Who are you?

Philippians 3: 4b-14

 Who are you?

We all define who we are in a variety of ways.  We may define it by answering what our heritage is; where we grew up, went to High School or College, who our parent and grandparents are, what our profession is, where we go to church and our faith.  Maybe we answer it with a title; mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, wife, husband…

Some of these labels we were given at birth and we are very proud to take as our own.  I know when I meet a group of people for the first time, especially at Conference Church events- someone inevitably says “your Sara’s daughter!” and I happily accept that comparison because I love my Mom and she is well respected and loved by others.

Some of them we spend our whole lives running away from. 

Maybe an angry Mom mumbles under her breath to her son- “You’re just like your father”.  Either way, we are guilty by association.   

As I get to watch my now teenage nieces and nephew grow up, I get to see them live out how to answer this question.  They try on different attitudes, taking risks, seeing exactly what they can get away with and if they really believe what their parent’s told them to believe.  They cut their hair, color it bright pink, get piercings, try a beer, say a cuss word- trying their hardest to go against what their parents taught or said they weren’t allowed to do- just to test the water.  Find their identity.  They aren’t any different than other teenagers in that respect. They slide around on the continuum of normal until they find out who they are and where they fit in this big world.

We have all been there- very few people know at a young age exactly what they want to be when they grow up and do just that.  Some of us still have an identity crisis on occasion as adults. Maybe it’s the proverbial mid-life crisis- we change jobs, get sports car, or learn a new hobby.

In our scripture lesson today- Paul is doing just that.  He is explaining his decision to change his identity from Jew to Christian.  He has been challenging the Jewish culture and belief system and has gotten a lot of flak for it.  He has been very critical of their exclusiveness and their desire to keep everyone out who doesn’t look and think the way they do so he makes sure they know who he is and why he has a right to criticize-

He once believed exactly what they believe.  He was them- he is not only criticizing the religious status quo- he is criticizing his own past beliefs, his own heritage.  It is easier to dismiss someone who is an outsider- who you can accuse of making stuff up or not understanding what really goes on here. 

Paul goes out of his way to say- nope- I know this because I was there.  We are one in the same- same heritage, same faith, same practices, I did everything I was supposed to do- all my life but I was wrong-

I have learned something better a better way and a better life.  It is an evolution of thought and belief that takes place in all our lives. 

All that stuff, which the Jewish faith required of them to do.  And, all that stuff that was being used to falsely elevate the status of some and make others seem to be unworthy was garbage. 

I am not who I once was- It is Paul’s claim and is our claim.  There is no rule that says our identity is set in stone.  Paul was the worst of the worst and became the most zealous spokesman for the Church. 

Because of Christ, we are no longer defined by who we once were and the mistakes we’ve made.  We do not get our true identity from our successes and failures in life and we are not defined by the reputation of our parents and the choices they made- good or bad.

Instead, we are defined by who Christ is, what Christ did for us.  We are children of God, we are loved, and we are forgiven.  It is not a love we can earn- it is given to us, balance paid and however we chose to respond is not to bring us glory and recognition but to direct that praise away from ourselves and become a reflection of Christ alone.  Paul wants us to understand that all things come from God and the only thing worthy of claiming is that we are loved enough that Christ was willing to die for us. 

Paul has realized through his encounter with Christ that nothing we do matters without a relationship with Christ.  There aren’t enough rituals, prayers, and good deeds to equal what Christ did for us on the cross. 

Paul goes on to say that this relationship with Christ is not an intellectual one.  Memorizing scripture, study and education, although are good tools, are not necessary to know God.  It is a personal and intimate connection that can never be broken, forsaken or lost. 

We often hear the relationship between Christ and the Church explained as a marriage.  It is the most intimate relationship we as humans can understand.  

Fred and Gloria had that ideal marriage.  They were college sweethearts, inseparable from the beginning, never one without the other.  They were married at 22 and quickly started a family and a business.  Times were hard at first but they made it through- he would pick her flowers when he couldn’t afford to buy them and she would cook him breakfast, even if it was just a piece of toast to express their love for one another.

They raised 4 boys and were blessed by a successful company.  They were active in the church, well known and well-loved in the community and it didn’t seem to matter where they went they were hand in hand.

Even as they aged the spark never seemed to fade.    At 82 years old Gloria got sick.  Fred was still healthy and cared for her daily even when he was no longer able to do it on his own, he never left her side.  After 60 years of marriage they had a bond that could never be mistaken.  They could understand each other with just a glance.  Words weren’t  necessary when they understood the language of love. 

Right before their 61^st wedding anniversary, Gloria passed away from her illness and Fred was lost.  They had been together for so long he didn’t know who he was without- her.  His identity was Gloria’s husband.  Even though he was healthy, within a few weeks, Fred died too, some say it was of a broken heart- maybe he really couldn’t live without her. 

Not every marriage is a fairytale like that one but that is the kind of relationship we are called to have with Christ.  Life is not worth living without him.  Thankfully, Christ has promised to never leave us- in times of our deepest sorrow, greatest joy and beyond the end of our physical days, Christ will be there. 

Just as Gloria didn’t do nice things for Fred because she wanted to earn his love and Fred didn’t bring her flowers because he thought she would love him any more- they did these things to show their love for one another and deepen their relationship. 

The same is true with Christ.  We cannot do anything to earn the love of Christ but he blesses us anyway.  We each have gifts from God some tangible skills, the beauty of nature, a unique personality and we respond out of love by using them to bring glory to God.  It is the circular and deeply intimate love of God that urges us to live a life which is honorable and pleasing to God so that the relationship will continue to grow and deepen. 

Fred and Gloria didn’t have a perfect relationship- there were bumps along the way- couches slept on, arguments had- love wasn’t easy but their identity was intertwined with one another- their love for each other was who they were- it was worth fighting for. 

Life with Christ isn’t easy- mistakes will be made, some days are easier than others, there will be shouts of joy and cries of agony but when we claim our identity as Christian we know that Christ will never leave our side. 

Christ doesn’t expect us to be perfect but what he wants is for us to keep trying, practice, learn from the mistakes, confess, repent and trust that we are still loved no matter what.  The marriage vows through our baptism are sacred to Christ- until death do we part- except with Christ there is no death- there is life eternal in an even more wonderful relationship with him- it just keeps getting better and better.

Our mistakes and the challenges of life are what make us need a savior.  A life of faith brings us to the foot of the cross but it is the Love of God alone that allows us to share in the forgiveness of sins and eternal life through the resurrection of Christ. 

Parable of the Lost Son

Luke 15 1-3, 11b-32                                        

                 This story is one of the most familiar stories in the New Testament- many of you could probably tell it from memory.   We love this story because at different times in our lives; we have been each of these characters. 

We have been the elder son, jealous of the help and attention others are getting when we feel like our good behaviors are going unnoticed and unrewarded.

We have been the slaves- watching from a distance as a friend’s family is going through a similar situation- missing our own families.

Sometimes maybe we’ve even felt like the father.  Joyous when a long lost friend has suddenly come back into your life and a relationship is mended. 

Many of us have also been the youngest son. Leaving the church to explore the world and our own freedom- only to realize as an adult how much we truly needed God and the church.

That is one of the reasons this story is so powerful.  It’s not about someone else, it is about us!

On some level we can all identify with this story.  When I read this scripture for today I realized that we often forget about the characters that prompted Jesus to tell this parable- the Pharisees.

Maybe we’ve been them too- looking at a newcomer to a class or group hesitant about welcoming them in, thinking oh- they wouldn’t fit in with us- they aren’t like us!  We don’t want to put in the effort to get to know the real person- so we don’t.

It is hard sometimes for us to realize in the moment who we are- we tend to put values on people’s roles in society, wealth, looks, and position that we often get lost ourselves.  We read this story and we forget that all the characters are lost- not just the youngest son.  Yes, he is the obvious one but not the only one. 

The Pharisees are lost- they have gotten so caught up in living a self-righteous life focused on order, power and determining who is worthy of God and who is not;  that they have lost touch with who and why they worship.  All they can see is how they have been made worthy and others are not.

The eldest son is lost- not physically but for whatever reason, he feels neglected, unappreciated, and undervalued.  He’s lost in self-pity and doubt which causes distance and hard feelings towards his father and brother.

The father is lost too- Lost in worry about his children.  He loves them each so much.  He has lost both of them to the temptation of freedom and sense of entitlement.  He’s torn between wanting to connect with them both and loving each without receiving that love in return.

The point is we are all lost.  We all need the unconditional love and open embrace of Jesus Christ in our lives.  At least the younger son knows it.  He may have had to learn it the hard way and it may have been a painful process but he fully realizes he has hit rock bottom.  He is desperate for the only relationship that can save him. 

Life, culture and personal bias prevent us from seeing the truth in others and ourselves.  Seeing not the reflection in the mirror but what God sees- our hearts. 

Sometimes we project an image of power, self-control and togetherness- We see a successful business man in a tailored suit with a wife and family, nice house and car- we see someone who seems to have it all together when God sees a broken hurt and angry child just playing dress-up.

Sometimes when we look at others we see the outward person- the drug addict, person with mental illness, homeless and emaciated from hunger maybe we see the image of the prodigal son-  He’s dirty and smelly.  He probably hasn’t had a bath in a while; his clothes are torn and need to be washed.  His breath may reek of alcohol- he’s too skinny and needs a haircut.  He’s got pig slop on his shoes. 

Maybe we think he’s gotten what he deserves- if he had just listened to his parents and stayed home.  Maybe we look at that person at the soup kitchen and grumble under our breath- why don’t they just get a job?  While God sees a solider home from war- with all the scars on the inside crying out for help that isn’t there.   Would we be willing to welcome him with the open arms of Christ?

 What does God see in you?  Are you being true to whom God wants you to be? Are you aware of just how much you need Christ?  Are you taking the time to be in prayer and reflection to deepen your relationship with Christ?  Can you admit that you are lost and in need of saving?

Are you willing to welcome people into your life who God sees as worthy- even when they don’t fit our ideal exterior expectations?

What about this Church?  Whether it is showing the open arms of Christ by the opening the doors of this church to children taking music lessons, giving AA a place to meet in order to support their recovery or sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt at the neighborhood child care center.

 These are living examples of how we share the love of Christ to our community- some of these people; children and adults may eventually join us for worship and I know that you will be able to extend that welcome to them with the open arms of Christ. 

The love, forgiveness and salvation of Christ is for all who seek to be in a relationship with him.  Yes, he came to save the imperfect but righteous- the disciples, those who have dedicated their lives to God but Christ also came to save the lost- those who have never heard of his love, those who society tells them they don’t deserve God’s love- it is especially for them.

 This story of the prodigal son is an illustration of that love.  No matter how far we’ve traveled, no matter the decisions we made right or wrong, no matter how long we have been separated – God is running to us with open arms- pleading with us to come back and be in a full relationship with Christ. 

In a few weeks we will see a similar story arise with the thief on the cross- It’s never too late to come to Christ! You can go home again.  Let us be the arms of Christ in this church, in this community and in this world.  Let God use us and our love for the lost to lead them back home into the embrace of a God who loves them.

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what are you scared of?

Psalm 27

What is it about the dark that is so scary?

I was visiting a friend recently who has a young child.  Scattered around the house, at least one in every room, were small night lights to keep the darkness at bay, provide comfort for the child and to help the parents navigate a dark house in the middle of the night. 

We learn from a young age to be fearful of the dark.  Children often cry when put in a dark room to sleep and some children will not enter a room without the lights on. When my sister was a teenager, one night while my family was at church for Wednesday night choir practice, thought she saw something walk by a window.  Her immediate response was to run around and turn every light in the house on.  Somehow the light would protect her from whatever she thought she saw. 

Even some adults are afraid of the dark.  Even if we have grown accustomed to a dark house at night we are put on edge by just the idea of walking down a dark street or ally- even when we know it is a safe neighborhood. 

Horror movies teach us that as long as it is daytime and the lights are on, everything is safe.  It’s when the night comes and the lights go out when those things worthy of fear come to reality.  Ghosts and the boogie man only come out at night.  We fear what is unknown, unseen and undetectable.  Darkness exacerbates that fear. 

Maybe your fears are less ambiguous than just the darkness.   Children who are scared of the dark cannot be reasoned with.  As adults sometimes we can talk ourselves out of being afraid or build up our courage enough to check out the noise coming from the dark basement despite our fears.  But some fears are very real and justified and cannot be easily dismissed and brushed aside. 

Many of you have children who live far away from home; many miles away from your ability to protect them -no matter how old they are- you still worry.  We are sometimes afraid to send children to school, especially immediately following a tragic school shooting.  Some of you have children and grandchildren who are deployed overseas in the military.  We worry about driving home in bad weather.  We worry as we wait on test results from the doctor.  We fear we won’t have enough money to pay the bills.

Whatever your life situation is, fear is often very real.  As Christians we sometimes take those fears and attempt to address them with easy answers- We say things like Trust God, just pray about it, God will make it right and sometimes these quick answers make us question our feelings, and make us feel our fears are irrational.

We claim with a loud voice that Christ is our savior and we will spend eternal life with him in heaven but  what we want is to be saved right there in that moment- not just in the afterlife.  We need a savior-now! 

When the car breaks down on a snowy night we need a savior of our souls but we also need a physical savior to get us out of the situation.  When the power goes out we need light and heat.  When a family member is in a war zone yes, we want them to have eternal salvation but we also pray for their safety now.  When we’re waiting for the test results or the surgery to be scheduled- we want to be saved-now.

We hear these same concerns as we read this Psalm.  It speaks to us of the fear of enemies and adversaries.  Although we may not have an actual physical enemy we each have our own personal adversaries and challenges.   Although there is trust in God and God’s ability to save right then- there is also confidence in eternal salvation.  The psalms teach us how to pray honestly about our fears and uncertainties.  The writer of this Psalm shows us it is possible to cry out for help and offer trust and praise at the same time. 

The Psalmist remembers times when God has answered his prayers; times when God indeed did come to the rescue.  This gives him courage to face his new fears and confidence that God will once again come through. 

We gain this courage through worship.  As we sing songs, hear scripture read and proclaimed, as we fellowship with our church family we gain strength.  Worship happens here on Sunday mornings but it also happens throughout the week.  Maybe it is hearing a sermon on the radio while you drive or an especially meaningful song you hear as you straighten up the house.  Many of you enjoy spending time in nature so maybe your worship is in the flower that blooms out of season and beckons God’s promise of new life or simply the sounds of birds in your yard.  Each of these is a sound reminder to worship God not just on Sunday mornings but throughout the week. 

We gain courage through prayer.  Sometimes just saying your problems out loud gives you a new perspective.  Talking with God often sheds light on other areas of your life where you can draw strength.  Or maybe it is gathering with friends to pray.  There is strength and courage in simply knowing that there are others on your side and praying for you.  Although this psalm is an individual prayer- my light, my salvation; many are communal prayers for and with the community. 

We gain courage through service.  When we strive to help others we see the world through different eyes.  We appreciate the gifts we have and recognize how God has answered our prayers and how much we are truly blessed when we see how others struggle.  When our decision for the evening is where to go for dinner and the person we are helping simply wishes there was something to eat- it puts problems in perspective.

We gain courage from sharing the love of God with others.  As we tell others about God’s love and share our story of salvation- times in our lives when we can look back and know- God was there- God changed the circumstances in life to where a negative outcome was not a solution or just in the nick of time showed me a more positive way.  Telling our stories reminds us that God is trustworthy and will come again.

Fear is real but when we look through life there are times when we can point out when God was there.  We know that God sent Christ to be the light in the darkness.  There is no reason to live in our fear.  Fear is real but we can trust in a God who hears our prayers, cares about us, answers our prayers and who has a good track record of coming through in the past.  We know we have eternal salvation through Jesus Christ but we also know we have a God who saves right here and now.  We have a God who makes all things work towards the good and can turn even the darkest situation into one of joy. 

We may not have all the answers to why bad things happen, why there is reason for fear, and why it sometimes seems God is absent but when we put our trust in God we can see the light at the end, we can see the hope that faith brings. 

As we travel through this period of Lent we purposefully put ourselves in a place where we are aware of the darkness of life.  We reflect on our own faith, our relationship with Christ, and we project that faith to the rest of the world.  We acknowledge the darkness but we also acknowledge the dawn to come, the rising of the light of the world- Jesus Christ with whom there is no more need of fear and with whom shines light on all who seek to live in a relationship with him. 

This doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen but with Christ we have the courage to face whatever comes our way and to go into the darkness of life with confidence that we have a God who loves us and will bring us out on the other side; A God who gives us the courage and strength to wait trusting that we will see the goodness of the Lord in this life.

Wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage.   Whom shall you fear?-wait for the Lord!

Truth, you can't handle it.

Ash Wednesday 2013                                     Primary Scripture Psalm 51

 Truth!  You can’t handle the truth!   This famous line from the movie “A Few Good Men” is a poignant point in the movie and has become iconic and comical over the years but what is truth and would we know it if we saw it?

Our daily lives are filled with half-truths, little white lies, fibs and secrets-some relatively harmless it seems, maybe some scandalous.  We hide the truth all the time.  Ask any husband what the appropriate answer is to his wife’s question “does this dress make me look fat?”  Just in case you’re not sure- no matter what the truth is- the answer is always NO! 

People ask us how we are doing and we simply respond “fine” even if we feel exactly the opposite.  Maybe someone is asking you for a favor- Do you mind doing something for me?  Whether we really want to or not, most of the time the response is “sure”.  Maybe these are relatively harmless fibs.  They don’t really do anyone else harm- but sometimes our dishonesty does hurt us.  We feel lonely because we won’t admit we need company.  We feel taken advantage of when we just can’t seem to say “no” to our friends. 

Maybe we even lie to ourselves.  We convince ourselves that we don’t need help.  I can do it on my own.  We don’t want to burden someone else with our problems so we keep them secret.  We are afraid of what someone might say or think of us if we admitted what we were really thinking. We fear rejection- what if I ask for help and they say no or don’t want to be a part of my life anymore.  We don’t feel like our feelings of anger or inadequacy are legitimate so we stuff them away. 

We allow these things in our lives to weigh us down.  We all have baggage.  It is a part of life.  We name them different things- fear, shame, anger, disappointment, loneliness, doubt, illness.  We feel like these things are too heavy for anyone else to carry so we bear the burden alone.  We convince ourselves that we are strong enough to handle it. 

Sometimes we try to distract ourselves we stay busy so we don’t have to think about our problems.  We self-medicate with food or drugs.  We involve ourselves in unhealthy relationships; we talk about other people’s problems and blame others for the problems of the world- just so we don’t have to look in the mirror at ourselves. 

Truth, you can’t handle the truth so we lie, we ignore it, we pretend it’s not there we hide from it.

Psalm 51 reminds us multiple times that we cannot hide- from ourselves or God.  God can see our inner most heart.  God wants honesty, repentance, and for us to trust God with our baggage.  But first, we have to be honest with ourselves.

Lent is a time of personal reflection; a time to search our souls, a time of spring cleaning for our body, minds and spirits. It is a time to admit to ourselves and to God where we need help.  Be honest and open- these secrets not only harm us and our relationships with one another but they harm our relationship with God.  When we hide the truth we are telling God we don’t think God can handle it.  We are telling Jesus Christ that we don’t need his sacrifice, we don’t need the cross, we don’t need him. We are telling even more lies.   When the truth is God is the only one that can handle it.  Christ is the only way to wipe our slate clean, make our burdens lighter and he is willing to do it. 

Lent is not a time to give up trivial things like chocolate or soda just because you feel like you need to give up something.   It is about reflecting on those things that get in the way between you and God. It is about ridding your life of those things that separate you from the love of Christ and prevent you from being fully connected and trusting of him.

 It is about getting rid of the idols in our lives that we put in place of God.  Maybe it is food- instead of dealing with pain- you seek comfort in food- you want that glass of wine at the end of a hard day instead of time alone with God to distress.  Maybe it is the computer or television that distracts you and prevents you from putting quality time into prayer and meditating on the scriptures.  Maybe shopping or eating out puts strain on your finances and causes stress in your life.  Maybe God is calling you to take better care of your body- eat healthier, exercise more. 

Take this season of Lent as a time to be truthful with God and yourself.  Put your baggage at the foot of the cross, leave it at the alter.  Don’t let the crucifixion of Christ be in vein- trust him.  He already knows all your secrets and he loves you anyway- there is nothing you can do or say that will make God stop loving you.  It is a wonderful mystery that we cannot take for granted.  God simply wants us to recognize our own faults, break down the barriers that we put up to try and hide from God and humble ourselves at the foot of the cross- recognizing we need Christ, we need forgiveness and we need him to wash our sins away. 

Some research claims that is takes 30-40 repetitions of a new behavior to make it a habit.  Use these 40 days of Lent to start a new and healthy habit of prayer, meditation, journaling, or reading scripture.  Deepen and strengthen your relationship with God.  Start being honest with yourself and ask God to wash away your sins and guide you to a path of righteousness, love and honesty.

Truth- God can handle the truth- let him. 

Love as a Verb

1 Corinthians 13

 

This scripture is one of the most well-known and well- loved chapters in the Bible.  We recite it at weddings, it is cross stitched on pillows, painted on walls- it is everywhere.  Some of you may actually have it written on a valentine card this week.  It is a beautiful poem and with it being a poem it can take on personal and varied meanings. 

But, what is love?  We use this word so often these days that it seems like it has lost some of its power.  We say it to our family and friends.  We use it casually to describe things we really like; I love chocolate, I love music, I love baseball.  We even hear it as a term of endearment- hello love!  We even use it in a dismissive way- I recently overheard someone way- I love her to death but…

Some who read this scripture may see this as something they strive to have.  They see love as a noun, something to be given, something to receive and when they read this it is often pulled out of context and seen as a list of qualities to look for in a partner.

When we look at it in context with what we read in the chapter just prior to this one it takes on a little different meaning.  Paul has been talking about the body of Christ and how each member is given specific gifts each of which are equal in value and worthy of honor and respect.  He continues to encourage us to use our gifts towards a better kingdom of God and a better church here on earth. 

Paul then is explaining in this chapter what it means to love and serve others in love.  It is used as a verb not a noun.  Paul is telling the church in Corinth as well as us that simply doing is not enough- it is the attitude of love that makes it a clear reflection of Christ.  The people in the church in Corinth were arguing with one another and an environment of one up man ship.  It wasn’t about love.  It was about being right, looking good in front of their friends, showing off and getting the proverbial gold star.

The church today- 21^st Century America often has this same attitude.  We argue and compete over who can be the best at missions, evangelism, memorizing scripture, who has the best bake sales and whose theology is “right”.  We argue within the church- I give my tithe- why can’t everyone else,  I have this job and it is very important, or maybe it is gossip- smiling at one another, giving lip service to being the family of God where everyone is welcome then deny membership or sincere embrace to people who aren’t like us.   We have forgotten that love is a verb.

Recent statistics show that as many as 33% of adults in America consider themselves “spiritual not religious” or not religious at all-who can blame them?  Many of these people believe in God and may be open to Christ but they have seen too many examples of the church acting out of self-righteousness and hate not love that it isn’t appealing to them.

Throughout history Christians and many other religious categories have long used God and religion to justify violence whether it is the crusades of the middles ages, the Spanish inquisition, Emanate domain displacing native Americans, slavery, bombing abortion clinics, violence against homosexuals, burning the Quran and protesting the funerals of fallen American Soldiers.

All of these are done out of a claim of devotion to God and their Christian faith but Paul is telling us this is not what Christianity is supposed to be.  These are not actions of love.  Instead of pleasing God it is a noisy gong and clanging cymbal.  It is giving God a headache.

These may be extreme examples but it is just as annoying to God when we act in the name of Christ for any reason other than love.  Love is the great motivator… some of you may remember the 70’s rock ballad by  Meatloaf  “I would do anything for Love” The only thing he says he won’t do is forget.  How can he possibly forget the woman he loves and how can we possibly forget the love of our Savior Jesus Christ.

We as Christians are lucky- every time we take Holy Communion and I hope every time we are in church and every time we take a breath we remember, we know, at least in part, what it means to be loved by Christ.  Our faith and our experience, our history and trust in God gives us the coping mechanisms to deal with disappointment and hurt feelings.  As the Psalm we said earlier expresses- Even when the world has let us down we know we have hope in a God that loves us. 

Not everyone we encounter in our lives has that experience.  We know we can trust, we know we can believe because God has come through in the past.  When others don’t know of that eternal love it helps to hear about it from those who do.

In this changing and challenging world the stories of those who have experienced the love, provision, compassion and salvation of Christ are necessary to counteract the negative attitudes and the failures of humankind. 

God isn’t going to stop being active but those who don’t know God need to hear your stories.  Children, youth, young adults even older adults need the encouraging words your life story can offer.  They need to hear the stories of what life was like when you were at your lowest and how God and the love of Christ pulled you out of the darkness.  It will offer hope to those who experience pain and fear.  These stories are about recognizing for ourselves that it is God that saves, not our own efforts.  It is a chance to brag on God and share the love of Christ with those who need to hear it most.

We can never love too much, we can never tell our stories of Christ’s love too often.  We can never celebrate Christ’s love too much- Each time we come to the communion table we remember, we rehearse the story, our story about how Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to die for us. 

This type of love that Christ calls us to live is not an easy one.  It is not the romantic love and the warm and fuzzy feelings we may get at Valentines, it is active, risky, difficult and sometimes scary but it is always right and always worth the risk.

Remember the love Christ has shown you.  The times in your life when faith and trust in God got you through and be purposeful and aware of if and how you share that love with others. Whether it is word or deed, be sincere, honest and genuine. 

Love others because God first loved us- even when we don’t deserve it. Love never fails.  Eat the bread, Drink the wine and taste the love of Christ!

Ordinary to Extraordinary

John 2: 1-11

Michael was a somewhat ordinary child. Born in 1929, middle child, smart and intuitive.  The decks were stacked against Michael and his family.  Living in the segregated south there was very little opportunity and hope for a young black man.  He was taught by society that he was worthless, dirty, ignorant, unworthy to even shop in the same stores or use the same entrances as his white peers.  By southern society’s standards he should have never been anything but ordinary.  His parents saw something special in him though.  His mother taught him to play the piano and read.  His father and grandfather stressed the importance of a strong faith in Jesus Christ.  They ensured he had the chance to become something greater than his circumstances.

Our scripture lesson today seems on the surface to be a rather trivial event.  Why would Jesus use such an ordinary event to be his first example of the many miracles to come?  Water into wine- really?  It honestly seems a little silly to me. 

Sure, it would have been a small crisis to the wedding couple and their family.  It would have stopped the event in its tracks.  But, it is not the end of the world.  It is not a life or death situation.  What is a little embarrassment and discomfort when Jesus came to save the world!

This scripture is very telling though in a lot of ways.  It tells us that Christ can use even the most ordinary thing like water and make it extraordinary.  It doesn’t have to be a life changing, earth shattering, or special crisis for God to get involved.  Christ is there- in all things.  Yes, he will do plenty of healing the sick, raising the dead and feeding thousands but life doesn’t have to be somber and serious all the time.  Jesus wants our lives to be filled with joy and we are reassured here that we can find that Joy in Christ- not just in the big things in life but in the small.

Sometimes it is hard to see God at work in this world.  We don’t even realize when miracles are being done in our own lives.  This scripture tells us that the “important people” at the wedding never knew what Jesus had done- only the servants and the disciples.  Sometimes we don’t even realize it until years later how much Jesus was there.

We have each faced crisis in our lives to some degree or another- maybe it was something trivial like locking your keys in your car and being late for an important meeting. Or, maybe it was something more life changing like losing a loved one or fighting a battle with cancer or standing up for what is right- even when you know it is not popular.  Know, in each of these times of Crisis- Christ is there.  It may not seem obvious when you are in the midst of fear and uncertainty but he is there.  God can turn your tragedy into a triumph if we will simply let him and have faith that you are part of the miracle. 

God had a plan for Michael, one he realized at a young age.  By 18 he realized he was called to do something special.  He was smart, his parents made sure he was well educated; he had a passion for equality and a love for Christ.  He went to college, studied theology, read the Bible, learned from Mahatma Gandhi, even got his doctorate, and by 25 was leading the first of many bus boycotts in Alabama.  His future of standing up for what was important and his drive for equality for all people was shaped by his strong faith in a God that was accessible to all people – black and white, rich and poor…  so much so that at age 5 he and his father both changed their names to Martin Luther; after the great protestant leader who also, desired a God that was accessible to all people. 

Martin Luther King Jr. never saw his 40^th birthday.   But God took this ordinary child and made him into something extraordinary.  I am sure there were times in his life when he did not feel that Christ was with him, when he felt alone in a crisis.  Times when he faced so much hate and resistance that it seemed God had turned his back on him. But he was confident in the love of Christ- found joy in that relationship and knew always that even though he was not a perfect man, he was a Christian- saved by grace.

Nearly 50 years after his death, it is easier to see the hand of God in the life of Martin Luther King Jr.  Hind sight is always 20/20 right.  Even in the darkest days of segregation, we can see the miracles taking shape, the lives changed for the better, a nation changed for the better.  We haven’t yet succeeded in reaching the lofty vision of true equality in this country but we are getting closer.  White standards are still the norm.  Poverty is still overwhelmingly a minority issue. Unemployment rates are almost double that for African Americans as they are for whites- it is getting better though.  There is joy in the miracles that have already taken place and anticipation of a better life to come for all people.

In a couple of weeks we will also commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation- one of the first steps of many which lead to the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr. and to the world we live in today. 

After watching the movie Lincoln last week, I was reminded how ugly but vitally important that time in our history was.  Over 600,000 people died in the Civil War and as dark of a time as it was- Christ was there; working his miracles in a nation so very divided and in the hearts of people- giving them the courage to stand up for what was important. 

Yes, hind sight is 20/20 and only time will tell of the miracles being made in our time.  We have tragedy and crisis all around- Sandy Hook, Afghanistan, Columbine, hunger, cancer, AIDS, immigration, obesity- the list could go on and on.

Maybe you have experienced tragedy in your life. Maybe you survived an abusive relationship, maybe you are battling illness or won your fight with cancer, maybe you’re the product of divorce- whatever the tragedy is in your life or the inequalities and oppression you see around you- don’t let it fall on deaf ears.  Let God use you to bring passion and awareness to a cause that is worth fight for.  Give it to God and let God transform it into a triumph.

The battle between good and evil, freedom and oppression, rich and poor, right and wrong will go on until the end of time, when Jesus comes again.  But we as Christians realize that our life has already been paid for- The example of Christ’s life, death and resurrection gives us the freedom and courage to stand up for what is right in this world. We are able to find joy in knowing that even a hard life, lived for Christ is worth the fear, heartbreak and sadness in this world when we know we are doing God’s work.

Few people are called to be martyred like President Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. And it doesn’t have to be a big political issue for Christ to show up.  Like the wedding story, it can be “everyday” miracles- the joy brought to a life saved by the mosquito net our youth purchased during VBS, he joy of a family fed by the donation of items to the food bank, the joy of a heart touched by a sincere word of kindness spoken to a stranger or an embrace of unconditional love given to a child. 

God uses us, plain, ordinary, people, transforms us through baptism with ordinary water into the sweetest most extraordinary wine.  As a member of the family of Christ, we are called to be courageous.  We are given a sense of right and wrong, a loving heart, and compassion for others and through us Christ makes miracles happen. 

We may not be able to see God’s plan.  We may not be able to understand why bad things happen. We may not be able to truly know what role God wants us to play in this life but we do know the love of Christ.  We do know we can trust God in all things- large and small to work together for those who love him.  We have confidence in our own salvation and in a life with Christ so wonderful that we can make it through even the darkest days. 

Each week we come into this place of worship to celebrate the tragedy and triumph of the death and resurrection of Christ.  This miracle is relived every moment of every day as we acknowledge the sacrifice Christ made for us- what seemed at the time to be an ordinary man doing extraordinary things has shown us through his death and resurrection that we, ordinary people are worth dying for.  This worship time does not have to be solemn or sad or even serious for that matter it is truly one of celebration- we find comfort, happiness, love and joy- even laughter as we give thanks for the love of Christ in our lives.

real greatness

Mark 10: 35-45

Have you ever heard the phrase: Be careful what you wish for- it might come true?  I have heard this all my life from my parents.  As a teenager many times when I said I wanted something or wished something would happen my parents would quote this to me- they had the wisdom and forethought my undeveloped mind and inexperienced life didn’t and the ability to see through their own experiences to the consequences of my wishes and choices.

This is the gist of what I see Jesus telling James and John.   Here we have these two brothers who were the second two people called by Jesus to be disciples, part of Jesus’ inner circle, and they keep hearing Jesus tell them he is the Son of God and how he will be coming into his Kingdom.  They are beginning to fully realize that they are among greatness.  As many of us do when we drop names of powerful people we know, we are trying to show how important we are just by association- James and John want to be great too- just by knowing Jesus so intimately. 

Jesus responds by telling them- you have no idea what you are asking for- be careful what you wish for. Jesus knows what is coming, but they don’t. 

James and John wanted to be “great” but they didn’t really understand what they were asking for.  Great sometimes only looks great- from a distance- Ask Tiger Woods- no doubt one of the greatest golfers of all time- certainly of this generation.  Ask John Edwards about his desire for greatness in the political world and if it was worth the damage it did to his family.  Ask Rupert Murdock about his rise to greatness in the News Industry.  Ask Johnny Cash or Marilyn Monroe what it’s like to be great- I bet they would all tell you, greatness is not as great as it seems.  These people risked it all in the pursuit of a false sense of greatness- they let their egos cloud their judgment and their delusions of grandeur lead them to feel invincible and make poor decisions.  They fell from greatness in front of our very eyes- into humiliation and shame and others lost their lives in that pursuit. We see these people as flawed human beings with tragic stories but it we are much more like them than we are different.   

Many of us want what they want- money, acceptance, love, power and recognition- society’s definition of greatness- maybe not on the same scale that they sought it but greatness none the less.  Is it worth it?  Each of these people sought greatness on their own merit, hard work and determination and sometimes in scandalous ways that in the end forced them to lose everything in the fall. The problem with this type of greatness is it always comes at a price.  

Jesus asks James and John: “are you willing to pay the price?” Are you willing to drink the cup I will drink and be baptized with the Baptism that I am baptized with?  James and John are not that much different than us- this one story shows us that they are flawed, arrogant, ambitious, short-sighted and Jesus chose them anyway (Barclay).   They immediately without giving it a second thought say yes- we are able. They had no idea what they were asking for.

James and John were under the same delusion many people are today about greatness being equated with power, wealth and influence.  People in Biblical times often saw a king or emperor in this way- they had people waiting on them hand and foot, armies to fight for them, more possessions than they could count and sitting in a throne surrounded by a court with whom to share this greatness by association.  Many people of that time also thought of the king as a god or at least God’s representative on earth (http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/Greatness.htm) so we can see why they were confused.

Jesus takes these flawed disciples and tries to teach them and us that this misguided image of greatness is distorted and inaccurate- it’s not all fine wine and expensive things and people loving you all the time.  These things fall away- it’s only a delusion. Jesus reminds them that these people who seem so great- are actually not great people- they are tyrants, in power often times by force and use force and manipulation to maintain their false sense of security and power.   This is not who we should aspire to be.

Jesus uses this opportunity among many to try and correct this misconception about greatness.  He teaches us that greatness comes not in having power over others, the size of our paycheck, the number of degrees on our wall, or the number of championships we win.  Greatness comes in our willingness to humble ourselves in service for others. 

Jesus is our role model for greatness and he shows us this by his own willingness to humble himself and sacrifice his life for us.  He also chose flawed disciples to show us that we all have the ability to be great- as long as we are willing to be in service to others and put others needs before our own. 

Few people remember who won a little league game a few years ago but we will never forget the stories of sportsmanship and sacrifice.  A few years ago during a baseball game a player with downs syndrome is put in the game- bottom of the ninth inning instead of just striking him out the opposing team’s pitcher steps closer to the plate and lobs it softly to make it easier to hit-  He hit a ground ball but the short stop missed it on purpose, allowing it to roll into center field.  The Center fielder picked it up and threw it over the head of the first baseman allowing him to run to second.  The first baseman overthrew it again- allowing him to run to third and eventually score a run for his team.   This team risked losing the game so that a person with a disability would get the chance to feel the success of hitting the ball and scoring a run. Or the team that carries a competitor around the bases after being hurt simply because she deserved it- these are examples selflessness trumping greatness.

One of the most beautiful images of how Jesus taught this is through the foot washing during the last supper.  We see this as antiquated now and maybe it doesn’t hold the same power today as it did 2000 years ago but Jesus, the master and teacher, is cleaning the dirty, callused, smelly feet of his students. It is the equivalent of a CEO coming to the home of his lowest paid employee to clean their toilet.

These are gestures of humility that we should continue to emulate.

 All too often we, like the disciples get so caught up in who’s the greatest and which church is the best that we forget that instead of sitting in our warm, comfortable pews we should be trying to outdo one another in service and kindness- If you are going to compete-compete with other people and churches not on who has the nicer things or prettiest church but who can out serve the other- who can love the ”least of these” the most, who’s willing to sacrifice the most to for the greater good?    

Our faith is not a race to the finish line or a competition to see who has the best programs it’s about who can love the deepest and care the most for those in this world, who are uncared for and unloved.  It’s about aiming not for the riches of this world but for speaking for those who don’t have a voice to speak for themselves and caring for those who can’t care for themselves.  Any other desire for any other form of greatness is artificial and filled with opportunity to fail.  If your greatness comes from serving Christ and our neighbor there is nowhere to go but up.

Often times when we are in service like this we are bothered because there is no external reward for this selfless ness and good behavior.  There are not enough ata boys and thanks yous.  We forget that as Christians we are called to be imitators of Christ and the reward is not for us.  It is to bring Glory to God- not ourselves.  Jesus didn’t serve others and die on the cross because he was going to be rewarded.  He did it simply because he loves us and because he knew it would bring Glory to God. 

We need to follow this example- Do for others simply because we love them, love Jesus and want what is best for the kingdom of God here on earth.  This is greatness and yes it sometimes comes at a price but we do it because Christ loved us first- not to earn a place in heaven, not to earn accolades, not to be great on our own merit but because God is Great.  It is hard work to love in this way- Jesus gave his life for this love and James who was called James the Greater was also martyred for this love- the greatness is the legacy of those who have served before us and seen in the lives changed through this love. 

God calls us to care for this earthly kingdom as our home, our mission field and all those who inhabit it to share the love of Christ and make all people feel welcome and safe in a world of uncertainty, fear and chaos.

Jesus chose 12 flawed people to continue his mission here on earth and to build the Christian faith through them- he continues to choose us to do the same things today- What are we doing to further the kingdom of God?  Jesus calls us to a life of service and maybe we won’t be martyred for our faith as James and Many of the other Apostles were but we are still commissioned to spread the love of God to others- through our words and our actions.  This often times means taking risks- speaking to someone about Christ and facing ridicule and rejection, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and getting our hands dirty and sometimes our hearts broken when we share in the plight of others. 

All this risk is worth it though……because it is a way of thanking God for loving us-something he didn’t have to do- something we don’t deserve but he loves us anyway. God cares for us anyway, provides for us, blesses us and hears our prayers not for what God gets in return but just because he loves.

 

Gracious and loving God, you selflessly gave up your son on the Cross at Calvary because you love us.  You have loved us from the beginning of time- even when we are arrogant and selfish you love us anyway- We know we don’t need to do anything to earn your love- your grace is ever present but Lord we want to serve you and do good works in your name in response to your ever present love- help us to open our eyes to those in need and love those who can’t possibly love us or repay us for our service. ----Amen