Home is Where the Heart Is

Where is Your Heart?

God’s promise to dwell in the midst of his people has its roots in the Old Testament (1 Kings 8:27; Ezekiel 37:27; Zechariah 2:10), and was displayed visually in the form of the tabernacle and temple. While these buildings were made with human hands (2 Corinthians 5:1), they were nevertheless holy beyond measure, because God dwelt there in the Holy of Holies. Only the high priest is permitted access to the Holy of Holies, and he only once a year, on the Day of Atonement. At Jesus’ death, the veil guarding the Holy of Holies will be rent from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45), signaling that all the people of God, and not just the high priest, have full access to the presence of God. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of himself as a temple (Matthew 12:6; John 2:19). Paul speaks of Christians as God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16). In this verse, Jesus promises that both he and the Father will “come to (those who love him and keep his word) and make our home with (them).” Just as the Father dwelled in the tabernacle and temple, so also the Father and Son dwell in us. We say, “Home is where the heart is,” meaning that home is the place where we live with loved ones, a place where we love and are loved in return. Home is where they know us best and love us anyway. In verses 2 and 23, Jesus promises us a place where we love and are loved in return, both here and in heaven. It is quite a promise. Home is where we are with the Lord—and we are with the Lord now—and will be with the Lord forever. Jesus makes this promise to the church, the community of faith, rather than to individuals. Throughout these verses, “you” is plural (O’Day, 749). This is an important insight for an age that glorifies the individual. We are tempted to celebrate individual spirituality and to downplay the role of the church, but the church is the body of Christ, the agency through which God chooses to dispense blessings and to keep promises. We cannot honor the head (Christ) while despising the body (the church). Cyprian said, “Who has not the Church for mother can no longer have God for father.” His wording might be a little sharp, but only a little.

Reading

John 14:23–29 NIV Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.

My heart lies at home

“He who doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word which you hear isn’t mine, but the Father’s who sent me” (v. 24). If it is true that those who love Jesus will keep his word, the converse is also true. Those who do not love Jesus will not keep his word—will not obey his new commandment—will not love one another. Where does your heart lie? Is it at home with family, friends. Is it focused on God?

Prayer

Psalm 67 (NIV) May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Full Circle

Introduction

When life gets complicated, we tend to find ways to comfort ourselves. A nice diversion perhaps…a good book, maybe a movie that doesn’t need much thought to understand. A good hobby, craft, or other past-time gives us a temporary repreeve from the struggles we sometimes face. Diversions are good things! Diversions are good things as long as they are healthy. We are prone to finding unhealthy ways in dealing with challenges of life. Addictive behaviours perhaps cause us to stumble. Perhaps we hide ourselves in our work. Perhaps we fall back into old, unhealthy, familiar habits which cause us to stumble. We fall full circle into the familiar, instead of expanding ourselves into the potential that we can be. The circle of life can be draining. Jesus’ disciples didn’t fair well after Jesus was taken from His earthly ministry. In fact, all the teachings, all the lessons Jesus’ taught them seemed to disappear, and the disciples reverted back to a lifestyle that was familiar to them. They buried themselves in their work, returning to the lifestyle of fishermen.

Reading

NIVJohn 21:1–14 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Full Circle

How often do we fall into the trap of reverting back to the familiar. When the going gets tough we, well we fall back into something comfortable. The disciples did that. Their story came full circle to right where they started their ministry work. Fishing, casting their nets. What Jesus reminded the disciples this time around was that we can’t simply revert back to our pasts, to the comfortable. We can’t simply cast our nets out randomly, for when we do, our nets will be empty. Jesus taught us the true way to live our lives. Jesus taught us to be eternity focused, not to stress about the mundane issues that fill our minds and actions. Are you casting your nets on the wrong side of the boat? Has your live turned full circle, have your actions reverted to some unhealthy choices? If so, I urge you to focus on the one true perfect circle that is with us: God himself. The omni-present God, creator of this marvelous world which we are privileged to live in. the omnipotent Lord who provides us with the perfect Circle of Life: birth, living, death, eternal life to come. I invite you over these next weeks as we look closer at our own little circles. We will take some time to develop strategies to enlarge our circles through prayer, workship, study; through self examination and correction of our actions. The Psalmist reminds us the God’s plans for us are eternal. His plan began with creation, and unfolds for us in our journey through life…through this circle of life.

Prayer

“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”Psalm 33:1-11

Strange Dinner Parties

Introduction

Have you ever been to one of those family dinner parties which just seemed strange? A distant cousin acting completely out of character. People showing up that you just didn’t expect to be there. An uncle suddenly dons a lamp shade on his head. Maybe it’s simply a weird dream that you’ve awaken from. Today’s gospel reading seems that way to me. Jesus, Lazarus, Mary, Martha, and the others sit down to dinner. Lazarus, (just a few short verses before today’s reading is raised from the dead) enjoying his new-found lease on life. Judas was there, more worried about how things would impact him monetarily than enjoying the moment. And then there is Mary, listening intently to each and every word uttered by Jesus, getting up from the table, , anointing Jesus feet, wiping them with her own hair.

Readings

Isaiah 43:16–21 NIV

This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.

John 12:1–8 NIV

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Come to the Table

For us 21st century folk, events of this dinner party may seem strange. It is easy for us to question why. Keep in mind a powerful theme here: Judas, the holder of the purse strings, intently criticizes Mary for “wasting” such expensive ointment…the value of which was quite expensive. Yet Jesus, as he often does, reminds them that the day was quickly approaching that He would no longer be with them…that His life would be poured out as a most wondrous sacrifice for us all. The Gospel writer John reminds us that Jesus is the one through whom everything was made. There is abundance wherever he is present. As Mary generously anoints him, he tells her critics to “leave her alone.” Generosity breeds generosity. Judas can criticize Mary for what she has done, but the story shows us his true colours: either we love generously, or we do not. Either we are already engaged in providing for the poor, or we are secretly hoarding what might otherwise be shared.

What does Paul say

Philippians 3:8–14 NIV

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Conclusion

Jesus is the gift of God. According to John’s Gospel, Jesus is sent into a world that did not request him, yet he acts entirely for its benefit. He consistently acts on his own terms, always revealing the grace and truth of God. Lazarus was raised from the dead on Jesus’ timetable, and not in response to his sisters’ wishes. Similarly, Jesus will lay down his life for his people (John 10:17–18), not because he is asked to do so, but because he chooses to give himself. WILLIAM G. CARTER

Prayer

Psalm 126 (NIV) When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

Lent Four

Introduction

Growing up, I remember the season leading up to Easter as a time of giving something up. A time to sacrifice something that was important to me. A time to somehow feel what it was like to do without. As a child I always gave up potato chips! My small sacrifice for the greater good!! In hindsight, it was quite petty of me. At the time, it was the one snack food I truly enjoyed and it seemed like the right thing to do. As I got older, the season of lent became a time of self-examination, rather than a time of giving up snack foods. I would spend time fasting, but I remember devoting time to exploring where I was, where I currently am, and where I was heading. It was, and is an opportunity to recall moments where perhaps I wasn’t as true to myself, my family, God. Times when I may may sinned. It remains a time set aside to seek forgiveness, to perhaps sacrifice something in an act of reconciliation.

These past few weeks we have been looking closer into scripture, what the Word tells us of important topics. Love. Comfort. Suffering. Today our focus shifts to forgiveness. Forgiveness involves looking closer at our own actions. Really doing a “deep-dive” into our own thoughts, words and actions. We need to invite ourselves into a period of self-examination, that will truly show us our own faults and shortcomings. We need to do this opening, and honestly. This tradition of Lent we find ourselves in is rooted in those 40 days in which Jesus himself spent in the desert. Today’s readings remind us that this is a time of reflection, of admitting our faults. More importantly, it provides us the opportunity to seek forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Readings

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Luke 15:11-32

Are you the Prodigal

It is a wonderful think to live a God centered life. Just remember, that none of us a close to being perfect. That title is reserved for Jesus, and no-one else. As long as we are breathing, it is never too late. Perhaps during your time of self-reflection you have realized you are like the Prodigal son. Living for material things. Finding comfort in addictive behaviors. Suddenly realizing that sinful actions, words, thoughts have hurt yourself, your loved ones, God. Seek forgiveness. Pray with God. Be open and honest. Seek reconciliation with those whom you’ve hurt. A fresh start is available to all those who simply ask. Celebrate and be glad. Be alive again. Become found.

"His father saw him - there were eyes of mercy; he ran to meet him - there were legs of mercy; he put his arms round his neck - there were arms of mercy; he kissed him - there were kisses of mercy; he said to him - there were words of mercy; Bring here the best robe - there were deeds of mercy; Wonders of mercy - all mercy! Oh, what a God of mercy he is!" Matthew Henry

What the Word says about Forgiveness

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Psalm 32:1–2 NIV Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.

Matthew 18:21–22 NIV Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Ephesians 4:32–5:2 NIV Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Acts 3:19 NIV Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 

Reconciliation

Paul reminds us that we need to seek forgiveness and be reconciled to God:

2 Corinthians 5:17–21 NIV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Conclusion

Forgiveness provides us with a clean state. When we confess our sins to God, we are made clean. Self-examination is important as it offers us the opportunity to look deeply into our owns thoughts, actions, and words. It provides us the opportunity to transform ourselves through forgiveness, sacrifice and repentance. Let us take these early spring days to look deeply at ourselves, and reconnect with ourselves, with our families, and with God.

GOING DEEPER

Joshua 5:9-12

Psalm 34:1-8

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Luke 15:11-32

PRAYER

I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalms 34:1-8

Lent Three

Introduction

As we lead up towards Easter, we have bee taking time these past few weeks to look closer at scripture, gleaming insights into what the Word tells us about love, about finding comfort. Today let us take a look at perhaps a difficult subject, what can we learn about suffering. We’ve all experienced it. The pain of lossing a loved one. The agony of watching our children learn a life lesson. The struggle with losing a job. Perhaps the impact of a marital breakdown. Dealing with addiction. Dealing with health crises. At some time during our lives, we will all face moments of suffering. As we watch events unfold in Ukraine, we see the pain and suffering of those affected directly by this conflict In today’s readings we hear about the Israelites suffering under the Egyptian’s control. We read Jesus’ words about how the Galileans, His neighbours were suffering at the hands of Pilate. In a few short week’s we will visit Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Suffering is common, it is a part of our human experience. Knowing this, it certainly doesn’t make suffering any easier for us.

Readings

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey —the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain. ” Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers —the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob —has sent me to you.’ “This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation. Exodus 3:1-15

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” Luke 13:1-9

Why Me Lord?

If you are anything like me, during these moments of suffering we often ask ourselves: Why? Why me? Why is this impacting my life? Why has this happened? These are questions without many answers, but it is still an important question to ask ourselves. It tells us the importance of searching ourselves and world around us to find meaning and comfort. It tells us that we we can get through it despite the pain we are experiences. It reveals to us that perhaps we aren’t as signficant, aren’t as immune to suffering as we once believed. It grounds us in admitting our own moments of anger and fear as we work our way through moments of suffering in our lives.

Why? Why me? Why is this impacting my life? Why has this happened? It is an everlasting question. It is a question that leads us directly towards Good Friday. It is a question that reminds us of Jesus question on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Though it can feel like we are alone, in fact, we are far from it. Jesus has always been and always will be with us in our moments of suffering. Jesus is with us.

Scripture examples

There are so many scripture verses we can read related to suffering. Here are just a few examples.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Paul’s Words

It’s tempting during moments of suffering to reach out towards material things to ease the pain. Turning towards sinful behaviours which seem to provide temporary relief. Keep in mind that such measures are temporary and will only lead to eternal suffering. Paul tells it this way:

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did —and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Conclusion

Suffering is common, it is a part of our human experience. Knowing this, it certainly doesn’t make suffering any easier for us. Though it can feel like we are alone, in fact, we are far from it. Jesus has always been and always will be with us in our moments of suffering. Jesus is with us.

GOING DEEPER

Exodus 3:1-15

Psalm 103

1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Luke 13:1-9

PRAYER

Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; Psalms 103:1-11

Lent Two

Introduction

Are you exhausted each and every time you watch/listen/read a news broadcast? There certainly isn’t a shortage of terrible news items these days. Countries waging war. Ongoing pandemic news. And then there are the personal difficulties within our own lives as well. Maybe health or monetary concerns. There are days that all such news is simply exhausting. We long to find comfort.

Our prayerful words, our words of comfort today come from Psalm 27 . They say, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?” and “though war should rise up against me, yet will I put my trust in him.” These words are about trusting God and not being afraid. God recognized that fear in people right from the Garden of Eden, through moments in the Old Testament, during Jesus earthly ministry. God recognizes fear is us today. The biblical “characters” needed comforting, we need comforting too. We need to press on, work towards our ultimate goals. Jesus himself reminds us of today’s scripture reading:

Reading

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” Luke 13:31-35

We Never Forget Our Children

God’s goodness is still present with us today. This goodness hasn’t disappeared, only to return at the end of days, when God makes everything right. This goodness is here, right now. It’s all around us. We simply need to slow down and pay attention. Amongst all the bad news, amongst all our personal dilemmas, God’s goodness is with us Jesus uses a mother hen as a metaphor in today’s reading. Strange on first glance. But remember, once a hen hatches her eggs, her focus shifts from looking after herself, to protecting her young ones. She becomes the protector, the comforter of others. Anyone who is a parent can relate I’m sure. A parent (especially a mother) never forgets her children. Even if our children (or ourselves) wander down a different route, we never forget. We struggle when we see our children suffering, or in pain. God mourns when his children suffer or are in pain.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus doesn’t respond to King Herod with violence or abuse. Jesus wants to gather us together, protecting us and keep us safe. That is God’s blessed plan for each of us as well

Words of Comfort

As we prepare to celebrate Easter in a few short weeks, we have been looking towards scripture to find guidance to circumstances which arise in our lives. The Word offers us much spiritual encouragement. The Word offers us the answers we seek. And through these uncertain times, the Word offers us comfort. Here are a few examples:

Trust that God will guide you in any difficult situation:

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

God will always help you through whatever life throws at you:

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1

God will give us strength we didn’t even know we have:

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

Comfort is always available to us through the grace of Jesus Christ:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

God’s love far exceeds expectations during our life on earth:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:3-5

God’s comfort is renewed again and again:

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 

Words from Paul

Find comfort in the Word of God. And keep the eternal destination at the forefront of your actions. Don’t focus on the material possessions you may or may not have. Don’t focus on needing the very best foods money can buy. Don’t focus on power or greed at the sacrifice of someone else. Focus on your eternal reward to come. Paul reminds us:

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! Philippians 3:17 - 4:1

Conclusion

I think we can all agree we are living in an historic period of time. Global unrest in on the rise. Many of us are tired. Many are experiencing personal conflicts which seem insermountable. Yet we can turn to scripture, turn to the word to find much needed comfort. Comfort available to us all. We just need to open our bibles to read it. We just need to open our heart to the Holy Spirit. We just need to offer up prayers.

GOING DEEPER

Genesis 15:17-18

Psalm 27

Philippians 3:17:4-1

Luke 13:31-35

PRAYER

The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face! ” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD Psalms 27

Lent One

Introduction

40 Days and 40 Nights. Seems like a long time doesn’t it? Can you imagine 40 days without proper food, proper rest? 40 days being bombarded by temptations? 40 days can seem like a long period of time, yet we’ve all experienced in one form or another a strange time in human history through this COVID pandemic. Going on two years now living with social isolation, economic uncertainties. And yet society still tempts us to reach out for material things to make us happy. And the world has once again shifted it’s focus on an increasingly hostile trajectory due to events in Ukraine. The invasion is less than 2 weeks old, and yet must feel like an eternity for those directly impacted.

Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights in the desert. Moses fasted for 40 days and night. Moses led the Israelites out of slavery, wandering in the wilderness for some forty years. You and I may be wandering aimlessly thinking to ourselves, when will our world turn back to a sense of normalcy. It’s been a long time. We search for answers, scouring the internet for insights. We try and find happiness in the possessions that surround us. Yet we continue to be led astray of what really matters. Today’s reading from Luke provides a wonderful insight for us all. The fact that Jesus used the words of Scripture to deflect worldly temptations offers us proof that the power of the Word is greater than anything life can possibly throw at us. The Word can protect us from sickness, from war, from earthly temptations. We should all hunger for the Word.

Reading

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. Luke 4:1-13

It is written ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’ Luke 4:4

There is this hunger in our world today. A hunger for money, for power, for control, at any cost. We see this in Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine as an example. But this hunger is not new. It was rampant during the Roman Empire of Jesus’ day as well. We aren’t meant to live on bread alone, but finding comfort in the exploitation of others is certainly not what God intends for us The devil’s words are frightening he says that early authority has been given to him, and he can give it to anyone he wants. Scary isn’t it? It’s so easy for us to conclude that this is why the world is in such a state. Yet Jesus simply states that we shall not live on bread alone. It is the word of God that silences enemies.

He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD Deuteronomy 8:3

Turn to scripture Hunger for the Word.

Reach for your bibles to find the advice, the answers to all life throws at you. Temptations, uncertainties all life events. If we ground ourselves by turning to scripture for the answers, we will live as God has instructed us to live. Here are a few examples:

Words about Temptation:

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Words about Healing:

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed James 5:15-16

Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14

Words about Uncertainty

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Words about War:

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Matthew 24:6

He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Isaiah 2:4

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

40 Day Challenge

Are you reading scripture on a daily basis? If you are that is wonderful. If not, I challenge you to take this period between now and Easter to read one book of the Bible. I’d suggest the Gospel of John. It has 21 chapters, read 1/2 a chapter each day for the next 40 days. If you’re already reading from scripture write me a quick email stating “I’m already ready scripture on a daily basis”. If you’re not, give it a try. Write me a quick email stating “I’m up for the challenge, count me in”. Looking forward to hearing from you. (michaeljscottministries@gmail.com)

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile —the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13

Conclusion

From the beginnings of humankind, we have tried to somehow rebel against God, to really test the one who gave us life. We witnessed how Jesus rejected such testing by turning directly to scripture. The Word. Hunger for it. Use it in your daily lives.

“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, Romans 10:8

GOING DEEPER

Deuteronomy 26:5-11

Romans 10:8b-13

Luke 4:1-13

Psalms 9:8-15

PRAYER

If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. Psalms 91:9-15

All You Need Is Love

Introduction

We are breaking away (slightly) from our study of Luke this week. Recent events in Europe have led many of us into a time of worry about our futures. I thought perhaps a reminder of Paul’s words about Love would offer us comfort.

Some of us may find it difficult to hear 1 Corinthians 13 without thinking of white dresses, rented tuxedos, bouquets, unity candles, and all our modern culture uses to prop up its romanticized notions about marriage. In fact, Paul’s words are quite appropriate at such ceremonies and reminds the bride, groom, and all in attendance what true love can provide.

Love is one of those things in short supply these days. Actual love that is. We find distraction in material things, pleasure in earthly things…things we may even say we love. Yet is it truly love?

These past few days have shown us globally what hatred, what greed, what unkindness to neighbours can look like. The military actions of Russia against Ukraine have escalated, causing so much uncertainty in our world. And this my friends, appears to be just the beginning of a potential global conflict. I’m certainly not a prophet and can’t tell you where this is heading, but I’m worried. The simple words “love thy enemy” should be an easy concept to follow. But such events we are witnessing these days shows that hatred is a much easier route to take.

Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, said, “We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.” Paul reminded the church of Corinth all those years ago about the importance of love. It is time for us to remind ourselves to love again.

Reading

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. Love Is Indispensable And yet I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 12:27 - 13:13

The Greatest of these is love

I think it’s safe to say that we are probably feeling helpless watching such harm occur to the world in which God himself created. It’s easy to fall into moments of despair. It’s tempting to lash out and family, friends, even total strangers who’s opinions on worldly happenings are different than our own. I read earlier this week that truck drivers who recently protested in Ottawa have permanently cut ties with family members who’s views did not align with their own.

We really need to remind ourselves what is important. Political agendas will come and go. Economic woes will come and go. This worldwide pandemic will go. Even the conflict in Ukraine will go.

We need to reach out, no matter how hard it seems, and love. Love is the greatest gift God has given us. God showed us, through His Son Jesus Christ just how great His love is for us. Love is everlasting and never-ending. Pray for peace More than ever, we need to pause and reflect on how love can restore peace in our world. You and I can make a difference. We don’t need to feel helpless, watching families, communities, nations crumble before our eyes.

The most effective thing you and I can do individually, as a community, as a nation, as a world is pause, bow our heads and offer prayer. Pray that we may know what true love is. Pray that we may love our enemies. Prayer that those causing harm will open their hearts to the love of God.

Join me in praying these words:

Heavenly father, we come to you in prayer for peace in ourselves, our families, our communities, our nation, and your world. May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your arms. For the sake of my family and friends, remind me to always say “Peace be within you.” May our public display of love for one another reach beyond or local communities, and result in global peace. Amen (paraphrasing: Psalms 122:6-8)

Conclusion

The qualities of love are qualities of God the Father and Jesus Christ. Paul reminds of the grace of love, its excellency in its nature and in its effects; and by its enduring characteristics: · Patient · Kind · Not Envious · Not boastful · Not proud · Not to dishonor others · Not self-seeking · Not Easily Angered · Keeps no record of wrongs · Always trusts · Never Fails · Completeness

"Love seeketh not itself to please Nor for itself hath any care, But for another gives its ease And builds a heaven in hell's despair." William Blake

GOING DEEPER

Exodus 34:29-35

Psalm 99

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13

Luke 9:28-36

PRAYER

I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge. You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever. Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies, you have uprooted their cities; even the memory of them has perished. The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted. LORD, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, that I may declare your praises in the gates of Daughter Zion, and there rejoice in your salvation. The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. The LORD is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God. But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. Arise, LORD, do not let mortals triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. Strike them with terror, LORD; let the nations know they are only mortal.

Psalms 9

All You Need Is Love

Introduction

Love is one of those things in short supply these days. Actual love that is. We find distraction in material things, pleasure in earthly things…things we may even say we love. Yet is it truly love?

Reading

The Greatest of these is love

We really need to remind ourselves what is important. Political agendas will come and go. Economic woes will come and go. This worldwide pandemic will go. Even the conflict in Ukraine will go.

Join me in praying these words:

Conclusion

"Love seeketh not itself to please Nor for itself hath any care, But for another gives its ease And builds a heaven in hell's despair." William Blake

GOING DEEPER

Exodus 34:29-35

Psalm 99

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13

Luke 9:28-36

PRAYER

Psalms 9

You Can't Always Get What You Want...

Introduction

Is it just me, or does life seem more complicated now than ever before? If we are to trust commercials on television, we need to have the fanciest sports care, the newest technological gadgets, the biggest televisions. We really need to show the world that we are wealthy.

And if we cannot be wealthy, than we need to share the most inspiring, perhaps radical insights on social media to make us somehow popular, or powerful. In either case, we are set up for failure. The more things we have, the more things we want. The more fame we acquire, the more attention we want.

It’s a never ending circle and often ends in failure. In fact, at the end of our earthly lives, we can’t take our stuff with us. We can’t bring our cell phones with us. Fame and fortune are ultimately temporary. There is a way to put those earthly focuses aside: You can’t always get want you want…but you can get what you need. It’s not easy. I’ll tell you that right up front. But it is important. We can break the commercialism “curse”. We can stop the circular desire to be more popular. I suggest that the answers can be found in today’s Gospel reading. It’s a continuation of our study on Jesus Sermon on the Plain.

What Jesus is asking of us certainly is difficult. It may seem impossible. We are to love our enemies, and do good to those who dislike us, who in fact may hate us. It requires us to go against societal norms, to step out of our comfort zones. It truly moves us towards the plan God has for us.

Reading

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:27-38

Feeling Powerless…You Can’t Always Get What You Want

Luke’s summary of events challenged the early followers of Jesus to think beyond the society in which they lived. It made them think about being both a follower of God, and citizens of the cities, empires, countries in which they resided. Jesus’ teaching is relevant both then and now. His thoughts on wealth and possessions, and loving each other may seem simple, if not impossible. Are you feeling powerless when confronted with wealth or priviledge? Are you feeling powerless watching demonstrations unfold in our nation and beyond; fearful such activities will lead to violence and social upheaval? We are not asked to simply roll over and accept defeat. We are not asked to accept violent actions. Jesus tells us to actively do something about it…do something unexpected. If we face the hostility, interrupt it, say something to stop the activity, violent activities can subside.

Do good to those who aren’t followers of God

Pray for those who don’t follow God’s ways

Do not judge.

Do not condemn.

Forgive.

Realize that wealth and possessions are temporary things. Fame and popularity are temporary things. Learn to be content with what you have. Learn to stand up for what is right. Learn to love your enemies. It’s not easy. It may seem impossible. The eternal rewards as well worth it.

Feeling contentment…You Can Always Get What You Need

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man. I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable 1 Corinthians 15:42-50

Conclusion

"Love your enemies" may seem to be an impossible command to carry out. The gospel may be “good news” for us all, it is not always “easy news” for those called to follow. Jesus points his followers then and now toward a narrow and difficult path illuminated only by grace, but it is one that rewards us in ways we can hardly imagine. VAUGHN CROWE-TIPTON

GOING DEEPER

Genesis 45:21-28

Psalm 37

1 Corinthians 15:22-40

Luke 6: 27-38

PRAYER

Prayer Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret —it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. Psalms 37:3-9

Who (or what) Is On Your Pedestal?

Introduction

Have you been enjoying the Winter Olympic games these past couple weeks? It’s been refreshing to see a sense of normalcy in international sports. Seeing countries come together in prideful joy of accomplishments. Putting aside political differences for a short time, united in friendly sporting competitions. One of the joys is seeing those smiling faces of those fortunate enough to win gold, silver, bronze medals. Seeing those athletes enjoying time on the podium.

Who (or what) do you cherish in your life, putting them up on your own podiums. Maybe it is a rock star, movie star, sports hero, or astronaut. Maybe it’s a thing....money, fancy cars, houses, exotic vacation spots. Maybe it’s something intangible: power, fame, social status. Maybe (hopefully), we put God on a pedestal.

There are many things/people we tend to put up on our own podiums. And when those people in particular come down to our level, well, we see them in more relatable ways. In today’s meeting we see an example of Jesus himself coming down to our level. We witness Him speaking of those less fortunate, those hungry. We hear Him talking about those who find joy in material things and social status. He reminds us of the risk of holding inapproriate things on podiums. Who, or what is on your pedestal?

Reading

He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. Luke 6:17-26

Jesus comes down to our level

This wonderful Sermon from Jesus is delivered on a level plain, where people are gathered to hear Jesus. The people are also present in the hopes of being healed from physical and emotional sickness. Jesus wonderously has come down to us, through His earthly ministry to our level. Wow, God, walking amongst us. No hype. No loftly pulpits. Simply speaking to us. It’s interesting in Luke’s writing that this sermon is not addressed to the masses of people. It is delivered directly to the disciples. His words are addressed to those who have mad a firm vow to be adopted children of God. It is through our faith in accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior…it is through repenting our sinful ways that we become children of God. It is through the resurrection that we entrust our eternal destiny.

Paul says it this way:

But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Plane language on the Plain

"If we had no faults ourselves, we should not take so much delight in noticing those of others." François duc de La Rochefoucauld

Jesus makes it quite clear, in plane language how to experience blessings: those who don’t rely on material things will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven; those who spiritually hunger for a closer relationship with God will be fulfilled; those who sacrifice for the Kingdom of God will experience eternal joy.

Our earthly dilemma comes from our desire for material things, for status symbols, for items we can place on pedestals. Jesus reminds us that by surrounding ourselves with material things, we’ve received our reward in this life, not for eternity. If we fill our own desires now (food, riches, fame, fortune) we’ve received our reward in this life, not for eternity. If we find great joy in earthly activities, we’ve received our reward in this life, not for eternity. Who, or what is on your pedestal?

Conclusion

“Our God is the God of those who have nothing but God. That actually includes us too, even if our need of God is masked in part by our comparative prosperity. In the final analysis, we are as naked as the poorest of the poor, and our possessions are no tabernacle for everlasting. To paraphrase Johnny Cash, we must not be so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly use; but conversely we must not be of such earthly use that we are no longer heavenly minded. Right at the beginning of the journey of discipleship, Jesus tells us the truth, plainly, of what faithful living is going to be like. We cannot say after today that we have not been plainly advised.” Peter Eaton, Feasting on the Word

GOING DEEPER

Jeremiah 17:5-10

Psalm 1

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Luke 6:17-26

PRAYER

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalms 1

Lay Down Your Nets

Introduction

I’ll start with a very honest, frank statement. I consider myself a child of God, yet sometimes I find it very hard to trust God. I Love God. I Believe in God, but I feel so uneasy about what the future holds for us all. I feel uneasy about the escalating tensions in our society: racial, political, gender, social status. Many conversations are “super” polarizing, and they make me feel uneasy. I worry about what if the wrong person gets elected…I worry about family members losing their jobs…I worry about becoming ill…I worry that our kids may never leave the house ever again! And I’m sure you are experiencing similar thoughts as well.

Perhaps you are single, and due to Covid, can’t get out and meet anyone. Will I be single the rest of my life? And if I do, will I marry the wrong person? Maybe I’ll married the right person, raise the right kids, but get stuck in the wrong job. I can’t quit, the kids need braces. And if they can’t get braces, they’ll marry the wrong person and the cycle continues! We want to trust. But how do we trust in a God we can’t see?

This covid pandemic has led to many changes in our behaviors. We see our bank account balances dropping, we distance ourselves from others, and the tensions we feel continue to mount. We see family, friends, and total strangers professing pro or anti-masking/vaccinations. We witness groups of concerned citizens join together to raise public awareness about much neglected issues. We also see such events hi-jacked by those with ulterial motives, leaving us to ponder what the real issues are. We are constantly bombarded by news outlets and social media, citing various, often misguided logic for or against such things. I’m not politically driven, always had the “give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22:21 approach. And to witness such polarizing behaviours deeply saddens me.

How do I trust God? When I did trust Him, he didn’t’ do what I asked! He could have…easily. But he didn’t. It’s a fair question, it’s certainly not easy.

Can you trust God. I’m going to offer to you today, two prayers to build back your trust in God.. Firstly let’s read from scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Reading

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1–11 NIV

Help Me Obey Even When I Don’t Understand

I can almost hear Simon Peter talking to himself: “What you are asking me to do feels stupid!” I’m sure we’ve done the same thing ourselves: “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34. Haven’t you been watching the news? Covid? Political unrest? “Bless those who persecute you” Romans 12:14. You don’t know the people I deal with in my life! “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5 How can I pay the bills with wisdom like that God, we want to trust you! But we can’t see you…we can’t hear you; we don’t see the results. Lord, help me to obey you even when I don’t understand. Simon Peter lives out this prayer when he let down the nets. Again, I’m sure he is thinking this doesn’t make any sense to him, but because Jesus says so. Remember this: we don’t have to understand completely to obey immediately.

Try this: Let go of your own understanding, your own wisdom, your own plans. Say this:

Cast my cares on you because you care for me Provide all my needs according to your riches and glory Working in all things for good. Never leave me or forsake me When I draw near to you, you will draw near to me. You are close to brokenhearted. Save those crushed in spirit. You are my refuge and my strength, stronghold time trouble Because I trust you, I’m going to let down my nets

Help Me Realize I Am A Child of God

Just remember, that as we put our faith in God, as we become children of God, no matter what, we are saved. It is by the grace of God, that through our obedience, we can have eternal life in the wondrous everlasting presence of Jesus himself.

Paul reminds us:

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them —yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Help Me Surrender What I Cannot Control

For Simon Peter, those fishing nets represent provision, security, a future Let go of your plans… your understanding… your idea of wisdom You don’t always have the power to control, but you do always have the power to surrender. Some of us continue to put our trust in…the economy, who holds political power, the amount of money in our bank accounts, the medical report. Let’s trust in a loving God who is in total control! We trust that one day—Our God will right every wrong; Wipe out all evil, sin and sickness off the face of the earth; restore the whole earth to peace, harmony, security, joy; one day there will be no more crying, no more pain, no more heartache. Consider this: When did the miracle happen for Simon Peter? It happened at the end of a tough, disappointing day. While they were putting away the boats at the end of a hard-disappointing shift. Maybe you are at a place where you feel like giving up…to the point of throwing it all away. You’ve been praying and believing, but don’t see the results and thinking it might be time to just give up. You’ve been fighting for your marriage, but it feels like it’s not going to last. You’ve had a dream, and now you quit believing it’s possible. At the end of the day, when it’s almost time to give up…that is when the miracles happen! It’s not over! In God we trust. Let down your nets, and you may be surprised at what you catch!

Try this: Let go of the things you can’t control. Say this:

Father, thank You for being totally trustworthy. No matter how chaotic the world may seem around us, you are always in control. Always help us to trust in You, knowing that one day You will make all wrongs right. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Conclusion

We continue to live in uncertain times. When we stay connected through God’s word, be obedient to His plan for us…when we let go of the things we cannot control, uncertaintly in our lives can be minimized. It’s actually easy, Trust in God. When we obey, the outcome is God’s responsibility…obedience is ours. As children of God, by His grace, we will live eternally with Him.

GOING DEEPER

Judges 6:11-24a

Psalm 85

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Luke 5:1-11

PRAYER

You, LORD, showed favor to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger. Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation. I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly. Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps. Psalms 85

I Was Born in a Small Town

Introduction

I remember the day I moved away from home to start my university experience. It was a strange time…excited to be living life away from my parents careful eyes…yet, nervously not mature enough to face real world situations. I grew in those years in school, honing my academic skills, becoming more comfortable in social situations. My teenage years quickly fading into early adulthood. After those three years away at school, I returned home briefly to figure out where my career would take me. Occasionally getting together with old friends was typically fun. But it was quickly became apparent that the old teenage “me” wasn’t the same as the new “20ish” me. And those old high school friends had changed too. Of course moving back home was somewhat strange too. An adult at the home of your parents, used to the freedom of living on your own, suddenly having to account for your comings and goings.Awkward to say the least! I’m sure we’ve all had those moments, returning to places of the past, only to feel like strangers: awkward school reunions; the Hometown sports hero returning home after being unable to make it in the major leagues; the war veteran returning home, to find there are no jobs available; the recluse sibling who never felt loved.As John Mellancamp reminded it “I was born in a small town…probably die in a small town…oh those small communities” Today we continue our reading of Luke, where Jesus himself returns to His small hometown, reading scripture, and the local fallout from His preaching:”

Reading

Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’” “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.” All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. Luke 4:21-32

Isn’t He the Son of a Carpenter?

"Let him who would indeed be a Christian learn from the lives of eminent Christians the best ways to overcome temptation and to grow in every aspect of holiness." William Wilberforce

Isn’t it strange that those moments when we return to our past, people expect us to be the same…as if we never left, never matured, never grew in our relationships, never grew in out knowledge. The people from the synagogue in today’s reading expected the childhood Jesus to appear. This son of a carpenter. And yet, He spoke with authority. He spoke gracefully. They were amazed. But they were furious with this hometown hero’s words and actions, driving Him out of town.The central issue was that His listeners would not believe in Him. They saw Him only as the son of Mary and Joseph, the boy they had watched grow up in their own city. Furthermore, they wanted Him to perform in Nazareth the same miracles He had done in Capernaum, but He refused. That’s the meaning of the phrase, “Physician, heal yourself.” Do a miracle! At first, they admired the way He taught, but it didn’t take long for their admiration to turn into hatred. Jesus began to remind them of God’s goodness to all peoples, not just registered members of the church.

Pettiness versus maturity

The problem is although we expect others to respect us in maturity, we expect others to be the same as they were in the past! Think about that for a moment!! We need to mature not only in our humble small towns, but globally! The message of the gospel in particular is more important than petty thoughts of how someone has or hasn’t changed: the message is more important than just locally - “corners of the earth”In spite of the unbelief of the people in Nazareth, the Scriptures declared that Jesus of Nazareth is God’s Son, the Messiah sent to fulfill His promises. The people who do not want Him and who reject “the acceptable year of the Lord” will one day face “the day of vengeance of our God” (Isa. 61:2). How significant that Jesus stopped reading at that very place!

Paul tells it this way:

Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 1 Corinthians 14:12-20

Conclusion

What he said that day in Nazareth is just as true today: Live the life Isaiah proclaimed and God will see to it that all your water is wine—and not just any wine, but good wine, wonderfully good wine that will warm your hearts and make you glad that the Spirit of the Lord has anointed you to do these things and more. All these things and more. Our cups will be filled to overflowing, and all the world will see that the Good News of Christ shines through all that we say and all that we do. This is how we will become a community of Love, a people of faith, hope, and charity – a people who know that we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Rev. Kirk Alan Kubicek, originally ran for Epiphany 4 (C) in 2019.

You and I may have been born in a small town (or a big city for that matter), maybe even still live in that same small town. And well, could likely die in that same small town, oh those small communities. Just remember that as we deeper our relationship with Jesus, we will change physically, emotionally, spiritually. We may not “fit it” to what others expect of use. And others in our circle of influence will likely not live up to the Christian standards we expect. We need to be patient, for the eternal Kingdom that awaits us as children of God is infinitely more precious than the pettiness that materially driven local communities strive for.

GOING DEEPER

Jeremiah 1:4-10

Psalm 71

1 Corinthians 14:12b–20

Luke 4:21-32

PRAYER

Psalm 113 NIV

In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you. I have become a sign to many; you are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone. For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together. They say, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for no one will rescue him.” Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me. May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace. As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Psalms 71:1-17

LIFE IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES

Introduction

Every once in a while, life offers up something profound, something unexpected that really puts the whole picture together. We see it often in children, when they discover how adding two plus two equals four; or when they make a new discovery while exploring nature. Those moments are a much rarer as we get older. Perhaps when we read a book and an author clarifies a life lesson we’ve been struggling with. Perhaps while speaking with a counsellor, we discover something hidden about ourselves. Those “aha” moments. Those infamous “mic” drop moments which seem more and more plentiful by popular artists.Many times those moments, those realizations occur at the most bizarre times, when you least expect them, but when you need them the most. I call them the “life is like a box of chocolates” moments; made famous by Forrest Gump: “Mama Always Said, Life Was Like a Box of Chocolates. You Never Know What You're Gonna Get.” We witness such an event in today’s reading. Jesus reads from the book of Isaiah. Today’s reading gives us an opportunity to witness Jesus first act of public ministry. Jesus returns to his home of Galilee, and reads from scripture:

Reading Luke 4:14–21 NIV

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

That Mic Drop moment

Robert Parham writes that “Luke 4:18–19 is one of the most ignored, watered down, spiritualized or glossed-over texts, evading or emptying Jesus’ first statement of his moral agenda” He goes on to summarize that in these verses “Jesus said the gospel was for the poor and oppressed, speaking to those at the margins of society. Jesus was announcing that he came to liberate from real oppressive structures the marginalized—the impoverished, the war captives, the poor in health, the political prisoners. Jesus came to turn the economic structures upside down, instituting the year of Jubilee when crushing debts were forgiven and slaves were freed.”

When Jesus rolls up the scroll, I can almost picture him slamming it on the ground with gusto…that mic drip moment! (of course Jesus was polite and simply gave it back to the attendant, I’m exagerating!) Such a profound statement, “Today scripture is fulfilled”, Jesus, sent by God to fulfill those ancient prophecies. Jesus, showing us the way the eternal life. His public ministry has begun with such a bold statement. An “aha” moment, witnessed by those in His presence in Nazareth.

That Box of Chocolates

Funny thing about boxes of chocolates. Usually there are a variety to choose from. Some have nuts, some have those liquidy cherry fillings, some are goohy. Each are unique, yet together they can form a perfect mixture for the pallet. We are all unique in our own talents, abilities, strengths and weaknesses. Some of us are good singers, good artists, good with our hands, good with brains, good at talking to others. Each of us are unique, which makes us truly one of a kind.

Leave it all behind

“My Mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on.” - Forrest Gump

We have this habit, of living in the past don’t we? Always dwelling on the things we don’t have…always “wishing” we could do that are typically out of our comfort zones…out of our natural or God given talents. You and I have unique gifts. I’m pretty good at writing....good with numbers. I’m terrible with anything mechanical! We are all unique in the skills and abilities we have been born with. Even more so, we are all unique in the skills and abilities God has bestowed upon us. (we just need to open our hearts to what the Holy Spirit has given). We really need to realize our potential, but to realize our limits as well. Individually, you are I are limited. Together, you and I, (and society as an entirety) are closer to being complete, than on our own. Together, we form that box of chocolates.

Paul tells us this way:1 Corinthians 12:12–27 NIV

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Conclusion

“You have to do the best with what God gave you.” – Mrs. Gump

Those “aha” moments we experience in our lives may seem few and far between, but if we open our hearts, open our minds, we can experience those profound life-fulfilling moments more and more if we allow ourselves. Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” John 14:6, through him we can be complete. Together, we are united.

GOING DEEPER

Nehemiah 8:2-10

Psalm 113

1 Corinthians 12:12–27 NIV

Luke 4:14–21 NIV

PRAYER

Psalm 113 NIV

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, you his servants; praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people. He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.

A WEDDING TO REMEMBER

Water into Wine

INTRODUCTION

I’ve had the privilege over the years of officiating many weddings. Some large gathers, some quaint intimate family gatherings (my favorite), and many somewhere in between. On one occasion, at an outdoor wedding, the skies opened with a sudden thunderstorm as the ceremony was about to start. The bride, the groom, the guests, (and me) were completely soaked! Wedding ceremonies it seems, are accidents waiting to happen. Something unexpected typically occurs during the ceremonies. And frankly, that’s what makes each one so memorable! It’s those little things, those small details which we all remember. It’s the ordinary things like a rainstorm, which make events and memories extraordinary. And if we are patient, well those wonderful experiences will happen for us…the best things are saved for the last. Today, let’s look closer at a wedding ceremony in Galilee. I invite you to join me in reading John 2:1-11.

READING

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2:1-11

The Little things in life

It’s the little things that make our everyday lives fulfilling isn’t it? The new buds on the trees in the springtime. The familiar “hello” from a friend. The embrace of a spouse at the end of a long day. Those little things really allow us to experience life so much more fully.

Jesus is concerned about the little things of life. How easy it would have been for Him to ignore the dilemma faced by the wedding party. And yet, realizing that this was a celebration, He miraculously turned water into wine allowing the celebration to continue. The miracle at Cana was Jesus first sign, or symbolic act. Numerous miracles occurred during His earthly ministry, and this “little thing” was offered up to the wedding guests. An event they will never forget

Something Ordinary made wonderful

How often do we turn our backs on the simple requests from those around us? Selfishly, we put our own needs and desires ahead of those who reach out to us. How much easier would it be to put our own material needs aside, and reach out…offer a hug, hold open a door, say hello to a lonely neighbor. Let’s show kindness to a world longing for miracles.

"I prefer you to make mistakes in kindness than work miracles in unkindness."
Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Let’s do the things God intended us to do. The ordinary everyday things we can do for each other will make wonderful, lifetime memories for all. All it takes is a conscious effort to make a difference, and before long those little things will become second nature, become a habit. And suddenly, you’ll see that those around you will do the same. And suddenly, the world won’t seem so dreary, so distraught, so worried about every issue. Suddenly, all the ordinary events, encounters, experiences will be made wonderful.

Don’t be silent, don’t remain quiet, but get our their and do the simple ordinary things God intended us to do.

“For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet,
till her vindication shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch.
The nations will see your vindication,
and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new name
that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah,
and your land Beulah;
for the LORD will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.
As a young man marries a young woman,
so will your Builder marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so will your God rejoice over you.” Isaiah 62:1-5

The best comes last

Of course, all these little things in life, all the ordinary things of life will take to manifest into something much more exciting. The best, they say comes to those who wait.

Jesus didn’t turn the water into wine at the beginning of the celebration. He waited until the need was there. And Jesus didn’t just make ordinary wine…he made the best! He saved the best until last.

Friends, as children of God, the fruit of our labor will manifest upon us in our eternal home. A home without pain, without death, in the eternal presents of our Lord and Savior. Be patient, keep doing the work intended for us. Because the best comes last, and it is reserved for us. As children of God, the Holy Spirit is within us, providing us with wonderful gifts. These gifts aren’t to be isolated to ourselves, but to be shared with those we encounter.

“Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore, I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

CONCLUSION

“The miracle of turning water to wine reveals Jesus as: One who honors the bond of marriage; One who bestows His gifts lavishly; one whose infinite love is made effective by His equally infinite power; one who, accordingly, is the Son of God, full of grace and glory.” William Hendericksen, New Testament Commentary

Let’s share the little things of life together. Let’s remember the ordinary things in life because they are quite extraordinary. Let’s live out the plan God has made for our lives, knowing that the best is yet to come.

GOING DEEPER

Isaiah 62:1–5

Psalm 36:5–10

1 Corinthians 12:1–11

John 2:1–11

PRAYER

Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart. Psalms 36:5-10