Luke 5:1-11

Luke 5:1-11

Can We Go Before We Know?

February 7, 2010

Many of you know that I love gadgets and technological things.  I’m not real good at fixing them and I don’t really understand how they work  –  but I enjoy using them – or as Sally says – I like to “play with them”.  From my Black Berry phone to my laptop computer I enjoy gadgets – and I admit that sometimes my use of them can be described as “playing with them”.   At times I can even be distracted by them.  When I receive an e-mail and my Black Berry vibrates I want to grab it and see what the e-mail is – regardless of whatever else I might be doing.

Maybe you’re the same way. Technological innovations can be great and very helpful – but only if you use them the right way and don’t let them run your life.

One of my newest gadgets is my Garmin Nuvi GPS.  It helps get me where I want to go – and it’s Bluetooth enabled so I can use it as a speaker phone for my Black Berry while I’m driving – which is a big help!  If only I could teach it to display my e-mails while I’m driving!  I’m not sure that “there’s an app for that”, though!

GPS – or Global Positioning System – technology is truly remarkable!

I have it on my Blackberry also – but the screen in small and the “voice” hard to understand – so Sally and I gave each other the Garmin for Christmas. It does have a bigger screen and is easier to understand.

The beauty of a device with GPS technology is that you can enter in the address of your destination and it gives you directions on how to get there.  As long as you don’t mind the fact that there is a satellite “up there somewhere” that knows where you are it’s really pretty cool!

I have only had one experience where a GPS device didn’t help me get to where I was going.  Sally and I were going to the Big Tent Conference in Atlanta last June and using the Navigator application on my Black Berry to find our downtown  hotel.  The application worked fine as far as getting us on and off I-285 at the right spots – but once we got into downtown Atlanta it went haywire – continuously telling us to “make legal U – turn as soon as possible.”  The problem was – every time we would make a U turn (which is not easy in downtown Atlanta) it would tell us to make another one.  If we had followed the directions of the Navigator application we would have been going around and around on Peachtree Street – not exactly the safest thing to do!  I finally surmised that the tall buildings of downtown Atlanta were keeping the satellite that the Navigator was trying to communicate with from figuring out where we were!  We did finally get to our destination!

That experience aside, I do love GPS devices – and other technological stuff!

I used to think it was really neat that I could go to the internet on my computer – go to Google maps or mapquest – and print out directions to where I wanted to go – but that sounds pretty old fashioned now, doesn’t it? And using a real map from the highway department – well, who does that any more?

When I was a child my family took a trip to California – by car, mind you –not plane – that took about 2 weeks. Needless to say, we had no GPS device and no google or mapquest maps. I still remember Dad driving the car while mom clutched the maps and the travel brochures – trying to figure out where we were and where we would eat and where we would spend the night and what sights we would see that day. If the “National Lampoon Vacation” movies had come out in the 1960’s I am sure my sisters and I would have changed our name to “the Griswalds”.

Technology has truly made it easier for us to plan trips or even run errands.

There is something in us that makes us want to know where we are going before we leave from where we are. Nobody gets in the car any more and just drives – we want to know where we are going – and on the way want to know exactly where we are and exactly how much longer it will take to reach our destination.

We want to know where we are going and how to get there before we go.

Many of us even want to make sure we can trust the map – or the GPS system.

Is the map the newest version?

Is the GPS updated with the most recent software?

We want to know where we are going before we go.

Even in making decisions we find it hard to commit to one course of action before we feel we have all the information we need and have weighed all the options before us.  We don’t want to “just rush into a decision” without feeling that we are fairly sure of what the outcome will be.  Much like the feeling that we need to know where we are going before we go anywhere, many times we might feel like we need to know what the outcome of our decisions will be before we make them.

I’m not saying that being careful is wrong – or that knowing where we are going before we go is a bad thing – or that it’s wrong to weigh all our options until we are fairly sure we know what the outcome of our decisions will be before we make them. Being careful and prudent is good – at times. But – then again – there are times we have to follow – times we need to go – even before we are really sure where we are going.

Can we do that?

It’s hard – but there are times we definitely need to go before we really know where we are going – or make decisions before we know what the outcome might be.

As much as we like to know where we are going before we go, there are times we need to “go” before we “know”.

Can we?

Can we “go” before we “know”?

Our scripture passage for today speaks to this. Here we have Luke’s version of the calling of the first disciples – Peter, James and John.

I found it interesting as I looked at this passage this week that Luke’s version of the calling of Peter, James and John is different from the version that Matthew and Mark relate. In Matthew and Mark the calling of the first disciples takes place fairly soon after the baptism of Jesus and His beginning of His ministry, so it appears that the disciples are making a dramatic decision to follow someone they barely knew anything about or may not have even heard of. In the passage we have before us today, however, Luke puts the calling of the disciples after Jesus had begun His ministry and His fame was beginning to spread.  Several times in chapter 4 Luke records that news of Jesus’ ministry was spreading throughout the countryside – when He came to Nazareth the people had already heard of what He was doing – after He was forced to leave Nazareth the news of what He was doing spread and chapter 4 ends with many people flocking to Jesus to hear Him and be healed by Him. As chapter 5 begins there is a large crowd of people listening to Jesus – so many that He must get in Peter’s boat and put out into the water to keep from being pushed by the crowd.

Luke’s version of the call of the disciples may not be the dramatic response to an unknown teacher that Matthew or Mark might have – but it is still dramatic and was a brave response on the part of Peter, James, and John.

Did they know who Jesus was?

Luke seems to lead us to believe that they did. In fact, Peter refers to Jesus as “master” when Jesus tells them to put out into the deep water and let down the nets – so he must have had some knowledge of who Jesus was.

But – did they know what Jesus was calling them to do – and everything that they were getting themselves into when they left everything and followed?

I doubt it!

How could they have known where Jesus was going to be leading them – what was going to happen to them – and what they were getting themselves into?

They could not have known!

But – even though they could not have known exactly where Jesus would lead them or exactly what was going to happen to them – they followed.

They left everything – and followed.

Maybe they knew who Jesus was – maybe they had heard stories of what He said and what He did – but they did not know everything about where He was going or where they were going when they followed.

But what did they do?

They left everything – and followed.

They didn’t know where they were going — but they had a sense of who was calling them – and they followed Him.

They didn’t have all the information they needed to know what the outcome of their decision might be – but they made a decision – and followed.

Even when they did not know – they decided to go.

Can we do that?

Can we go before we know?

Can we decide to follow Jesus – even if we do not know exactly where He is leading us?

Can we decide to follow where Jesus is leading us – even when we may not have all the information we need to know exactly what the outcome might be?

Tough questions, aren’t they?

Leaving everything and following someone when you’re not sure where they are going or what you’re getting yourself into is not an easy thing to do – even if that someone is Jesus.

Clarence Jordan was the son of a successful businessman in Talbotton, Georgia. As he grew up in Talbotton he became distressed over the poverty that so may people lived in – especially the white share croppers and the blacks. After graduating from the University of Georgia Clarence felt that he was being called into the ministry, and enrolled in Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Upon his graduation from Seminary he felt the call to go back to Georgia – but not to serve a Church as everyone expected him to do.  He and his family moved to a rural area outside of Americus, Georgia and established Koinonia Farms —  a community where the poor – both white and black – could come, work, and earn a living. Folks in the area called him a communist because everyone at Koinonia Farms shared everything equally.  Folks also called him a lot of other names and some refused to buy the products raised on the farm because the whites and blacks lived side by side and fellowshipped and worked together – not the most popular way for folks in southern Georgia to live in the 1950’s and 1960’s.  Many people tried to intimidate him and his farm and house were firebombed on many occasions, but Clarence and his family continued to work the farm and work for justice in many other ways.

Clarence was once asked if he ever regretted his decision to work for justice for the poor and begin Koinonia Farms.  He replied:

“I have never regretted it.  It might be good that I didn’t know what God’s call was going to mean for me – but I have never regretted following.”

Clarence Jordan was a person decided to “go” — to follow Christ’s call – even though he did not know all it was going to mean for him.

So were Peter, James, John, and the rest of the disciples.

So were folks like Abraham and Isaiah – and so many others in the Bible and so many others throughout history.

God can use anyone who is willing to “go” – to follow Him – even if they do not know where it may take them or all it might mean for them.

Can we do that?

Can we decide to follow Jesus – even if we do not know exactly where He is leading us?

Can we decide to follow where Jesus is leading us – even when we may not have all the information we need to know exactly what the outcome might be?

Can we go before we know?

Jesus is calling us.

Jesus is calling us to take His love into the world and to touch people with His love in specific ways.

Jesus is calling us to “catch men” – and catch women and children – for Him.

How do we respond?

Do we say:

“Lord – I’m not too sure about this.”

“Let me think about it.”

“I’ll get back to you on that.”

Or do we go and do what Jesus is calling us to go and do – even when we are not too sure of what it might mean for us or where it might lead us.

I’m afraid that too many times when Jesus calls us we are too cautious – want to gather too much information – and take too long to respond.

Too many times – when it comes to following Jesus — we are just too careful.  Too many times we want to know exactly where we are heading and how long it will take us to get there. We want a map that spells out the exact route we will take – or better yet a GPS that will talk to us along the way to guide us around anything that might make us give of ourselves or do things we don’t want to do.

We might say we are willing to follow Jesus wherever He might lead us – but when it comes time to put actions to our words we hold back.

We might say that we are willing to do anything it takes for the Church to grow and for folks in the community to experience God’s love – but when specific actions are recommended – or – dare I say it – Jesus calls us to specific actions – we hold back instead of following.

We might want to appear to be good followers of Jesus – but not want to act like it.

Can we overcome this?

Can we get to where we are active followers of Christ – always ready to follow wherever He might lead and do whatever He might call us to do?

Can we get to where we – like Peter – James – and John and so many others in the Bible – and Clarence Jordan and so many others throughout history – can follow Jesus, even if we don’t know exactly where we are going or what we are getting ourselves into?

Can we get to the point – in our personal lives and as a Church –where we are willing to “go” – to follow Christ — even before we know what all it entails?

God can use us if we are willing to “go” – to follow Him – even if we do not know where it may take us or all it might mean for us.

Can we do that?

It’s the only way we are going to be the people God is calling us to be.

It’s the only way we are going to be the Church God is calling us to be.

Getting past having to know before we go is not easy and will take prayer. It will also take commitment.

Pray, friends.

Pray that you can become a person who does not respond to the call of Christ to show His love to others with:

“Lord – I’m not too sure about this.”

“Let me think about it.”

“I’ll get back to you on that.”

But that you can become a person who can respond:

“Here I am Lord.  Use me in any way you choose.”

Pray that we as a Church can become a Church that does not respond to the call of Christ with excuses – but with actions.

Pray that we can become individuals – and a Church – who can “go” before we “know”.  Amen.

Psalm 8

Psalm 8

Praise God For Life’s Extras

January 31, 2010

Psalm 8 is a significant Psalm and a significant reminder to us of what life is all about. It’s the first “hymn of praise” in the Psalter, interrupting a string of Psalms asking God for help from distress or from enemies.

How easy it is for us to cry out to God for help when we feel under attack from real life enemies or from problems that seem to daunt us!

Psalm 8 is significant because it reminds us that there are times in our lives when we need to interrupt our laments and our cries to God for help – and give God praise for all God has done for us!

There are times in our lives when we need to interrupt our complaints to God and our moanings and groanings about how bad things are in our lives and see how great God is – how greatly God has blessed us – and praise God for His greatness and His blessings.

We truly need Psalms like Psalm 8!

Can’t you just picture young David sitting on a hillside outside of Bethlehem, gazing up at the moon and stars, and his heart filling with the wonder of it all?

Can’t you just imagine him taking out his harp and beginning to sing some of these words:

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise. . .
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels and  crowned him with glory and  honor.
“You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the sea.
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

Wow!

What beautiful words!

What a beautiful creation!

What a beautiful, powerful God!

Yea – we need Psalms like Psalm 8 to remind us that God has blessed us with so much, and we need to give praise to God for all His gifts to us!

Some of you know that I am blessed to be a part of a Prayer Group that meets every morning at Gregg’s Store.  We enjoy each other’s fellowship and share the good and bad things that happen in our lives, catch up on the community news, swap jokes, and most of all read a devotional and pray for each other and others we know are in need in the community.  A lot of good tings have come out of that group – a lot of people in the community have been helped as we have discussed ways that we can reach out to them, those of us who have gone through very hard times in our lives have been prayed for and strengthened and have felt God in our lives as we have shared with each other, and if we could just send some our ideas to someone who could do something about them many of the world’s problems would be solved!

What you may not know is that this group is also a book club!  Some of us read and passed around copies of The Shack and discussed what it meant to us when it first came out.  Back in December I was enjoying a day off and doing some things around the house when one of the members of the group knocked on the door.

“Pastor” he said – “this is a book one of the guys at the store found and let me borrow.  I read it last night – and I want you to read it.  I know there’s a sermon in there!”

I thanked him and took the book – but must admit I was somewhat skeptical.  My sermons and material for my sermons have been the butt of many jokes in that group!

I glanced at the title – Life’s Extras – and noted that it was written by Archibald Rutledge, who I knew was the Poet Laureate of South Carolina. I hated to admit that I could not remember reading anything he had written, and looked forward to reading this book.

A few days after that Mom fell and broke her hip – and Sally and I began making weekly trips to Rock Hill to check on her.  On one of the first of these trips I took the book, and as Sally drove I became absorbed in the wonder of Archibald Rutledge’s understanding of nature – and of God.

Rutledge writes that God’s gifts to us can be put into two categories – the things that are necessary and the extras.  Under the things that are necessary Rutledge lists sunlight, air, water, food and shelter – what he calls the bare necessities for living.  Under the things that are extras he lists music, the perfumes, and flowers.  He then writes that the wind might be necessary, but – as he writes –“the song that it croons through the morning pines is a different thing”.

What truth is in these words!

God has blessed us with things that we need for living – the things that are necessary – but God has also blessed us with “extras” – things that may not be necessary but without which life would be dull and without much joy.

Rutledge’s book made me start thinking about the “extras” God has blessed me with.

What are some of the “extras” – some of the things not necessary but that fill your life with joy?

Sally’s love, care, and support may not be completely necessary for my survival, although I hate to think where I would be without her in my life.

Friends and family are indeed some of the “extras” in my life that God has blessed me with. Without them, my life would truly be devoid of much of the joy it is filled with.

A loving congregation to serve is definitely one of “life’s extras” for me – as is the Prayer Group I mentioned a few minutes ago.

I can’t forget our dogs – Hallie and Buster.  They provide much joy and companionship for both Sally and me.

God has blessed me with an ability to communicate His love to others and I don’t take that lightly.  I volunteer my time at Carolinas’ Hospital, and find that I am blessed when I do this. That blessing may not be something that is necessary for my survival, but it is truly an “extra” for me that makes my life much richer. I find being on the Board of the House of Hope and the Presbytery committees I serve on are part of “life’s extras” for me, as is the times of fellowship I enjoy with fellow pastors.

These are just some of the “extras” God has blessed me with – just some of the things that cause me to pause and say to God:

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

What about for you?

What are some of “life’s extras” for you that cause you to pause and say:

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

Hopewell is a rural Church – in a rural setting – so maybe you are very familiar with the things Rutledge lists in Life’s Extras as being some of the “extra things” God has blessed him with that give meaning and beauty to his life. He lists things like the sound of the wind, the songs of the birds, the moonlight on a path in the woods, the stars, and beautiful flowers.

He relates one experience where the beauty of a moonlit night, the smell of the salt air over the marsh, and the song of a mockingbird cheered his spirit as he walked to visit a sick friend, and how these were the things that were giving his friend joy and even healing.

Another experience he relates was how, on visiting the family of a man in the mountains of North Carolina who had died, he noticed a rhododendron on the mantle next to the man’s picture. The man’s sister told him:

“To have it there helps me. It reminds me of God.”

The “extra” things in life can indeed help us find joy and healing – and can even remind us of God.

That’s what David discovered and wrote about it Psalm 8.

That’s what Archibald Rutledge knew and wrote about in Life’s Extras.

That’s what we can know and live our lives realizing as we give praise to God for the “extras” He graciously blesses us with.

The problem is that too many times we become so busy with our lives that we don’t take the time to realize – or give praise to God for – the “extras” He gives us in our lives. Too many times we overlook the beauty God blesses us with that is all around us – and we fail to look to God and say:

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

We tend to take things for granted.

We become so busy with our lives that we overlook our loved ones – our families and friends – or when we do pay attention to them it’s to yell at them because of something that we feel they have done wrong. Words and phrases like “how can you be so stupid?” come more easily to us at times than words like: “I love you”. “I appreciate you.” “Thank you for what you do for me”. “Thank you for what you mean to me”.  We overlook the “extras” God has blessed us with instead of letting them know what they mean to us – and fail to look to God in praise and say:

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

We tend to take things for granted.

We might drive by beautiful scenery – or have a beautiful sunrise of sunset right before our eyes – and not pay attention.

We might have the most beautiful flowers right before our eyes – and not pay attention to them or give praise to God for them.

We might take the “extras” in life that are all around us for granted – and not look to God and say:

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

We’ve got to do better, friends!

We need to be more thankful people.

We need to be more thankful to God for the “extras” He blesses us with – more aware of the “extras” God gives us – and express our thanks and appreciation to the people God blesses us with all around us.

We need to realize that everything we have is from God – and see God’s handiwork in all the things in life – whether it be a flower or a sunrise or sunset or a shining star or the moon on a beautiful moonlit night or a beautiful snowfall – or a person we know and love. All these things – and so much more – are God’s extras to us – and should cause us to stop and give praise to God.

You know – the Apostle Paul was right when – in the first chapter of Romans – he wrote that people can’t say they do not know about God because they can look at all of creation and know that God created it and is in it.  They may not take the time to realize it – but they can.

God is in all things – and gives us all things as “extras” for us to enjoy.

Do you see God in all things – enjoy what God has given you — and give Him praise – or do you just overlook the fact that God is there?

Frank Borman was commander of Apollo 8 space craft and had the thrill of looking down on the earth from 250,000 miles away. He radioed a message back to Houston in which he and his fellow astronauts took turns quoting the opening verses of Genesis 1:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…”

He later explained: “I had an enormous feeling that there had to be a power greater that any of us, that there was a God, that there was indeed a beginning.”

John Glenn said one of his missions: “To look out at this kind of creation and not believe in God is to me impossible.”

We need to learn to realize the “extras” God has blessed us with – and say to God:

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

Of course, the greatest thing God has blessed us with is salvation through Christ. If you have never realized that God loves you and provides for your salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, you need to realize it. In fact, you should not let another minute go by without letting Jesus enter your heart and change your life.

Friends – God loves you and blesses you.

He blesses you with salvation.

He blesses you with all the things you need to live – all the “necessities” of life.

He also blesses you with so many “extras” in life – things that may not be exactly necessities but without which your life would be dull and joyless.

Learn to appreciate and praise God for “life’s extras”.

Let the people who are the “extras” in life for you know how much you love and appreciate them – and do your best to be an “extra” in life for them.

Learn to look at nature – the world around you – and give praise to God for it’s beauty.

Learn to give praise to God for the greatest gift He has given you – your salvation – and live a life in joyful praise to God for it.

Learn to be like David in the Psalms – who knew how to cry out to God for help – but also knew how to cry to God:

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

Learn to give praise to God for “life’s extras”.

Amen.

Luke 4:14-30

Luke 4:14-30

God’s Spirit Can Be On Us!

January 24, 2010

The Spirit of the Lord is on me,   because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)

“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing!” (Luke 4:21)

What exciting words these must have been to the worshippers in Nazareth that day!  These words were words filled with promise for the worshippers in Nazareth that day.  They were hearing that the promises of God — the kingdom of peace and healing that Isaiah and so many others had promised — were finally coming true — and it was going to be one of their own who would bring it into fruition!

Exciting words indeed!

But — for us to really understand what they might have meant for them to hear these words — and to hear them from Jesus, who had grown up in their own town — maybe we need to imagine that we are in that Synagogue that day — hearing those words.

Imagine with me that you are one of the townspeople worshipping on that Sabbath.

You hear Jesus say:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,   because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”  – and

“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing!”

– and you wonder if these words will ever mean the same to you again.

What power Jesus seems to have as He speaks them!

It seems as if these words from Isaiah are taking on a whole new meaning for you and the others listening to Jesus — Joseph and Mary’s boy — speak these words.

He seems to have such authority.

Maybe you aren’t sure of what all His words mean — but it seems to you that He is saying that He is going to be doing the things Isaiah had written of centuries before.  Maybe He is going to be the one to bring the good news to the poor — proclaim release to the captives — proclaim recovery of sight to the blind — let the oppressed go free – and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Maybe He was especially chosen — even anointed by God — to fulfill these promises God had made so many years before.

He seemed to be saying that His mission in life was going to be fulfilling the promises of God.

You believe Him when He says that the Spirit of God was upon Him.

But – still – you wonder.

You wonder why this particular person – why Jesus – is the one with God’s Spirit on Him – and how Jesus  will do all these things He seems to be saying that it’s Him mission to do.

You see — you’ve known Jesus all his life.

His father — Joseph — was a good friend of yours.  You are a brick mason — and you and Joseph worked together on many a house in Nazareth.  You had been in and out of his shop many times — and he yours.  Like everyone else in Nazareth, you rejoiced when Joseph and Mary became engaged and married.  You remember when they returned from the census with their son — Jesus.  You had watched Jesus grow.  You watched Him learn to be a carpenter like Joseph.   You watched Him attend school in the Synagogue like the other boys His age.  You watched Him play with other children his age in the streets of Nazareth.  You watched Him on the Sabbath as a young adult as He participated in the worship in the Synagogue.

He seemed to be a normal boy — but then — all that changed.

He left town one day.

Some said He had joined with the followers of John the Baptist.

Others said — no — He was baptized by John — but He had begun His own ministry — traveling around the countryside — performing miracles — and teaching about God.

He had stirred up a great deal of attention — the reports of what He was doing had reached Nazareth long before He did.

But then — one day — He came to town.

How happy you and all His friends were to see Him!

How excited everyone was!

Maybe He would do some of those great things here in Nazareth that you had heard He had done in other places!

Sure enough — on the Sabbath He entered the Synagogue — and was invited to take part in the service. He stood to read the Scripture — and turned to Isaiah.

Everyone beamed with pride as Jesus stood to read:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,   because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then — all eyes were on Him as He sat in the special chair reserved for the one who was to interpret the Scripture.  You and everyone else sit in anticipation to hear what Jesus would say about this Scripture — and He looked up and said:

“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing!”

“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing!”

It becomes so silent in the Synagogue that you could hear a pin drop. For a moment — no one says a word.  Everyone is in shock.  But — you were rejoicing!

Finally — you think to yourself — God’s promise is going to be fulfilled.

Finally — someone has God’s Spirit on them to bring good news to the poor  – proclaim release to the captives — proclaim recovery of sight to the blind — let the oppressed go free – and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor!

You are not at all sure how Jesus — the son of Mary and Joseph — was going to do this — but you felt that — somehow — it would be done — and you even felt a strong desire to be a part of it.

At least that’s your initial reaction.

Somehow — God was in Jesus — and Jesus was going to make it His mission in life to fulfill the promises of God.

I hope this somewhat imaginative look at how someone in the Synagogue in Nazareth that day may have felt about and even initially reacted to what Jesus said makes you feel like you were there and listening to Jesus — because what Jesus said was not just for those people in that at that time and in that place — what Jesus said to those folks in that place and at that time Jesus says to us in this place and at this time, also.

The Spirit of the Lord is on me,   because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)

“Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing!” (Luke 4:21)

God’s Spirit was indeed upon Jesus.

God’s Spirit also can be upon us.

Jesus used the passage from Isaiah to describe how His ministry was going to be.  He was going to be the one who would bring good news to the poor  – proclaim release to the captives — proclaim recovery of sight to the blind — let the oppressed go free – and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor!

God’s word through Isaiah would indeed finally be fulfilled.

God’s promise to the people would finally be fulfilled.

God’s will for healing — justice — and peace was coming into the world — through Jesus Christ.

But – here’s the thing — just as the folks in Nazareth needed to hear that God’s promises were being fulfilled — we need to hear that, also. God’s promises of good news to the poor — release to the captives — recovery of sight to the blind – freedom for the oppressed — and the Lord’s favor was being fulfilled that day by Christ — but it can also needs to be fulfilled by us — here — and now.

Just as God’s Sprit was on Jesus – God’s Spirit can be on us!

Jesus said: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing!”

Today — Jesus still says — the Scripture is still being fulfilled.

Not just that day in Nazareth – but today!

Commenting on this passage Fred Craddock writs:

“By reading Isaiah 61:1-2 Jesus not only announced that prophecy was fulfilled (vs. 21) but was also defining His role in the world. The passage says that Christ is God’s servant who will bring to reality God’s fulfillment of the longings of the poor, oppressed, and imprisoned.  Jesus says “today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing”.  The ministry of Jesus and the early Church showed that today God is active.  The Church today needs to show others that God is active in the world – not just in a vague “someday” and “sometimes” but today – here – and now!”

Indeed, God is active in the world – here and now!

The Spirit of God can be on us – here and now!

The Spirit of God can be on us as we take God’s message into the community and the world through words and actions that show God’s love and care to all who are in need.

It can be on us as we spread good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives, proclaim recovery of sight to the blind and freedom for the oppressed and proclaim the Lord’s favor is available for all. It is on us as we reach out with power and bring God’s Good News into the world!

It can be on us as we support the work of the Lighthouse Ministries or Thornwell – or so many other ways we reach out those in need.

It can on us as we share a smile or a kind word with someone who may need to see that smile or hear that word at that time.

It can be on us as we make a phone call to someone just to let them know we are thinking about them – or stop by just to say “hello”.

It can be on us in so many ways — large and small.  There are so many ways we all can fulfill God’s promises of love and healing and peace in our world.

I don’t think Jesus was only referring to folks who were poor economically or physically captives or blind or actually oppressed by a government. While He was certainly talking about these things in the literal sense, He was also talking about those “poor in spirit” – captive to disease or addictions – blind to God’s love – or oppressed to financial situations such as job loss or abuse or any of the other situations in life that can torment us and keep us from realizing God’s love and favor that is available to us.  It’s up to the Church – up to us – to show God’s love and favor to all in need – regardless of the need.  It’s up to us to let them know that God is active – as Craddock writes – not just someday or sometimes or somewhere but today – here—and now!

But – here is something we need to pay attention to.

Jesus proclaimed that God’s Spirit was on Him as He did God’s will in the world – and it was. Jesus had a powerful ministry as He did the things that showed God’s will to others.

God’s Spirit can be on us also – but only as we do the things that show God’s will to others and live in God’s ways ourselves.

The wonderful reaction Jesus got from the folks in the Synagogue in Nazareth did not last long – did it?

No – when Jesus began telling them what it meant to have God’s Spirit on Him and on them they began to react violently.

It was going to mean doing things they did not want to do – reaching out to those they did not want to reach out to – and showing God’s love to those who they preferred to stay away from.

In other words, it was going to mean changing who they were – and becoming who God wanted them to be. It was going to mean changing their attitudes and getting the attitudes God wanted them to have. It was going to mean letting God change them so they could do God’s things in the world and not their own things.

God’s Spirit can be on us – truly on us – as we let God change us.

God’s Spirit is only on us as we begin to let God change who we are and make us who He wants us to be. God’s Spirit is only on us as we pray for God to change us – then share the change God is making in our lives with others. God’s Spirit is only on us as we get busy and do the things God is calling us to do.

When we met to celebrate our Prayer Groups two weeks ago and look at what God might be calling us to be doing, one topic that continued to be brought up was that we at Hopewell seemed to need to have a greater commitment to God and to letting God change us. Some suggested that we needed to pray for God’s Spirit to anoint us and build a fire of excitement in us.  I could not agree more. We need God’s Spirit with us here at Hopewell – and we need God’s Spirit with us in our personal lives.  It really doesn’t matter what the Session does or what I do – unless each of us are willing to pray for God’s Spirit to anoint and change us personally we will not be the Church or the people God is calling us to be.

Each of us have to pray for God’s Spirit to bless us – to come upon us – and change us – before we can truthfully say “God’s Spirit  is on us!”

God’s Spirit was at work in Jesus as He spread good news to the poor, proclaimed release to the captives, proclaimed recovery of sight to the blind and freedom for the oppressed and proclaimed that the Lord’s favor was available for all.  God’s Spirit can be at work in us – and upon us – as we pray for it and give ourselves to God and let Him change our lives and our Church and do the things that show God to the world.  If each of us would pray for God’s Spirit, God will send it – will changes us — and glorious things will happen.

Pray for God’s Spirit to truly be on us.

Pray for a changed attitude among us.

Pray for an attitude of being willing to get involved in the things of the Church and the things of God.

Pray that we will be – as Craddock writes – people who show to our community and the world that God is at work – not just someday or somewhere but here and now.

That’s the only way God can truly make a difference in our lives, our Church, our community, and our world.

But – here’s the promise God gives us – if we pray for His Spirit to change us and through us make a difference in our Church, our community, and our world – it will happen. God wants it to happen – if we want it to happen. God wants it to happen – if you want it to happen.

Pray.

Then it can be true that God’s Spirit is on us – and we can be God’s people showing others that God is active in our lives – our Church – and the world – as Craddock writes: “not just in a vague “someday” and “sometimes” but today – here – and now!”

Then it can be said that God’s Spirit is on us! Amen

John 2:1-11

John 2: 1-11

God Can Change Us

January 17, 2010

(Celebration of ideas from Prayer Groups and how God can call us to new things)

Wow!

What a powerful passage we have before us today!

Jesus – who as John relates the story of His ministry has just begun to travel throughout the land teaching healing, and calling on others to follow – attends a wedding at Cana – and  “saves the day” with a wonderful miracle of changing water into wine.

Jesus saw the wedding is going badly after the wine gave out – or maybe it’s Mary’s bringing the problem to His attention that makes Him become concerned about the situation – and changes the water that is available into wine.

The party had come to a grinding halt when the wine gave out – but Jesus provided more wine – in fact much better wine than at first – and the party was saved.

Wow!

Wasn’t that really nice of Jesus to save the party – and provide wine?

Pretty neat – don’t you think?

Maybe Jesus would be a pretty good person to have around.  He sure does know how to keep a party going!

But – that’s not what’s really going on here – is it?

Of course not!

Jesus did not change the water into wine just to keep the party going!

I don’t believe that Jesus was all that concerned about the party.

I think Jesus was concerned with people realizing that He could create changes in the very nature of things and make things different.

I don’t think Jesus was interested in the people at the party having a good time – I believe He was interested in grabbing their attention so He could show them how to have the best time – indeed the best life — possible.

That’s what I think this story before us today is all about.

God can take us – change us – and give us the best life possible.

God can change us!

How can God change us?

Last Sunday morning we looked at God’s word to the captives in Babylon as Isaiah 43 records it and the Baptism of Jesus and saw how God has a future for us that is much more glorious than our present. Last Sunday afternoon we celebrated the Prayer Groups we had last fall and shared ideas of things God might be calling us to do in our future as individual Christians and a Church. Today I want to give all of us a chance to look at some of the things we discussed last Sunday afternoon – because I believe that these are ways that God can change us – – just as Jesus changed the water into wine – and give us the best life – and the best Church – possible.

I’m going to ask some of you to help me hand out these sheets as we look at how God might change us.

At our Prayer Group celebration last Sunday, we shared ideas of what we felt God was calling us to be doing as a Church.  A list  was  made of things we are already doing that we wanted to celebrate and continue doing and lists were made of new things we felt God might be calling us to be doing.

Hopewell’s Mission Statement gives us a good way to consider what we are doing and what we might be called to do. The Mission Statement is:

We at Hopewell Presbyterian strive to live out three basic commands of  Christ:

1. 1. Love God and others (Matthew 22:34-38)
2. 2. Serve others (Matthew 25:34-46)
3. 3. Tell others about Christ (Matthew 28:16-20)

We believe that, as we worship, study, fellowship, and serve we show our love for God, each other, and others.

Things discussed last Sunday that we are doing now to show our love for God and others, serve others, and tell others about Christ that we want to celebrate included:

1. 1. Outreach
2. 2. New members and “friends” who are not members but very active — showing some growth
3. 3. Youth
4. 4. Wednesday nights (fellowship, youth, young adults, Dave Ramsey, Bible Study)
5. 5. Active Session
6. 6. Christmas outreach
7. 7. Reaching members in times of need
8. 8. Youth to work camps
9. 9. Fundraisers for missions and other activities always supported well

10. “Community Clean Up Days”

What are some other things we are doing and want to celebrate and continue doing?

Ideas for things God might be calling us to do that would help us do a better job at showing  our love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ were divided into different areas. Things the entire congregation can do was one area. Other areas included things Session Committees would oversee.  Things the Session as a whole can do was another area, and things the Pastor could do was another area

Congregation

1. Each member needs to hold himself/herself accountable for his/her own personal relationship with Christ. (This was returned to several times and in several different ways of expressing the same thought – such as we all need to pray for God’s Spirit to anoint us, we all need to work on our own excitement about the Church and serving God, each member needs to “step up and do what they can”, etc. This is the one thing that – if implemented – would make the biggest difference in the Church.
2. Need to be ministers to each other
3. Need to be committed to spreading the Gospel
4. Should support missions, local, national, and international
5. Need to support church members and others who are having personal difficulties and rejoice with them in their blessings.
6. Need to develop an atmosphere of “family” within the church.

What are some other things the entire congregation can be doing that would help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ?

Things Session Committees can oversee that will help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ:

Christian Education:

1. Have a plan for presenting certificates and pins for attendance, etc
2. Program of memorizing scripture passages
3. Find ways to encourage people to bring their Bibles to Sunday School and Church
4. Sponsor or promote workshops for teachers that Presbytery sponsors
5. Encourage congregation members to “use their gifts” as far as being teachers and Christian Education volunteers
6. Look into small group studies in people’s homes, etc.
7. Encourage great commitment of teachers
8. Review materials for classes – children, youth, and adults
9. Continue to look for new ideas for Wednesday nights and new people to assist with teaching and leading activities on Wednesday nights
10. Look at ways to reach the college age young people in Church and community  (Francis Marion University, etc.)

What are some other things we can be doing as far as Christian Education  that would help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ?

Congregational Care

1. Help nurture feelings of nurturing each other in the congregation (prayer chain, etc. – maybe meals to those in need.  The “new” e-mail Prayer Chain list and the way it is being used was praised!)
2. Help devise ways to support church members and others who are having personal difficulties and rejoice with them in their blessings.
3. Help develop an atmosphere of “family” within the church.
4. Continue: cards to sick, anniversaries, and birthdays – Communion to members who are  Homebound and in Nursing Homes,  gifts to  members who are  Homebound and in Nursing Homes.

What are some other things we can be doing as far as Congregational Care   that would help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ?

Fellowship

1.  Find ways to promote activities, outings, meals, etc. that get us together so we can share our lives and our faith together

2. Help Congregational Care Committee in working to develop a “family atmosphere” within the Church

3. Plan a church wide retreat one weekend in the fall or spring—not summer.

What are some other things we can be doing as far as Fellowship that would help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ?

Mission and Evangelism

1. Help nurture a commitment to spreading the Gospel among the members
2. Help support and promote Missions
3. Provide transportation for those who are unable to drive at night or for those who have no means of transportation.
4. Identify and invite the un-churched in the community to attend church programs
5. Arrange transportation for the children in Sunnyfield and other residential areas near the church
6. Look into being involved in Gospel Clubs at public schools
7. Consider buying a church van to use for youth and senior retreats
8. Continue offerings to Church supported agencies, collections for Thornwell and others missions, and suppers at FMU

What are some other things we can be doing as far as Fellowship that would help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ?

Finance and Stewardship

1. Promote finance and Stewardship concerns

2. Promote ways to get congregation more committed to being good steards of their gifts and talents

What are some other things we can be doing as far as Finance and Stewardship that would help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ?

Worship and Music

1. More upbeat or spirited service particularly music
2. Have a revival in October on the years we don’t have Homecoming which we used to do.
3. Have a children’s choir if enough are interested.
4. Try a worship service one Sunday night a month.
5. “Fifth Sunday Night Hymn Sing”

What are some other things we  can be doing as far as Worship and Music hat would help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ?

Youth

1. 1. More support and encouragement for those working with youth
2. 2. Continue wonderful job with Sunday night and Wednesday night programs and Mission trips

What are some other things we can be doing as far as Youth that would help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ?

Things the Pastor can do to help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ was also a category.  The following ideas were shared:

1. More “meat and potatoes” and “fire” in sermons
2. Less repetition in sermons
3. Sermons should challenge the congregation
4. Sermons should teach Scripture, refer to Bible commentaries and esteemed authors.
5. Sermons should be spiritual and expound on the scripture chosen for the service
6. Children’s sermons should be geared more to the learning levels of the children involved.
7. Announcements that are in the bulletin should not be read to the congregation.
8. Needs to visit every member of the church
9. Needs to be a strong leader who leads by doing things
10. Needs to talk less and listen more to suggestions of others
11. Needs to prepare more challenging, scholarly sermons
12. Be respectful to all members of the congregation
13. Visit in the community in order to interest new members

What are some other things the Pastor can be doing that would help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ?

Things the Session as a whole can do to help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ was also a category.  The following ideas were shared:

1. Be prayerful in all actions they undertake
2. Remember they are serving God, not themselves
3. Listen to members of the congregation when suggestions are made and take them seriously
4. Treat all members of the congregation with love and respect
5. Be good stewards in the management of church affairs and money.
6. Be conscientious about fulfilling duties they undertake
7. Try to attend all Session meetings
8. Treat each other with respect – let everyone speak their minds – even if you disagree
9. Agree to disagree (Disagree without being disagreeable)
10. Try to support programs of the Church – attend functions
11. Follow through on ideas and things have agreed to do

What are some other things the Session can be doing that would help us do a better job at showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ?

Last Sunday afternoon – and today — we have looked at where we are – and shared ideas on what God might be leading us to do so we can do a better job at   showing love for God and others, serving others, and telling others about Christ. We have looked at some ways God might be able to “make us new”.

What will be done with these ideas and suggestions?

The Session is having a planning retreat the first Saturday in February where we will begin looking at these ideas and suggestions — and how we can implement them. Every idea might not be done this year — every idea will be considered.

As for the things I might need to work on – I will consider them and pray for ways to implement them.  I want each of you to know that I am very approachable and that I will listen to your ideas and suggestions and take them under consideration – for I firmly believe that God speaks to us through each other.

Let’s all do the first thing under what the congregation as a whole can do – be accountable for our own personal relationship with Christ and pray for God’s Spirit to anoint us, work on our own excitement about the Church and serving God, and “step up and do what we can”. This is the one thing that would make the biggest difference in the Church – and be the instrument God can use to change us. As we pray –worship – and work together we can all be changed – and the Church can be changed.

Just as Jesus changed the water into wine – God can change us – and give us the best life – and best Church – possible. Amen.

Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 3:15-17,21-22

Isaiah 43:1-7

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

“Are You Listening To God?”

January 10, 2010

Baptism of the Lord

Communion

What joyful — wonderful – promised filled — and appropriate – passages we have before us today!

These are joyful passages that proclaim God’s love and promise to God’s people.

Isaiah proclaims God’s love and promise of a brighter future for a people in captivity far away from their homeland who probably saw very little reason to rejoice and hope for the future –  and Luke declares God’s love for Jesus – God’s Son – the hope and joy of the world – as He is being baptized and beginning His ministry.

Joyful – wonderful – promise filled passages indeed!

And appropriate.

What do these passages have in common?

In both passages God is speaking God’s word to God’s people – and God’s word is a word of love and hope and promise. .

In our OT passage Isaiah is writing to the Israelites who were in captivity in Babylon – and maybe wondering if God still cared for them.

Can you imagine what it must have been like for them?

Over 60 years in captivity in a land that was not the land God had promised to their ancestors.  Many of them had never seen Jerusalem – and the stories of the beautiful land and the beautiful temple – and maybe even the stories of God and His love and care and freeing past captives – may have seemed like fairy tales to them.

Where was God now?

Why wasn’t God freeing them?

They may have felt that God had abandoned them – and their future was nothing more than serving their Babylonian masters.

And then – Isaiah brings a word from God.

God speaks – and God’s word to them is:

rejoice – have courage – God is going to save you – God will bring you back to Jerusalem and the land He promised your ancestors.

Fear not  – God says

Why?

Because God is going to do something new!

God is going to gather your people – and bring you back to Jerusalem

God will gather your people —

“from the east and west – north and south”

God will do something!

You have reason to rejoice – and your  future will be glorious – if you will listen to God!

Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann writes that this passage is one of the greatest examples in the Old Testament of God’s gracious choice of God’s people – what we call the Doctrine of Election — writing that —

“A tiny, miserable and insignificant band of uprooted men and women are assured that they – precisely they! – are the people to whom God has turned in love; they, just as they are, are dear and precious in his sight”

Regardless of how things may have looked to them in the present – regardless of their present condition – Isaiah brings God’s word to them — and that word was that He loved them – had a great future planned for them – and that He wanted them to look to His future – listen to His plan for them — and trust Him.

God wanted them to listen to His plan for their future – and follow it.

Isaiah proclaims that God has a plan for His people – and He wants them to listen to His plan – and follow it!

Amazing when you think of it – is it not?

To these captives – these “tiny, miserable, and uprooted men and women” — God spoke words of hope and words of encouragement – and told them to not worry so much about their present situation – but to listen to His plan for their future – and to follow Him!

To these captives — these “tiny, miserable, and uprooted men and women” — God spoke – and called them to listen.

And – you know what?

God’s word came true.

God’s vision for the future for these people became reality!

God was speaking to them – and they needed to listen!

So – let’s fast-forward some 500 years or so.

In our passage from Luke the people have returned to Jerusalem and the rest of the land of promise – just as God said they would —  and now John the Baptist is preaching and baptizing and telling the people that salvation is near – and Jesus – God’s Son – the one who will bring salvation — comes to him and is baptized.

And what happens?

We see the rare occurrence of the Trinity – God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – all acting at the same time.

God the Son is baptized and begins His ministry.

God the Sprit comes in the form of a dove to confirm and bless what God the Son is doing

And God the Father speaks.

Jesus begins His ministry – and the Father speaks words of love and encouragement

“you are my Son, whom I love.  With you I am well pleased.”

Can you imagine how that experience must have been for Jesus?

It must have confirmed for Him that He was God’s Son – loved by God –and called to do God’s work and saving will in the world.

Jesus heard God’s voice – and went into the future God had planned for Him.

Another wonderful – joyful – and promised filled passage.

Yea – these are 2 joyful — wonderful – promised filled — and appropriate – passages we have before us today!

They are joyful passages that proclaim God’s love and promise.

In Isaiah we see God’s love and promise and choice of a captive people in a faraway country who saw very little reason to rejoice and hope – and in Luke we see God’s love for Jesus – God’s Son – the hope and joy of the world – as He is being baptized and beginning His ministry.

Joyful – wonderful – promise filled passages indeed!

Passages filled with promise and hope for the future God has planned for His people!

And appropriate passages also.

Why do I say they are appropriate?

Well – I say this because I believe that they are appropriate for us – here at Hopewell Presbyterian Church on January 10, 2010.

I believe that — just as God spoke to the captives in Babylon of His plans for their future – a future of love and hope and redemption – a future filled with His plans for great and wonderful things – I believe that God speaks to us of a future filled with His plans for great and wonderful things for us.

I believe that — just as God spoke to Jesus and the crowd around Him at His baptism that Jesus was His Son – and that He was well pleased with Him – God speaks to us – calls us His people – tells us He is well pleased with us – if we will listen to Him and follow Him.

Just as Jesus listened to God – and went into the future God had planned for Him – we need to listen to God – and go into the future God has planned for us.

I believe that God has a “future plan” for us here at Hopewell – just as He had a “future plan” for the exiles in Babylon – a plan for a future that is filled with His promise and filled with great things. Regardless of how things may looked to us here and now — God has a word for us  – and that word is that He loves us– has a great future planned for us – and wants us to look to His future and His plan  –trust Him – and follow Him.

I believe that God is speaking to us of His plan for us – His plan for our future — and that we need to listen to Him.

But – I know that listening to God is not an easy thing to do.  Listening to God and following God is not easy at all.

We might look at how things are for the Church and in our lives and wonder if God really has a plan for us.

I’m sure some of the exiles in Babylon might have laughed at Isaiah and the word of God he brought to the people.

“What do you mean God is going to bring us back to Jerusalem and give us a future that is filled with great things? Are you crazy?”

That’s how some of them may have reacted to Isaiah’s word from God.

But God was speaking – and calling on His people to listen.

I’m sure that some of the crowd at Jesus’ baptism found it hard to believe that God was truly speaking.

“This is just a peasant from Nazareth! What do you mean He’s God’s Son?”

But God was speaking – and calling on His people to listen.

God is speaking to us here and now – and calling on us to listen.

Are you listening?

Are you listening to God?

Are you willing to listen to God’s plan for us – and follow God’s plan for us?

God has spoken to us – and continues to speak to us.

Are we listening?

Are we listening to God?

This past fall we gathered in prayer groups and prayed for God to give us His vision for Hopewell. We prayed for God to speak to us. This afternoon we are going to gather and share some of the ideas that were shared in our prayer groups.

Friends – I believe that God has spoken to us. I believe that when we come together as we have done and pray for God’s will for us and the Church – God speaks to us.

I also believe we need to listen.

I pray that you will come and join me this afternoon as we share what we feel has been God’s word to us. Even if you have not been involved in a prayer group, I pray you will come and share.

I believe that in the sharing we will hear God’s word to us.

I believe that in the sharing God will speak – and we will need to listen.

I don’t fool myself and I won’t try to fool you into thinking that we’ll leave this afternoon with a clear cut plan for how to do what we feel God is calling us to do – but I do believe that we might leave with a sense of what direction God is calling us to go in – maybe some general ideas – and some things to work on and do.

I believe that God will speak.

I believe we need to listen.

After this afternoon it will take commitment from each of us to put the plans we feel God is laying before us into motion – but if we will listen to God’s plans for us and do them – we will move into the future God has planned for us.

As we have partaken of the Sacrament this morning we have been strengthened to go into the glorious future God plans for us.

As we gather this afternoon we will continue to discover what that future is.

Let’s listen to God.

Are you listening to God?

Let’s look at the glorious future plans God has for us – just as He had a glorious future planned for the exiles in Babylon and just as He had a glorious plans for us all in Jesus.

Let’s listen to God – and do the work it will take to move into the glorious future He has planned for us. Amen

Jeremiah 31:7-14, 1 Peter 2:1-10, John 1:1-18

Jeremiah 31:7-14

1 Peter 2:1-10

John 1:1-18

We Are All Called

January 3, 2010

Christmas 2

Officer Ordination / Installation

Happy New Year!

It is indeed a new year – a year filled with new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities.

But we have to let it be that for us.

We have to let ourselves take advantage of the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that God may be laying before us — or this year will not be any different than any other.

You may remember my story about when I was young I used to want to stay up until midnight on New Years Eve and “see the New Year in”.  When I was 4 I decided that I was going to stay up and “see the New  Year in” – for it was not just a new year – but a new decade.  When the clock struck midnight it was no longer going to the 1959 – but 1960 – not the 1950’s – but the 1960’s!  I was sure that this was going to bring great changes – and things were going to suddenly look different.

I was excited! I was ready to stay up to “see the New Year in” – to “see the new decade in” but around 10:30 my tiredness caught up with my excitement. I decided I would lie down for awhile – but slept through the whole thing. On the morning of January 1, 1960 I awoke – disappointed that I had missed the New Year – the new decade — coming in – but raced outside to see how the New Year looked. I expected things to look different. Surely things would look different. Of course, nothing looked different. I told my parents that I did not know what the big deal was – everything looked the same to me.

Is that how the new year will be for us – just the same?

Or – will we see and take advantage of the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that lie before us?

For us here at Hopewell, today is not only a time for celebrating and thinking about the new possibilities and new opportunities God may be presenting us in our personal lives this new year – but it is also a time for celebrating and thinking about new possibilities  and new opportunities God may presenting us as a Church. Dresden Tucker and Sonny Sandifer have heard God’s call to serve Him and the Church — have responded by saying “Here I am” – and we have ordained them as Elders and installed them to active service on the Session.  Jay Gregg and Jimmy Gregg have also heard God’s call to serve Him and the Church – have responded again by saying “Here I am” – and we have installed them to active service on the Session.

God is laying new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities before us. But – - here’s the thing — we can grasp these new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities – and with God’s strength can do new and greater things for Him in the Church, the community, and the world — or we can just keep doing same old things in the same old ways and it can be “business as usual” – the same thing as always – and wonder why things remain the same.

It’s up to us.

Actually, it’s up to you.

It’s up to you to make the new year – with the new opportunities that lay before us – what you will make of them.

We can take advantage of the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities God is laying before us – and truly be changed as individuals and as a Church – or we can just keep doing the same old things the same old ways and wonder why things never change.

You remember that Joshua told the people of Israel that they had to choose who they would serve – but as for him – he was going to serve the Lord.

In the same way, you have to choose if you are going to take advantage of the  new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities God is laying before us – and truly be changed as an individual – and if we will be changed as a Church.  But, as Joshua – I want to go on record as saying that – as for me – I want to take advantage of the new possibilities God is laying before us.  I want Hopewell to be the Church God would have us be.  I want us all to say – when God calls us – “Here I am – tell me what You want me to do”.

Anybody with me?

Anybody else want to listen for God’s call to us – and say to God:

“Here I am  – tell me what You want me to do”

Some of you may remember John Belushi’s stirring speech in the movie “Animal House” – and although he got his facts very confused – he ended with charging out the door – by himself.  He then returned and – with the typical Belushi raised eyebrow – looked around the room to see why no one else was following him.

I don’t want to go charging into the year by myself.

I pray that you will follow me – and together we will hear God’s call – and together we will be willing to respond to God:

“Here I am – tell me what You want me to do”

But – here’s another question.

After you choose that you want to take advantage of the  new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities God is laying before us – and truly be changed as an individual – and want to work for a change in the Church – after you decide that you want to respond to God’s call:

“Here I am  – tell me what You want me to do”

How do you do it?

How can you really take advantage of the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities God is laying before you – and truly be changed?

How can you act on that commitment you make when you say to God:

“Here I am – tell me what You want me to do”

The passage from 1 Peter I read a few moments ago gives us an idea of what God thinks of us:

you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light

We are a chosen n race — a royal priesthood — a holy nation — God’s own people

That’s who we are as a community of Christians.

You are a chosen n race — a royal priesthood — a holy nation — God’s own person.

That’s who you are as an individual.

Chosen – royal – and holy

Holy – the Greek word is haggios — which means different – or set apart

That is who we are!

As a Christian, that’s who you are!

Regardless of what we might think about ourselves — regardless of what our opinions of ourselves might be –  this is what God thinks – and what God’s opinion is.

Regardless of what you might think about yourself  — regardless of what your opinion  of yourself might be –  this is what God thinks of you – and what God’s opinion is.

And it is God’s opinion that counts here!

And – God has a purpose for us – a purpose for you — as Peter writes –

to proclaim the mighty acts of him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

So – now you know what God thinks of you – and what God is calling you to do. We are the glorious people of God – called to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You are a glorious person of God – called to show to the world the glory of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That is who we are – and what we are to be doing. That’s who you are – and what you are to be doing.

A glorious person of God – called to show to the world the glory of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

When you say to God:

“Here I am – tell me what You want me to do”

You are saying –

“I’m willing to be live as Your glorious person – and I’m willing to do what I can to show the world Your glory.”

Yea – it is a new year. A year filled with new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that God is laying before us. Yea – starting today we have a new Session – this particular group has never served and lead before.

It’s up to us to decide what we are going to do with the new things God lays before us.

It’s up to the members of the Session to decide what they are going to do  with the new things God lays before them and before us.

But – it’s up to each of you to decide if you are willing to truly say to God:

“I’m willing to be live as Your glorious person – and I’m willing to do what I can to show the world Your glory.”

It’s up to you to decide if you are going to say to God:

“Here I am – tell me what You want me to do”

God is calling.

God is calling each of us.

God is calling you.

We like to talk about how members of the Session are “called by God”
– but the truth is we are all called.

We are all called to take advantage of each and every opportunity God lays before us – and to let God truly make this year different – for us as individuals – and for us at Hopewell Presbyterian Church.

We are all called.

How will we respond?

How will you respond?

It’s up to us to decide what we are going to do with the opportunities God is giving us. It’s up to us to decide if we are going to let God bless us – and truly live out our calling to be glorious people – called to show to the world our glorious God

It’s up to you to decide what you are going to do with the opportunities God is giving you. It’s up to you to decide if you are going to let God bless you – and truly live out your calling to be a glorious person of God – and show your glorious God to the world.

One opportunity each of us are going to have take part in what God is doing here at Hopewell will occur next Sunday.  We are going to have a very special day here next Sunday as we gather around God’s Table for the Sacrament of Communion during worship – then gather next Sunday afternoon at 3:00 to share some of the ideas God gave us as we spent last fall in our Prayer Groups. I look forward to seeing each of you at Worship and at the sharing time next Sunday as together we strive to listen to God respond to His call to us.

You heard Dresden, Sonny, Jay and Jimmy respond in the affirmative to the Ordination questions earlier. That’s a way of their responding to God’s call by saying:

“Here I am. Tell me what you want me to do”.

“I want to be Your glorious person – show me how I can show Your glorious will to the world”.

What about you?

How do you respond?

If we truly want this year to be different for us as individuals and as a Church, it’s up to each of us to respond to God by saying – in our own way:

“Here I am. Tell me what you want me to do”.

“I want to be Your glorious person – show me how I can show Your glorious will to the world”.

The members of the Session are called by God.

We are all called by God.

We are all called.

How do we respond?

How do you respond?

I urge you to decide that this year will not be “business as usual” or “just the same” for you – and for us as a Church.

I urge you to commit to making it different.

I urge you to let God change you.

I urge you to let God change us — so we can indeed take advantage of all the new possibilities – new potential – - and new opportunities that God is laying before us – and become God’s glorious people – called to show to the world our glorious God. Amen.

Micah 5:2-5(a), Luke 1:39-55

Micah 5:2-5(a)

Luke 1:39-55

“What Are You Sao Happy About?”

December 20, 2009

Advent 4

Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot…
But the Grinch, who lived just North of Who-ville, did not!

The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season!
Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason.
It could be that his head wasn’t screwed on quite right.
It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.
But I think that the most likely reason of all
May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.

I could continue – but I am sure most of you know that these lines begin the

classic tale “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”  by Theodore Geisel – also known as  Dr. Seuss. Along with “Rudlolf  The Red Nosed Reindeer”, “Frosty the Snowman”, and “The Little Drummer Boy”, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” was one of my favorite animated Christmas TV specials as a child. I’d watch it every year – and would sing along with the fact that Mr. Grinch was certainly “A mean one…” I’m sure that if I began singing about how mean Mr. Grinch was most of you would join in.  That particular song from “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” has become as familiar as Silent Night or Joy To The World.

You remember the story — high above a small town where people joyfully celebrate Christmas lived a creature known as the Grinch. He couldn’t understand what all the noise and singing and feasting and giving of presents was all about. Even after he sneaked into Who-ville dressed as St. Nick and stole all the presents from the Whos, he was dumbfounded to find that they still sang and celebrated. By the end of the story the Grinch experienced a sort of conversion – but Dr. Seuss still leaves a question unanswered:

Why is everybody so happy about Christmas?

Indeed – what are we so happy about?

Has this question ever crossed your mind?

You ever find yourself surrounded by people full of holiday cheer, but you don’t feel much like celebrating?

Ever had everybody around you smiling and laughing, but you just can’t get happy?

Ever felt that everyone is so carefree while your mind is full of worry, stress and pain?

There may be times you’re on the Grinch’s side – wondering why everybody else is so happy.  Or you may have the sentiments of Ebenezer Scrooge:

“Christmas?

Bah! Humbug!”

Why is everybody so happy at Christmas?

Indeed – what are we so happy about?

I must admit at times I slip into a “funk” and get pretty stressed out this time of year.  Sally can confirm that there are times I can be as grouchy as the Grinch or as hum-buggish as old Ebenezer.

I have developed a plan to help me restore my joy when I begin feeling “Grinchish”, however.  When I catch myself feeling that way, I like to reread the story of a young girl in the Bible who had a lot of reasons to be a Grinch at Christmas. She was a member of the poorest class of her people having no political power or rights. She was young and female in a culture that treated women as little more than property. She’s was an unwed mother, which was often an automatic death sentence in her community. Her fiancée was seriously considering calling the marriage off, which would mean she would never find a husband who would have her. Christmas was coming — in fact the very first Christmas was coming – and in spite of all she had to be worried and sad about, the Bible tells us that she was so happy she sang a song.

Wow — who was this glad girl and why was she singing?

Why was she so happy?

As we look at her song this morning, my prayer is that the song of this young girl named Mary will put a song in our hearts too.

As we see what she was so happy about, maybe we can discover what we have to be so happy about.

As you see what she was so happy about, maybe you can see what you have to be happy about – at Christmas – and all the time!

So – what was Mary so happy about?
Let me suggest 4 things Mary mentions in her song that can set your heart

singing this Christmas – 4 things that can give you joy – and help you remember what you have to be so happy about.

1. 1. Mary let God make her happy.

Listen to how Mary begins her song of joy:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (vs. 46)

What makes you happy? There may be more than a million answers to that question.

Some say money can make you happy – others that they are happy but have no money.

Some say that marriage can make you happy – others that divorce can make you happy.

Some say that a new house or car or boat can make you happy – others get stressed out over how to pay for all these “new things”.

Some say that family can make you happy – others say that their families drive them crazy.

Some say that belonging to a Church will make you happy – others declare that they will never step foot into a Church again.

So — what – or who — would you say makes you happy?
Mary’s song makes it clear the reason she’s singing is because God makes

her happy.

“My soul rejoices in God my Savior”
Mary knows God personally. God — she says – is her Savior. Her relationship

with God is real and personal.

Mary feels joyful in her relationship with God. That word literally means to jump up and down for joy. Think of a child, so happy they literally leap for joy. This is how Mary describes her relationship with God. This young woman sings because God makes her happy.
Who or what could make you that happy?

Millions of people think they know the answer to this question, but I fear they are mistaken. Watch “Wheel of Fortune” or “The Price is Right” and you will see people jump for joy over a new car, or a new house or a fabulous vacation for two to Cancun Mexico. Watch sports fans and the players scream and shout when their team wins a biog game. It’s not hard to be happy when things go good.
But Mary was happy even though she didn’t have much money — she sang for joy even when it seemed she was numbered among the losers in life. She found her joy in the Lord — and it was a joy that couldn’t be shaken nor taken by anyone or anything else.

This joy is the reason Mary could sing.

This joy is available to you too.

This is the joy that does not depend on your bank account or what’s in your garage. It is a joy that flows even through tears and suffering. It is the joy Jesus Himself promises to anyone who will hear His Word and believe it .
This is what Mary was so happy about – and it’s what you can be so happy about also.

One wise man put it this way:
“Happiness of heart can no more be attained without God than light and sunshine can be had without the sun. On every side, in every part of the universe men and women are seeking happiness and cannot find it because they do not seek it from God.”

There is not much that I like to make guarantees about or that I consider “a sure bet” – but here is one thing “you can take to the bank” as they say:

unless you find your happiness in God, you will never truly be happy.

Who is this girl and why is she singing?

She is Mary, mother of Jesus who finds her happiness in God. Her song calls you to find your happiness in God, too.

What is she so happy about?

She’s so happy because her happiness is in God.

Why can you be so happy?

You can be so happy in God!

Mary’s Song also describes another reason you can be happy:

1. 2. Because God has a special part for you to play in His plan.

Listen to how Mary sings about it:

“for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
⁵⁰His mercy extends to those who fear him”  (vs. 48-50)

Two of the most amazing discoveries you will ever make in life come when you realize:

1) God is working out His plan for this world, and

2) God has chosen a special part for you to play in accomplishing His plan.

That’s pretty amazing – isn’t it?

Mary’s song celebrates the part God has for her to play in His plan for the

world. The angel Gabriel had already told her that she will be privileged to be the mother of God’s Messiah. God gives her a very important part to play in His plan and it excites her that she can do this for Him.

In spite of the challenges and problems the part Mary plays in God’s plan may have been for her, Mary was glad to be chosen for this special part to play in God’s plan. She sees beyond her own struggle and pain to God’s power, mercy, and holiness. Mary sings for joy that God is so great that He not only notices a poor nobody like her but actually invites her to be a part of His plan to save the world.

So — Have you discovered your part to play in God’s plan?

The author John Powell writes:

I have a sign in the mirror of my room I see it every morning in my groggy condition, when I first wake up: WHAT HAVE YOU GOT GOING TODAY, GOD? I’D LIKE TO BE A PART OF IT. THANKS FOR LOVING ME.
I have to find my place in God’s plans, rather than make my own little plans and then ask God to support them: “Come on, God, give me an A in this course. Come on, God, do this for me.” Instead, I pray, “What have you got going today, God? You love this world. You loved this world into life. You created this world. We’re all yours. What’s my part in the drama? What part do you want me to play? I will play any part you say. Want me to be a success? I’ll be a success for you. Want me to be a failure? I’ll fail for you. Whatever you want.”

This is the recipe for joy and happiness:

find your part to play in God’s plan.

In spite of the mess people make out of this sad, sinful world, God is still working out His incredible, glorious plan to change the world. Just like Mary He had a part for Mary t play in that plan, He has a part for you to play in His plan —  but also like Mary, you have to say “Yes” to God’s plan in your life.

Will it cost you?

Probably.

But then anything you do that makes a real difference is costly, isn’t it?

The question is — do you just want to pass away time — or do you want your life to count for something?

Yea – who is this girl and why is she singing?

She is Mary, mother of Jesus, a woman who gladly plays her part in God’s plan. Her song calls you and I to find our part in His plan and play it, too.

What is she so happy about?

She’s so happy because her happiness is in God.

She’s so happy because she’s playing a part in God’s plan.

Why can you be so happy?

You can be so happy in God!

You can be so happy in playing a part in God’s plan.

But Mary’s song is not done. She goes on to sing about God’s plans to instigate a revolution

1. 3. God turns the world upside down.

Listen to Mary’s song about God’s revolution:

^51” He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
⁵²He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
⁵³He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.”

So many misunderstand Christmas because they misunderstand what God did when He sent His Son to earth. Jesus was not born to make us nicer people, or to somehow help us learn how to play nice with one another.

Jesus came to bring in God’s kingdom in a fallen world.

Jesus came to turn everything on its head, and show us reality is not defined by human reasoning, but by God’s standards- which are very different from our own.

Mary recognized this revolutionary way of thinking in these verses.

“He has shown strength with His arm — He has bared His arm”.

The image is God baring His muscle to use His power.

What is He doing?

He’s putting down the proud and lifting up the humble.

God pulls down and lays low those sitting on a throne of pride.

God lifts up those who humble themselves.

No matter how high the proud sit, they are headed for a tumble — no matter how low the humble stoop, they are destined for higher ground.

God turns the world of the proud and the humble upside down.
Mary is celebrating God’s power to change the status quo.

People like to think that selfishness and pride are what it takes to get to the top — but God says that is just a detour to the bottom. The real way to climb higher is to humble yourself before God.

People like to think that the self- satisfied and self-sufficient  are those who have it made in life; but God says it is those who hunger and thirst for righteousness that will find real satisfaction in life.

The world says the happiest people are those who serve and satisfy themselves, but God says these are the real failures. The truly successful people in life, God says, are those who are humble enough to be used by God.

Mary celebrates the fact that God’s power can put this upside down world right-side up again. It is strange to think that the road to joy is open only if you are humble, but that’s what Mary is telling us.

Only when you step off the throne and fall at the feet of Jesus will you ever find true joy.

Only when you are starving for the Bread of Life will your soul truly find satisfaction.

Are you bowed at the feet of Jesus this morning?

Are you hungry and thirsty to know Him more?

If so, you’ll find true happiness.  If not, you won’t.

Who is this girl and why is she singing?

She’s Mary, mother of Jesus, glad that God is turning this world upside down. Her song calls you and me to let God turn our world upside down too.

What is she so happy about?

She’s so happy because her happiness is in God.

She’s so happy  because she’s playing a part in God’s plan.

She’s so happy because she is letting God turn her life upside down.

Why can you be so happy?

You can be so happy in God!

You can be so happy in playing a part in God’s plan.

You can be so happy by letting God turn your life upside down.

Finally, Mary’s song celebrates the fact of God’s faithfulness
4. God always keep His promises

Listen to Mary’s words:

“He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
⁵⁵to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers.” (vs. 54-55)

It was the day after Christmas at a church when the pastor noticed  that the baby Jesus was missing from the manger scene set up inside the church. He hurried outside and saw a little boy with a red wagon and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant Jesus. He walked up to the boy and asked: “Where did you get your passenger?” The little boy replied, “I got him from the church.” “And why did you take him out of the church?” the minister asked. The boy explained: “Well, a week before Christmas I prayed to the little Lord Jesus and I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas I would give him a ride around the block in it.”

Kids know the importance of keeping your promises, even if we adults sometimes forget.
Christmas is the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Mary believed in the God who keeps His promises. Her song proclaims that God will not forget His mercy.

God will not forget His people.

God will not forget His promise.

You know – a promise from God is a wonderful thing!

The Bible is full of God’s promises to you and me:

promises of His love,

promises of eternal, abundant life through Christ,

promises that He will never leave nor forsake you,

promises that He cares about you, no matter who you are.

Do you believe God keeps His promises?
Who is this girl, and why is she singing?

She’s Mary, mother of Jesus, a woman who testifies that God always keeps

His promises.

What is she so happy about?

She’s so happy because her happiness is in God.

She’s so happy  because she’s playing a part in God’s plan.

She’s so happy because she is letting God turn her life upside down.

Why can you be so happy?

You can be so happy in God!

You can be so happy in playing a part in God’s plan.

You can be so happy by letting God turn your life upside down.

You can be so happy by claiming God’s promises for your life.

Who are you, and what do you have to sing about this morning?

What are you so happy about?

I know you have your share of troubles and heartaches. Many of us are stressed out and anxious during the holiday. It would be so easy for you and I to live at the top of Mt Crumpet with the Grinch instead down in Who-ville with all those noisy, singing Whos.

But still there is this song, sung by this young girl who had her own plate loaded down with trouble and uncertainty, and yet she could sing.

She sang because God had made her heart happy;

She sang because she knew she had a special part to play in God’s plan.

She sang because God was turning her world upside down.

She sang because God always keeps His promises.

This Christmas, why not let God put a song in your heart?

Why not let God give you something to be truly happy about?

Why not let Jesus make you truly happy?

Why not discover your special part in God’s plan – and act on it?

Why not let God turn your life upside down?

Why not claim God’s promises for your life?

If you find your self in a “Grinchy” mood, why not remember what you have to be so happy about – and celebrate?

Indeed – discover in Jesus what you have to be so happy about!

Amen.

Zephaniah 3:14-20, Luke 3:7-18

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Luke 3:7-18

“Is It Good News?”

December 13, 2009

Advent 3

We finally have a joyful Old Testament lesson before us today!

Zephaniah is proclaiming a day of joy — a day of rejoicing — a day when God’s will will be prominent in the land — a day when exiles will return home — a day when those who are hurt or injured will be healed —  yes – it will be a joyful, beautiful day.

This is a beautiful dream Zephaniah gives us of what the kingdom of God will be like.

It is a day of good news.

So — why can’t we just hold tight to this good news and go on dreaming until Christmas and beyond?

Well, we again have John the Baptist to deal with this week as he stands in our way — with a more forceful message than the one he gave us last week. In the midst of this dream of good news Zephaniah gives us John startles us awake with what we may see as bad news — repentance.

Just listen to how Eugene Peterson in his translation The Message translates John’s assault on his hearers:

“Brood of snakes!

What do you think you’re doing — slithering

down here to the river?  Do you think that a little

water on your snake skins is going to deflect God’s

judgment?  It’s your life that must be changed —

not just your skin!”

You know — you could logically ask what these two lessons before us today have in common with each other.

Is it that the good news of Zephaniah becomes the bad news of John the Baptist – like a bad “I’ve go bad news and I’ve got good news” joke?

Or — is there more?

There is indeed more. Both Zephaniah and John the Baptist are addressing God’s will for the world. Zephaniah deals with it as if the dream – and the good news not yet fulfilled.  John the Baptist deals with it as if the dream – the good news – has been fulfilled.

John knows that we are on the other side of Zephaniah’s dream.  John knows that Zephaniah’s day of good news — the day of the Lord — has come. The day of rejoicing has arrived.  John knows that the will of God is now a possibility and not just a dream for us.  John knows that all this has come about because God has come into our lives and our world through Jesus Christ.

It seems to be good news.

But — is it?

Is it good news?

Christ has come into our world.

God has come to be one of us.

History has been changed forever.

The dream — the good news — of Zephaniah has become a reality.

The will of God is possible.

That is what we celebrate at Christmas.

That’s the news of Christmas.

But – is it good news?

Christ has come.

Dreams can be fulfilled.

But – is it good news?

It depends.

It depends on how you respond to the coming of Christ – and if you let the coming of Christ make a difference in your life.

It depends on if you see Christ – and respond to His coming by letting Him change you.

God has come into your world — into your life — through Christ – but is it good news?

It all depends on how your respond. How you respond to the coming of Christ will determine whether it is good news for you or not.

If you want the coming of Christ into your world to be good news for you, the first thing you have to do is recognize Christ.

Most of us don’t know a lot about Rossini’s opera “William Tell” – although I am sure that all of us would recognize it’s overture – especially the rousing finale that became the theme of The Lone Ranger radio and later television programs.  I have to confess that I was a Lone Ranger fan as a kid. Regardless of what else was happening, I wanted to be in front of the TV when lines:

“A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty “Hi-yo, Silver!”, The Lone Ranger!”

would come from the TV as the Lone Ranger galloped into view – for I knew that –         as the announcer would remind me every  show:

“Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice”

Yea – I loved watching “The Lone Ranger” – but I was always confused that almost every episode would conclude with someone asking: “Who was that masked man?” – and somebody else would say, “Why, didn’t you know? He’s the Lone Ranger!” I could never understand that here was someone whose life had been saved, whose money had been restored, whose ranch had been protected — their whole lives saved from peril  — and yet all the way to the end they didn’t have the slightest idea who it was who had saved them. Why hadn’t they ask at the beginning of the program instead of the end? They would allow him to do all this stuff for them without knowing who he was.

They let the Lone Ranger do great things for them without recognizing who he was.

It didn’t make sense to me!
Friends — how you respond to the coming of Christ will determine whether it is good news for you or not.

If you want the coming of Christ into your world to be good news for you, you have to recognize who He is!

Just as it did not make sense to me for folks to let the Lone Ranger do great things for them without recognizing who he was — it does not make sense to let Christ offer to change your life – and let Christ offer you salvation – and not recognize Him!

The news of Christmas is that God has come into your world — into your life — through Christ.

Is it good news?

It all depends on how your respond. How you respond to the coming of Christ will determine whether it is good news for you or not.

So – if the news of Christmas – the fact that God has come into your world through Jesus Christ — is going to be good news for you – you first have to recognize Christ in your life.

Then – you have to respond by repenting of your sins and letting God change you.

Like those who first heard John the Baptist, you would do well to ask:

“What must I do?”

Christ has come.

God is among us.

But — what must you do?

How must you respond?

For this to be good news for you must repent.

For this to be good news for you you must have your life changed.

For this to be good news for you you must let the good news of Christmas — the coming of Christ change your life.

John the Baptist says you must:

“Bear fruit worthy of repentance”

What are the “fruits worthy of repentance” that John is talking about?

I would suggest actions that go along the same lines as actions John the Baptist suggested to those who asked him the same question.

Actions that will show to others that God is in your world and into your life.

Actions that will show to others that your life will never have to be the same again because Christ is in your life — and their lives can never have to be the same, either.

Actions that will let others know that Christ has come — and that it is good news — for you – and for them.

The good news of Christmas is that the coming of Christ can change how you live — now! The repentance John the Baptist preached about can be a complete change of life  – because Christ has come.

Specific actions must given up – and specific actions must be done — in response to the good news of Christmas. Only when you see that your actions are a direct response to God is Jesus’ coming going to be “good news” for you.

The Danish theologian Kierkegaard tells the story of a rich King — who — at a very high price – bought a faultless team of horses.    The horses were the best in the land.  But — the horses were allowed to slip out of  training. After a year or two they were weak, dull, quirky, and full of bad habits.  At last the king asked the Royal Coachman to come in and see what he could do with them. After a month, no other team in the land carried their head  so proudly — no other team could keep up with them as they ran thirty miles at a stretch.

“How did this happen?” the king demanded.

It was easy enough to explain.

The king had driven the horses according to the horses standard of how they should be driven. The Royal Coachman drove them according to his standards.

Friends — Christ has come!

That’s the good news of Christmas!

But – you must let God drive you according to His standards.

You must let God change you.

When you do that, Christ’s coming will indeed be good news for you.

You have to have specific, visible, measurable actions that show how your life has  been changed by Christ.

What are these specific, visible, measurable actions that can show how your life has been changed by Christ?

The specific actions are going to be different for each of us — just as they were different for each group that John the Baptist  addressed — but – there are some general guidelines you can follow in changing your life as a response to the good news that Christ has come into your life –

your new actions must be actions of love —

your new actions must be actions of compassion —

your new actions must be actions that show an increased love for God and for those around you

your new actions must be actions that show others that you recognize that Christ is in your world and in your life.

The good news of Christmas is that God has come into our world through Christ.

Is it good news for you?

It is only good news if you recognize that Christ has come – and let the His coming into make a difference in how you live.

Actions such as increased sense of sense of responsibility to be actively involved in the worship, fellowship, and outreach of the church can fit into the category of actions that “bear fruit worthy of repentance” that John speaks of. So can actions such as an increased interest in what the Church is doing in the community — and getting involved in that – or actions such as looking for specific ways to share God’s love with the world –  sharing what God has blessed you with to help others.

John suggested specific actions  to his listeners to show that they recognized that God has had come into their lives through Christ and that they were more oriented towards God –  that they were now being “driven” by God. These were actions that showed that their lives — and not just their skins — had been changed by God.

The only way for the good news of Christmas – the good news that Christ has come into your life and changed you – to be good news for you is for you to recognize Christ –  and let Christ change your life in specific ways.

Friends, Christ has come.

Recognize Him.

Look for specific ways to let Him change your life.

Look for ways to let the coming of Christ indeed be “good news” for you.

Look for ways for you to be “driven” according to God’s standards!

A woman was rushing through a department store loaded with wrapped Christmas presents when she hurredly turned a corner and ran into a man coming from the next aisle.   Her packages flew everywhere.  As the man helped her pick up her packages — she exclaimed:

“I hate Christmas! It always has a way of turning things upside down!”

You know — that’s just what you need!

You need to have your life turned upside down by Christmas.

You need to have our priorities changed.

You need to truly have your life changed by the coming of Christ.

The good news of Christmas – the good news that Christ has come into the world and changes those who come to Him — is indeed good news — it is indeed joyous news – and  – it indeed gives us a new way to live.

Recognize Christ!

Let Christ change you!

It would indeed be tragic if your response to the good news of Christmas was:

“who is that masked man?”

and you not let Him change your life.

Let the good news that Christ has come change your life!

Christ has come to fulfiill the dream of Zephaniah — and to lead you into new ways to live.

Christ has come to change your life — and not just our skins!

Christ has come to re-orient you to God.

Christ has come to show you God’s standard — and drive you according to God’s standards.

Christ has come to turn your life upside down!

Let the coming of Christ that we celebrate this Christmas lead you to see the good news of the coming of Christ – recognize Christ in your life — and lead you to live a life that is completely changed by God. Then it will truly be good news! Amen.

Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6

Malachi 3:1-4

Luke 3:1-6

“Christmas Greetings!”

Advent  2

December 6, 2009

Christmas is coming!

The goose is getting fat – and for that matter — so am I!

We are all busy – we all have a lot to do and not much time to do it in.      Believe it or not – by this time in 3 weeks Christmas will have come and gone. This may sound like good news to some of you – but some of you may get a sense of panic over all the things you need to do in 3 weeks!

But — in the midst of all the busy-ness of the season — some folks have already taken the time to send Christmas cards.

Oops!

Did I just say a bad word – like adding one more thing to your “to do list”?

Sorry!

But I do love Christmas cards.

I love reading them – looking at them – remembering friends and times together.

Many have very good greetings – like:

Peace On Earth

or

Good Will

or

Rejoice

or even:

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season

or

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Some of the greetings on the cards are sentimental – others are as sugar coated as the cakes and sweets I tend to turn to this time of year –

but some are very thought provoking.

And what about the greetings we give – not on cards – but in person?

When we walk up to a friend this time of year or when we greet someone at a party we might say something like:

Merry Christmas!

It seems that’s the greeting that “greeters” at stores are giving us also.

But — I wonder – I wonder if the Prophet Malachi were alive today – and were the type of person who would send out Christmas cards – what greeting and sentiment would his cards express?

Well, probably not:

Peace On Earth

or

Good Will —

and probably not a serene manger scene with Mary, Joseph, the baby and maybe some animals or shepherds and a star.

And if you met him at a party he would probably not say:

Merry Christmas!

But his cards – and his greetings — would probably be more like

Who Can Stand His Coming?

or

Refiners Fire! Fullers Soap!

or

Present An Offering Of Righteousness!

Come to think of it, unless he made his cards himself — he may have a problem finding the right card to communicate his Christmas greeting – and his verbal greeting would definitely be different from most!

Or – what about John the Baptist?

No sweet Christmas cards or verbal greetings from him, either!

His would be more like:

Prepare The Way!

or

Fill The Valleys!

or

Level The Mountains!

or

Make The Crooked Straight!

Like Malachi – he may have problems finding just the right card to communicate his Christmas greeting – and his verbal greeting might be very different from most.

I’m not sure Hallmark or American Greetings make cards to communicate Malachi’s or John The Baptist’s Christmas greetings.

The greetings on the Christmas cards we send and receive are nice – and so are the words we use to greet each others – but – what difference do they really make?

What difference do the greetings

Peace On Earth

Good Will

Rejoice

or even

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season

or

Wise Men Still See Him

or Merry Christmas

really make?

Have the typical Christmas cards – even the most thought provoking and the least sentimental – gotten to where they don’t really make a difference?

Has the typical greeting:

Merry Christmas

become just a phrase that we throw out because we feel it’s what we should say?

Do the cards – and their messages — just become more trash for our trash cans or – if we are environmentally conscious – our recycle bends?

Are they – and their messages – just more stuff for the landfill – regardless of how they make it there – or the fireplace?

Is the expression:

Merry Christmas

a meaningful statement – or just is it just words for us?

What real differences do the Christmas greetings we send really make to others?

What differences do the Christmas greetings we receive really make to us?

I wonder.

Maybe we need to turn back to those greetings we will probably never find on Christmas cards or heard at Christmas gatherings — but that may have a greater impact upon us and make a bigger difference to us than the ones we are accustomed to.

Maybe the greetings of Malachi and John the Baptist just might make a real difference to us – and maybe to others – if we will just take the time to look at them and listen to them.

Take Malachi for example.

Malachi knew what it was like to see folks pre-occupied with outer appearance — but not caring about a life-changing faith in God.

He knew what it was like to see people rushing around acting  holy and pious – acting like they were busily preparing for the coming of God – but really not doing anything but acting.

He knew what would happen if God suddenly appeared to them.

Not a reward – but a cleansing of their sins that Malachi likened to a burning fire or scrubbing with the strongest of soap.

You see — the Jews in the community Malachi addressed were a proud bunch of people. They had returned from captivity in Babylon. They had re-built the temple. They had re-instituted worship. They were proud.

So – do you think Malachi’s words to them were very popular?

No – not popular at all – to say the least — but — Malachi knew that their worship was superficial.  He knew they didn’t let their faith make a difference in how they lived. He knew how they lived. He knew how they neglected and mistreated the poor and needy.  He knew how the things of God didn’t really mean anything to them. He knew how God’s will for justice and righteousness meant little to them. He knew that their pride was a very false pride.

And he knew God was going to change all that. God was going to take them and cleanse them — and the process would not be an easy one.

The people prayed for God to come into their midst – but Malachi warned:

Watch out what you pray for – you just might get it.

If God were to come into their midst – Malachi warned – they would not be able to stand the cleansing power of God!

When God came to set their hearts right — could they stand it? Malachi asked.

They needed to be prepared. They needed to be changed people before God came.

That is never an easy greeting to hear.

But — you know that’s John’s message — also.

John knew that the time Malachi spoke about had come — and John knew the people had to be prepared.

Not just outwardly — but in their hearts and in their minds. He knew the people had to repent. They did not just need to be sorry for not going in God’s ways — they did not just need to be sorry the world was not a place of God’s love and justice.  John knew that people had to repent. They had to change their ways.

Eugene Peterson in his translation The Message doesn’t translate the Greek to say that John’s baptism was one of repentance as do most translations — he translates it to read that

John’s baptism was a baptism of life-change.

A baptism of life-change.

The Lord is coming — he said.

The Lord is here — he said.

Change your life – he said.

John knew that the coming of Christ had to change people’s lives!

Malachi and John.

Folks with Christmas greetings that were unusual to say the least – but Christmas Greetings that may make a greater difference than any other we may send.

Christmas greetings that make a difference.

Christmas greetings that make a difference a real difference.

Greetings of cleansing.

Greetings of repentance.

Greetings of righteousness.

Greetings of change.

Greetings of God.

You see — their greetings were – and still are – God’s greetings.

On this Second Sunday in Advent, 2009 – the greetings of Malachi and John are God’s greetings to us.

Greetings of cleansing.

Greetings of repentance.

Greetings of righteousness.

Greeting of change.

Greetings of God.

No — not the sweet or sentimental type of Christmas greetings we might send in cards or say in words — but greetings that can really change our lives – and the lives of others.

Not the sweet or sentimental type of Christmas greetings you might send in cards or say in words — but greetings that can really change your life – and the lives of those around you.

Advent is the time in the Christian year for us to take a closer look at our lives and see what we must do to be truly ready to welcome Christ into our lives –­  and look at the whole idea of a real change in our lives – a cleansing – a change of attitudes – a change of actions – a change of heart – that whole attitude of repentance and turning back to God.

This is so vital – so important.

Friends – the greetings Malachi and John – greetings of cleansing —  repentance – righteousness – and change are truly the Christmas greetings that can make a difference in our lives and our community.

The greetings Malachi and John – greetings of cleansing — repentance – righteousness – and change are truly the Christmas greetings that can make a difference in your life and the lives of others around you.

So – the question is – how do you respond to the Christmas greetings of Malachi and John?

Do they make a difference in your life?

Do you let the greetings of greetings of cleansing — repentance – righteousness – and change sink in?

Do you let your life be cleansed by God?

Have you really listened to these greetings God is giving you?

If you have, and let them make a difference in your life, then your life will be changed. You will be a different person. You will be God’s person. If you haven’t, then – like Malachi warned – you will not be able to stand it when God comes!

Have you really listened to these greeting God is giving you?

Have you let these greetings of cleansing — repentance – righteousness – and change make a difference in your life?

What would your life look like if you let these greetings make a difference – and let them change you?

If you remember a few weeks ago when we were looking at how you might live if you truly made Christ the King of your life, I said that a look at Matthew 5 – 7 – what we call The Sermon On The Mount – as a short “primer” on how to live the Christian life.  Looking at The Sermon On The Mount can give you an idea of what your life might look like if were to really listen to God’s greetings of cleansing — repentance – righteousness – and change – and let these greeting change your life.

If you respond to God’s greeting of cleansing – - repentance – righteousness and change — your sexual behavior will be in control — you will be honest in your business dealings and all your dealings with others — you will go above and beyond the call of duty in response to appeals for help — you will care for the welfare of, not only your neighbor, but your enemy as well – you will be religious, but not showy about it – possessions will have their rightful place in your life and will not the be-all and end-all of existence — you will not be judgmental but will use good judgment — you will trust God to meet your needs.

If you respond to God’s greeting of cleansing – - repentance – righteousness and change then the way you live will change – and even the way you celebrate the season of Christmas will change. Instead of trying to do “as little as possible” or “take the easy way out” when it comes to getting involved in the community and the Church, you will look for ways to truly get involved and truly celebrate what Christ means to you. Instead of looking for ways to “cut back your involvement” you will look for more ways to get involved and celebrate the joy of serving Christ!

You truly will not want to be like the folks Malachi gave God’s greetings to – folks who acted pious and religious but were really self centered – and who Malachi warned would not be able to stand the coming of God!

Have you really listened to these greeting God is giving you?

Have you let these greetings of cleansing — repentance – righteousness – and change make a difference in your life?

If so, you will be the person God is calling you to be – celebrating His coming in all you say and do.  If not, as Malachi warns – you will not be able to stand the day of the coming of the Lord – it will be unbearable for you.
The Christmas greetings of Malachi and John are indeed the greetings that will make a real difference.

But – if you really listen to these greetings of cleansing — repentance – righteousness – and change – and let them make a difference in your life – you’ll want to take the next step and share the greetings of Malachi and John with others. Instead of just greeting folks with a half hearted “Merry Christmas” you might want to tell them what Christmas is all about for you – and what it can be for them. Instead of making “small talk” at parties and gatherings and at work, you might want to make “big talk” – talking to folks about how Christ has changed your life – and can change theirs.

Sally’s sister Sydney is a member of Chapin United Methodist in Columbia.  She shared with Sally the other day that her minster – Jody Flowers – told in his sermon last Sunday about how he missed opportunities at his family’s Thanksgiving gathering this year to share the news of salvation with members of his extended family he felt needed to hear it. He said that his family’s Thanksgiving celebration was a wonderful time with a lot of family and relatives around – and like most families do they talked about what had happened in their lives since they had seen each other the last times or shared fond memories – but Jody said he kicked himself later for not sharing his faith in Christ. He then shared with the congregation that he was going to write some of the ones he wished he had shared his faith with.

The point is – how many times are we around others who need to hear the greetings of cleansing — repentance – righteousness – and change – and we just engage in “small talk” instead of the “big talk” they need to hear?

Let’s be people who – like Malachi and John – let the greetings of cleansing — repentance – righteousness – and change – really impact our lives – then share it with others.

Instead of the “same old” sentimental Christmas greetings – let’s hear – take to heart – and spread God’s greeting of cleansing — repentance – righteousness – and change.

Let’s let this be the Christmas greeting we share with others in what we say and in what we do.

Amen

Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Luke 21:25-36

There’s Light In The Darkness

Advent 1

November 29, 2009

You know — late November and December can truly be dark times.

It’s dark by 5:00. For many of us it’s dark by the time we get home from work — too dark and for that matter too cold to do anything outside — and the trouble is we know it won’t get much better until March.

Not only can it be dark – it can also be depressing. At times darkness may seem to hover around us like a shroud. For many of us, our spirits are just a dark as the darkest night.

Maybe the problem is that we get so rushed – and so pushed.

Christmas is coming — there is so much to prepare for.

So many packages to wrap.

So many presents to buy.

So many places to be.

So much to do.

Too much to do.

It can be depressing — can’t it?

Then — for many — December can be a very sad month.

More people suffer from depression in December than in any other month of the year.

The joys of the Holiday season may turn to depression as family gatherings don’t turn out to be as “happy” as they had been planned to be. Even the thought of family gatherings can be depressing for some as they remember loved ones who have died or for some other reason may not be able to gather with them — or are not willing to gather with them.

The “happiest” time of the year can also be the saddest.

Then there is the concern many have for their jobs – how they are going to pay for food to eat and a place to shelter themselves and their families – much less have Christmas gifts to give.

And, of course, there is the concern that many have for peace in the midst of violence – whether they live in war zones or communities where violence affects them directly or whether they just read about it in the paper or hear it on the evening news.

It can be a depressing time.

Maybe it’s a depressing time for you.

Maybe you feel overwhelmed and are wondering what you are going to do – how you can make a living and provide for your family – or how you are going to cope with the darkness you might feel in your life.

Maybe you came to Church today to get a dose of “good cheer” in the midst of the dark times. We are moving towards Christmas so maybe you came today expecting to hear about the sweet baby Jesus and the peace He can bring.

Well – I’m sorry – because if that’s what you expected then you might be surprised – or maybe disappointed – to come face to face with Advent and scripture passages from Jeremiah and a Gospel passage that does not promise peace, but conflict.

Maybe you’re thinking: “What’s going on here?”

Maybe you’re thinking: “Wait a minute! Christmas is coming. What about:

Silent night, Holy night, All is calm, All is bright?”

Instead of Silent Night we get:

“…nations will be in anguish…the roaring and tossing of the sea…People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world…the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”

Ho, ho, ho indeed! Where is Santa when we need him?

Why read from a Gospel lesson such as this to begin Advent and our preparation for the coming of the Christ child?

Well, I believe that there is a good reason for it.

The sad truth that all of us who are old enough know is that we do not live in a “Santa Claus world” – and not many of us live “Santa Claus lives”.

We need to know how to live in our world – cope with the problems that we experience – and see what God has to say to our world and our lives – instead of trying to “sugar coat” the reality of our world and our lives.

We do live in an uncertain world – or maybe it would better to say that we live in a certain world – a world where we can be certain that there will be violence  and danger and economic hardship.

Nine years ago there were headlines out of the Holy Land:

“Violence forces Bethlehem to cancel Christmas plans.”

Bethlehem’s city fathers called off ambitious plans to celebrate Christmas 2000 – the 2000^th anniversary of the birth of Christ in that town. They said that a time of Palestinian-Israeli conflict was no time for merrymaking. The town of Jesus’ birth was dark and deserted that Christmas – without festive street lights, craft fairs and choirs in Manger Square that had been planned. In the months before Christmas seven Palestinians from the Bethlehem area were killed in rock-throwing clashes and gun battles with Israeli soldiers.

Indeed, we live in a world where there seems to be little “peace on earth and mercy mild…”

The fear and foreboding Jesus speaks of in our Luke 21 passage for today greet us at every turn.

So – what’s the answer?

That’s the question we wrestle with – but we are not the first to have wrestled with this question.

The prophet Jeremiah in our Old Testament lesson for today certainly knew what dark and depressing days were. Jeremiah lived in Judah in some very dark days for the country. For almost 100 years the Babylonians threatened Judah. The people, however, were sure that God would save them — then, in 587 BC , the Babylonians conquered Judah and ten years later Jerusalem lay in ruins.

These were dark times for the people who trusted God.

Why had this happened?

Where was God?

Dark and depressing days indeed.

Then – at the time our Gospel passage was written the people in Israel knew what dark and depressing days could be like, too. They, too were under the authority of a foreign government — this time it was the Romans. They prayed for God to come and change things. They prayed for God to send the Messiah to free them — but — they had prayed for so long — and with no answer.

Had God finally given up on His people?

So – what was the answer for Jeremiah – and for the folks in Jesus’ day?

Where was the hope for them?

Indeed – where is the hope for us today in today’s world?

More specifically – where is the hope for you and the things you deal with in your life?

The hope for Jeremiah was in God.

Jeremiah instructed the captives in Babylon to look past the destruction and the problems they saw and experienced in life – and look to the fact that God was with them – even in their struggle and their despair.

In the midst of their struggle and despair Jeremiah had the audacity to believe that God was with them – and that the light of God shone – no matter how dark their lives became.

Did you get that?

In the midst of their struggle and despair Jeremiah had the audacity to believe that God was with them – and that the light of God shone – no matter how dark their lives became.

In the midst of our struggle and despair – in the midst of a world where we can be certain that there will be violence and dangers and economic hardships – in the midst of our darkness and fear – God is with us – and the light of God shines – regardless of how dark our lives become.

In the midst of your struggle and despair – in the midst of a world where you can be certain that there will be violence and dangers and economic hardships – in the midst of your darkness and fear – God is with you – and the light of God shines – regardless of how dark your life becomes.

There is light in the darkness.

It’s the light of God.

It’s the light of Christ.

So – why choose this text from Luke where we read that:

“…nations will be in anguish…the roaring and tossing of the sea…People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world…the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”

Because it reminds us that even in our darkness – there is the light of God.

Right smack in the middles of what seems to be a very depressing Gospel text where Jesus is saying that terrible things are in store – there are a few words that jump out as if they were printed in flashing neon:

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Jesus is telling His disciples that disappointment, despair, disease, even death do not have the final word. Jesus is telling them that when they face these things that they need to not focus on them – but to focus on God.  Jesus is telling them to look up and see the light of God in the midst of the darkness of the world.

There is light in the darkness.

That’s Jesus’ message to us, also.

In a world where we can be certain that there will be violence and dangers and economic hardships –we need to look up and see the light of God.

There is light in the darkness.

In your life where you may be experiencing dark and depressing things you   need to look up and see the light of God.

There is light in the darkness.

Some years ago, the comedians Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks  did a series of comedy sketches called the “2000-Year-Old Man” . The premise was that Reiner interviewed Brooks – who was playing a man 2,000 years old.

At one point, Reiner asks Brooks: “Did you always worship God?”

Brooks replies: “No. We had a guy in our village named Phil, and for a time we worshiped him.”
Reiner asks: “You worshiped a guy named Phil? Why?” and Brooks replied:      ”Because he was big, and mean, and he could break you in two with his bare hands!”
Reiner then asks: “Did you have prayers?”
Brooks answers: “Yes, would you like to hear one? O Phil, please don’t be mean, and hurt us, or break us in two with your bare hands.”
Reiner then asks: “So when did you start worshiping God?”
And then Brooks gave this wonderful answer: “Well, one day a big thunderstorm came up, and a lightning bolt hit Phil. We gathered around and saw that he was dead. Then we said to one another, “There’s somthin’ bigger than Phil!”                                                                                                                                                                                                    Did you catch that?  “There’s somthin’ bigger than Phil!”  Great comedy – and a great truth.

We live in a world where we can be certain that there will be violence and dangers and economic hardships – but we can also be sure that there is “somthin’ bigger”. You can be sure that your life will be filled dark and depressing times – but you can also be sure that “there is “somthin’ bugger”.  There is “somthin’ bigger” than the violence – the dangers – the economic hardships – and the dark and depressing things of our world and our lives. That “somthin’ bigger” is the light God shines in our lives and our world – the light of Christ – the light of hope – and the light of love.

Some years ago the community of Spencer, South Dakota was devastated by a tornado. Among the many losses, including six victims, was St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. The day after the tornado the pastor of St. Matthew’s walked through the devastation. She writes that it was an unbelievable sight – a grain elevator twisted and fallen, a water tower toppled, vehicles and other heavy items strewn around like toys, whole buildings gone from their foundations.

When she got near the site of the Church someone called out:  “Look! There He is! There’s Jesus!”

Sure enough, there was the statue of Jesus that had stood at the altar of the Church. There it – or He was — a beacon to what had been the site of a 100-year-old congregation’s place of worship. The pastor later wrote that it was so fitting to look up from the chaos around her and see Jesus — arms outstretched, welcoming, and loving His people. She wondered how the statue had survived the devastation – and later learned that two young girls, helping clean up for a family member in a nearby home had taken time to come over to where the Church had been and found the statue in the rubble. They decided that everyone in Spencer needed to see that Jesus was still there, so they stood him up for all to see.

Yes, we live in a world where we can be certain that there will be violence  and dangers and economic hardships — you can be sure that your life will be filled dark and depressing times – but you can also be sure that Jesus is with you – and that there is the light God that shines in our lives and our world – the light of Christ – the light of hope – and the light of love – in spite of the darkness.

There is light in the darkness.

The message for today may not be sugar coated – but then again neither are our lives.

The message for today is that – no matter how dark or desperate things become – there is light — God’s light that shines in the world through Christ.

The message is that in the midst of the December darkness – and the darkness of our lives – there is the light of Christ.

The message is that “there is somthin’ bigger” than our world filled with violence and our lives filled with darkness – and that is the light of Christ.

Because of what God has done for us, there is light in the darkness.

However dark your life may be or may become – know that God’s light shines.

There is indeed light in the darkness.

Amen.