John 20:19-31

John 20:19-31

“An “Easter Church” Believes!”

Easter 2 March 30, 2008

Christ has risen! He has risen indeed!

As Christians, we confess that Christ has risen. We believe that He has risen and lives in our hearts — but we also believe that He has truly and physically risen.

We believe that the tomb of Christ is empty.

We believe that the power of death has been broken – broken for Jesus and broken for us.

We can’t begin to understand the divine power that rose Jesus from the dead. The more we try to understand it, the more astounded by it we become.

But — here is a truth that is even more astounding:

The same power that shattered the prison of death sets us free from all that binds us.

The very Spirit of God that rose Jesus from the dead can live in us to empowers us for the ministry God calls us to be doing in the world.

You see — resurrection power is for us, in us, and at work through us.

We can live as “Easter Christians” – and be an “Easter Church”.

This means that we not only live in gratitude for our salvation and hope for the future, but we can also live lives that are filled with the power of God for His work in the world. We can be filled with His power and let His power touch every aspect of our lives.

We can be filled with His power – and let His power touch every aspect of our Church.

Christ has risen – and we can be “Easter Christians” – we can be an “Easter Church” – filled with the power of the risen Christ and doing the work of the risen Christ.

During this season of Easter we are going to be looking at different aspects of what it means to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrection of Christ – and boldly doing the work of Christ in the world.

We’re going to begin today by looking at John 20:19-31 – the story of Jesus and Thomas – and see that an “Easter Church” believes.

Read Scripture

A week has passed sense our glorious celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

What kind of week has it been for you?

Has it been a week filled with glorious hope — filled with the glorious power of God and the new life we have because of the resurrection of Christ?

A week that has been filled with bringing the good news of the new life and hope we have in Christ into the world with joy and enthusiasm?

Or —

Has it been a week that has been pretty much “business as usual” — some joy but mainly the mundane — work and whatever else usually occupies your time?

Did you leave the joy and excitement and promise of Easter here at the church last Sunday?

Has the promise of the new life we have because of the resurrection of Christ changed your life — given you a joyous message to proclaim to the world —

Or —

Has the reality of the world seemed to sap the energy and enthusiasm and “good news” right out of you?

Or —

Is it that the things of the world seem more attractive to you than the things of God – and the “old life” of the world is more important to you than the “new life” we can have in Christ?

Or — is it that your life — the habits you have let yourself get into — the things of the world — are just so hard to change that you give up trying to let the risen Christ make a difference in your life and world — even before you try to attempt to let it make a difference?

Indeed — as we come together today we may find ourselves wondering —

“So what if Christ has risen?”

“What does it mean to me?”

“What difference does it make in my life?”

“Where’s the new life Christ offers?”

“I don’s see that anything has changed.”

“What new life is there?”

Indeed — it may be hard for you to believe in the new life – the promise – the hope that the risen Christ offers us – as individuals and as a Church.

It may be hard for you to believe.

If you find yourself wondering about the new life we have in Christ — and find it difficult to believe in the new life Christ offers us — you shouldn’t feel alone.

At times it is hard for us to believe in the new life God offers us through the resurrection of Christ.

We look at the world around us — and we look at our lives — and we can indeed not be blamed for wondering what chances there are for the new – different life that we proclaim the resurrection of Christ offers us.

When we look at our world — there is so much pain — tragedy — suffering — war — hunger – that at times it can indeed be hard for us to believe in the new life Christ offers us.

When we look at our own lives — sometimes there are habits that are so much a part of our lives that we think it is impossible to change them — no matter how destructive they are.

Sometimes there is pain that is deep and that penetrates us — and that seems to never go away.

There may be others in our lives that hurt us — and we may wonder if they will ever stop.

Indeed, sometimes the circumstances and situations of our lives may make us wonder if the new and different life — the changed life — that Christ offers us is just words and can never be reality.

Sometimes we may wonder about this whole idea of being “Easter people” – filled with the joy and power of the resurrected Christ – and doing the work of the resurrected Christ in the world.

And – at times – we might look at the Church and wonder what possibility there will ever be for us to be an “Easter Church” – filled with the excitement and power of the risen Christ – and doing the work of Christ in the world.

We can’t even get our own lives straight – much less the Church!

How are we supposed to be an “Easter Church”?

It is unbelievable!

Yes — at times it can be hard for us to believe that the resurrected Christ can change us – change our lives – change our Church — and change our world.

At times it’s hard for us to believe.

Ineed — what new life is there?

How can we look at the world — at our lives — and at the Church and truly believe that we can be excited “Easter Christians” – and an excited “Easter Church”?

Is “the new life we have in Jesus Christ” – the power Christ gives us as individuals and as a Church – the possibility of being “Easter people” – filled with the power of Christ to do the work of Christ – and the possibility being and “Easter Church” – filled with the power of Christ to do His work — just words for us — or is it a reality?

Sometimes it is indeed hard for us to believe in the new life Christ can give us – as individuals and as a Church.

Sometimes it is hard for us to believe that we can be “Easter people” and an “Easter Church”.

Sometimes it is hard for us to believe.

I can indeed understand what Thomas struggled with in our Gospel lesson for today.

Can’t you?

The disciples are full of excitement when they tell him that they had seen the Lord — but he doesn’t see any difference in his life.

He is still scared.

He is still afraid the Jews will arrest him because he followed Jesus.

He still feels the shame for abandoning Jesus when Jesus needed him.

He just can’t understand what the others disciples are talking about.

“Things look just the same to me” he may have said.

“I don’t see any difference.”

“What new life are y’all talking about?”

What new life indeed.

It was so hard for Thomas to believe.

What new life had the resurrection of Christ given him?

These questions Thomas may have had were indeed very legitimate questions.

Legitimate questions for Thomas.

Legitimate questions for us also.

There are indeed times when nothing in the world or in our lives seem changed — but we as individuals and as a Church seem stuck in the same old rut.

There are times we may wonder if things will ever change for us — or if the new life God promises us through the resurrection of Christ will ever come.

There are times we may wonder if we can ever be “Easter people” – changed for God’s glory and doing God’s will in the world.

There are times we may wonder if we will ever be an “Easter Church” - changed for God’s glory and doing God’s will in the world.

There are times that we, like Thomas, find it hard to believe.

But — what happened to Thomas?

He finally had his life changed.

He finally had his opportunity to see and experience the risen Christ — and believed.

Thomas finally found a way to let the resurrected Lord change His life.

Thomas finally found a way to experience Christ – be changed by Christ – and be an “Easter Christian” –- filled with the new life of Christ and the power of Christ to do His work in the world.

He found a way to believe in the power of the risen Christ!

He found a way to believe!

Not only did he find a way to believe in the power of the risen Christ — he began to let the power of the risen Christ change the things in his life that he thought could not be changed—and he began to experience the new life the resurrection of Christ made possible for him and began reaching out into the world with the power of the risen Christ.

He became an “Easter Christian” — believing in — and experiencing — the new life that was offered to him because of the resurrection of Christ.

He began to believe.

What about for us?

Even though there may be times when the new life God offers us through the resurrection of Christ may be hard for us to experience and believe in — the event of Easter does – in fact — offer to us new life.

New life by experiencing the resurrected Christ.

New life that does make a difference in how we live.

New life that can make a difference in our lives and the lives of those we come into contact with.

New life that can make a difference in our church.

New life that can make a difference in our world.

You see — the message of Easter — the message that we can indeed believe in and experience the new life the resurrected Christ offers us — does not gloss over reality. It does not overlook our world and its struggles – or our individual lives and individual struggles.

Instead — the message of the risen Christ at Easter is:

“Yes — the world may not be what God wills for it to be.”

“Yes — your life may not be what you want — much less what God wants for you.”

“Yes – your Church is not perfect”

Nevertheless

Nevertheless

Christ has risen!

Christ has risen

The world can be changed into God’s glorious Kingdom.

The situations and circumstances of your life — regardless of how bad or painful or hard they may be — can be changed.

Your faith can be strengthened.

The Church – this Church – can be changed.

There can indeed be new beginnings — for you — for me — for all of us – for the Church — because of the risen Christ.

There indeed can be new life.

We can be “Easter Christians” – filled with the life changing power of Christ that can make a difference in our lives — in our Church — and in our world.

You can be an “Easter Christian” – filled with the life changing power of Christ that can make a difference in your life – in the Church — and in our world.

We can be an “Easter Church” – filled with members that are filled with the power of the risen Christ – and sharing that power as we go about His work with excitement and enthusiasm.

We can believe — and experience — new life because of the resurrection of Christ.

Because Christ has risen — we indeed can believe in the power of God that can change us and make us “Easter Christians” – and an “Easter Church”.

Because Christ has risen – we can believe!

You see – that’s one of the first marks of an “Easter Church” –

An “Easter Church” believes!

An “Easter Church” believes!

An “Easter Church” believes that the world may not be what God wants it to be – our lives may not be what God wants them to be – even our Church may not be what God wants it to be –

But – an “Easter Church” believes that – in spite of all these things – Christ has risen – and we can be changed!

An “Easter Church” believes in and is filled with members who believe in – experience – and share the life changing power of the risen Christ.

An “Easter Church” believes!

An “Easter Church” believes!

We can have new life as we experience the risen Christ.

We can have new life as we allow the risen Christ to change our lives.

We can have new life as we come to believe that God gives us new life through the risen Christ.

Yes —

the world can be changed

Yes –

our lives and all of its situations and circumstances can be changed

Yes – our Church can be changed —

Yes — we can believe — and let Christ give us new life.

Yes – we can be “Easter Christians” – filled with hope and power and new life – and sharing our hope – our power – and our new life with each other and with the world – because Christ has risen.

Yes — we can be and “Easter Church” – filled with hope and power and new life – and sharing our hope – our power – and our new life with the world – because Christ has risen.

We can believe!

An “Easter Church” believes!

An “Easter Church” believes!

If you came here this morning wondering if new life is indeed possible — I invite you to leave celebrating a truth.

I invite you to re-experience the risen Christ – the life changing hope and power Christ offers — and let your life be changed.

No — the risen Christ does not promise to make your life easy or painless — but He does promise to be with you when your life is hard and painful.

He promises to help you defeat habits that seem undefeatable.

He promises to give you strength to live this life — and to make this life new.

He promises to make it possible for you to believe in — and experience — new life — a different life — now and forever.

He promises to change you – to change us – to change our Church – and to change the world.

You can believe it!

We can believe it!

We can be a “Easter Christians” and an “Easter Church”!

Believe it!

An “Easter Church” believes!

An “Easter Church” believes! Amen.

Isaiah 50:4-9(a), Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 21:1-11

Isaiah 50:4-9(A)

Philippians 2:5-11

Matthew 21:1-11

 “Jesus Means We Can Think Differently”

Part 4 of 2008 Lent series: “Jesus Means We Can See Things Differently”

Passion / Palm Sunday

March 16, 2008

            We have made it through the Season of Lent!   

            Today is what we call Passion / Palm Sunday – that special day when we celebrate Jesus coming into Jerusalem with all the palms and parade – riding in on the donkey to the shouts of “Hosanna!”

            But – while we celebrate His coming in Jerusalem and join in the shouts opf “Hosanna” — we also know why Jesus has come to Jerusalem.

            We know that the cries of “Hosanna” will be replaced by cries of “Crucify Him!” – we know that  Jesus will be crucified – we know that He will die – for our sins. We know that the grand celebration of Palm Sunday will be quickly replaced by the passion of the events of Holy Week – but we also know that there will be a  much grander celebration at Easter!

            We’ve used the season of Lent this year to focus on what the life – death – and resurrection of Jesus can mean for us.

            Five weeks ago we looked at one of the most fundamental things that Jesus means to us as we looked Genesis 2: 15-17, 25-3:7, Romans 5:12-18, and  Matthew 4:1-11. – and saw how Jesus means we are given another chance.  

            Four weeks ago we looked at Genesis 12:1-4 (a) and John 3:1-17 – and saw how Jesus means that we can change.

            Two weeks ago we are looked at John 9:1-12 and 24-41 – and saw how Jesus means that we can see things differently.  

            Last week we looked at John 11:1-7, 17-43 – and we will saw how Jesus means that we can have a new life.

            Today – on this Passion / Palm Sunday – we are going to look at 3 passages –  Isaiah 50:4-9(A), Philippians 2:5-11, and Matthew 21:1-11 – and try to imagine what Jesus might have been thinking as He was riding into Jerusalem – towards the cross and all it meant for Him – and discover how Jesus means we can think differently.

Listen to God’s word.

Read Scriptures

I am going to ask you to imagine something with me for a few moments today.

Imagine with me that you live in the village of Bethphage — some 11 miles from Jerusalem – during the time of Jesus.

            You live a fairly normal life – not too bad and not too good either. 

            One day you are shocked to see some men outside your door untying your donkey.  You ask them what they think they are doing — and they give what you think to be the strangest answer you had heard in a long time.

“The Lord has need of it.”

“O!” maybe you think to yourself.

            “The Lord has need of it.

Well — that’s OK then.”

            But — then you start thinking —

            “The Lord?”

            “What Lord?”

            “Whose Lord?”

            “Who are they talking about?”

            As you begin to protest – are gone – with your donkey.

            Well – you decide to follow them.

            You want to see who this “Lord” is they are talking about.

            But – you also want to keep an eye on your donkey.

            You follow them to the outskirts of town — and find a group of people standing around this one man. The man they stood around welcomes the ones who have your donkey —         and then they make Him sit on your donkey.  They begin walking towards Jerusalem — and you follow – keeping an eye on this man – and your donkey .

            The closer you get to Jerusalem – - the more of a crowd this entourage attracts.

            People begin shouting:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

            Well — now your curiosity is really up.

            Who is this man?

            You ask one of the crowd — and they respond:

“He’s Jesus of Nazareth.

But we know he’s the Messiah.”

            Jesus!

            Yea — you’ve heard of Him!  

            You decide to follow Him into Jerusalem — and see what was going to happen next. If nothing else, you need to keep an eye on your donkey.

The parade enters Jerusalem  – and a great crowd by this time is shouting:

“Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

            But – you can see that not everyone is happy.

            The Pharisees are not happy at all.

            They want the people silenced.

            They seem to be willing to go to any length to rid themselves of this Jesus.

            And all you can do is wonder just who this Jesus is — just who this man is who is riding your donkey — attracting so much devotion from some — and so much hatred from others. 

            What’s going to happen next?

            You’re not sure — but you know that something of major proportions was about to happen.

            Well — we all know what was about to happen — don’t we?

            Even though the owner of the donkey may not have been too sure of who was riding his donkey — we know.

            We know that it was Jesus — the Son of God — the Messiah — that entered Jerusalem that day — and we know what happened. He was not coming to Jerusalem to be praised — even though that happened.    

            He was coming for something completely different.

            Something far away from the praise of the crowd.

            But — something that occurred — just the same.

            The people were ready to make Jesus their King.

            Maybe He’s the one who will save them from Roman rule.  Many are probably ready for Jesus to give the word — and they will fight the Romans — and follow Him to victory.

            To them — Jesus is the Messiah — the Savior — the King.

            And — of course – - they are right.

            He is all these things.

            But — He is not the kind of Messiah — Savior — or King the people were expecting. Before the week is over, His crown will be one of thorns — His throne — a cross.  A different kind of King than the people were expecting — He indeed was thinking some deep thoughts.  As He rode humbly into Jerusalem on a humble donkey — He indeed had something on His mind — but what?

            What we He thinking?

            Paul gives us an interesting — moving — and compelling interpretation of what was on Jesus’ mind — an interesting — moving — and compelling picture of what He calls “the mind of Christ.”

Paul writes that:

Christ was in the form of God and yet did not exploit His position

but gave of Himself becoming like us in every way

humbling Himself — even to death on the cross.

            That’s what He was thinking!

            As He entered Jerusalem — even as the crowds praised Him — it was not the praise of the crowd that was on His mind.  His mind was turned to giving of Himself — giving of His Heavenly glory — and dying — dying on the cross — for us — for all people. 

            Can you imagine it?  

            Can you imagine someone who has all the power in the world — but willingly giving it up?

            Can you imagine someone who is God — but willingly becomes a slave — and willingly dies on a cross?

            It is almost impossible to imagine such love — such a mind for giving of oneself for others.

            What must Jesus have thought as He rode into Jerusalem — hearing the praises of the crowd — and yet knowing what He was going into Jerusalem to do?

            What was on His mind?

            Well maybe He thought:

            “Yes — I am a King –

but not as you understand power.

I am more powerful than any of you can imagine —

and yet I am not going to show my power as you

might expect.

I am coming to die — not rule in power.”

            What courageous love it took to ride into Jerusalem that day —

to give of Himself and die for us — for all people.

            What love it took to give of Himself and die.

            But — you know — we can imagine what the owner of the donkey may have thought — and can look at what Jesus might have been thinking —

            But — is this only a day for us to think about what Jesus did — what Jesus may have had on His mind as He rode into Jerusalem — what He may have had on His mind as He died for us — as He gave Himself for us?

            Or — is there a way we can take Palm Sunday out of history and find something there for our lives today?

            Paul writes that we are to have the same mind as Christ.

Let the same mind be in you

hat was in Christ Jesus

he writes – - or — as Eugene Peterson translates it in The Message:

Think of yourselves

the way Christ thought of Himself

            What does this mean – but that we are called to have the mind of Christ — to think of ourselves as Christ thought of Himself — to be thinking the same things Jesus was thinking – thinking of giving of ourselves — just as Christ gave of Himself?

            As we move into Holy Week, we need to examine our lives — our thoughts — our attitudes.  We need to  examine what we are thinking  – and see if we have the same thoughts — the same attitudes — the same mind that Christ had.

            You see – one thing that Jesus can mean for us is:

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

What was He thinking?

What was Jesus thinking?

            Jesus was thinking of giving of Himself for the world.

            Jesus was thinking of giving — of serving

            Is that what we are thinking?

            Is that what you are thinking?

            Do you think of giving of yourself for Christ — for others?

            Jesus’ whole life was built around service — giving of Himself — making a sacrifice for the good of others.

            Is ours?

            Is yours?

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            Is giving of ourselves for the work of God and Christ in the world our main purpose in life?

            Is giving of yourself for the work of God and Christ in the world your main purpose in life?

 

            Is this our prevailing attitude — the main objective of life for us?

            Is this your prevailing attitude — your main objective in life?

            This was Jesus’ purpose in life.

            Is it ours?

            Is it yours?

            This is what Jesus was thinking.

            Is it what we are thinking?

            Is this what you are thinking?

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            Mohandes Gandhi once said:

            “Freely accepted servanthood is the greatest force

            the world has ever known.”

            One of the hardest things for us to do is to give of ourselves — to sacrifice ourselves — to commit ourselves to God’s work and to give our all for it — to give of ourselves for the work of God in the world. 

It is hard for us to accept service — sacrifice — and giving.   

            We would much rather have things our way than doing things God’s way.  We make up excuses for not doing anything that requires us to give of ourselves — of our time — to go out of our way to take part in God’s work in the world.  We don’t want to make sacrifices — whether it’s sacrificing our time — or giving of something we have — or sacrificing a part of ourselves for God and for others.

            Too many times we think of ways others can serve us – or nit pick the ways others do not serve us – instead of thinking of ways we can serve others.

            And the church suffers —

            and the work of God in the world suffers —

            and we suffer.

            But — as followers of Christ — we can be different.

            We can think different things.

            You can be different.

            You can think different things.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            We can have what Paul called that “mind of Christ.”

            We can — as Peterson translates it —

            “Think of ourselves as Christ thought of Himself”

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            We can have the mind of Christ.

            We can think the things Christ thought.

            We can let what was on His mind be what is on our mind.\

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            You can have the mind of Christ.

            You can think the things Christ thought.

            You can let what was on His mind be on your mind.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            Jesus means we are to be different – - and we can be different.

            Jesus means we are to think differently – and we can think differently.

We are to have different things on our minds – and we can have different things on our minds.

Jesus means you are to be different — and you can be different.

            You are to think differently – and you can think differently.

            You are to have different things on your mind – and you can have different things on your mind.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            We can be people who give — who serve – and are willing to make personal sacrifices to benefit others.

            We can be a Church filled with active members – doing things that need to be done instead of looking to “somebody else” whoever that may be – to do it.

            You can be a person who gives — who serves — who is willing to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of others.

            You can be a Church member that does things that need to be done instead of looking to “somebody else” whoever that may be – to do it.

            We can all look for what needs to be done – and ways we all can pitch in and do it!

            We can all be active in helping others — as a church and as individuals.  We can look for things that need to be done and ways to do it.

We can all be on the lookout for specific things we can do as individuals and as a Church to reach out to our community and the world with the love of God.

            We can be different.

            We can have the mind of Christ.

We can think as Jesus thought.

We can have a mind to serve others.

             Jesus means we can think differently.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            So – here are some questions to consider:

            Are you different?

            Do you live differently?

            Do you act differently?

            Do you think differently?

            Do you think as Jesus thought?

            Do you have the mind of Christ?

            Commitment — giving — sacrifice — should be our distinguishing characteristics as Christians. 

These should be the mark that Christ puts upon you.

These should be the things you think about.

Jesus means we can think differently.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

 

 

            Are these your characteristics?

            Are these the things you think about?

            This is attitude of Christ.

            This is the mind of Christ.

            This is what Jesus was thinking.

            Is it our attitude?

            Is it our mind?

            Is it what we are thinking?

            Is it your attitude?

            Is it your mind?

            Is it what you are thinking?

            On this Passion Sunday as we begin Holy Week, remember what Jesus did for you.

            Commit yourself to a life of serving others — a life of giving of yourself for God’s work in the world and supporting it with all you have –  a life of seeing needs and meeting them.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            Jesus means we can think differently.

            God wants to bless you with the mind of Christ.

            Let Him.

            God wants to bless you so you can think as Jesus thought.

            Let Him.

            Let the same mind be in you

that was in Christ Jesus

            Let what Jesus was thinking – the humility — the service — the love of Christ — be what you are thinking. Amen

John 11:1-7, 17-43

John 11:1-7, 17-43

March 9, 2008

Lent 5

Part 4 of  “What Does Jesus Mean” series

Jesus Means We Can Live A New Life

We are beginning the fifth week of Lent — the six week season of the Church year before Easter when we spend time reflecting on the death of Christ for our sins – what that means for us – and how we can respond to it and live our lives differently because of what God has done for us through the life – death – and yes – resurrection of Christ.

            We have noted that Lent is observed in many ways by Christians.

            For some it’s a time to give up things they are doing that they know is wrong or not good for them.

            For others it as a time of increased attention to the spiritual disciplines of study of scripture, prayer, worship, service, and even fasting.

            The six weeks before Easter have traditionally been used as a time for teaching those who will join the church on Easter Sunday. 

            Now — all these things are good.

            But — we can always give up things that are wrong or not good for us – and we should do this.  God can even strengthen us to do this.  But – you know what? We don’t have to wait until Lent to do it!

            And – we can always pay more attention to our spiritual disciplines of study of scripture, prayer, worship, and service.  God can even give us strength to do this.  But — again — we don’t have to wait until Lent to do it!

            And – yes –  Season of Lent is a good time for what we in the Presbyterian tradition call Confirmation Classes for young people who are ready to join the Church.  We had 12 of our young people go through Confirmation Classes and join the Church last year – and next year it may be time to do that again.

            But – for this year – for this Lent — I want us to take a look at some things that I believe Jesus means for us as Christians.

            What are some things that Jesus means to you?

            What are some things that Jesus can mean to you?

            What are some things that Jesus can mean for how you live your life?

            These are some of the questions we are going to be considering as we go through this season of Lent.

            What are some things that Jesus means to you?

            What are some things that Jesus can mean to you?

            What are some things that Jesus can mean for how you live your life?

            Four weeks ago we looked at one of the most fundamental things that Jesus means to us as we looked Genesis 2: 15-17, 25-3:7,  Romans 5:12-18, and  Matthew 4:1-11. – and saw how Jesus means we are given another chance. 

            Three weeks ago we looked at Genesis 12:1-4 (a) and John 3:1-17 – and saw how Jesus means that we can change.

            Last week we are looked at John 9:1-12 and 24-41 – and saw how Jesus means that we can see things differently.  

            Today we are going to look at John 11:1-7, 17-43 – and we will see how Jesus means that we can have a new life. 

Read Scripture

            I want to tell you a story today.

            It’s a story about a man we’ll call Joe

            Joe is a typical, middle – aged, middle-class male.  Someone we all can all identify with – for if we are not like him ourselves we know many who are.

He works eight hours a day at a good job.  He keeps up a nice home.  Every night, he eats supper with his wife and puts his daughter to bed.  He is an active member of a Civic Club and a Church.  He and his family vacation at the beach every summer.  You might say he has a lot going for him. 

            But — every morning — he curses the alarm clock for making him face another day. 

            And he wonders why.

            One day he gets his answer.

            While walking through town he practically has to step over a drunk lying on the sidewalk.  About the same time he spots a twelve-year old boy he knows. 

“What’s happening?”

the boy asks.

“Nothing”

Joe replies.

            Then Joe hears the voice of the drunk behind him:

“Yea — me too!”

            How terrible — Joe thinks — it is when you live your life — but feel that absolutely nothing is happening. 

            Now — you may wonder what in the world this story has to do with our text for today.  We’re looking at Lazarus – and how Jesus raised him from the dead.

            Joe was not dead — was he?

            He may have been bored with life — but not dead .

But – what does the raising of Lazarus mean?

            Why do we remember this particular miracle performed by Jesus?

            Because the vision is miraculous?

            Because the miracle is so miraculous?

            Are we to read the story of Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life and marvel at how Jesus did it?

            Yes — Jesus raising Lazarus from death to life is a miracle.

            But – the story of Jesus giving life to Lazarus must go much deeper than the miraculous.  There must be a deeper meaning. 

            So — what else is here for us?

            Well — what else is there for Joe?

            Is it the message of eternal life?

            Yea – maybe that’s it!

            Maybe we’re to see Lazarus rising from the dead — and know of our salvation and the promise of our eternal life.

            Well – that indeed is part of it.

            But — again —

Is life after death the only thing God is trying to tell us in the rising of Lazaus?

            Is that all we are to see in this story?

            Is it just about the glorious fact that God promises life after death?

            Is this passage — and others like it — simply saying:

“Hold on.

Keep the faith.

And some day — when you die — it will all be better.”

            Is that God’s only message to us here?

            Is that the only message to Joe ?

            Is that all Jesus meant when He told Martha:

“I am the resurrection and the life.

Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,

and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

            Or — is there still something else here in this story?

            Something about how God gives us the ability to live a new life – here and now?

            Something about the love of God that promises new life —

            the love Christ showed in giving new life to Lazarus –

            the love of Christ that can offer new life and real hope to Joe –

            the love of Christ that can offer real hope and new life to all of us –

            the love and new life God offers to us through Christ —

            the love of God that can give us new life – that can “unbind” us and “set us free” —

            the love of God that gives us new life and new hope —

            not only in life after death — but hope here — and now — in this life?

            The “something else” is that Jesus means that we can have a new life.

            Jesus means we can have a new life.

            Jesus means that we can have a new life.

                        “I am the resurrection and the life.

Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,

and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

            What does the story of Joe have to do with the raising of Lazarus?

            Well, Joe has always heard that life is a great gift.

            But sometimes — he wonders.

            His days are filled with drugery.

            It takes all the energy he has just to get through them.

            Finding ways just to pass the time becomes a primary concern for him. 

            What he really wants to do is escape.

            For some — life is a physical ordeal and a physical struggle.

            For others — it’s not that it’s a physical ordeal and struggle as much as it is that life just seems empty and meaningless.  They may be well-off, but not living well.

            You know what I’m talking about.

            That’s how Joe is.

            Maybe it’s how you are.

            They live lives that may have goals — but no overiding sense of purpose.  They feel they need something else in their lives — but they don’t know what it is — much less how to get it.

What do you think Joe would make out of the raising of Lazarus?

            He might assume that Lazarus — safe in his tomb –  had all the worries of life behind him.  He is safe and sound in whatever comes after this life.  And then Jesus comes along and ruins it.  He raises Lazarus from the dead.  He brings Lazarus back to life.

            Joe may know that Lazarus has no need of being raised back to a life of “business as usual”.

            But that’s not the point.

            It was not the point for Jesus and Lazarus.

            It’s not the point for Joe.

            It’s not the point for us.

            So — what is the point?

            The point is that – here – and now –

            Jesus means we can have a new life.

            Jesus means that we can have a new life.

“I am the resurrection and the life.

Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,

and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

The point is that Jesus is not just the resurrection and the life after death –

            The point is that Jesus does not just give hope for the future — but that Jesus  offers new life — here and now.

            Jesus means we can have a new life.

            Jesus means that we can have a new life.

            Can this be true?

            Can this be true for Joe?

            Can his life be made meaningful?

            Can Joe be “unbound” and “set free” — as Lazarus was when he emerged from the tomb?

            Can Joe be “unbound” from the boredom and lack of real interest in his life — and “set free” to a more meaningful life — a life where true meaning is discovered in God — in Christ — and in others?

            Is that possible?

            In Christ — it is.

            Joe can be freed — by the love of Christ — and given a life that is not “business as usual” — but that is new and exciting — through Christ.

            Joe can be have a new relationship with Christ.

            Jesus means we can have a new life.

            Jesus means that we can have a new life.

            You know — this liberation of a life that is “dead” while still alive is even more miraculous than the raising of Lazarus. 

“I am the resurrection and the life.

Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,

and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

 

            Liberated life — real life — life that is “unbound” — and “set free” — is available — through Christ.

            Jesus means we can have a new life.

            Jesus means that we can have a new life.

            That’s great news.

            It was great news when Lazarus experienced it.

            So — is it great news — for us?

            You bet it is!

            Don’t we often go through life like Joe?

            Don’t you feel sometimes that life has little or no meaning?

            Don’t we just — at times — “go through the motions” and never expect anything to change — particularly change for the better?

            Aren’t there times you just accept your life for how it is — even is how it is is dull and lifeless and uninteresting?

            Too many times we all just accept the fact that real — vital — new life is not an option — we just accept that things in our lives can not be changed — and feel that nothing can liberate us from our dull — or dare I say dead — existance.

            Jesus means we can have a new life.

            Jesus means that we can have a new life.

“I am the resurrection and the life.

Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live,

and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

            Friends — in Jesus Christ — there is hope.

            In Jesus Christ — we can live a life that is new – hopeful – hope-filled – and meaningful.

            Jesus Christ can give us life with new purpose and new meaning.

            Life that is “raised” — “set free” “unbound” — to a life with new hope — new love — new meaning — new purpose.

             “Raised” — “set free” — “unbound” to a life with real relationships — real relationships with God — with each other — with others — and with ourselves.

            The love of God — the love of Christ — can set us free.

            It can give us new life.

            It can raise us to new life.

            New life with new meaning — here — and now.

            Jesus means we can have a new life.

            Jesus means that we can have a new life.

            There is a story in the book Chicken Soup For The Soul At Work told by Jeff McMullen.

            He relates that a number of years ago he had the opportunity to play the character of Ronald McDonald for the McDonald’s Corporation.  One of the standard events was “Ronald Day.” One day each month, he visited as many of the community hospitals as possible, bringing a little happiness into a place where no one ever looks forward to going.

            He began the job being very proud to be able to make a difference for children and adults who were experiencing some “down time.”

But after awhile he let it get “routine” — and it was no longer “special”.  After awhile, he began to dread it. 

            One day, he was heading down a hallway after a long day in grease paint and on his way home.   As he was leaving, he heard a little voice.

“Ronald, Ronald.”

He stopped. The soft little voice was coming through a half-opened door. He pushed the door open and saw a young boy, about five years old, lying in his dad’s arms, hooked up to more medical equipment than he  had ever seen. Mom was on the other side, along with Grandma, Grandpa and a nurse tending to the equipment.

            He knew by the feeling in the room that the situation was grave.  He asked the little boy his name – he told him  it was Billy – and did a few simple magic tricks for him.  As he stepped back to say good-bye, he asked Billy if there was anything else he could do for him.

“Ronald, would you hold me?”

            Such a simple request.  But Jeff was tired — and not wanting to get any more involved with this boy than he already had.

             Billy again asked Jeff to  hold him. By this time his heart was screaming “yes!”

            Jeff picked up this little wonder of a human being. He was so frail and so scared. They laughed and cried for 45 minutes, and talked about the things that worried him.

            Billy was afraid that his little brother might get lost coming home from kindergarten next year, without Billy to show him the way.

He worried that his dog wouldn’t get another bone because Billy had hidden the bones in the house before going back to the hospital, and now he couldn’t remember where he put them.

            These are problems to a little boy who knows he is not going home.

            On his way out of the room, Jeff gave Mom and Dad his real name and phone number,  and said if there was anything the McDonald’s Corporation or he could do, to give him a call and consider it done.

Less than 48 hours later, Jeff received a phone call from Billy’s mom. She informed him that Billy had passed away. She and her husband simply wanted to thank Jeff for making a difference in their little boy’s life — and that he had been a blessing from God for them.

            Jeff says that he may have made a difference for Billy – and may have been a blessing from God for him and his family — but that Billy really made a difference for him — and was a much-needed belssing from God for him.  No longer did he see his work as “just a job” — but it was special — a gift — a blessing.  He was freed from seeing his life as boring to seeing it as meaningful

            A new life.

            A freed life.

            A life with new meaning.       

            A life with new hope.

            A blessed life.

            A new life — here and now.

            Jesus means we can have a new life.

            Jesus means that we can have a new life.

The love of God — the love of Christ — can set us free.

            It gave new life to Lazarus.

            It can give new life to us.

            It can raise us to new life.

            New life with new meaning — here — and now. Amen.

John 9:1-12, 24-41

John 9:1-12, 24-41

Jesus Means We Can See Things Differently

March 2, 2008 Lent 4

Part 3 of “What Dies Jesus Mean” series

 

We are beginning the fourth week of Lent — the six week season of the Church year before Easter when we spend time reflecting on the death of Christ for our sins – what that means for us – and how we can respond to it and live our lives differently because of what God has done for us through the life – death – and yes – resurrection of Christ.

            We have noted that Lent is observed in many ways by Christians.

            For some it’s a time to give up things they are doing that they know is wrong or not good for them.

            For others it as a time of increased attention to the spiritual disciplines of study of scripture, prayer, worship, service, and even fasting.

            The six weeks before Easter have traditionally been used as a time for teaching those who will join the church on Easter Sunday. 

            Now — all these things are good.

            But — we can always give up things that are wrong or not good for us – and we should do this.  God can even strengthen us to do this.  But – you know what? We don’t have to wait until Lent to do it!

            And – we can always pay more attention to our spiritual disciplines of study of scripture, prayer, worship, and service.  God can even give us strength to do this.  But — again — we don’t have to wait until Lent to do it!

            And – yes –  Season of Lent is a good time for what we in the Presbyterian tradition call Confirmation Classes for young people who are ready to join the Church.  We had 12 of our young people go through Confirmation Classes and join the Church last year – and next year it may be time to do that again.

            But – for this year – for this Lent — I want us to take a look at some things that I believe Jesus means for us as Christians.

            What are some things that Jesus means to you?

            What are some things that Jesus can mean to you?

            What are some things that Jesus can mean for how you live your life?

            These are some of the questions we are going to be considering as we go through this season of Lent.

            What are some things that Jesus means to you?

            What are some things that Jesus can mean to you?

            What are some things that Jesus can mean for how you live your life?

            Three weeks ago we looked at one of the most fundamental things that Jesus means to us as we looked Genesis 2: 15-17, 25-3:7, Romans 5:12-18, and  Matthew 4:1-11 — and saw how Jesus means we are given another chance. 

            Two weeks ago we looked at Genesis 12:1-4 (a) and John 3:1-17 – and saw how Jesus means that we can change.

            Today we are going to look at John 9:1-12 and 24-41 – and see how Jesus means that we can see things differently.   

Read Scripture

      Several years ago I had to have cataract surgery and lens implants in both of my eyes.  The difference it made in my eyesight was amazing!  For someone who has been nearsighted most my life and worn glasses since I was 7 years old – and had the glasses changed and the prescriptions increased to the point where it looked like I was wearing goggles instead of glasses – it was great to have lens implants and have my vision improved to the point where I do not have to wear my glasses all the time!             I awoke the morning after my first surgery and – wonder of wonders – I could see!  I did not have to grope for my glasses – wonder where I laid them the night before – finally find them – and put them on to see – I could see out of my left eye without them!  And after my surgery on my right eye I could see out of both! 

      Now – as you know – I do have to have reading glasses – so I have bifocals that  correct each eye to 20/20 vision and magnify so I can read.  But they are much lighter – feel better – and – with the implants – have me seeing better than ever before! 

      I would certainly recommend to anyone needing cataract surgery to go ahead and get it done! 

      There are some drawbacks, though.

      Like being able things you may have missed before.

      One lady I know thought the paint in her kitchen was getting dingy – and was making plans to have her kitchen repainted once she had her cataract surgery behind her – picking out what color she wanted and getting excited about the newly  painted kitchen — only to discover after the surgery that the paint was not dingy – she just had not been able to see it clearly.  Once she saw it clearly after the surgery, she could tell the paint was nice and fresh after all. 

      So much for getting the kitchen painted!

      Another person I know has said that he could see his wrinkles now!

      And someone else has said they could finally see just how dirty their house was!

      There are some drawbacks to being able to see things clearly – but for the most part – clear sight is a good thing!

      One of the things Jesus means for us is that we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      You k now – good sight is a gift.

      So is good spiritual sight.

      Being able to see things as God sees them is a gift.

      Being able to understand things as God understands them is a gift.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      The truth is that we do not always see things as God sees them.

      We do not always understand things as God understands them.
      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Just like we sometimes have physical cataracts – we also many times have spiritual cataracts. We let things keep us from seeing things as God sees them – or understanding things as God understands them.      Our Gospel passage is a classic story of spiritual cataracts – not being able to see things as God sees them – and needing to see things differently.

      It starts off with the disciples.

      Jesus and the disciples pass by a blind man begging near the Temple in Jerusalem – and instead of wanting to help him – the disciples start asking questions.

      “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

      It’s a natural question, is it not?

      When we encounter someone with a terrible illness –

      or someone whose business failed –

      or someone who has just gone through a divorce –

      we might ask those kinds of question – or at least think them if we don’t actually say them.

      What happened? 

      What did that person do? 

      Was he a smoker? 

      Did he drink too much? 

      Did she take care of business? 

      We ask that kind of question, in part, because we feel more secure if we can figure out what happened.  It isn’t so much that we are trying to blame the victim, but perhaps, if we could figure out what happened to him, we might avoid having it happen to us. 

      If cigarettes caused his cancer, we may feel secure because we don’t smoke. 

      If her business failed because she wasted money, we may feel secure because we are more frugal. 

      If his wife divorced him because of his drinking problem, we may feel secure because we don’t drink that much.

      So the question of “who sinned” –

      “whose fault was it”

      might be a question we ask – or at least think –

      but that directs us away from the real issue – and how God would have us to see and understand the situation.

      It’s a question that is asked – many times – because we are looking at a situation not with God’s vision or God’s sight – but through spiritual cataracts.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

      I wonder if the blind man overheard the disciples. 

      If so, I am sure that it wasn’t the first time that he had heard questions like that.  People in that time and place assumed that suffering was the result of sin.  The blind man probably thought so too.  He probably wondered what he had done wrong.  He probably had a theory about some wrongdoing that had caused his blindness.

      “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 

      Just imagine hearing that kind of comment day in and day out.  It was bad enough being blind – but questions like that heaped salt on the wound — caused the man fresh pain every time he heard them.

      “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

       Well – Jesus – who did sin – this man – or his parents?

      Inquiring minds want to know!

      Jesus answered:

      “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life”

      In other words – the disciples misunderstood the situation – did not see the situation clearly – did not see the situation as God would have them see it.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

The disciples saw it through spiritual cataracts.

            But Jesus saw it differently.

            Jesus saw it more clearly.

            Jesus didn’t see it as an opportunity to question someone about their lifestyle – but as an opportunity to bring God’s love into the life of that blind man.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

Jesus healed the man. 

He spat on the ground and made mud with his spittle. 

He put the mud on the man’s eyes and told him to wash in the pool of Siloam. 

The man obeyed, and was healed. 

He was healed!

He who had never in his whole life seen even his mother’s face could now see everything. 

You would think everyone would strike up the band – throw a party – and celebrate with this man and his family!

But the local people did not see it as a time for rejoicing.

No – they were confused. 

      They were accustomed to seeing him sitting by the temple begging –  and now he was walking around. 

      They had seen the deadness of his eyes, but now his eyes were bright — sparkling. 

      What’s going on?

       They asked, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 

      Some of them thought that it was, but others thought that it was a different man. 

      You know – actually — it was a different man –

      He was made different by his contact with Jesus. 

      Jesus said that the man was born blind

      “so that God’s works might be revealed in him” (v. 3).

       The man’s infirmity was an opportunity for God to demonstrate His grace — and for Jesus to demonstrate His Godly power.  It was an opportunity for the people of Jerusalem to learn about Jesus — to believe in Jesus. 

      It was not only an opportunity for the man born blind to see things clearly – but it was an opportunity for everybody else to see things clearly – to see things as God saw them – understand things as God understood them.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      It was an opportunity for all of them to have the spiritual cataracts that kept them from seeing things as God sees them removed.

      It was an opportunity for the healing of physical blindness – and spiritual blindness. 

      But was the spiritual blindness of the people healed?

      Maybe for some – but not for all! 

      We don’t know how many people believed as a result of this miracle. 

      We do know that the Pharisees did not believe. 

      They did not want to believe in Jesus, and refused to believe their own eyes.  They tried to explain away the miracle – to shift the focus away from the miracle. 

      Jesus performed the miracle on the Sabbath, so they said that Jesus must be a sinner for violating the Sabbath.

      Their spiritual cataracts were firmly in place – and they could not see things as God saw them – even when the evidence was right before their eyes! 

      But when the man born blind — now healed – was brought before the Pharisees – he showed that not only was he healed from physical blindness – but his spiritual blindness was being healed, also. 

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      When the Pharisees tried to get the man born blind to agree that Jesus was a sinner, he responded,

“I do not know whether he is a sinner. 

One thing I do know,

that though I was blind,

now I see” (v. 25).

      When they tried to argue with him, he stuck to his guns.  He concluded by saying,

      “If this man (meaning Jesus) were not from God, he could do nothing” (v. 33). 

      The Pharisees were furious, and ran him off.

      But I wonder how many of the local people believed because of the man’s testimony. 

      I wonder how many were blessed by his courageous witness. 

I wonder what happened from that day forward.

  I wonder about the power of his witness in subsequent years to those who had known him as a blind beggar sitting with his begging cup beside the road. 

      I wonder how many people came to see things as God sees them because of the story this man had to tell  –

      how many people began believing in the transforming power of God because of this man’s story –

      how many people had spiritual cataracts removed because of the power of God working through this man’s amazing witness.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      It seems to me that the years that this man spent in blindness — his terrible years — were the fertile soil from which a million blessings sprang.  I would not have wished this man to be blind, but I would not have denied him the special opportunity that his blindness and his healing at Jesus’ hands gave him.

      This man took his blindness – and subsequent healing – both physical and spiritual – and let God work through it to remove the spiritual cataracts others had – help others see things as God sees them and understand things as God understands them.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      You know — the difficult times in our lives sometimes provide us with special opportunities to bless other people. 

      The problems in our lives sometimes are really opportunities for us to see God’s will – see things as God sees them – and help others do the same.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      We all experience difficult times, don’t we.

      Sometimes we experience terrible times. 

      When we bear our difficulties with faith, the people around us find themselves blessed by our faith — blessed by our courage — blessed by our grace under pressure. 

      Our terrible times can be fertile ground from which blessings spring — blessings with which we can bless those around us.

      The problems we face can be times when we can draw closer to God –

      understanding His will better –

      seeing things as He sees them – 

      then using our witness to help others see things in God’s ways, also.

      I remember reading an article by Gilbert Beers, a pastor and one time senior editor of Christianity Today.  His eldest son died tragically.  In reflecting on that tragedy, Beers did not deny the pain that he and his wife experienced, but he also talked about how he and his wife had friends whom they knew as healers — people who somehow had a healing touch for those in pain — people who somehow always found the right words in times of trouble.  Beers said that neither he nor his wife had ever had that gift.  They had never thought of themselves as healers.  They were never able to bless people in that way.  But after the death of their son they found themselves “healing other wounded people as (they) had never done before”

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Of course, that is not a role that any of us would want to seek out.  We would all like to be healers, but none of us want to experience the kind of tragedy that the Beers family experienced — the tragedy that somehow seasoned their hearts and enabled them to become healers – instruments of God that helped people work through their pain and see God’s will and God’s blessings – have their spiritual cataracts removed so they can see things as God sees them and understand things as God understands them. 

      But the truth is that, sometime in our lives, we all face adversity. 

      It might be illness. 

      It might be the loss of a job. 

      It might be divorce. 

      It might be the death of a loved one. 

      There are so many possibilities that I can’t list them all. 

      The point is that, at some time, we all have to deal with real trouble.  It is a part of life.

      When that happens, we have to decide how to handle it. 

      We have choices. 

      We can let our troubles overwhelm us – or –

      We can decide to face our troubles with the kind of courage that the formerly blind man had when he faced the hostility of the Pharisees — believing in Jesus — believing that God is with us — believing that God will help us. 

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      We can let God touch us in a new way through our troubles – remove the spiritual cataracts that might be blocking our ability to see things as God sees them – understand things as God understands them – and then we can share our new understanding of God’s will with others who are going through their own problems.

      Instead of asking:

      God – who sinned – that I am being punished in this way?

      We can pray:

      God – help me to see this situation as You see it –

                   to understand this situation as You understand it –

                   and to know that You are with me and will see me through it.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      We can let God remove our spiritual cataracts – and begin to see and understand things as God sees and understands them.

      Then – when we see others going through their times of trouble – instead of asking – or at least thinking:

      God – who sinned – that this has happened to them?

      We can pray:

      God –  help me to see their situation as You see it –

                    to understand their situation as You understand it –

                   and to know that You are with them and will see them through it.

      And – we can pray:

      God – help me to help them see their situation as You see it –

                   Help me to help them understand their situation as You understand it –

                   and help me to help them know that You are with them and will see then through it.

      If you will do that — if you will face your troubles with faith in God — faith that God will help you – I guarantee that your witness will be a blessing to your family — to your friends — to your church — to all who know you — and ultimately to yourself. 

      And – you can be God’s instrument for removing spiritual cataracts in the lives of others.

      I read about a woman like that not long ago.

      She had much to give thanks for — children and grandchildren — a home — food on the table — many friends. 

      But she had much to be bitter about too — if she had chosen to be bitter. 

      Her husband had died far too young. 

      Her health wasn’t that good. 

      But – as her own health got worse and her minister and friends visited her in the hospital — it was she who lifted their spirits — it was she whose faith brightened the room.

      Her faith in God and her love for people kept her positive — made her a blessing to all who knew her.

      When she died the memories of her faith and courage and grace continued to bless those who knew her. 

      She let God work through her times of pain and suffering – help her see things as God sees them – and then blessed others.

      She let God remove her spiritual cataracts – began to see things as God sees them – and then was an instrument of God for removing the spiritual cataracts of others.

      The next time that you face serious difficulty — and there will certainly be a next time – let God help you see it as God sees it – remove the spiritual cataract that might be blocking your vision – and keep in mind that God is with you. 

      Keep in mind that God will help you. 

      And keep in mind that, if you will face your trouble with faith and grace, your trouble will become fertile soil out of which blessings will grow — blessings for your family — for your friends — for your church — for your community — and ultimately for yourself.

Remember that –

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Remember that you can be an instrument of God to help people see God’s will more clearly in their times of trouble – like the woman I just mentioned – or the Beers family – or the man born blind that Jesus healed – or so many others that have let themselves see God in the midst of their problems and help others see God in their problems, also. 

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      My prayer for you is that you can see things differently – that you can see things as God sees them — that you can see God’s hand in the good times and bad of your life – and share God with others at all times.

      Jesus means we can see things differently.

      Jesus means we can see things differently. Amen.