hair, shave their heads, or get tattoos and
piercings. Most will try out a sport, an instrument, a school club, the
musical, or talk about favorite books, movies, and music in search of
commonality with others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Adults try to find their way as well. “What do you do?” is a
question that usually puts a vocational identity on a person. Where you live
and what car you drive sends a message of your “place” in the world. Whether we
belong to the Harley club, the Lions, or the church softball team, we surround
ourselves with the symbols of where we belong. I have a certificate from my
college fraternity on my wall at home, I wear a UCC lapel pin on my suit
jacket, and I fly the flag from the front of my house. In high school I wore a
letter jacket, or a camp sweatshirt, and (briefly) a calculator watch. And who
I am has a lot to do with the other people around me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">One of the ways that Christians often identify where others
fit in is to ask something like “Are you saved?” or “Are you born again?” From
an insider perspective, it can function as a way to determine if a person is a
believer, an insider, or an outsider in need of evangelization. From the
perspective of an outsider, it can serve as a convenient way to label a
religious fanatic. Neither of these perspectives is especially accurate or
helpful, since they rely on stereotypes of what it means to be a Christian. Not
all Christians identify as “born again” or understand salvation in the same
way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Jesus was a traveler, and did not have a permanent home. One
of the first things he did was gather a group of people around him. The
disciples derived identity as followers of Jesus, and some of them even had
nicknames – James and John were the “Sons of Thunder,” Simon was called Peter,
“the Rock.” This group became Jesus’ friends, his family even. We read in Mark
that “A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, ‘Your mother and
your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.’ And he replied, ‘Who
are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking at those who sat around him, he
said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers!’”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Jesus invited the disciples into that intimate familial relationship he had
with his brothers and sisters, his mother, and with <i>Abba</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Jesus offers an identity that goes beyond what the world
offers. Clothing and cars, haircuts, sports teams, friends, and even churches
change, but the identity that Christ offers is based on a relationship with God
that does not end. Clayton Schmit, a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary
explains it this way: “The intimate relationship of faith is richer than others
because it is established by the Spirit of God and will not fail. And even if
it leads us into threatening or challenging circumstances as we share in
Christ’s suffering, we have the assurance of God’s parental love, the Spirit’s
power, and presence of our brother Christ.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
No matter what happens, no matter where you go, God goes with you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">There is a touching scene in John’s Gospel at the foot of
the cross. “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing
beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to
the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her
into his own home.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The disciple is adopted, literally, into the family of Jesus, just as we have
become, through Christ, adopted members of the family of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Paul says that we have been adopted as God’s children.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
I heard a story once that grasps the feeling of what Paul is talking about. In
Native American culture the blanket makes a statement of belonging in the
community. Blankets were woven with patterns unique to a particular community
and family. A Pueblo woman might wear a simple dress at home. “But before she
goes out to join the group dancing in the plaza of the pueblo, she wraps
herself in a fringed shawl – a symbol of her belonging to the community. At the
moment she wraps herself in the shawl, she is transformed. She’s wrapped in a
different identity.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">A similar thing happens when orphaned children are adopted
by another Native American family. They are wrapped in the family blanket and
walked through the village. This is a statement that these children now belong
to my community; they are adopted children of my family. When Paul talks about
our relationship with God he says: “you have received a spirit of adoption.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
We are wrapped in the blanket of Christ’s love and walked through the village
of humanity. God says these are my children, the adopted ones, “heirs of God
and joint heirs with Christ.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Those who are led by the Spirit of God belong to the family of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Belonging to the family of God gives us an identity, but it
also challenges us. God has adopted the people around us as well. We are in
this together. We are joining a large family, and we must learn how to love all
of our sisters and brothers. One of the mottoes of the United Church of Christ
is “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome
here.” The relationship with God is a gift of the Spirit, open to all, for the
blanket of God is big enough for every one of us. The people with whom we share
this community, this country, and this world are our family. Our brothers and
sisters in Christ are our partners in this community; they seek with us the
realm of God. The challenge for us is to open our blanket, to wrap it around
the shoulders of those around us, and to walk together to the dancing in the
plaza of the pueblo. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br clear="all" />
</span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
Scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, Copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by
permission. All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 3:9.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Romans 8:5.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Mark
3:32-34.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Clayton
J. Schmit, “Homiletical Perspective on Romans 8:12-17” in <i>Feasting on the
Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary</i>, Year B, Vol. 3, David L.
Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, General Editors (Louisville: Westminster
John Knox Press, 2009), p. 43.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 19:26-27.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
See Romans 8:14-15.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Robert
W. Kapoun and Charles J. Lohrmann, <i>Language of the Robe: American Indian
Trade Blankets</i> (Gibbs Smith, 2006), p. 17.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Romans 8:15.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-03-05%20Lent%202/Spirit%20of%20Adoption.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Romans 8:17.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-28759239241174400912023-02-26T09:30:00.001-06:002023-02-26T09:30:00.167-06:00The New Covenant: God’s Radical Grace<p><span style="color: #403152;">February 26, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=544258539" target="_blank">Jeremiah 31:31-34</a>; <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=544258561" target="_blank">Luke 22:14-20</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-26%20Lent%201/The%20New%20Covenant_%20Gods%20Radical%20Grace.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Today I want to
talk about “Covenant.” A covenant is an agreement between two parties,
generally between people and God, stating their relationship and stipulating
their future rights and responsibilities. It provides the arrangements within
which ordinary life can flourish. It defines the common center of value that
holds the community together and creates the conditions for free and
responsible interactions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Remember Noah
and the Rainbow Covenant, where God promises to never again destroy the earth
with a flood. Remember God’s covenant with Abraham, to make him the father of
many nations, the ancestor of the “people of the book” as Jews, Christians, and
Muslims are known.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Covenant is a
powerful idea. As an arrangement created by God who makes the covenant, it is a
gracious gift. God gives us the covenant as a means of providing us with peace,
justice, happiness, freedom, and all of the good things in life that are priceless.
The covenant stipulates a way of life based on the gift. In order to make the
promises of the covenant a reality, we must respond with faith and obedience.
We must live up to our obligations, take care of our responsibilities.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The covenant is
a gift in the sense that it can be refused. We have to agree to the covenant.
We have to choose to let God be our God. But, because it is based on our
agreement, on consent rather than coercion or force, it creates a relationship
between people and God where we are accountable to one another. We are in this
together. For the promises of the covenant to be fulfilled, both God and people
have to do their part.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">God makes a
covenant with us, and we receive the benefits of belonging to the people of
God. God is especially concerned with justice and peace as the basis for human
flourishing, and God’s promises make peace and justice a reality. We also take
on some responsibilities as part of that covenant. God’s covenant with Moses
and the Israelites involved a lengthy list of laws and rules about proper
behavior. And that seemed to work… for a while.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">But promises
get broken, agreements are forgotten, and temptation draws us away from the
commitments we’ve made. We all know what it is like to break a promise, or to
have a promise that was made to us broken. I don’t think any of us is a
stranger to that feeling of hurt, disappointment, betrayal. It breaks down our
relationships. It ends friendships. It divides families. And it is so hard to
build up a trust which has been lost.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">All of the
historical covenants appear to have been broken. It’s part of human nature, it
seems. If we follow the story through the historical books of the Bible – Joshua,
Judges, 1st and 2nd Kings, 1st and 2nd Samuel, etc. – we see God’s people
repeatedly breaking the covenant. God, of course, gets angry with the people
and so allows them to be conquered by different nations and even exiled from
the “Promised Land.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">And yet… God
never gives up. The prophets record the words that God speaks over and over
again: “I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-26%20Lent%201/The%20New%20Covenant_%20Gods%20Radical%20Grace.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
And the fact that after all we human beings have done to one another and to the
world, God still has hope for us, is truly amazing. We hear that hope in the
words of Jeremiah: “they shall all know me, from the least of them to the
greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their
sin no more.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-26%20Lent%201/The%20New%20Covenant_%20Gods%20Radical%20Grace.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The promise, I
will be your God and you shall be my people, is fulfilled in the life and
destiny of Jesus Christ. The new covenant that Jesus speaks of during the Last
Supper is the covenant that God writes on our hearts. It is the covenant of
love that goes with us all the way to the grave and beyond. It is the promise
of forgiveness, the gift of God’s grace. It is the way of the servant, giving
ourselves to others in the name of the one who gave himself for all of us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Radical grace is
a term coined by the 20<sup>th</sup> century theologian, Karl Barth. He was
trying to respond to the Reformation idea of grace, proposed by John Calvin and
others, that there is election or predestination. The Calvinist view of
election teaches that in eternity God chose some individuals from the mass of
fallen humanity to be saved without regard to any merit or foreseen faith in
them, but solely based on God’s choice. Those elected are predestined to go to
heaven.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Barth recognized
in the church’s language of predestination an attempt to express the sovereignty
of God. For him, this is the sum of the gospel—that God elects humanity and
that this election is utterly unconditioned by any human merit, preparation, or
disposition. But Barth’s reinterpretation of the doctrine of election rejects
any form of double-predestination whereby some are elected to salvation and
others to damnation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Christ, has
elected humanity for salvation. But Christ is also the one chosen before time
to restore the broken covenant between God and humanity. The election of any
particular person is always an election “in Christ,” and the election “in
Christ” is an election of all persons for salvation and eternity. In this way,
Barth removes speculation regarding the eternal destiny of any particular
person and transforms it into an affirmation of radical grace. Radical grace
means everyone is saved. The covenant is no longer dependent on our choice, but
given no matter what.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The reality of salvation
can only be fully affirmed if the event is seen to come to humankind as a gift
that is already actual and complete. The gift is effective whether or not it is
acknowledged by the recipient. The alternative, describing salvation as in some
sense dependent on a human response, would imply that salvation is a mere
possibility not yet realized in human existence. The gospel would become yet
another law by which humanity was condemned.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Jesus didn’t
come to condemn people to eternal damnation. In John’s Gospel, we read: “Indeed,
God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that
the world might be saved through him.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-26%20Lent%201/The%20New%20Covenant_%20Gods%20Radical%20Grace.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Who did Jesus condemn? No one. Who did Jesus forgive? The disciples who
deserted him, the Roman soldiers who killed him, the Roman and Jewish ruling
elite who condemned him to death, yes. Was he forgiving us all forever, for all
our sins? This is the gospel.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Don’t give up
on each other. Keep forgiving one another. Keep on loving one another, even
when it is hard. Keep on serving others, even if they don’t recognize or
appreciate what you are doing. Keep building the kingdom, the reality of God’s
peace and justice and love that has been promised in the new covenant of Jesus
Christ. Let God’s radical grace rain down upon us all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-26%20Lent%201/The%20New%20Covenant_%20Gods%20Radical%20Grace.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-26%20Lent%201/The%20New%20Covenant_%20Gods%20Radical%20Grace.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Jeremiah
31:33.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-26%20Lent%201/The%20New%20Covenant_%20Gods%20Radical%20Grace.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Jeremiah 31:34.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-26%20Lent%201/The%20New%20Covenant_%20Gods%20Radical%20Grace.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 3:17.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-66958685391034510872023-02-19T09:30:00.011-06:002023-02-19T09:30:00.153-06:00A Light That Remains<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #403152; mso-themecolor: accent4; mso-themeshade: 128;">February 19, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=543744410" target="_blank">Exodus 24:12-18</a>; <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=543744427" target="_blank">Matthew 17:1-9</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2020/2020-02-23/A%20Light%20That%20Remains.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Moses had a lot on his plate. A
host of people had followed him out of Egypt, away from slavery, and toward the
Promised Land. Yet here, in the desert, they suffered. They needed guidance,
instruction, they needed the laws and commandments of God. Moses went up on the
mountain to receive the tablets of stone, and he received something more, as
well. “As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant
in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had
been talking with God.” (E 34:29) The light of God remained with him as he led
the people of Israel to their new home.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The disciples had a lot to worry
about. Just a few days before, they had been told by Jesus of the coming
journey to Jerusalem, the suffering he would undergo at the hands of the elders
and chief priests and scribes, the imminence of his death, and they naturally
were deeply troubled. Peter had even tried to convince Jesus to take some other
path, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” (M 16:22) <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">We, too, try to avoid pain and
suffering, even if we know it is for the best. I don’t think anyone really
enjoys going to the dentist, or getting their blood drawn. We avoid emotional
pain, too, putting off hard conversations, avoiding certain topics at the
family gathering.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">It may seem that, in a turbulent
and troubling world, the best way to keep from being hurt is stoicism, to shut
away emotion, to be indifferent to pain and pleasure. If you keep everyone at a
distance, don’t get involved, and build walls around your heart, you won’t have
to suffer. Don’t risk feeling wonder and you won’t risk feeling heartache. You
may not experience any pain or anger, but you won’t know joy and happiness
either. Your ability to feel emotions, like the use of muscles, will atrophy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">We each know the pain of loss, the
suffering of friends, the illness of a child, the career that has fallen apart,
the relationship that has soured. We can choose to smother the pain, to elude the
suffering. But what will we lose? Do we dare risk the pain of weeping in sorrow
if it means we will be able to cry out in joy when we celebrate?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Jesus isn’t a safe person to be
around, if you want to be a stoic. How many people were overwhelmed with joy at
the healing touch, cried out praise for being set free from evil spirits, and
reached out with trembling hands to touch his? How many times were the crowds
filled with awe? When he chastised the authorities, did it stir up their anger?
Jesus brings out our emotions, fills our hearts to overflowing, and makes us
hunger for justice, mercy, and peace.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">If we walk the road with Jesus, if
we look with his eyes and hear with his ears, we can’t remain stoic. If we
follow the story of the first disciples, we can’t help but be moved by their
experience. The amazing joy and grace and kindness that caused them to follow
him on the dusty roads of Galilee. The crushing pain of the capture, trial, and
crucifixion. The overwhelming joy at the resurrection. If we push down our
feelings, we might not cry on Calvary, but we certainly won’t be struck with
awe on the mountaintop. If we don’t open our eyes when it is dark, we will
never know that light that shines in the darkness.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">When J.R.R. Tolkien wrote his
masterpiece, <i>The Lord of the Rings</i>, he had known darkness and terror. He
had served in the trenches of the First World War, and he understood the power
of evil. Yet, he also knew the power of goodness, of hope, and of light. In the
story he wrote, Frodo and his companions are charged with destroying the One
Ring of power by taking it into the land of the evil Sauron. They know some of
the suffering and fear that they will face. The journey will become very dark
for Frodo.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">The Fellowship has lost their
leader, Gandalf, and they recuperate in the land of the elven queen Galadriel.
She knows the darkness they face, perhaps better than any other. She offers the
companions gifts to help them on their quest. Galadriel’s gift to Frodo was
light. “She held up a small crystal phial: it glittered as she moved it, and
rays of white light sprang from her hand. ‘In this phial,’ she said, ‘is caught
the light of Eärendil’s star, set amid the waters of my fountain. It will shine
still brighter when night is about you. May it be a light to you in dark
places, when all other lights go out.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2020/2020-02-23/A%20Light%20That%20Remains.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Frodo would face many terrors on
the journey to Mordor, and in one terrible moment he and his friend are trapped
by the giant spider, Shelob. In their darkest moment, the gift of light would
embolden them, give them courage to face the monster, and guide them to their
journey’s end.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Peter, James, and John were not stoics,
but they weren’t masochists either. Faced with terrors ahead, they sought a way
out, to avoid the suffering to come, not understanding that what was to come
must be. As Jesus was transfigured before them on the mountain, they tried to
hold on to this one amazing moment, to remain in the light of God’s power. Peter
said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make
three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (M 17:4)
Do we really have to face the future, the suffering we know is coming?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">It was in that moment that God was
fully present. In the voice from the cloud, they heard the reassurance of God: “This
is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” (M 17:5)
Yes, you must face what is coming. You must go back down the mountain and face
the trial, the suffering, and the crucifixion. But this moment is the gift that
I give to you, my presence, my light, shining through Moses, Elijah, and Jesus.
My light shining in you. In all the chaos to come, the death, the loss, the
fear, the confusion, I will be with you. In the bewilderment, the amazement,
the hope, and the challenges to come, I will be with you. My light shines with
you, and my light does not go out. I care, and I love you, and I won’t ever let
you go.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">We don’t get to meet Moses,
Elijah, and Jesus on the mountain top. We don’t get to see, as Moses did, the
appearance of the glory of the <span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span>,
like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain. The dazzling light of
Galadriel’s gift doesn’t shine for us. But when we face the world that is below
the mountain, when we face the world with the suffering and fear of the cross,
the world that may break us, we are not without the light of hope. The light
that shone from that mountaintop can shine in our own experiences of
transformation, hope, and grace. We may find the light in a sanctuary or a
hospital room, on a mountain trail or the sidewalk, in a moment where when the
sacred and the holy overcome our fears and give us hope.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">We can choose to shut out the
light, to ignore the emotions, to carry on with stoic resolve. Or we can
remember that the light shines even in the dark places, that love and hope can
lift us up, and we are not alone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">What happened on the mountain was
God’s way of preparing the disciples for the journey they faced. They would go
together, companions, a fellowship encouraging one another with memories of the
light as they travelled the dark paths. The experience of knowing the true
nature of Jesus, the divine light that shone from him through them, would be
enough to sustain them through the crucifixion to the resurrection, and beyond.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">As we enter the season of Lent,
whether you take more time for reflection, sacrifice luxuries, or take on a
spiritual discipline, I encourage you to experience your emotions more deeply.
I entreat you to look for the light of holiness that shines even in the
shadows. Remembering the transfiguration can sustain us as it did the disciples,
knowing that Jesus shines a light for us when all other lights go out. We can’t
avoid the sorrow and the struggle, but we can endure more than we know with the
assurance that God cares, God loves us, and God has given us a light that
remains.<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2020/2020-02-23/A%20Light%20That%20Remains.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version
Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the <st1:place w:st="on">U.S.A.</st1:place> Used by permission. All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2020/2020-02-23/A%20Light%20That%20Remains.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
J.R.R. Tolkien, <i>The Fellowship of the Ring</i> (London: HarperCollins<i> </i>Publishers,
1954).<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-83171374751836707022023-02-12T09:30:00.010-06:002023-02-12T09:30:00.164-06:00The Spiritual Gift of Integrity<p><span style="color: #403152;">February 12, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=543151213" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 30:15-20</a>; <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=543151231" target="_blank">Matthew 5:33-37</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">In our world
today, integrity seems hard to find. Saying what you mean, letting your yes mean
yes and your no mean no, is a virtue that is becoming more rare. The idea that “the
end justifies the means” is an acceptable school of thought for many. We see it
when sales people over-promise and under-deliver. We see it when business
executives hide reports of pollution or toxic spills in order to keep their
profits from being used to fund clean-up. We even see it in churches who post
signs saying “All are welcome” yet make it clear - through side glances and
shunning - that some people really are not welcome.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">This is not a new problem. All the
way back in the time of Moses we can read the call to live according to the values
claimed by a people. “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity,
death and adversity.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Live according to the commandments, decrees, and ordinances, and your virtuous
life will be rewarded. God will bless you and your descendants if you observe
the law. But turn away, follow other gods and serve your own interests, and you
shall not live long. Even so long ago we hear the prayer in Psalm 7, “Judge me,
O <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, according to my
righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Integrity means “firm adherence to
a code of especially moral or artistic values.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
A contributor to <i>Forbes</i> magazine once wrote, “Integrity means doing the right
thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone is watching.
It takes having the courage to do the right thing, no matter what the
consequences will be. Building a reputation of integrity takes years, but it
takes only a second to lose, so never allow yourself to ever do anything that
would damage your integrity.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Another definition is offered by
Barbara Killinger, an author and clinical psychologist in Toronto who
specialized in workaholism. In a book she wrote on integrity, she said,
“Integrity is a personal choice, an uncompromising and predictably consistent
commitment to honour (sic) moral, ethical, spiritual, and artistic values and
principles.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> We
judge the integrity of others to the extent that they act according to the
values, beliefs, and principles they claim to hold.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">From an ethical perspective, an
individual is said to possess the virtue of integrity if that person’s actions
are based upon an internally consistent framework of principles. “You’ve got to
stand for something or you’ll fall for anything” is the line in a country song
by Aaron Tippin.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Yet what we stand for should also
conform to reality. We must be willing to adjust our principles when they are
proven to be inconsistent. If what I believe to be true is shown to be false, I
must try to incorporate the truth into my internal framework. This is where our
media and political systems fail us, by allowing false equivalencies to rule
the day. False equivalencies give plausibility to each side even if one side is
provably wrong. False equivalencies encourage one to mislead in order to
maintain a narrative, even when it has been proven to be wrong.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">As Christians,
we adhere to the importance of loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves.
And yet those values are not always reflected in how we live our day-to-day
lives. As Jesus reflected on the world around him, he saw a great lack of
integrity from the leaders of the people. Those charged with teaching and
keeping the laws would make bold promises, swearing by heaven, earth, or
Jerusalem, and then continue to lie, cheat, and steal. The laws of Moses, meant
to free the people to live together in society came to be used to oppress the
poor and enforce power and control over the people.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Judaism had developed
a system of oaths and vows to guarantee that at least some words would be
especially true. In both the Gentile and Jewish worlds, an oath invoked God to
guarantee the truth of what was said, or to punish the one taking the oath if it
was not true.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">“You have heard
that it was said…” proclaimed Jesus, “But I say to you… Let your word be ‘Yes,
Yes’ or ‘No, No.’”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Your integrity matters. Doing what you say you will do matters. Jesus
paraphrases the Old Testament teaching about oaths, then commands that his
followers take no oaths at all. Jesus sought to abolish the distinction between
words that must be true and those that must not, between words one is compelled
to stand behind and those one must not, and called for all speech to be
truthful. I say that there must be truthfulness in all that we say.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The importance
of integrity can be seen in the final days of Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem. The
act that set the ruling priesthood against him came when he took up a whip and
angrily drove the money lenders and merchants from the grounds of the Temple.
By profiteering from pilgrims coming to worship, they had corrupted the
integrity of the Temple as a holy place.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Later, he preached a lengthy sermon condemning the Pharisees and teachers of
the law as hypocrites, claiming that they and their followers obeyed the narrow
letter of the law on the outside while they were corrupt, greedy,
self-indulgent, and spiritually dead on the inside.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">For Christians, integrity and faithfulness
is about more than simply following all the rules. It is about <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">doing the work of the heart</span>, of living
up to the values we claim even when it’s hard. It is embracing the challenge to
reflect God’s grace, God’s goodness, and God’s integrity in what we say and do.
What Jesus was saying is that following the law is easy, but it does not
transform. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Living with a God-formed
integrity of heart, speech, and action is what truly makes a difference in
people’s lives.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Jesus calls us to have integrity
in <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">how we live.</span> There are so many
ways we separate ourselves in this world – nations war against nations;
political parties slander and undermine each other; religions seek to kill one
another’s followers; wealthy and poor seek to protect themselves from each
other. The destruction brought about by this division is devastating. If we can
begin to find our common humanity within, and begin to live, from a Christ-like
heart, perhaps we can begin to heal some of the damage we have done.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Christ’s challenge is to refuse to
allow ourselves to live only according to the low standard of law, but to go
beyond it to living from the heart – serving, seeking justice, offering welcome
and compassion, protecting the vulnerable, and preserving our rich ecological
heritage on the planet. There is no question, though, that to adopt Christ’s
heart-driven life can be painful and difficult. It will, however, also open the
doors to life for us and others. Integrity is a spiritual gift, and through it
the Spirit can empower us to change ourselves and the world.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">When we allow God to capture our
hearts with love, when we allow God to grow our hearts, when we live in a way
consistent with Christ’s love for God and others, and allow that to guide our
speech and actions – then we become those who make a healing, restoring impact
on the world around us. We will find, and bring to others, fullness of life, a
deeper connectedness, and a more gracious community.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .25in;">Do not be lead astray. “Choose
life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God, obeying and holding fast
to the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>; for that means life
to you and length of days.” Live a life of integrity, and the world will be
transformed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Deuteronomy
30:15.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Psalm 7:8.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Webster’s Dictionary online, <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrity">https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrity</a>.
<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Amy
Rees Anderson, “Success Will Come and Go, But Integrity Is Forever” November
28, 2012, online: <a href="https://www.forbes.com/">https://www.forbes.com/</a>.
<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Killinger, Barbara, <i>Integrity: Doing the Right Thing for the Right Reason</i>.
McGill-Queen's University Press, 2010, P.12.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Aaron Tippin, “You’ve God to Stand for Something” on <i>You've Got to Stand for
Something</i>, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, 1990.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Matthew
5:33-37, selected.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> See:
Matthew 21:12-13.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-12/The%20Spiritual%20Gift%20of%20Integrity.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> See:
Matthew 23:1-39.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-55519292530678124432023-02-05T09:30:00.001-06:002023-02-05T09:30:00.163-06:00Raise Up the Foundations<p><span style="color: #403152;">February 5, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=542569616" target="_blank">Isaiah 58:1-12</a>; <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=542569635" target="_blank">Matthew 5:13-20</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">I used to read
science fiction comedy by Douglas Adams, about this average guy from a town in England
who discovers his best friend is actually from another planet. In one of the
novels, they have to park their spaceship in a town on Earth near a sporting
event. In order to keep the spaceship from being seen, they have to use an
invisibility shield. They wrap the ship in an energy field called “Somebody
Else’s Problem.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
You see, when it’s somebody else’s problem, you don’t really notice what’s
going on and you can ignore it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Now, as
Americans, we enjoy certain inalienable rights; and individual freedom and
opportunity are protected in our laws. The value that our society places on the
individual enables us to achieve incredible things, allows us to do and be our
best, and promises that every person has value – no one is expendable.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Those who
serve our country and protect those rights, particularly those in uniform, know
what it means to “Be all you can be.” And they deserve our thanks for their
service. Several years ago, I read an article by General Stanley McChrystal,
U.S. Army, retired, former Commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan. The
article, “Step Up for Your Country,” was published in the January 31<sup>st</sup>,
2011 copy of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Newsweek.</i> McChrystal
raised an important point about our rights and freedoms. He says, “As important
as those inalienable rights are, there are also inalienable responsibilities
that we must accept and fulfill.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">A soldier
knows a great deal about responsibility. If the unit doesn’t perform as a team,
or if any member of the unit fails to do their job, someone is going to die,
and it won’t be the enemy. There can be life or death consequences if anyone
thinks something is somebody else’s problem. And the tremendous responsibility
that comes with command in the armed forces has given McChrystal an important
perspective on what many of us might dismiss as somebody else’s problem. He
wrote, “We have let the concept of service become dangerously narrow, often
associated only with the military.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
He continued, “This allows most Americans to avoid the sense of responsibility
essential for us to care for our nation – and for each other.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Are there any
Boy or Girl Scouts here today? You know something about responsibility as well.
“‘Do a Good Turn Daily’ is a core Scouting precept. Scouting encourages young
people to recognize the needs of others and take action accordingly. Scouting
works through neighborhoods, volunteer organizations, and faith-based
organizations to help young people appreciate and respond to the needs of
others.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Shared
responsibility for the well-being of our neighbors, our community, and our
world is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> as clearly defined in
our laws. It <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i>, however, quite
clearly defined in our scriptures.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Isaiah’s
people are trying to figure out what led to their exile in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Babylon</st1:place></st1:city>. They believe that they must have
angered God, who punished them, and so they focus with zeal on worshiping God
and over-observance of religious ritual. “Isaiah’s people appear to be very
religious. They not only go to worship daily; they also fast frequently. The
people complain that they have observed the fasts, but God has not answered
their prayers. Isaiah has to point out that the wealthy are fasting on the holy
days, but their employees still have to work.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
“Look, you serve your own interest on your fast-day, and oppress all your
workers.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Their energy is misdirected, they are missing the point, and their fasting
serves no purpose. “Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself?”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Isaiah
suggests that observing the letter of the law misses the spirit of the law.
Worship is supposed to fill us with the power of the Holy Spirit, and charge us
to go forth to bring the “Day of the Lord” or the “<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>”
to fruition. Worship should remind us of our responsibility to our fellow
family members, the children of God. Fasting is supposed to free up resources
that could be used to serve others in the community. “Is not this the fast that
I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to
let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your
bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you
see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Both Isaiah
and Jesus make the point that worship of God is about more than faithful
observance of ritual. When Jesus says “unless your righteousness exceeds that
of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
he means that there is something more important than obsessive observance of
the letter of the law. What God desires, offering food to the hungry,
satisfying the needs of the afflicted, is what gets missed when our focus is on
ourselves rather than on our responsibility to our neighbors.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">In that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Newsweek </i>article,<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
General McChrystal described a situation he saw in Afghanistan. In that harsh
environment, agriculture was sustained by a complex and extensive irrigation
system using underground tunnels. This system was essential, and required
labor-intensive maintenance. The members of the community understood their
responsibility to do the work necessary to keep the system flowing. It was a
shared task.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">When the <st1:place w:st="on">Soviet Union</st1:place> invaded in 1979, the system was damaged.
Ironically, this resulted in private individuals digging their own wells and
setting up their own systems, disrupting the community dynamic. What had been a
unifying responsibility for all was now a source of wealth for a few – and yet
another source of frustration for the rest.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">In our own
country, it is often more efficient and cost-effective to hire professionals to
complete a project, but not if our objective is to shape our society with a
sense of shared responsibility.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Snow removal
is a perfect example of this type of shared responsibility. Clearing the
sidewalks so children can safely walk to school is the responsibility of all of
us. And it’s more than just the sidewalk in front of my house – if the path
ends in a snow-bank where it meets my property line, that’s a dead-end, not a
safe and clear passage. Now, I have a deal with my neighbor, who has a bad back
and a snow-blower, that I can use the machine and clear the snow from both
properties. But ultimately our responsibility goes all the way to both corners.
When it snows, if my neighbors and I work together, there will be a clear path
by the next morning.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">There are
other examples, things that members of this congregation are already involved
in. Serving at the MORE Food Pantry, or the Food Pantry in Huntley. Raking
leaves and shoveling show for our neighbor with a bad back is one way our
family takes responsibility for others. Loosing the bonds of injustice and
letting the oppressed go free are more difficult duties, but not beyond the
ability of people in this room, particularly if we work together.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">Jesus said,
“You are the salt of the earth.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Worship of God means to bring salt to the world. Salt is that spice that brings
out the flavor of food. A life lived in worship of God can enhance our
experience of the world, and help us bring out the best in others. Salt also preserves
food. A worshipful life helps us hold onto our heritage and all that has made
us who we are. Salt makes us thirsty. Worship of God can give us a thirst for
justice and the desire to end oppression.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">“You are the
light of the world.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
To be told we are the light of the world encourages us to share our gifts and
talents with others. “However, there is another reason for light to shine.
There is darkness in life – external and internal.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
“The light is not given for our own personal enjoyment.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
We are given the light in order to go into the darkness, “to engage and walk
through it, so that, in time, the light can overcome it.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">To be the
light of the world is to take on the responsibility to rebuild the ancient
ruins, to raise up the foundations of many generations. To be the light of the
world means that we repair the breach, we restore the streets to live in. To be
the light of the world means that we recognize our shared responsibility for
the well-being of our world in the commandment to love our neighbor as
ourselves. To be the light of the world means that we see through what seems to
be somebody else’s problem, and understand that we have a responsibility to serve
one another in the name of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-indent: .25in;">When we bring
salt and light to the world, we raise up the foundations of something better.
We bring glory to God and raise up the foundations of the City of God!<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
Scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by
permission. All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Douglas Adam, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life, the Universe and
Everything</i> (Harmony Books, 1982).<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Stanley</st1:city></st1:place> McChrystal, “Step
Up for Your Country,” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Newsweek</i>, 31
January, 2011, 36.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ibid.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ibid.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Boy Scouts of America, from <a href="http://www.scouting.org/Visitor/WhyScouting/ServingOthers.aspx">http://www.scouting.org/Visitor/WhyScouting/ServingOthers.aspx</a>
(accessed 2/7/2011).<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoEndnoteText" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Brett Younger, “Homiletical Perspective” on Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised
Common Lectionary</i>, Year A, Volume 1 (<st1:city w:st="on">Louisville</st1:city>:
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Westminster</st1:city></st1:place>
John Knox Press, 2010), 319.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Isaiah 58:3b.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Isaiah 58:5a.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Isaiah 58:6-7.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn11" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Matthew 5:20.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn12" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
McChrystal, 36, 38.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn13" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ibid.</i>, 38.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn14" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Matthew 5:13.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn15" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Matthew 5:14.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn16" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Charles James Cook, “Pastoral Perspective” on Matthew 5:13-20, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Feasting</i>, 336.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn17" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ibid.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn18" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ibid.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn19" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-02-05/Raise%20Up%20the%20Foundations.docx#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The worship service concluded with the singing of the hymn “You Are Salt for
the Earth, O People,” paraphrase by Marty Haugen, 1986, alt.; in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The New Century Hymnal</i> (Cleveland: The
Pilgrim Press, 1995), 181.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-82728988892337257342023-01-29T09:30:00.009-06:002023-01-29T09:30:00.158-06:00Blessed Instructions<p><span style="color: #403152;">January 29, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=541942590" target="_blank">Micah 6:3-4, 6-8</a>; <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=541942607" target="_blank">Matthew 5:1-12</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-29/Blessed%20Instructions.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">I’ve heard it
said that the Bible is instructions for life. Now, I don’t believe that the Bible
is as simple as a list of do this, don’t do that, eat this, don’t eat that.
There is quite a lot more going on in there. But there are some simple instructions
to be found in the Bible. Love God, love your neighbor. Do justice, love
kindness, walk humbly with God. Maybe Jesus was, at least in part, trying to give
us some guidance for life.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Jesus has been
baptized, overcome temptation in the wilderness, and called his first
disciples. He is already famous for teaching and healing. The crowds have
gathered to hear what he has to say. And he begins with “Blessed are the poor
in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (5:3). What is he trying to
tell us? That it is a good thing to be poor in spirit? What if I am rich in
spirit? What if I’m doing just fine?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">He goes on.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (5:4). Well, that’s
nice. Widows and orphans deserve to be blessed, what with all they’ve been
through. Then things get a little strange. “Blessed are the meek, for they will
inherit the earth” (5:5). Well that just doesn’t make any sense, now, does it?
The bold and the strong, they’re the ones who will inherit the earth,
obviously. You can’t get ahead in this world if you’re meek. You have to take
what’s yours, and if you have to take it from someone weaker than you, too bad
for them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">“Blessed are
the peacemakers…” (5:9). There is a scene in Monty Python’s Life of Brian
(1979) in which people at the back of the crowd are too busy talking to hear
what Jesus is saying. “I think he said, ‘Blessed are the cheese-makers.’”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">In our culture,
if you’re peaceful, you’re likely to be seen as unpatriotic, or un-American. If
you are merciful, you’re soft on crime. If you’re meek, you’re asking for
someone to push you around. In our culture, competition, power, and fear are
the driving forces. Even if you think the Beatitudes are a nice idea, it is all
too easy to see them as sentiment and not a practical guide for living.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">But Jesus
wasn’t just saying how nice it would be if people were more kind. He wasn’t
saying that we should just get used to how things are, put up with oppression
and injustice, and wait for the kingdom of heaven. Jesus was giving
instructions, saying that we should live this way. Jesus was saying that we
should be meek, humble, merciful, peaceful, and that we should desire to live in
right relationship with God. And Jesus wasn’t just talking to the disciples; he
was taking to the crowd, and by extension, to us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">What if we
looked at the Beatitudes as a whole, with one thing leading to the next? What
if we took these blessings seriously, and not just metaphorically? Can we try
to understand the Beatitudes as a guide for living, a set of principles which
are an alternative to the way we usually view the world through the lens of our
competitive consumer culture? A theology professor named Charles Cook<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-29/Blessed%20Instructions.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
suggests that there are three principles for living that can be found in the
Beatitudes: simplicity, hopefulness, and compassion.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">If we read the
words as they are, and not try to layer meaning on them, they point to a way of
life in which simplicity is valued. Those who are meek are humble. If you are
humble, you are open to the idea that you don’t know everything. You are open
to the idea that God has not yet revealed everything, and there is yet more
light and truth to be found. The humble ones know that they are only a part of
the bigger picture. It takes humility to understand that we don’t own this
world; it was given into our care by God. In caring for the earth, we care for
that which belongs to God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">In a world
filled with things that can cause us to fear, we need courage. If we hear what
Jesus has to say, if we live our lives with humility, peacefulness, and mercy,
we will be blessed with courage. In caring for others, we find that we have
strength. If we live within our means, rather than grasping for more and more,
we find that we have been blessed with abundance, with all that we need to live
and more. The way of simplicity can free us from our culture of greed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Do you have
hope that things will get better? Many people no longer believe that. As the
gap between rich and poor grows wider, as the divide between those on the left
and right grows deeper, hope for the future seems to be getting lost, and is
replaced by cynicism. The mantra of cynicism is “That’s just the way it is, get
over it.” That way of thinking takes these words of Jesus, “For you always have
the poor with you” (26:11), and turns them into a pronouncement rather than a
call to always recognize and care for those among us who are poor.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Who are the
poor in spirit? In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus phrases the line a little differently,
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (6:20). When
you have next to nothing, faith in God can be the most important thing in your
life. But poor in spirit can also mean those whose spirits are broken. If you
lived in Roman occupied Galilee in the first century, your spirit as a nation
had been broken. You were, as a people, oppressed, downtrodden, and
brokenhearted. Yet, you are still God’s chosen people. Remember that, and it
can give you hope. Jesus echoed the promise of Isaiah: God sent him “to bring
good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Hopefulness is
the second principle of living into the Beatitudes. Christ offers hope to the
hopeless. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they
will be filled” (5:6). The day will come when right will win out over wrong.
When we live in hopefulness, we know that mercy, humility, peace, and love will
one day be the norm rather than the exception. When we face the world with
hope, we know that it is darkest just before the dawn, and that the dawn will
come. Because we live in Christ, we know that even though the road ahead leads
to the crucifixion, it will also lead to the resurrection.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Hopefulness is
what empowers us to believe that God’s kingdom is coming, and righteousness
will claim the victory. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for
righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (5:10). These words
inspire the kind of hope that moved the Pilgrims to set out for a new world,
even though some would not live to see it. This hope caused the revolutionaries
to set a course for independence, even though it would cost the colonies dearly
in blood and treasure. This spirit of hopefulness allowed the abolitionists to
keep fighting to end slavery against those who would use the same Bible to keep
the Africans in bondage. Hopefulness and faith in the kingdom of heaven
empowered women to demand the right to vote, the descendants of slaves to
demand an end to discrimination, and gay and lesbian people to demand the right
to marry the ones they love.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The most
powerful principle found in the Beatitudes, the key to walking in the steps of
Jesus, is compassion. Compassion is much more than pity. To pity another means
that you feel sorry for them. Compassion is more than sympathy. To be
sympathetic means that you share the feelings of another. To have compassion
means more. It means that what hurts you hurts me. Compassion means that when
you mourn, I mourn with you, and thus you may be comforted. We are in this
together. You share my humanity. You are part of my family.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Compassion is
the principle that led Jesus to break so many of the Laws of Moses. Compassion
led Jesus to heal the man with the withered hand on the sabbath (12:10).
Compassion led Jesus to touch the leper and heal him (8:2-3). Compassion led
Jesus to perform miracles, such as feeding the five-thousand (14:14-21).
Compassion gives us a hunger for justice and a thirst for righteousness. With
compassion we can be merciful, we can seek peace, we can see the other as an
extension of ourselves. With compassion we can love our neighbor as ourselves.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Compassion is
the principle that is motivated by love. It was love that gave us Jesus: “For
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16). It was love that
carried Jesus to the cross. It is compassion and love that can give us the
power to endure persecution for the sake of Christ. “Blessed are you when people
revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on
my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the
same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (5:11-12).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">When we follow
these blessed instructions, when we allow simplicity, hopefulness, and
compassion to guide our lives, we will be able to bear all things, believe all
things, hope all things, endure all things” (1 Cor. 13:7). When we live in
love, we know that the kingdom of heaven is near. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-29/Blessed%20Instructions.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-29/Blessed%20Instructions.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Charles
James Cook, "Pastoral Perspective on Matthew 5:1-12" in David L.
Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, General Editors, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised Common Lectionary</i>, Year
A, Volume 1 (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010), 308-312. Cook is
Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Theology, Seminary of the Southwest, Austin,
Texas.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-24335251234086039152023-01-22T09:30:00.008-06:002023-01-22T09:30:00.158-06:00Fishing for People<p><span style="color: #403152;">January 22, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=541363081" target="_blank">Matthew 4:12-23</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-22/Fishing%20for%20People.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">What is the one
thing Jesus talks about most? The kingdom of Heaven or the kingdom of God. What
we sometimes get wrong is what that means. I believe that when Jesus talks
about the kingdom of God, he is talking about what God is doing in this world, with
these people, not a heavenly world yet to come or a kingdom of the afterlife. Now,
that does not mean that Jesus did not believe in a heavenly world. He certainly
did, and talked about that as well, but when Jesus taught or preached the
kingdom of Heaven, he was talking about God’s will being done on earth. The kingdom
of heaven has come near is about God’s will being done on earth as it is in
heaven.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The focus of Jesus’
ministry is the rule of God in this world, the will of God being realized on
this earth in the lives and relationships of people, in the structures,
systems, organizations, and institutions of society, and in all creation. The
kingdom of God is ultimately about the health and well-being of us in the here-and-now,
in this life, among these people. Heaven may be really nice, but Jesus didn’t
come to take us all to Heaven, but rather to bring Heaven here.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Jesus called
the disciples to follow him and fish for people. As modern day disciples of
Jesus, we too are called to share his passion and work, his love of God and of
people, his concern for the poor and the marginalized, his commitment to peace
and justice. In the water of Baptism, we symbolically die and rise again to
life, dying to the false self so the true self can flourish, ending the life of
sin and rising to the life of faith.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The call to
repent is a call to change the direction of our lives. Instead of living for honor,
glory, power, or fulfillment for ourselves, we decide to live for the honor and
glory of God, to love God and love our neighbor and work for a just world. The
call to repent and be a disciple of Jesus is a call to change the focus of our
lives so that we are centered in God’s rule and God’s will for life on earth, a
life focused on the well-being of others.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">For some folk,
the invitation to repentance is understood as trying to make amends for all the
bad stuff we’ve done before we get in trouble. It is based on fear and avoiding
doom rather than learning how to love and being transformed. Fear of punishment,
especially eternal punishment, may motivate us to modify our behavior, but fear
cannot redeem us at the core of our being. As the author of 1 John wrote: “There
is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-22/Fishing%20for%20People.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Fear is not God’s tool for transformation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">It is not fear,
but love and the hope of redemption that is transforming. If we walk along the
road of life but do not fall in love with God and find ourselves compelled by Jesus’
vision of a just world for all, we will not be truly changed. We might become
religious, we might alter certain behaviors, we might join a church and become
part of a faith community, but unless we fall in love with God and learn how to
truly love others, we will not be transformed.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">“As he walked
by the Sea of Galilee, [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter,
and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And
he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.’”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-22/Fishing%20for%20People.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
They respond “immediately” and leave everything behind. Peter, Andrew, James,
and John jump at the chance to change, to seek a life beyond subsistence and
drudgery, a life pursuing a better world. This is Capernaum, land of Zebulun,
land of Naphtali, where the people have sat in darkness, in the region and
shadow of death. Jesus’s arrival is like the light of dawn breaking forth.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">For these
fishermen, the power of Rome asserted control over the land, their production,
and the transportation and marketing of their catch with contracts and taxes. That
they jump at the chance for something new is not surprising. What is surprising
is that, even when it became clear this mission might be dangerous, they stuck with
it. John had already been imprisoned; he would soon be executed. Jesus doesn’t just
heal people, but teaches them a way of life that defies the empire and its fear-based
power. They will catch people, who will be transformed, and an entire world
will be turned upside down. Yet, even when the one who called them was taken to
the cross, they stayed the course.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">They weren’t
particularly qualified to be change-makers. They had no training in sociology
or psychology. They may have known the scriptures, and heard stories of a
Messiah, but who were they to be partners in transforming the world with love?
Yet, they were chosen. Just some ordinary fishermen, but Jesus called them to
follow him. It would be a big change. It would be hard. It would be dangerous
at times. But it would also be wonderful, amazing, transformative.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The call is
being issued today, to us, to you and me, just us ordinary folk without much in
the way of training in transforming the world. But we are being called, not by a
figure on the seashore, but by the living Christ in our midst, in this very
room with us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Follow me,
Jesus says, and shine some light into the darkness. Follow me and spread some
good news to people who need to hear it. Learn from me how to gather people into
a force for transforming the world with love. Follow me, says Christ, and
discover what it means to be fully human.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">But, be warned.
The kingdom of Heaven means a world that is changed. It means defying empire.
It means dreaming new dreams. It means pursuing peace. It means standing for
justice with the marginalized and the poor. It means forgiving and loving
enemies. It means making God’s vision our vision, and serving God’s will rather
than our self-interest. It means loving others and helping them to love as
well. And like a great light dawning in a world of shadows, it will be
glorious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-22/Fishing%20for%20People.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-22/Fishing%20for%20People.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> 1
John 4:18.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-22/Fishing%20for%20People.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Matthew 4:18-19.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-237014185392192352023-01-15T09:30:00.007-06:002023-01-21T22:53:18.151-06:00Rabbi, where are you staying?<p><span style="color: #403152;">January 15, 2023<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=540728779" target="_blank">John 1:29-42</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-15/Rabbi%20where%20are%20you%20staying.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">When we invite
people over to our house, we usually spend the morning cleaning. We’ll gather
up dirty dishes, scrub the bathrooms, empty the trash cans, make the beds, and
put out fresh towels. When people show up unexpectedly, however, things may be
a bit messier. Without warning, they might catch a glimpse of a more realistic,
less polished, version of us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Two disciples followed
Jesus. “When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are
you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi, where are you staying?’ He said to
them, ‘Come and see.’”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-15/Rabbi%20where%20are%20you%20staying.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
They did, leaving us to wonder, what did they see?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Was this Jesus
at home? It seems he wasn’t expecting them. Things would not have been polished
up for special guests. Did they watch him interact with his siblings, answer to
his mother? Did they share the evening meal as Jesus prayed over the food? Did
he sing a psalm, laugh at a joke, or tell stories from childhood? Maybe they
saw him sharing leftovers with a poor neighbor. Perhaps, on the way home, he
talked with an unclean person, asked about a widowed neighbor, or even
performed an act of healing. Did they see an ordinary day in the life of Jesus?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">I believe what
they saw and heard was Jesus moving through an ordinary world on an ordinary
day, and it was extraordinary. So much so that Andrew was compelled to bring
his brother Simon to see Jesus, saying “We have found the Messiah.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-15/Rabbi%20where%20are%20you%20staying.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We are all
looking for something extraordinary in life. Some meaning, some purpose,
something that will drive us, energize us, and make us happy. In our ordinary
lives we have hopes and dreams. We want to achieve our goals, feel good as much
as possible, and maximize our quality of life. We want to be happy. And we can
find some happiness, most of the time, if we work hard, are frugal with our
money and time, and take care of the people and things that matter to us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We often get
stuck, however, on some external object that doesn’t really meet our needs.
Maybe we think that the next job, a promotion, or a new romantic partner will
be the thing that brings us happiness. Maybe it’s an actual object, like a new
car, or a bigger TV. Now, getting a great job or meeting the right person can
make you happy. But we often find that the job turns out to be more stressful
than we thought, or the amazing person turns out to have a shadow side. The
shiny new object is great, until we become accustomed to it, and then it blends
into the background like everything else.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We often focus too
much on external achievements and material things, neglecting our internal
needs, our spiritual well-being. We focus on competing and winning, rather than
supporting and collaborating with each other. We plug along from one chore to
the next without taking time for wonder, dreams, and prayer. We each have a
hunger for something more, but what we find often leaves us still empty.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Andrew, the
disciple of John the Baptizer, was looking for something more. He was a
fisherman. He, and his brother, Simon, had learned the trade from their father,
and were probably decent fishermen. But they want3ed more. There’s no corporate
ladder to climb when you’re a fisherman. If you wanted a fancier boat, you had
to make it yourself. And even finding the right partner is tough when everyone
in the village already knows everyone else’s shadow side. Simon and Andrew
longed for more meaning and purpose, something greater to be a part of.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">They had heard
of this wild person baptizing people and went to hear what he had to say. They
learned about repentance, about preparing for what was to come. John wasn’t the
answer to their search, however, as he himself pointed out. “After me comes a
man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-15/Rabbi%20where%20are%20you%20staying.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
There were rumors of someone who would come to bring glory back to Israel, the
Messiah. Now that was something worth looking for. Maybe that was what John had
been talking about.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Then, Jesus
walked by. “Look,” John exclaimed, “here is the Lamb of God!” John didn’t hold
them back, and they followed Jesus. “Rabbi, where are you staying?” Teacher, we
want to see who you are. “Come and see,” he said.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-15/Rabbi%20where%20are%20you%20staying.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">They did see,
and they found something more than they were looking for. They found a teacher.
But this teacher wouldn’t teach them how to build a fancier boat or start a
business in carpentry. This teacher would teach them how to find the love of
God planted deep inside themselves and bring it to life in others. They found a
guide. But this guide wouldn’t teach them which roads to Jerusalem were the
safest or quickest. This guide would show them how to walk the hard road, the
road that would eventually lead to the cross, but to walk with hope in their
hearts, compassion in their touch, and love in every encounter.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">They found the
Messiah. But this messiah would not lead them in glorious battle to retake
Israel from the Romans and put a king like David back on the throne. This
messiah would lead them in glorious battle against disease, distress,
hopelessness, emptiness, and heartlessness. This messiah would lead them, not
to find a destination, but to see the Kingdom of God wherever they went, and to
proclaim the presence of God in the midst of the journey.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">They found the
Lamb of God. This ruler would not become a king or conqueror, but would choose
instead to sacrifice himself in order to save others. This leader would show
them how to be servants, to put the needs of others ahead of their own. This master
would not seek power and control, but rather to take away the sin of the world.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">They found the
Son of God. In this person, Jesus, they found the one who understood them
better than they understood themselves. They found the one who would challenge
them, test them, make them grow and change in ways they could hardly imagine.
Simon would become a different person, taking a new name, Cephas, or Peter.
They found a teacher who would make them into teachers, a healer who would make
them into healers, a brother who would welcome them into the household of God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">All of that is
yet to come, of course. This was only the beginning. What were they looking
for? What did they see? A teacher, a master, and so much more. What are you
looking for? A sense of purpose, some meaning in life, a way to be set free?
Come and see. Watch how Jesus moves through the world. Maybe you’ll find that
what you’re looking for is something you already have, the seed of love,
planted by God, waiting for you to give it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-15/Rabbi%20where%20are%20you%20staying.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-15/Rabbi%20where%20are%20you%20staying.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 1:38-39.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-15/Rabbi%20where%20are%20you%20staying.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 1:41.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-15/Rabbi%20where%20are%20you%20staying.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 1:30.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2023-01-15/Rabbi%20where%20are%20you%20staying.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
John 1:36-39.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-16923953355384942992022-12-11T09:30:00.011-06:002022-12-11T09:30:00.158-06:00Are You Really?<p><span style="color: #403152;">December 11, 2022 – Advent 3<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=537691867" target="_blank">Isaiah 35:1-10</a>; <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=537691892" target="_blank">Matthew 11:2-11</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-11%20Advent%203/Are%20You%20Really.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">There is a line
in the first Harry Potter film that continually amuses me. Harry is brought by
the half-giant Hagrid into a tavern where they will make their way from the
regular “Muggle” world into the secret Diagon Alley of the Wizarding world. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Harry, who was
attacked by “He-who-must-not-be-named” when he was a baby, has a scar on his
forehead. Since the villain did not manage to kill Harry, he had become famous
in the wizarding world as “the boy who lived.” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Harry doesn’t
know he’s famous, since he grew up in the regular world with a non-wizard
family. So, it is a bit of a surprise when the bartender looks up, notices the
scar, and says, “Harry Potter. Are you really?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">John the
Baptizer hears what is being said about Jesus, that he is fulfilling the promises
of God recorded in Isaiah, and asks, “Are you really?” Are you really the one?
If you’re not, well, that’s not good because, you see, I’m stuck in this
prison. But if you are, that’s really good news!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">In both the
fictional story of Harry Potter and the biblical story of Jesus, the people
have been waiting for someone to come who can really change things. They have
high expectations for “the one.” And everyone is a little disappointed, because
the one who comes isn’t exactly like they expected.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We often set
high expectations for new leaders too. A new president rides into office on a
wave of hope and change, and things are mostly the same as they were before.
The new pastor comes and all of our problems remain. The new principal takes
over the school, but the kids are still failing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">It might be
that the leaders turn out to not really be “the one.” It might be that our
expectations were not realistic. Or it might be that we dropped our
responsibilities as soon as someone new took charge. This is “the one,” right?
Well, he or she doesn’t need me; they can handle it themselves.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">This is what
often happens. A new leader is put in place and everybody just drops
everything. The president can’t get anything done without the congress. The
pastor can’t get anything done without the congregation. And even the Messiah
can’t get much done without the disciples.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">John’s job is finished.
He prepared the way. The one who is to come is here. Now it is time for the
disciples to get to work. The baton gets passed to them, and they drop it. They
stubbornly refuse to understand what Jesus is talking about, again and again. However,
they keep trying. They keep learning. And they keep following, because he
really is the one. He really is the Messiah, God-with-us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Is he really
the one? Well, as Isaiah wrote: <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Then the eyes of the blind shall be
opened, <br />
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">then the lame shall leap like a deer, <br />
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-11%20Advent%203/Are%20You%20Really.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Jesus did open
the eyes of the blind. “Two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy
on us, Son of David! … Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your
faith let it be done to you.’ And their eyes were opened.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-11%20Advent%203/Are%20You%20Really.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Jesus did
unstop the ears of the deaf, and the speechless sang. “They brought to him a
deaf man who had an impediment in his speech… He took him aside in private, away
from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears… then looking up to heaven,
he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened.’ And immediately
his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-11%20Advent%203/Are%20You%20Really.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The lame did
leap. “Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the
blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-11%20Advent%203/Are%20You%20Really.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">John needed to
be sure:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify;">“When John heard in prison what the
Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the
one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go
and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame
walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor
have good news brought to them.’”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-11%20Advent%203/Are%20You%20Really.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Now, we don’t
see Jesus walking around anymore, healing and teaching. We do see disciples,
people like you and me, though we’re not able to heal the blind and the lame.
So how are we to know if we’ve found the Holy Way, if we really are God’s
people?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We know because
we love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and our neighbor as
ourselves. We know because we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.
We know because we strive to imitate the transformative life of Christ,
encouraging authentic connection and compassion between individuals, local
communities, and the world. If one were to look at us and wonder, are they
really followers of Christ, they could see by our hope, our work for peace, our
joy in believing, and in the love we share.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The work that
the disciples did, and that they have continued to do down through the
centuries and even today, is to bring hope to those without hope. We bring
peace to those who need peace. We bring joy to those who need to be lifted up.
We continue to bring the love of God to the world.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Unto us is born
a Savior. Really! This is the one. And Christ will lead us. But friends, we
have to follow. We must do our part, no matter how small. And when we do, we
bring love to the world, and joy to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-11%20Advent%203/Are%20You%20Really.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-11%20Advent%203/Are%20You%20Really.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Isaiah 35:5-6.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-11%20Advent%203/Are%20You%20Really.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Matthew 9:27-30, selected.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-11%20Advent%203/Are%20You%20Really.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Mark 7:32-35, selected.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-11%20Advent%203/Are%20You%20Really.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Matthew 15:30.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-11%20Advent%203/Are%20You%20Really.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Matthew 11:2-5.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-14156313682818827322022-12-04T09:30:00.011-06:002022-12-04T09:30:00.188-06:00A Signal to the Peoples<p><span style="color: #403152;">December 4, 2022 – Advent 2<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=537105525" target="_blank">Isaiah 11:1-10</a>; <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=537105553" target="_blank">Matthew 3:1-12</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-04%20Advent%202/A%20Signal%20to%20the%20Peoples.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Isaiah has hope
for the future of Israel. He proclaims in this passage the coming of a
righteous ruler in the line of David, and an age of harmony and peace. This was
at a time when ancient Israel had divided into a northern kingdom of Israel and
a southern kingdom of Judah. War with Assyria would soon destroy Samaria and
end the northern kingdom. If a messiah were to come, Isaiah recognizes that it
might not be in his lifetime, and the peaceable kingdom might be a consummation
of God’s kingdom in the distant future. Yet he remains hopeful.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The branch
growing out of the root of Jesse references the house of King David, the son of
Jesse. The hoped-for king will be known as “the anointed one” and “The spirit
of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> shall rest on him, the
spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit
of knowledge and the fear of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>”
(Is 11:2). The king will rule with righteousness, defending the welfare of the
most defenseless and marginal.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Early
Christians saw this model of leadership fulfilled in Jesus. He is the
descendent of David who will usher in the reign of God’s kingdom. The kingdom
of God, so often referenced in our Gospels, will encompass not only the future
of Israel but the Gentiles and all the nations. In Jesus, we see the hope for
the future, the completion of God’s vision, and the fulfillment of Isaiah’s
hope for the peoples.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">As we read
Isaiah’s oracle of hope in our own time this Advent, we claim the anointed son
of David in Jesus Christ, the new branch grown from the root of Jesse. We see Christ
as the signal to the peoples of the promised consummation of God’s peaceable
kingdom yet to come. It is a world where no one will hurt or destroy, when all
of the earth will be full of the knowledge and presence of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">John the Baptist
also holds this hope for the future of God’s people. He knows what Isaiah hoped
for, as he quoted, “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Mt 3:3; Is 40:3). He proclaims
the nearness of the reign of God, and announces the one who is coming after him
with power.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">John’s vision
is more severe than that of Isaiah, at least in the way it is directed toward
the Pharisees and Sadducees. To John, the temple and imperial buildings
represented the centralized power of the Roman regime. The leaders considered
themselves secure in the status-quo, children of Abraham, heirs to the promises
of God. John warns of the ax lying at the root of the trees. Here in the
wilderness – in Israel’s history the place of renewal – the old ways of power will
be thrown into the fire and the new creation will be born, the new kingdom of
God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">John, this wild
man living on the margins, drew the people out of the center, out of Jerusalem
and the temple. Here in the wilderness, on the fringes of society, the renewal
and redemption of the people is taking place. The Pharisees and Sadducees, aligned
with the ruling class, perceive John as a threat to their interests. The power
and influence of the temple and the system of religious sacrifices is challenged
by John’s baptism of repentance. John’s warnings of judgement are directed at
them. More worrisome for them, and more encouraging for those on the banks of
the Jordan, is the hope of one who is coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit
and fire.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Jesus didn’t
come to burn everything down. We must remember, it is only the chaff that is
burned. The wheat is gathered into the granary. That which does us no good is
cleared away, and what remains is redeemed. Wealth and status, bloodlines and
position hold no more value in the kingdom of heaven than the sinners gathered
by the river in the wilderness. What is of value, repentance and renewal,
faithfulness and good works, these are harvested by the one who holds the
winnowing-fork.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We, of course,
are not rulers or judges or nations. We are not Pharisees or Sadducees. We are
more like the people of Jerusalem and all Judea, gathered here rather than the
river, yet still seeking repentance and renewal. We have come with our sins to
confess, and we bring the scars of the sins committed against us. We seek the
one who will judge with righteousness, and we are recovering from those who
have judged us without righteousness. And what we find in the words of Isaiah
and of John is both acceptance and admonition. We discover here, that we are
loved for who we are and we are also responsible for what we do.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">This Advent, as
we gather in our sacred space, we enter the threshing-floor. We don’t yearn for
judgement, yet we know that we have judged others. We hope that our unrighteous
judgements will be swept away. We wash in the water, and hope that it will wash
away our sins; but we know we have sinned against others. We hope the fire will
burn that inclination away. We are grateful that one who winnows is the one who
judges with righteousness and decides with equity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">As we prepare
to welcome the Christ-child, we remember who we are. We learn again that we are
loved, and that we are expected to be loving. We are reminded that we are loved
enough by God to be welcomed into the family of Christ, and that God loves us
enough to expect that we will act accordingly. My prayer for you is that this
Advent season prepares you for a life which signals that the kingdom of heaven
has come near.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-12-04%20Advent%202/A%20Signal%20to%20the%20Peoples.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-6492386575555648302022-11-27T09:30:00.008-06:002022-11-27T09:30:00.158-06:00Keep Awake<p><span style="color: #403152;">November 27, 2022 – First Sunday of Advent<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 24:36-44<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We live in a time of uncertainty. There is certainly plenty to cause us
anxiety these days. There is the ongoing war in Ukraine, rising tension between
China and the West, deadly protests in Iran, and never-ending conflict between
Israel and Palestine. There is inflation, or maybe it’s easing up. There is the
triple threat of COVID, RSV, and the Flu. And always, the political strife in
our country. Things can seem pretty dark in the world right now. Are the
nations beating their ploughshares into swords, and their pruning hooks into
spears? It seems that way sometimes. And it seems as if there is little we can
do about it except worry.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">I worry about how I’m going to pay for college for Zach and Nathan. I
worry about my retirement fund, the health of my mother-in-law, and when the
cars are going to give out; and I worry about what I see and read in the news.
What does it all mean? Where are we headed? And is there anything I can do
about it? Sometimes, dare I say it, I fear for the future. I’m sure there are
times when you do as well. Change comes faster and faster these days, and it’s
hard to keep up with it all.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Part of that fear, I suppose, is because I think I’m supposed to know
the answers. I’m a faithful person, I believe in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit,
the Bible, the Church Universal, etcetera. I’m supposed to have it all figured
out, right? But my faith doesn’t always help me figure out the right thing to
do. There are times when I have no idea what God would have me do in a given
situation. There’s nothing in the Bible about smart phones, Twitter,
antibiotics, electric automobiles, or radioactive pollution.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">The disciples lived with uncertainty too. In our passage from Matthew’s
Gospel, Jesus, whom the disciples have followed for years now, has entered
Jerusalem and cleansed the temple. He has just finished a lengthy denunciation
of the scribes and Pharisees in the previous chapter. The disciples, who know
who Jesus is, are starting to worry that things are not going how they
expected, and in their fear, they anticipate the end times. They ask Jesus,
“Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of
the end of the age?”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Religious leaders, scientists, and philosophers have been making
predictions for the end of the world for centuries. They’ve predicted the
destruction of the world through floods, fires, and comets—none of which have
come to pass. The apostle Paul got it wrong; and even Jesus predicted that
“this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Jesus tells them about many signs of the end of the age; but more
importantly he says, “about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels
of heaven, nor the Son.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
There is some mysterious day in the future when the judgment will come, but
even Jesus doesn’t know when that will be. Yes, Jesus doesn’t know everything;
and you know what? We’re not supposed to know everything either. Uncertainty is
to be expected. It is nothing to fear. And faith certainly doesn’t mean living
without uncertainty, not for the disciples, and not for us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">It is possible to live with uncertainty, to keep moving steadily into
the future with no guarantee that we’re on the right path. We can live with the
questions, seeking different answers if the old ones stop making sense. In
order to keep us steady through the uncertainty of life, Jesus points us toward
the everyday tasks of living – eating and drinking, marrying, working in the
fields and grinding meal – doing them faithfully in wakefulness. Keep living
your life, keep an eye on what is to come, but keep your focus on the here and
now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Live a faithful life, and keep
awake.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">“You know what time it is,” Paul wrote to the Romans, “how it is now the
moment for you to wake from sleep.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Things may seem dark in the world today, but “the night is far gone, the day is
near.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
It may be dark now, but a change is coming. When the doorbell rings, it will be
too late to clean the house. Jesus is coming; quick, everyone look busy!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Don’t just stand around watching the skies and waiting for the rapture.
We don’t have time for that! We should do good works. We should do the best we
can, uncertain whether we are right or wrong at times, but faithfully going
about the work we believe God would have us do in this world. And, fear not!
We’re not supposed to do everything ourselves. We’re not supposed to save the
world. That job is already taken. Our role is to be God’s hands in the world,
to work toward the realm of God, and the work that we do will be enough. Our
task is to keep faith, joy, and love alive in the midst of dark times, and
watch for the signs of hope.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">What we must do is choose <i>how</i> we go about that work of doing good
in the world. Mark Yurs, a pastor in Wisconsin wrote, “The key element for
Jesus is not the work, important as it is. The indispensable part of faithful
work is [what] Jesus names as watchfulness or wakefulness.”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> <a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span>
The disciple is the one who is watchful for the signs of the coming realm of
God. “Hope will come,” Rev. Yurs continues, “the deepest, best, and highest
shall come – not from our work but from somewhere outside and beyond it.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The disciples don’t bring the hope, they point out where hope is present.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We are faced with an uncertain future. Things look grim, for many people
around the world, for people in this community, and for people in this room. And
so, we must make a decision. We can’t go backward, searching for halcyon days
that weren’t as golden as we like to remember them. We can’t stick with the old
reality. If we do that, things will only get worse. We have to start living in
the now, and living into the future. The decision we face is how we shall live.
Will we fear the new reality, or will we face it with hope? Do we trust the
signs? Do we trust the prophets? Do we trust Emmanuel?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">How do we live into the future? Do we allow ourselves to be motivated by
fear, or do we watch for signs of hope? Do we point out all the things that
give us reason to give up, or do we keep our eyes open for ways in which we can
make a difference? Do we turn our backs to the poor, or do we work together as
people who have faith that things can be better? As Christians, we live into
the future with glad anticipation, with hopeful urgency, awake with expectation
of the dawn. “In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be
established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the
hills; all the nations shall stream to it.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Let us pray. O come, O come, Emmanuel. God be with us. Cheer our
spirits, disperse the clouds of night. Show us the path of knowledge, give us
hope, and fill the whole world with heaven’s peace. Jesus, as we come to your
table, take from us our fear, and give to us your hope. Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Matthew 24:3.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Matthew 24:34.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Matthew 24:36.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Romans 13:11.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Romans 13:12.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Mark E. Yurs, “Homiletical Perspective” on Matthew 24: 36-44 in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Feasting on the Word: Preaching the Revised
Common Lectionary</i>, Year A, Volume 1 (Louisville: Westminster John Knox
Press, 2010), p. 21-25.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ibid.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-27%20Advent%201A/Keep%20Awake.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Isaiah 2:2.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-148421784236951692.post-22843421655585612232022-11-20T09:30:00.009-06:002022-11-20T09:30:00.150-06:00All the Fullness of God<p><span style="color: #403152;">November 20, 2022 – Thanksgiving Sunday<br /></span><span style="color: #403152;">St. John’s United Church of Christ, Union, Illinois</span></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=535889781" target="_blank">Colossians 1:11-20</a>; <a href="http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=535889800" target="_blank">John 6:25-35</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-20%20Thanksgiving/All%20the%20Fullness%20of%20God.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Thanksgiving is
more than the festivities, the feasting, or the football games on TV. It gives
us time to ponder what lessons we have learned and how we can spread happiness to
those around us. It is an opportunity to look back at the great memories and good
people who have come into our lives. I am thankful for this congregation and I
want you to know that I appreciate you. Happy Thanksgiving Day to you and your
loved ones.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Many of us have
traditions around thanksgiving. Some of us gather food for the less-fortunate.
Some participate in “Turkey Trots”. And some just try to be kind in little
ways. One way I try to honor the holiday is to say “thank you” more often. I recently
read a story about the power of just saying “Thank you” to someone.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yareli worked as a janitor in a small company for many
years. Being a janitor is a pretty thankless job, which many of us might
consider as a “dirty” job or at least pretty far down the totem pole. In other
words, Yareli often felt like she was invisible.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One day, the company changed owners. Within a few
days, the new owner wrote a personal thank you card to every employee in the
company. An assistant went around to each employee and handed them out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When Yareli received and opened her card, she burst
into tears. She asked if she could be excused from work. Thinking she was sick,
the assistant allowed her to leave for the rest of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The next day at work, the owner found Yareli and asked
if she was alright. She said she had worked there for over twenty years, and she
had never received even a verbal thank you from the previous owners - much less
a personal card. She was really touched by the card expressing appreciation for
her work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: .25in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yareli had been thinking the change of ownership was
probably a good time to quit and find another place to work. She had planned to
give her two-weeks-notice that previous day. Because the owner had taken the
time to send a thank you card, she felt – for the first time – that someone
cared.<a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-20%20Thanksgiving/All%20the%20Fullness%20of%20God.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">When we think
about what we are thankful for, most of us will have a long list. Much of that
list may be material things, but I’m sure that our lists also will hold many
names of people who have touched our lives. As you think through the names on
that list – family, friends, teachers, janitors – is one of those names Jesus?
I’m not trying to shame you or make you feel guilty. I admit that I don’t
always include Jesus in my list of thankfulness. But when things fall apart,
when I start to drift away from my center, I need reminding that there is One
in whom all things hold together (C. 1:17). There is One who empowers all my
acts of kindness and gratitude. And I am thankful, truly thankful, for Jesus.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">We have the
experience of living in a community and culture that is largely Christian.
While there are certainly disagreements about just how to be a good Christian,
what we believe about Christ, and how we live our faith, we are all generally
pulled in the same direction. That was not the case for many people in biblical
times, particularly those who lived in the near-east where many cultures bumped
up against each other, and many philosophies from near and far vied for
attention.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Colossae was
one of the most celebrated cities in the western part of what is now modern
Turkey. A significant city from the 5<sup>th</sup> century BCE onwards, it had
dwindled in importance by the time of this letter from Paul. The town was known
for its variety of competing religious influences. Cosmic forces and unseen
spirits were understood to be everywhere, and the Christian community was
drifting away from their new faith. Paul writes to them to try to re-center
Christ in their lives.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">As we heard in
our reading, Christ is not merely another choice in the marketplace of
philosophies, but the center-point. Christ “is before all things, and in him
all things hold together” (C. 1:17). The people may believe that they have to
appease these other spirits lest they fall into disease or poverty. Paul
reassures them that in Christ, “all things in heaven and on earth were created,
things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers”
(C. 1:16). These other things may cause you to worry, but as Christians we must
remember that Jesus Christ is our connection to God who rescues us from the
power of darkness, and reconciles all things.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">For us, following
Jesus is not supposed to be one task competing with others, not just something
we think about on Sunday morning, but the way in which we live our whole lives.
There are certainly plenty of powers competing for our attention, from
materialism and greed to struggles for power and prestige. What Paul is telling
us here is that we aren’t subject to these other powers. We belong to another
kingdom, “the kingdom of [God’s] beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the
forgiveness of sins. (C. 1:13).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">When you read
the letter to the Colossians, you’ll find that it is filled with love,
encouragement, and reassurance. Are you struggling with the fears and forces
that pull you every which way? Are you weighed down by all of the suffering,
brokenness, and sin in the world? All of it, and all of us are gathered up in
Christ, who is able to hold all of us, to heal and comfort and restore. God’s
house is big enough to shelter everyone and everything. In Christ, “all the
fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to
reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace
through the blood of his cross” (C. 1:19-20).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">As we gather with
family this Thanksgiving Day, to share a meal together and give thanks for all
the people and things on our lists, we can be thankful for what fill us up. Not
just the meal, though you may be filled, or over-filled, by that. Not just the
fullness in our hearts from the presence of loved ones. We can be thankful that
we are also filled with the true bread from heaven (L. 6:32). We can give
thanks for the constant presence of Christ in our lives.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">I believe that
there are many ways to experience the Lord’s Supper. It can be on the first
Sunday each month in church. It can be at home watching a worship live-stream.
It can be the meal shared in Fellowship Hall. And it can be the family
Thanksgiving dinner. There, at the table, we give thanks, break the bread, and
share it together. If we are intentional about it, we can encounter “the bread
of God… which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (L. 6:33). “Jesus
said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be
hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’” (L. 6:35).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in;">Let us pray.
God, we are thankful. Fill us with all the fullness that comes from your
glorious power. Prepare us to endure everything with patience, while joyfully
giving thanks to you, who have enabled us to share in the inheritance of the
saints in the light. We give thanks today for Jesus Christ, the bread of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-20%20Thanksgiving/All%20the%20Fullness%20of%20God.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> The
scripture quotations contained herein are from the <i>New Revised Standard
Version Bible</i>, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of
the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Used by permission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All rights reserved.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/RevDave/Documents/Worship/2022-11-20%20Thanksgiving/All%20the%20Fullness%20of%20God.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Adapted from “Gratitude Story about a Janitor” on <a href="https://www.thank-your-stars.com/">https://www.thank-your-stars.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</div>Rev. Dave Inglishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15023350872219113850noreply@blogger.com0