First Lesson: Genesis 1: 1 - 2:4 Responsive Reading: Psalm 8 Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13 Gospel Lesson: Matthew 28: 16-20 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
This morning, I want to address the following question “Why Baptism?” or “What difference does Baptism make to Killian’s life?” Before addressing this question, let me begin with a story[1]. I have a friend that I’ll call Mike. When I first met Mike, he would walk around with a perpetually angry look on his face. Those around him knew Mike for having a temper that could explode like a volcano at any time. Mike would often go looking for people with whom to argue. Mike liked to live hard; no Friday night was too intense for Mike. Mike eventually meets a girl named Melissa. Melissa was Mike’s opposite in seemingly every way. Melissa was positive and bubbly. When Mike first started dating Melissa, he wanted to keep it a secret. Mike didn’t want people to think he had gone soft with a girl like Melissa. Overtime, Melissa began to change Mike. Mike began to become more self-controlled and patient. Mike saw more of a purpose for his life than just being the wildest guy around. Mike would tell everyone who listened how crazy that he was about Melissa. Today, Mike and Melissa are married with a young child like Killian. Mike works for Hospice comforting the dying. I would have never believed this when I met Mike a decade ago. What Mike and Melissa’s story reminds us is “How love can change people.” When I first met Mike, I could never imagine him rolling on the ground playing with a child or singing a silly song. Not Mike with his perpetual scowl. Little ones without even knowing it, have the potential to change a parent’s whole outlook on the world. Parenthood never promises to be easy. We might wait for life to come into the world, but very soon sleepless nights tend to be a burden. The years ahead will probably bring squabbles with parents, nasty words, and a child whose behavior has the continual potential to improve[2]. So back to the question of “Why Baptism?” Baptism reminds us of how we come into this world, weak and dependent on our parents for seemingly every need.[3] Baptism points to the nature of our relationship with the one whom we celebrate on this Trinity Sunday who created the Heavens and the Earth. Baptism reminds us how as we gather here today that every breath we have in this world is a gift from God. Baptism is God declaring in spite of life’s troubles that “My grace and mercy are sufficient for you[4].” In our Gospel lesson for Today, Jesus gives a final command to the Disciples before leaving this world. Jesus’ command is to baptize everyone they encounter both old and young alike in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”. Jesus did this for the sake of proclaiming this good news given to Killian on this day. Baptism points us to the great message of the scriptures. The scriptures contain their share of conflicts: between family members and nearly everyone and God[5]. The whole of the Christian Scriptures we can understand as such: “No matter where life takes you, no matter what storms come your way, even unto death itself, our God does not abandon his people. The words of Isaiah printed on the Baptismal banner drive home this message: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name; you are mine… For I am the Lord your God… You are precious and honored in my sight[6].” Pastor Leon Stier says it best “What every child needs most of all is at least two people who are just crazy about them. “ There are no guarantees in any of this, but that kind of love will go a long way. For a child to thrive in the world[7]. When Killian was first born, he could not speak anyone’s name. Even though Killian could not call out “Mom” or “Dad,” Killian remains Holly and Dane’s son forever. Baptism is God’s way of declaring Killian to be his child. Baptism is God to saying to Killian; you are part of my family forever. Killian’s family gets bigger on this day. Killian’s family now not only includes the members of Sychar Lutheran Church, but he joins all Baptized Christians around the world. The Christian family that Killian joins Today comes from all walks of life. He joins people baptized nearly 100 years ago, he joins people with Alzheimers’ disease, and people who have lost the ability to speak for themselves. Baptism reminds us that it is God’s grace which sustains us regardless of our capabilities. Baptism serves a proclamation of God’s commitment to us all the days of our life. Many years from now, Killian will be on his way out of this world. At this time, the promises of his baptism will still ring true. Last weekend was commencement at William Kelley. Thirty-some graduates from all different walks of life marched across the stage no matter what differences came before them; they would forever be known as the Class of 2017 at William Kelley. No one can ever take this away from them. No matter how far away from Silver Bay each of these graduates may journey. In much the same way Killian receives a promise on this day that takes him beyond the grave itself into all eternity. Killian here’s God voice coming down from the sky and declaring “You are my beloved[8].” In just a few minutes, we will sign the Baptismal hymn “Borning Cry[9].” The hymn points to God’s promises to be with us from the time of our birth throughout the end of one’s life. Borning Cry ends with the powerful promise “When the evening closes in, and you shut your weary eyes, I’ll be there as I have always been, with just one more surprise.” It is this promise of Baptism belonging to Killian on this day which says “The Christian hope shall never leave those who believe.” Resurrection is more powerful than the grave. Jesus says to Killian on this day, “Through water, I have made you a member of my family forever.” Amen [1] The following sermon is heavily influenced by Pastor Leon Stier’s “Sermon at My Grandson’s Baptism”. The sermon is found on Pastor Stier’s website Email Mediatations posted in part a (Sept.10.2015) and part b (Sept.11.2015). [2] Stier, Leon. ‘Sermon at My Grandson’s Baptism(a).” Email Mediatations. 10.Sept.2015. Web. June.5.2017. [3] Stier, Leon. ‘Sermon at My Grandson’s Baptism(a). [4] 2 Corinthians 12:9. [5] Stier, Pastor Leon. “Sermon at My Grandson’s Baptism(b) Email Mediatations. 11.Sept.2015. Web. June.5.2017. [6] Isaiah 43:1b, 3a.4a. [7] Stier, Pastor Leon. “Sermon at My Grandson’s Baptism(b).”. [8] Matthew 3:17. [9] Stier, Pastor Leon. “Sermon at My Grandson’s Baptism(b).” First Lesson: Acts 2: 1-21 Responsive Reading: Psalm 104: 24-34, 35b Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 12: 3b-13 Gospel Lesson: John 20: 19-23 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Linus is mad! Lucy has stolen Linus’ book yet again[1]. Linus wasn’t going to take it anymore. So Linus marched up to his mother to ask “Why can’t I slug Lucy?” Linus’ mother thinks about the question; Lucy had gotten on her nerves a time or two, she understood Linus’ anger quite well, but realized that good boys like Linus don’t hit Lucy back so she said “That’s just one of those things I can’t explain.” Linus walks away in a huff, finally encountering Lucy yet again. Linus wants to stand his ground, so he tells Lucy “Take my book again, you’ll be sorry.” Lucy’s response is simple and direct: “If you slug me, I’ll slug you right back.” Linus finally understood what his mom had said to him earlier. Lucy in her bluntness had made Mom’s words understandable[2]. Now as you think of the story of Linus and Lucy, I want you to think of another seemingly unrelated question: “What does the Holy Spirit do?” If God the Father created the world, Jesus Christ saved the world, what then is the Holy Spirit’s job, and what does it have to do with Linus and Lucy? We’ll get back to this question in a just little bit. Today’s lesson from Acts 2 beginning to answer the question of the exact nature of the Holy Spirit’s activity[3]. Let me give a little background. Fifty days after the Jewish Passover was a harvest festival called Pentecost. So in the year of Jesus’ death and resurrection, one week after Jesus’ ascension, Jews from all over the Roman Empire would make their way to Jerusalem. They came from the south in Egypt, the north in Rome, and the west Arabia even some journeyed from Asia[4]. Also at Pentecost this year was Peter and the rest of Jesus’ disciples. Now here’s the thing to know. Peter was not held in high regard among the people of Jerusalem. Fifty days ago, Peter denied even knowing Jesus out of fear. Now silly Christians like Peter were going around proclaiming “Jesus to be risen!” Now Peter wanted to preach, but very few people wanted to listen. Peter’s tale seemed too far-fetched. Deep down inside, Peter probably feared another mob forming like had arrested Jesus fifty days earlier. Then something happened! Once upon a time, there were two bears a Mommy and Baby Bear[5]. Baby Bear loved Mommy Bear because of her continual love and care of him. One day everything would change for Baby Bear. Mommy Bear died in the accident. Baby Bear was now all alone in the forest. Baby Bear looked to be unable to survive on his own. One day, Baby Bear’s story seemed certain to end. Baby Bear was minding his own business when a mountain lion spotted him. Baby Bear looked to be a delicious meal for the mountain lion. Baby Bear started to run for his life. Baby Bear was small with weak little legs and no way able to escape from the mountain lion. Baby Bear is soon trapped down at the river. Baby Bear figures he’s a goner. Baby Bear tried to scare the mountain lion off by making noise, but being a baby could only manage a weak, squeaky voice. Just as the mountain lion gets ready to lunge, Baby Bear opens his mouth only then this time he roars, the loudest roar you’ve ever heard, the trees are shaking as Baby Bear is roaring. The mountain lion begins to back away. The mountain lion then begins running for his life terrified by the sound of Baby Bear’s roar. You see Baby Bear wasn’t alone down by the river. Watching him on this day was the biggest, most ferocious Daddy Bear you can ever imagine. With Daddy Bear around, Baby Bear was more powerful than even Baby Bear thought possible. So what happened on the day of Pentecost, Peter and the Disciples were sitting in a house. They were thinking of how they could proclaim “Resurrection.” Yet the odds seemed as long as Baby Bear versus the mountain lion that people would listen. A force was watching over them that would soon change everything. As Peter and the Disciples were gathering a violent wind fills the sky. The wind is so powerful that people from all over Jerseleum begin to head in the direction of the wind. Pretty soon all sorts of people gather around Peter and the Disciples. What those gathered on the day of Pentecost heard was downright shocking. Peter and the Disciples primarily spoke Aramaic. Aramaic was the language of Galilee from where they came. Peter and the Disciples were now speaking in the native tongues of people from all over the world. Arabians, Egyptians, and Asians were all amazed. They were curious to listen to Peter at this point. Not everyone was impressed as some skeptics scoffed claiming These” men are filled with new wine[6] .“ The critics though would not define this day. Peter then began to preach, probably in Greek which would have had a universal familiarity. Peter’s preaching is effective. Peter’s preaching is efficient way beyond the eloquence of his words. Three-thousands new Christians are made on the Day of Pentecost. So what can we as Christian people take from the story of Pentecost? Earlier, I told the story of Linus, his mother, and Lucy. Linus couldn’t quite figure out “the why” of striking back at Lucy. Linus needed a voice to make the unclear into clear. Linus needed a voice to sort his way out of the “fog” which afflicted him. Linus needed someone to put things into a language he could understand. What the Holy Spirit brings to the Christian faith is clarity. The Holy Spirit is the one who makes preaching the Gospel effective. The Holy Spirit is the one who sustains our faith in the waters of baptism and the administration of the Lord’s Supper when we seemingly have every reason to abandon it. The Holy Spirit is the force which took Peter from a scared/ineffective communicator fifty days prior into a bold champion of the Christian faith. The Holy Spirit gave Peter and the rest of the Disciples the Daddy Bear roar. How does the Holy Spirit work? Let me close with one story to bring the message home[7]. Once upon a time, a young boy of around six years old had taken an interest in playing the piano. His mother wishing to encourage him wanted to take him to a concert of a master pianist. The pianist was world renowned, and she figured her son seeing the master pianist could inspire his playing. Thousands of people were going to this concert. The boy and the mother went to the concert hall and appeared to get settled in their seats. The mother gets up to greet one of her friends. The boy bored waiting for the concert to start, decides to wander off in the concert hall. The boy finally sees a door marked as clear as day “No Admittance[8].” The mother turns around, sees her boy nowhere to be found. She gets nervous, the lights begin to dim, and suddenly the curtains part. Out on stage walks the little boy approaching a Steinway Grand Piano[9]. The mother is mortified as she sees her son approach the keyboard. She feared never being able to show her face again once they found out to whom this boy belonged. They boy approaches the piano then begins to play “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” The audience is confused. They figure this concert to be a waste of money. Right at this moment walking onto the stage is the master pianist. He marches up to the piano whispers in the boy’s ear “Don’t quit, keep playing[10].” The pianist reaches over the boy with his left hand begins playing a bass part. Soon after this, the other hand begins to play. Pretty soon, the piano master and the six-year-old boy are playing one of the most beautiful duets that people in the concert hall had ever heard[11]. No different than Peter had gone from being out of his element into a bold witness for the Christian faith. Pretty soon, three-thousand people would have their lives unexpected changed. On this day, the Christian Church celebrates its birth. On this day, we celebrate our hope. On this day of Pentecost, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. Amen [1] Schneider, Matt. “A New Pentecost, or Maybe Just a Rhetorical Revival, According to Peanuts.” MBird (Mockingbird Ministries). 17.May.2013. Web. May.28.2017. Article is based on Robert L. Short’s book The Gospel According to Peanuts(p.7). [2] Schneider, Matt. “A New Pentecost, or Maybe Just a Rhetorical Revival, According to Peanuts [3] Acts 2:1-21. [4] Stier, Leon. “The Tower of Babel and Pentecost.” Email Meditations. 24. May.2015. Web. May.28.2017. [5] The following analogy was taken from The Hot Sermons website on May.28.2017. The analogy comes from a called The Bear. [6] Acts 2:13. [7] Zingale, Tim. “Pentecost.” Sermon Central. 08.June.2002. Web. May.28.2017. [8] Zingale, Tim. “Pentecost.”. [9] Zingale, Tim. “Pentecost.” [10] Zingale, Tim. “Pentecost.” [11] Zingale, Tim. “Pentecost.” First Lesson: Acts 1: 1-11 Responsive Reading: Psalm 47 Second Lesson: Ephesians 1: 15-23 Gospel Lesson: Luke 24: 44-53 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
In 1986, The Minnesota Twins weren’t a very good Baseball team. They came in 6th place out of 7th place in the American League’s Western Division. People were so disinterested that they came in 13th out of 14th in team attendance in the American League. Things were so grim that with 23 games left in the season, they fired their manager Ray Miller[1]. No one expected a World Series in the year ahead. The 1987 Minnesota Twins certainly had their weaknesses. They had a record of 29-52 in road games. Their pitching wasn’t very good finishing 10th of 14th in Earned Run Average. The Twins were certainly underdogs heading into the playoffs, winning ten fewer games during the season than any other team. No one thought a team could win the World Series that was actually outscored by its opponents during the regular season. Heading into the World Series versus the Saint Louis Cardinals ABC announcer Al Micheals described the Twins as underdogs in every way possible[2]. If any team wasn’t going to end Minnesota’s Championship drought, it appeared to be the 1987 Minnesota Twins. The thing about Sports is upsets happen. Game 7-Twins 4 Cardinals 2 and the Twins are World Champions! Minnesota was overcome with joy like never before. On the day of the victory parade, “Governor Rudy Perpich declared a half-day holiday for government workers. St. Paul schools did the same, and in Minneapolis, any child could get out of class with a parent’s permission[3]”. The Minnesota Twins shut down both Minneapolis and Saint Paul on parade day. Hundreds of thousands filled the streets; people were parking on freeway off-ramps, people have put aside everything to send the 1987 Minnesota Twins off in style[4]. The Twins would win the World Series again just four short years later, but it was the 1987 team that changed Baseball fans within Minnesota forever. The celebration afterward testified to this fact. Today’s Gospel Lesson tells the story of another victory parade after an unexpected triumph[5]. The last chance to see Jesus in his earthly ministry before he ascends to the right hand of God the Father and those who were a witness to it would never be the same again. Today we hear the story of Jesus’ Ascension. Forty days had taken place since Jesus’ Resurrection. Jesus had made several appearances to both the Disciples and others over the past forty days. Jesus in these appearances convinced those who witnessed and heard of his death that the grave shall one day ultimately be made powerless. These appearances though began to set the stage for his eventual departure[6]. Now in Today’s lesson, Jesus blesses his followers and is carried up into heaven. Jesus leaves this world behind to prepare a place for us in the world that is to come. As Jesus leaves this world behind, he leaves the world in our care. One time, Archie Bunker was out running an errand with Meathead[7]. Archie then witnesses a mugging in an alley. Archie is terrified to go to court because he believes the Mafia was behind the mugging and he doesn’t want to get hurt. Archie is dragged down to the police station where he gives the police a bunch of exaggerated statements hoping to be done with this ordeal. Archie was terrified of being a witness. Archie was terrified of looking foolish under the bright lights of cross-examination. Archie saw witnessing as having nothing but downside. We as Christian people often feel the same way when it comes to our faith. Our excuses often have to do with not knowing enough, not being up to the task. The Christian Church didn’t get started because the Disciples wanted to obsess about trying to figure out what they didn’t know. They had been close witnesses to Jesus’ teaching and preaching, his healing of sick, his giving of sight to the blind, his feeding of the 5,000, his calming of the storm, and his death and his resurrection[8]. The Disciples were going to proclaim this message until the day of his return. While we don’t have the same experience with Jesus that the Disciples did, we can point towards within our lives, where our faith help sustains and comfort us in some of life’s darkest hours. The year was 1945; a German soldier sat inside a POW Camp[9]. The young man was reluctant to join Hitler’s army, but that was what you did as a German youth in those days. He dreaded returning to his homeland to the siege of destruction in the wake of war. Worst of all were the images that he had seen: from Auschwitz. The young man knew he was sitting in prison because he sided with evil. The young man felt his shame and despair could never leave his life. As he sat in the POW Camp, a chaplain handed him a Bible, having nothing better to do, he read it day after day. It was in the story of the crucifixion that he heard of a man abandoned by the world, yet the story would not be over. Two years later, the man attends a Christian conference in the Netherlands where he hears men tell stories of the horror and pain of war, yet these men were not looking to lash out. They wanted to proclaim forgiveness to chart out a new course forward for their former enemies. Their former opponents were now going to be their brothers and sisters in Christ. The young man who formerly sat in the POW Camp for the first time since the War was able to see “hope.” He would dedicate the rest of his life, for the cause of advancing the Christian faith. The soldier's name was Jurgen Moltmann. Moltmann was one of the great religious scholars of the 20th century. All this happened because men unlike Archie Bunker were willing to embrace fear to reach out for the sake of what they believe. The last thing to take from the story of Jesus’ ascension is this. He will come back once again. He is creating a place for us with many rooms in the mean time? When will Christ return? Such a question gets at one of the great mysteries of the Christian faith. Here’s the thing about faith though. We possess faith when we come to terms with things that we can’t say for certain. Jesus’ could have given the Disciples an answer regarding the exact date of his return but didn’t. Jesus instead told them what he wanted them to know instead[10]. “I have risen, go proclaim forgiveness and eternal life, and I will come back.” Once upon a time, there was a benevolent king[11]. He wanted to conduct an experiment of sorts upon his subjects. The King knew that people would always blame the king for everything wrong that ever came their way. So he decided to see how exactly they would respond to obstacles that came before them. The King decides to place a giant stone in the middle of the road where all his subjects would be forced to travel. People’s response to the stone was typical. They would cuss under their breath, they would complain about the King for not taking care of the roads, they would go around the stone then go on their very way. Finally, a poor peasant farmer comes upon the stone. This farmer was in a really, tough spot. His family was starving and struggling in every way imaginable. He needed to get to the market as soon as possible, and he didn’t have much time for this lousy stone. The man figured the stone needed to move. So the man starts attempting to get the giant stone from the road. The man pushed and pushed and pushed till he had no more strength within his body. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the stone was off the road. The peasant went back to the place where the stone formally laid and noticed something under the stone. It appeared to be a small purse, the peasant opened the purse and saw it filled with “gold coins” Inside the King had written a note saying that the purse now belonged to the man who had moved the stone[12]. Here’s the thing about the peasant with the stone. It would have been real easy to believe that such a task was pointless. Pushing a stone like this was just a waste of time, that there are no potential gold coins to come one’s way. Jurgen Moltmann certainly felt like this sitting in his prison cell. We might feel like this at times as we consider our faith. The world around us might seem to be crushing our hope. The Disciples felt this way as they witnessed Jesus’ death. Pretty soon, they would see the stone move. Pretty soon, he was standing in their presence once again, proclaiming things shall never be the same again. As Jesus ascends into heaven, he is proclaiming that he shall soon be standing in our presence once again. There will certainly be times when this outcome seems unlikely like when the 1987 Minnesota Twins stood toe to toe with Baseball’s best teams, yet one day soon a victory parade shall gather. Resurrection will soon change your world forever. Amen [1] Information comes from Baseball Reference and Wikipedia pages for 86-87 Minnesota Twins. [2] Schilling, Peter. Jr. “In 87 the Twins Turned the Towns Upside Down.” MinnPost. 25.Oct.2012. Web. May.25.2017. [3] Schilling, Peter. Jr. “In 87 the Twins Turned the Towns Upside Down.” [4] Schilling, Peter. Jr. “In 87 the Twins Turned the Towns Upside Down.” [5] Luke 24:44-53. [6] Otterstatter, Micheal. “Hear Jesus Say ‘Goodbye’” Sermon Central. 22.May.2006. Web. May.22.2017. [7] Zingale, Tim. “Witness”. Sermon Central 24. Apr.2006. Web. May.22.2017. Additionally information taken from “ Archie Sees A Mugging.” IMDB page. [8] Stier, Leon. “It Is Not for You to Know.” Email Mediatations. 19.May.2015. Web. May.22.2017 [9] Stories for Preaching. “God’s Love and a German Solider.” Taken from Moltmann’s writings. Web. May.25.2017. [10] Stier, Leon. “It Is Not for You to Know.” [11] Pullam, Kraig. “Mixed Emotions about Our Future.” Sermon Central. 18.Feb.2014. Web. May.25.2017. [12] Pullam, Kraig. “Mixed Emotions about Our Future. First Lesson: Acts 17: 22-31 Responsive Reading: Psalm 66: 8-20 Second Lesson: 1 Peter 3: 13-22 Gospel Lesson: John 14: 15-21 “And how can they believe in one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”- Romans 10:14
Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, William Carey was born in England in 1761. At the age of 14, Carey became an apprentice to a shoemaker. The next several years of William Carey’s life involved trying to find his way in the world. Carey wasn’t all that good a shoemaker; he tried his hand being a “lay-preacher” but didn’t seem to be an overwhelmingly captivating speaker. Finally, the local schoolmaster quit, Carey volunteered despite having only a basic education, Carey quickly flamed out at another job[1]. Carey eventually gets married, has a child, but Carey’s lack of steady work had the family living in poverty. William Carey though for all that he wasn’t seemingly gifted at had two things going for him: 1. He was very enthusiastic about his faith because of how it had changed his life. 2. He possessed the ability to learn languages managing to teach himself New Testament Greek easily. Carey had a secondary passion in that he loved looking at maps[2]. Carey would try to learn all about these places in which he had never been. As Carey kept looking at his maps, he kept asking the question: “Why can’t Jesus be told about in all these places that I’ve never been?” The verse that Carey could never shake his head was Jesus’ command to the Disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit “-Matthew 28:19-20 In 1792, William Carey founded an organization called the Baptist Missionary Society[3]. Within one year, Carey’s whole family journeyed to India. What happened once Carey got to India, we’ll get back to his story in a bit. Today’s first lesson like the tale of William Carey tells another “Missionary Story?” The Apostle Paul is preaching in the marketplace of Athens (one of the centers of the Ancient World). The Athens had their Gods whom you might have heard[4]: Aphrodite (Goddess of Love), Poseidon (God of the Sea), Apollo (The Sun God), and Zeus (The King of the Gods, Ruler of the Sky). Paul as he is traveling around Athens just sees tribute after tribute to these Gods. Paul’s preaching was the bold move of going in the heart of potentially hostile territory hoping to see conversions. I’ve been to quite a few sporting events over the years. I’ve seen quite a few fans of the visiting team attending in enemy territory. Here’s what I’ve always noticed: fans of losing teams are pretty much snickered at, whereas fans of winning teams promote hostility. People get mad at New York Yankees fans, whereas people are pretty much indifferent to fans of the San Diego Padres. No one perceives the Padres as a threat. Paul’s preaching in Athens was pretty much initially treated in Athens like the vocal San Diego Padre fan; people were pretty curious why he cared, rather than treating Paul with outright hostility like he had seen previously. Christians weren’t viewed as a threat to the established order like in Rome or Jerusalem. So the Athenians bring Paul to appear before the Areopagus or the Athenian City Council, figuring they might have a few good laughs by his claims. Who was this guy claiming that there is one true God, rather than the many Gods of Aphrodite, Poseidon, and Zeus that we know so well? Paul begins his sermon to the Athenians in a non-controversial matter. He begins with a compliment “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way[5].” One time, My Grandma calls me up, she’s super-excited. She tells me that I need to turn on PBS right away to hear in her words “A really Christian preacher.” I was confused as while PBS has some fine programming, overtly religious doesn’t seem common place. The self-help new age guru on PBS was named Wayne Dyer. Dyer would quote scripture along with all sorts of religious and non-religious sources. Grandma though whose Grandfather had such religious conviction that he helped start the English-speaking Lutheran church in Lindstrom, could not immediately see that Dyer was attempting to give her a new interpretation on all that she had previously known. Dyer’s approach is similar to what Paul is doing in Athens attempting to give a new spin on the faith of the famous Greek gods they had previously known. Paul describes his journey around Athens, all the statues that he encounters. Paul then describes encounter an altar made out to an “unknown God[6].” Paul begins to explain that the whole purpose of his journey to Athens is to make this unknown God into a known God. Paul describes his God as being different than the ones of legend they have heard about their whole lives; Paul describes his God as being a personal God who knows your very name. Paul says the proof that this God knows your name is his son Jesus Christ rose from the dead for your sins. “Paul says the Resurrection of God’s son has the power to change the world more so than any other Gods that you’ve previously encountered. Here’s what makes Paul’s preaching about Resurrection so notable. Greeks in Athens lived with the idea that only the soul exists forever, that our bodies are merely temporary vessels forever assigned to the grave. Paul is instead preaching that you will indeed live forever in both body and soul! Paul is preaching to them a message of resurrection that because of the Risen Lord “ Your life will never be the same again.” We hear stories like Paul in Athens, or William Carey traveling to India. Our initial reaction is “That’s so not us.” We might not see ourselves as speakers, scholars, or great examples that anyone should strive to follow. We think Evangelism is often a task best left up to someone else, someone that can be naturally bold in proclaiming their faith. One time, Lucy is talking to Charlie Brown[7]. Lucy proclaims “I would have made a great evangelist?” Charlie says “Really??” to which Lucy answers “Yes, I convinced that boy ahead of me in school that my religion is better than his religion?” Charlie is amazed, “Well how did you do that?” Lucy says “I hit him over the head with my lunch box?” Now Lucy’s methods in the long-run probably weren’t very effective in winning converts. Paul’s methods didn’t change the religious attitudes of Athens overnight. Some people mocked and scoffed at Paul. A few people did say though “We want to hear more.” One of these men was named Dionysius who became the Greek Church’s first bishop[8]. Evangelism never promises to be easy, but it does have potential to change the world. What happened to William Carey, once he got to India? William Carey’s early years in India were miserable. Carey had to move hoping to find means to support his family continually. Carey eventually finds work raising indigo. His family was perpetually sick and lonely. He lost a five-year-old son of dysentery. Carey’s wife eventually has a nervous breakdown[9]. Carey though kept believing that the promises of God’s Word would come through for him in the end. William Carey spent the last 41 years of his life living in India. Carey’s missionary work helped bring about a changed nation. Carey helped spearhead Indians to abolish practices of widow burning and infanticide[10]. In 1818, he helped find a college. Carey would help translate the Bible into six languages, and making the Bible accessible to upwards of three-hundred million more people than before[11]. William Carey today is regarded as “The Father of Modern Missions.” Carey could have come up with all sorts of reasons not to act: there were going to be people rejecting his message, people could scoff at him like they did Paul in Athens, yet William Carey believed that Easter Sunday ultimately changed the whole wide world. Carey believed that this whole wide world needed to hear of the power of Resurrection. Amen [1] Stier, Leon. “The Father of the Modern Missionary Movement.” Email Mediatations. 29. Apr.2017. Web. May.15.2017. [2] Stier, Leon. “The Father of the Modern Missionary Movement.” [3] Stier, Leon. “The Father of the Modern Missionary Movement.” [4] Molin, Steve. “I See How Extremely Religious You Are.” Sermon Writer. 2008. Web. May.15.2017. [5] Acts 17:22 [6] Acts 17:23. [7] Otterstatter, Michael. “Lead Others to Know God.” Sermon Central. 31. Jan.2006. Web. May.15.2017. [8] Acts 17:34. [9] Stier, Leon. “The Father of the Modern Missionary Movement.” [10] Stier, Leon. “The Father of the Modern Missionary Movement.” [11] Stier, Leon. “The Father of the Modern Missionary Movement.” First Lesson: Acts 7: 55-60 Responsive Reading: Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16 Second Lesson: 1 Peter 2: 2-10 Gospel Lesson: John 14: 1-14 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Hunter Adams was born in Washington D.C. in 1945[1]. Hunter Adams lost his Dad to a heart attack as a teenager. He was bullied in High School. Hunter lost his closest uncle to Suicide. Hunter dropped out of college in 1964 after being dumped by his girlfriend. Hunter’s mind became obsessed with his loneliness and felt he would be happier dead. Hunter eventually tells his Mom that she better check him into a mental hospital or else[2]. Hunter described his early life as “being caught in a snowstorm so blinding that you could walk in circles for days and not even know it. You are incredibly tired and no one is answering your cries for help. How small can you feel? How far away from home can you be[3].” “Home is both where you are from as well as your destination[4].” What ended up happening to Hunter Adams as he tried to find his way home in the midst of life’s snowstorms, I’ll get back to his story in a little bit. Today’s Gospel lesson contains some of the most famous words in the New Testament. “In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”-John 14:2 Here’s the background for this passage. Jesus knew that he was about a week away from being arrested and his eventual journey to the grave. Jesus figures that he needs to get the Disciples ready for this event. Jesus wanted them to have the right attitude as they witness his arrest, and execution. To do this, Jesus wants them to focus not on the present but rather the future. Jesus knew that the Disciples would worry about the future as soon as Jesus was no longer with them. Jesus wanted to ease their future fears. Jesus wanted the Disciples to know what he was getting ready for them was way better than anything they have seen or could imagine. William Montague Dyke was ten years old when he was blinded in an accident[5]. William’s disability was not an obstacle to his success. William graduated university with highest honors where he met a woman to whom he was soon engaged. While engaged, William Montague Dyke had eye surgery[6]. The eye surgery had a catch if it failed he would be permanently blind, but if it succeeded, he would finally be able to lay his eyes on his bride. After surgery, William had an odd request; he wanted to keep the bandages over his eyes until the day of his wedding. He wanted the first person that he saw to be his new bride. While he had no evidence that he could see, he wanted to wait. William Montague Dyke’s wedding day arrives[7]. Bandages cover William’s eyes. Pretty soon, the bride’s wedding march begins to play. At this point, the eye surgeon cut William’s bandages. The room was dead silent. Then they hear William proclaim “You are more beautiful than I ever imagined.” What Jesus is saying to the Disciples is do not dread the events of the week ahead, because what lies ahead is more beautiful than you could ever imagine. You might be blind today, but soon you shall see. In many ways, we might be like Jesus’ disciples when hearing what lies ahead. We might want to be with Jesus, but we realize that there is a tension involved[8]. We don’t want to leave this world behind before we achieve our goals, before we see our grandkids married, or before for some of us, we see the Minnesota Vikings win a Super Bowl. We struggle to leave this world behind for what we might miss in life. Perhaps in many ways, our apprehension about Heaven has to do with our misunderstandings of it. As Steve Molin points out “The world’s theology tells us that we have 60 or 70 or 80 years to sufficiently impress God with our goodness, and if we do right, we will earn heaven[9].” What Jesus is assuring us is our path is not the way to heaven, there is instead one way to heaven instead. “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”-John 14:6 Last Friday Night, Silver Bay had their prom. Some girls started working on their hair at 9 A.M. on Friday Morning to get ready for a 6:00 PM Grand March. Kids had been waiting for weeks or years to attend prom. After the prom, Afterprom takes place at the Arena. Prizes, games, and parents fill the Arena with the desire to make the night as special as possible for the kids. They needed a chaperone for the late night shift (2-5 AM), so I get to the Arena about 2 AM. The kids are dead-tired, half of them are sleeping on the floor or in the ball tent. The ones awake comment on how tiring it had been to be up since 5 in the morning. Even kids eventually need sleep, before awakening to New Life. Morning from the darkness of this world is the promise of Resurrection that Jesus is giving to his Disciples today. The Apostle Paul in Romans 8 declares “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us[10].” Earlier, I told the story about Hunter Adams checking into the mental institution. Did Hunter Adams never escape the snowstorm that afflicted him? Hunter Adams at the mental institution comes across all sorts of people like him and it forever changes him. Hunter begins making friends with the other patients, he begins making them laugh, and Hunter Adams decides that he’s going to get out of the mental institution with the goal of becoming a doctor. Hunter Adams does become a Doctor. People best know Hunter Adams by his nickname “Patch.” Patch Adams had a popular movie made about his life starring Robin Williams and today is one of the most well-known voices in American medicine. Patch Adams’ story reminds us that we can never let the pain of our “now” overwhelm the promise of our “not yet.” Jesus within our Gospel lesson is letting the Disciples know that pretty soon Resurrection will change absolutely everything. Tim Zingale, tells the following story[11]. One time a preacher was flying on a plane. Pretty soon, the preacher hears a bump. Then coming overhead flashes “Fasten your seat belts.” During the flight, the turbulence keeps getting worse and worse. The passengers are getting more and more apprehensive. Rain started coming; thunder could be heard roaring across the sky, lightning started flashing seemingly right out the window. The wind kicked up to a point; the plane felt like it was being tossed around the air. Pretty soon people began praying and calling on the Lord’s name to bring them to safety. On this flight, there was one strange, little girl[12]. The whole flight she sat in her seat in the very same position, her feet never even moved as the plane was tossed around the sky, she kept casually reading her book. The child wasn’t even flinching no matter how scary the flight became. The minister was shocked at what he saw. The plane eventually touches down safely. The minister decides to talk to the little girl and find out why she remained so calm during the flight. The girl replied: “Sir, my Dad is the pilot, and he promised to take me home[13].” What Jesus is saying today is similar to what the pilot said to the little girl that no matter how turbulent your life shall become, I promise that I will take you home.” There will certainly be times when this is hard to grasp. It was hard to grasp for Patch Adams before he checked into the mental institution, it was hard to grasp as William Montague Dyke lost his eyesight, and it will be hard to grasp as we like the Silver Bay High Schoolers run out of energy in the middle of the night. Here’s what I want to assure you of though. In the storms of life, the promises of Resurrection are such that they assure us that the best is always yet to come. The final story[14], once upon a time there was a lady who had received a terminal diagnosis and told she had less than three months to live. She decides that she needs to then plan her funeral with her pastor. They discuss the normal things: songs and scripture readings. Finally, right before the pastor left, the woman said, “I’ve got something very important to tell you.” The woman then declared “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.” The pastor was stumped[15]. The woman begins to explain, how she sat through meal after meal at the church and as soon as we put plates away, someone would always say “Keep your fork.” These words were a reminder that dessert was soon to be served, whether it was chocolate cake or apple pie. So when people see my in the casket and they wonder “what’s with the fork, then you can tell them …”The best is yet to come.” The pastor began to tear up as he heard the powerful promise of what lies ahead in this lady’s sermon. So on the day of the lady’s funeral people kept asking “What’s with the fork?” The pastor just kept smiling. The pastor explained the fork during the sermon, and no one there ever forgot it[16]. So as Jesus in Our Gospel Lesson is getting ready to leave this world behind, he promises his disciples that no matter what they see, “Don’t worry the best is yet to come.” Amen. [1] “Patch Adams.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation.4.May.2017. Web. May.8.2017. [2] Additional background information can be found on the Chasing the Frog website accessed on May.8.2017. [3] Ruffcorn, Kevin. “I Am The Way, The Truth And The Life.” Sermon Central.com. 17.Feb.2006. Web. May.8.2017 [4] Ruffcorn, Kevin. “I Am The Way, The Truth And The Life.”. [5] Crockett, Kent. Making Today Count for Eternity, Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publishers, 2001, pp. 101-102 taken from Kent Crockett.com on May.8.2017. [6] Crockett, Kent. Making Today Count for Eternity. [7] Crockett, Kent. Making Today Count for Eternity. [8] Alcorn, Randy. “Six Questions about Heaven.” EPM.org blog published on 30.Oct.2016. Web. May.8.2017. taken from Leon Stier’s Email Meditations on May.8.2017. [9] Molin, Steve. “Speaking of Death.” Sermon Writer.com. 2008. Web. May.8.2017. [10] Romans 8:18. [11] Zingale, Tim. “Life.” Sermon Central.com. 18. Apr.2005. Web. May.8.2017. [12] Zingale, Tim. “Life.” [13] Zingale, Tim. “Life.” [14] Stories for Preaching. “Keep Your Fork.” Web. May.8.2017 taken from Unknown source. [15] Stories for Preaching. “Keep Your Fork.” [16] Stories for Preaching. “Keep Your Fork.” First Lesson: Acts 2: 42-47 Responsive Reading: Psalm 23 Second Lesson: 1 Peter 2: 19-25 Gospel Lesson: John 10: 1-10 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;and the Lord has laid on him the sin of us all.”- Isaiah 53:6 I want to tell you this morning the story of an 8-year-old girl that I’ll call Sally[1]. The early years of Sally’s life were rough[2]. She was orphaned shortly after being born. At four years old, Sally was adopted. Sally’s hat a hard time fitting in with her new family, the biological children could never accept Sally. After a couple of rough years with this adopted family, the adoption was dissolved and Sally returned to the orphanage. Sally struggled every day with the pain of this rejection. At eight years old, Sally was adopted into another family[3]. Sally was hesitant to leave the orphanage again after a previous bad experience being taken in by strangers. The man now claiming to be Sally’s dad (Timothy) committed himself to welcoming Sally like she had never known. Timothy quickly found out that Sally’s previous family would vacation yearly at Disney World; the biological children would go along, whereas Sally would stay behind with a family friend. Sally had become convinced that the reason she couldn’t go to Disney World is that she was deficient compared to the biological brothers and sisters in some way. Sally had heard plenty about Disney World, she heard about rides, characters, and parades. Every year though Sally was unable to go. Every year, Sally would hurt over this. Timothy hears this about Sally’s previous family; Timothy realized this situation was not right. Timothy was going to make it his number one priority to have Sally see Disney World as soon as possible[4]. Timothy’s offer to see Disney World changed Sally and not for the better. In the months leading up to the trip to the Magic Kingdom, Sally got in trouble every way possible. She would sneak food and then fib about it. Sally would think of the meanest things that she could say to hurt her older sister. The closer to the trip to Disney World, the worst Sally seemed to behave[5]. Timothy was frustrated beyond belief, a few days before the trip Sally is in trouble yet again. Timothy takes Sally aside. Timothy begins trying to explain to Sally why what she had done was wrong yet again when Sally interrupts[6]. “I know what you’re going to do… You’re not going to take me to Disney World are you?” Timothy was speechless. All Sally’s life she had heard reasons why she couldn’t attend the Magic Kingdom, she rebelled because she didn’t want to be disappointed once again.” Timothy began thinking about Sally’s question. Timothy struggled with the temptation of the easy out in that very moment. Timothy had a great carrot to offer Sally “If you don’t behave better, we won’t take you.” Timothy though for reasons that he couldn’t figure out thought to say something different instead. He asked her. “Sally, Is this trip something we’re doing as a family[7]?” With tears in her eyes, Sally nodded “Yes.” “Sally, are you a part of this family?” Sally nodded once again. “Then you’re going with us… You’re part of our family, and we’re not leaving you behind[8].” What happened once Sally got to Disney World? We will get back to her story in a little bit. Today’s Gospel Lesson comes to us from John 10[9]. It’s a lesson where Jesus promises to be our Good Shepherd. To understand our lesson, you need to understand what takes place right before it. Jesus comes across a man born blind[10]. In Jesus’ day, blindness had been considered a curse brought about by some nasty sin (even Jesus’ disciples previously believed this.) Jesus heals this man born blind[11]. Not everyone though is happy with this healing though. When the blind man and his parents return home “Praising Jesus,” the religious leaders are not happy that the blind man was healed on the Sabbath, by someone far outside the religious mainstream of the day. So the religious leaders got nasty, they told the blind man and his parents to get lost. They were out of the synagogue and out of the community and they never wanted to see them again[12]. Now picture this situation, imagine being told that the only community you’ve ever known wants nothing to do with you ever again. Imagine being forced from your home out into the elements. Such a terrible scenario was the situation that the blind man and his parents found themselves. They were abandoned by their community, no different than Sally had been abandoned going to Disney World by her previous family. Jesus then hears the story about the blind man’s family situation and declares them to now be part of his family “forever.” Just like Sally and the trip to Disney World, this promise was not going to be dependent on conditions of good behavior being fulfilled. The promise that Jesus gives the blind man and his family is our Gospel Lesson for Today[13]. Jesus promises to be the “Shepherd of the Sheep.” Jesus used this language to illustrate how he was going to care for the blind man’s family moving forward? Sheep herding was one of the most common professions in Jesus’ day[14]. Shepherding was probably the first century equivalent of being a laborer, you would hire people to watch “your flocks, ” and they would have one job “keep your sheep alive.” The nature of shepherding is that it was a transient profession by nature, people would often leave “flocks” if they could get a little more money just down the road. Jesus wants to let the blind man’s family though that he intends to be a different type of shepherd “a good shepherd.” Jesus promises to “Gather the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he will gently lead those who have young[15].” We might know the famous Sunday school painting of Jesus holding the lamb in his arms[16]. What Jesus is saying to the Blind Man’s family today is that the promises of our faith are as secure in my arms as the lamb that Jesus holds in the painting. Jesus’ promises belong to the little Sally as she’s previously never truly “belonged” to a family in her life. These promises belong to us as our hairs get grayer and our bodies get weaker[17]. These promises go even to the Valley of the Shadow of death itself. The Good Shepherd promises to be with us in both good and bad times. The Shepherd promises to call us by “name” in Baptism; he promises to sustain our faith in his heavenly supper. The Good Shepherd promises that even as we encounter the grave, we shall soon encounter resurrection. What happened to Sally once she got to Disney World, Did Sally behave better on the car trip down to Orlando[18]? No, she didn’t. Still, Timothy was thoroughly committed to showing Sally Disney World. Sally has her day at Disney World, the day was nothing out of the ordinary, lots of money spent, lots of lines spent waiting in, with just enough “Disney Magic” sprinkled in so Sally would never forget it. Later that night, Sally was in the hotel room, looking across the room at her “new” Dad. Sally was tired, but Sally was different. Sally and Dad had prayed their prayers before Dad asked Sally “So how was your first day at Disney world[19]?” Sally seemed to drift off to sleep before answering the question, only to slowly open her eyes and then saying “Daddy, I finally got to go to Disney World. But it wasn’t because I was good; it’s because I’m yours[20].” Here’s the thing about shepherding. The whole nature of being a shepherd is because of the commitment to one’s sheep. A shepherd leads the sheep to water; a shepherd leads the sheep to pasture, A shepherd guards and protects his sheep from all wolves, thieves, and robbers. A Good Shepherd promises that the Sheep will always find their way home. A Good Shepherd promises never to stop trying to find the lost sheep. A Good Shepherd’s promises extend even when we wander away, even when we find ways to get in trouble in every way imaginable. A Good Shepherd’s promises extend forever. Sheep start out like Sally unsure whether the voice they hear can truly be trusted. Sheep eventually get more and more familiar though with the promises of their Shepherd’s voice. Eventually, Sheep realize that they need to trust in this voice, more so than any other voice that they don’t previously know[21]. Sheep pretty soon come to realize that they shall never stray from the Good Shepherd because the Good Shepherd promises never to stray from them. Amen [1][1] The name is creative license. Timothy is based on her father Timothy Jones the author of the book from which the story is taken. [2] Stories for Preaching. “Because I’m Yours…The Little Girl Who Finally Went to Disney World.” Taken from Daniel Montgomery and Timothy Paul Jones’ book Proof: Finding Freedom Through the Intoxicating Joy of Irrestible Grace published by Zondervan in 2014. Web. May.1.2017. [3] Stories for Preaching. “Because I’m Yours…The Little Girl Who Finally Went to Disney World.” [4] Stories for Preaching. “Because I’m Yours…The Little Girl Who Finally Went to Disney World.” [5] Stories for Preaching. “Because I’m Yours…The Little Girl Who Finally Went to Disney World.” [6] Stories for Preaching. “Because I’m Yours…The Little Girl Who Finally Went to Disney World.” [7] Stories for Preaching. “Because I’m Yours…The Little Girl Who Finally Went to Disney World.” [8] Stories for Preaching. “Because I’m Yours…The Little Girl Who Finally Went to Disney World.” [9] John 1:10 [10] Lewis, Karoline. “Abundant Life.” Working Preacher. Luther Seminary. Saint Paul, MN. 7.May.2017. Web. May.1.2017. [11] John 9:1-12. [12] John 9:34. [13] John 10:1-10 [14] Schultz, Don. “The Good Shepherd Will Never Abandon You.” Sermon Central.com. 9.May.2003. Web. May.1.2017. [15] Isaiah 40:11. [16] Stier, Leon. “348)The Good Shepherd.” Email Mediatations. 25.Mar.2014. Web. May.1.2017. [17] Stier, Leon. 348)The Good Shepherd.” [18] Stories for Preaching. “Because I’m Yours…The Little Girl Who Finally Went to Disney World.” [19] Stories for Preaching. “Because I’m Yours…The Little Girl Who Finally Went to Disney World.” [20] Stories for Preaching. “Because I’m Yours…The Little Girl Who Finally Went to Disney World.” [21] Steir, Leon. “348)The Good Shepherd.” First Lesson: Acts 2: 14a, 36-41 Responsive Reading: Psalm 116: 1-4, 12-19 Second Lesson: 1 Peter 1: 17-23 Gospel Lesson: Luke 24: 13-35 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
“"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.”- Isaiah 55:8. Hagar was mad at God. Hagar was easy to upset as he worked as a Viking. Hagar was so gruff that he was nicknamed “The Horrible.” So, Hagar, one day prays to God looks for answers[1]. Hagar’s prayer asks God to prove that he exists. Hagar figures that God will ignore him like seemingly so many times before. Hagar’s prayer is met with initial silence. Right next to Hagar a flower spring from the earth, off in the distance a volcano begins to erupt. Pretty soon, the sky turns black as an eclipse of the sun is taking place. As Hagar looks at the dark sky, a star shoots across the stratosphere. Pretty soon, a tidal wave flies over Hagar’s head. Lightning then flashes in the sky, a bush begins to burn in Hagar’s presence, and a giant stone rolls away from the entrance of a nearby tomb. Hagar is mad at this point, the sky is all dark, and Hagar is dripping wet. Hagar worst of all still hasn’t heard God’s response. So finally, Hagar shouts out “O.K., I give up! I pray for an answer and all I get is interruptions[2]”. Now there have maybe been times in our life like Hagar when the pain of our present has led to us questioning the reality of God’s presence[3]. Today, we hear the story of a man who struggled with God’s plan in Thomas the Disciple. Thomas’s story begins in the midst of his grieving. Thomas was a witness to seeing his mentor and teacher Jesus dying on the cross. Thomas went home disappointed. Easter Sunday, Jesus appears to the other Disciples, and Thomas isn’t there. Thomas hears that Jesus now rises. Thomas was skeptical. “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe[4]. Thomas wasn’t going to believe the other disciples, nor the women at the tomb[5]. Thomas had been hurt enough by Jesus’ loss that he wasn’t going to set himself up to look foolish. Thomas couldn’t figure out why the other Disciples would play such a cruel prank such as suggesting “He is Risen.” Thomas wanted to believe, Thomas just didn’t want to go through disappointment again like he experienced on Good Friday. Thomas’s story reveals something interesting about the nature of doubt. Doubt is often a byproduct of human suffering and how to interpret it. Pastor Leon Stier draws a very interesting contrast of how different men can interpret God’s role in similar situations[6]. Steve Jobs was one of the founders of Apple Computers[7]. Jobs also cofounded an animation company called Pixar which made movies like Toy Story and Finding Nemo. In 1996, Jobs returned to Apple Computers and helped turn it into the most profitable company in the world. Steve Jobs grew up a Lutheran. At the Age of 13, Jobs was beginning to have doubts. Jobs goes and visits his pastor then asks “Does God know everything?” The Pastor responds “Yes.” Jobs then proceeds to whip out a Life magazine with starving African children on the cover. Jobs then asked, “Does God know about this?” Steve Jobs walked out of his Lutheran church never to return. Steve Jobs figured he had an open and shut case against God. What type of God could stand idly by and let Children suffer like this? Jobs eventually converted to Buddhism. Buddhism’s response to suffering is interesting. Buddhism holds suffering is a byproduct of karma or basically “We reap, what we sow.” Karma says the Universe will ultimately be fair in the end. Compare Steve Jobs story to a young man named Salee[8]. Salee grew up a Buddhist. Salee grew up in Cambodia. Salee grew up during the reign of Pol Pot. Pol Pot would take the lives of two million of Salee’s primarily Buddhist countrymen. Salee would have been killed by Pol Pot, he was dragged out to the killing fields and wounded but was able to play “possum” then sneak away at night. Pol Pot only rose to power though because of the mess that was Cambodia. Most people Salee grew up with were starving just like those children in Africa. Salee realized though that none of his fellow countrymen neither the Buddhists or the Cambodian Government seemed to care[9]. Salee noticed that the only people that seemed to care about his people were American missionaries. Salee couldn’t help but wonder “Why?” To answer Salee’s question, he decided to attend one of these missionary churches. Salee eventually became a Christian then a missionary unto his own people. Here’s the interesting thing about Salee and Steve Jobs. They both asked God a similar question about “hunger.” Steve Jobs wanted to know why God allowed it, whereas Salee wanted to find out what compelled Christians to care about hunger in people in a land, so far away[10]. Thomas had heard that Jesus had risen from the dead[11]. Thomas still demanded proof. Thomas knew very well how everything was supposed to work. Thomas knew that Jesus had died. Thomas knew that the dead stay dead. Thomas had seen Jesus go into a tomb with a very large stone in front of it. Thomas had all sorts of really good, evidence that Jesus couldn’t possibly rise from the dead. Steve Jobs had all sorts of really compelling evidence why God doesn’t seem to care. Thomas would rather be called “Doubting Thomas” rather than “Gullible Thomas” or “Foolish Thomas.” One week had passed since Jesus’ last appearance on the day of Resurrection, the Disciples have gathered again. Thomas was with them. The doors were locked for fears of Jesus’ enemies. Pretty soon, Thomas whole world world changed. Thomas turns around and sees Jesus standing before him. “Peace be with you[12].” Thomas “Do not disbelieve, but believe[13].” There is probably not a person out there that doesn’t relate to Thomas’s story on some level. Thomas’s pain might not be your pain. You might have struggled with God’s plan as you lose a loved one, you might struggle with why God places financial pain in your path, and you might struggle with God’s plan regarding the current general shape of your life in any number of areas. We will all have times like Thomas where it might seem easy to give up on believing that Our Lord will come through in the end. Darin Rasburry was a writer for a website called Debunking Christianity[14]. Rasburry had fifteen years trying to destroy Christianity after being a non-believer for even longer. Rasburry over the years came to notice something in his fellow Atheists that most of what drove them was not proof that proved God’s lack of existence, but rather their anger at God for seemingly not coming through in their life. Anger at God for past disappointments like Thomas was fueling his fellow atheist's doubts. Rasburry struggled with God’s ways for years and years. He read everything that he could find. What ultimately changed Rasburry was similar to what changed Salee the Cambodian. Rasburry wondered what could motivate someone to reach out to a stranger half a world away from other than the work of a unchangeable God. Rasburry’s process took years from Atheist to Skeptic to Leaning to Christian. Rasburry freely admits that there are going to be days that these beliefs will be hard to embrace. Rasburry’s story showcases the fine line that many believers will struggle with between faith and doubt. Rasburry admits like Thomas believing that the Lord is truly risen will always bring doubt. Rasburry will bring scars and wounds to his faith. Answers do not promise to come easily in this lifetime[15]. Salee the Cambodian was never go to hear why God failed to intervene while all his people suffered. Salee would see God bringing signs of “future” resurrection to his people though in unexpected ways. Steve Jobs might have clamored for a “fair” universe, yet the thing that “grace” shows us is that God’s ways are ultimately unfair that go way beyond the expected. Darin Rasburry was going to struggle with doubt until like Thomas he stands in the Lord’s actual presence, yet what his story reminds us is that doubt is not the opposite of faith. Doubt is rather an acknowledgment that there will be times when clinging to one’s faith will be hard. Doubt is not something to be celebrated, nor is it something to despair. Here’s what I think we can take from Thomas’ story though. We might struggle with unbelief; we might have loved ones who struggle with unbelief. Thomas’ story speaks to these people[16]. Thomas’s first encounter with the Risen Lord is interesting. Jesus doesn’t condemn Thomas or even seek to address his doubt. Jesus instead just sought to proclaim to Thomas that everything you previously knew has now changed. Thomas came to the story of Resurrection as one of its skeptics. Thomas though would become eventually one of its greatest believers. Amen [1] Stories for Preaching. “Hagar’s Search for God.” Web. Apr.20.2017. [2] Stories for Preaching. “Hagar’s Search for God.” [3] Richardson, Ethan. “So You Have Your Doubts.” Mockingbird Ministries (MBird). 4. Apr.2016. Web. Apr.18.2017. [4] John 20:25. [5] Stier, Leon. “I Will Not Believe”. Email Meditations. 8.Apr.2015. Web. Apr.20.2017 [6] Stier, Leon. “Steve Jobs Questions for His Pastor(a)”. Email Meditations. July.27.2016. Web. Apr.20.2017. [7] Stier, Leon. “Steve Jobs Questions for His Pastor(a)”. [8] Stier, Leon. “Steve Jobs Questions for His Pastor(a)”. [9] Stier, Leon. “Steve Jobs Questions for His Pastor(a)”. [10] Stier, Leon. “Steve Jobs Questions for His Pastor(a)”. [11] Stier, Leon. “I Will Not Believe”.. [12] John 20:26 [13] John 20:27. [14] Bishop, James. “ ‘Debunking Christianity’ writer becomes Christian because of evidence.” Reasons for Jesus. 20.Oct.2016. Web. Apr. 17.2017. [15] Bishop, James. “ ‘Debunking Christianity’ writer becomes Christian because of evidence.” [16] Nelson, Dennis. “Before We Go Too Hard on Thomas.” Lutheran Core. 18. Apr.2017. Web. Apr.20.2017. First Lesson: Acts 2: 14a, 22-32 Responsive Reading: Psalm 16 Second Lesson: 1 Peter 1: 3-9 Gospel Lesson: John 20: 19-31 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
“"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.”- Isaiah 55:8. Hagar was mad at God. Hagar was easy to upset as he worked as a Viking. Hagar was so gruff that he was nicknamed “The Horrible.” So, Hagar, one day prays to God looks for answers[1]. Hagar’s prayer asks God to prove that he exists. Hagar figures that God will ignore him like seemingly so many times before. Hagar’s prayer is met with initial silence. Right next to Hagar a flower spring from the earth, off in the distance a volcano begins to erupt. Pretty soon, the sky turns black as an eclipse of the sun is taking place. As Hagar looks at the dark sky, a star shoots across the stratosphere. Pretty soon, a tidal wave flies over Hagar’s head. Lightning then flashes in the sky, a bush begins to burn in Hagar’s presence, and a giant stone rolls away from the entrance of a nearby tomb. Hagar is mad at this point, the sky is all dark, and Hagar is dripping wet. Hagar worst of all still hasn’t heard God’s response. So finally, Hagar shouts out “O.K., I give up! I pray for an answer and all I get is interruptions[2]”. Now there have maybe been times in our life like Hagar when the pain of our present has led to us questioning the reality of God’s presence[3]. Today, we hear the story of a man who struggled with God’s plan in Thomas the Disciple. Thomas’s story begins in the midst of his grieving. Thomas was a witness to seeing his mentor and teacher Jesus dying on the cross. Thomas went home disappointed. Easter Sunday, Jesus appears to the other Disciples, and Thomas isn’t there. Thomas hears that Jesus now rises. Thomas was skeptical. “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe[4]. Thomas wasn’t going to believe the other disciples, nor the women at the tomb[5]. Thomas had been hurt enough by Jesus’ loss that he wasn’t going to set himself up to look foolish. Thomas couldn’t figure out why the other Disciples would play such a cruel prank such as suggesting “He is Risen.” Thomas wanted to believe, Thomas just didn’t want to go through disappointment again like he experienced on Good Friday. Thomas story reveals something interesting about the nature of doubt. Doubt is often a byproduct of human suffering and how to interpret it. Pastor Leon Stier draws a very interesting contrast of how different men can interpret God’s role in similar situations[6]. Steve Jobs was one of the founders of Apple Computers[7]. Jobs also cofounded an animation company called Pixar which made movies like Toy Story and Finding Nemo. In 1996, Jobs returned to Apple Computers and helped turn it into the most profitable company in the world. Steve Jobs grew up a Lutheran. At the Age of 13, Jobs was beginning to have doubts. Jobs visited his pastor then asked “Does God know everything?” The Pastor responds “Yes.” Jobs then proceeds to whip out a Life magazine with starving African children on the cover. Jobs then asked, “Does God know about this?” Steve Jobs walked out of his Lutheran church never to return. Steve Jobs figured he had an open and shut case against God. What type of God could stand idly by and let Children suffer like this? Jobs eventually converted to Buddhism. Buddhism’s response to suffering is interesting. Buddhism holds suffering is a byproduct of karma or basically “We reap, what we sow.” Karma says the Universe will ultimately be fair in the end. Compare Steve Jobs story to a young man named Salee[8]. Salee grew up a Buddhist. Salee grew up in Cambodia. Salee grew up during the reign of Pol Pot. Pol Pot would take the lives of two million of Salee’s primarily Buddhist countrymen. Salee would have been killed by Pol Pot, he was dragged out to the killing fields and wounded but was able to play “possum” then sneak away at night. Pol Pot only rose to power though because of the mess that was Cambodia. Most people Salee grew up with were starving just like those children in Africa. Salee realized though that none of his fellow countrymen or the Buddhists or the Cambodian Government seemed to care[9]. Salee noticed that the only people that seemed to care about his people were American missionaries. Salee couldn’t help but wonder “Why?” To answer Salee’s question, he decided to attend one of the missionary’s churches. Salee eventually became a Christian then a missionary unto his own people. Here’s the interesting thing about Salee and Steve Jobs. They both asked God a similar question about “hunger.” Steve Jobs wanted to know why God allowed it, whereas Salee wanted to find out what compelled Christians to care about hunger in people in a land, so far away[10]. Thomas had heard that Jesus had risen from the dead[11]. Thomas still demanded proof. Thomas knew very well how everything was supposed to work. Thomas knew that Jesus had died. Thomas knew that the dead stay dead. Thomas had seen Jesus go into a tomb with a very large stone in front of it. Thomas had all sorts of really good, evidence that Jesus couldn’t possibly rise from the dead. Steve Jobs had all sorts of really compelling evidence why God doesn’t seem to care. Thomas would rather be called “Doubting Thomas” rather than “Gullible Thomas” or “Foolish Thomas.” One week had passed since Jesus’ last appearance on the day of Resurrection, the Disciples have gathered again. Thomas was with them. The doors were locked for fears of Jesus’ enemies. Pretty soon, Thomas whole world world changed. Thomas turns around and sees Jesus standing before him. “Peace be with you[12].” Thomas “Do not disbelieve, but believe[13].” There is probably not a person out there that doesn’t relate to Thomas’ story on some level. Thomas’ pain might not be your pain. You might have struggled with God’s plan as you lose a loved one, you might struggle with why God places financial pain in your path, and you might struggle with God’s plan regarding the current general shape of your life in any number of areas. We will all have times like Thomas where it might seem easy to give up on believing that Our Lord will come through in the end. Darin Rasburry was a writer for a website called Debunking Christianity[14]. Rasburry had fifteen years trying to destroy Christianity after being a non-believer for even longer. Rasburry over the years came to notice something in his fellow Atheists that most of what drove them was not proof that proved God’s lack of existence, but rather their anger at God for seemingly not coming through in their life. Anger at God for past disappointments like Thomas was fueling his fellow atheist's doubts. Rasburry struggled with God’s ways for years and years. He read everything that he could find. What ultimately changed Rasburry was similar to what changed Salee the Cambodian. Rasburry wondered what could motivate someone to reach out to a stranger half a world away from other than the work of an unchangeable God. Rasburry’s process took years from Atheist to Skeptic to Leaning to Christian. Rasburry freely admits that there are going to be days that these beliefs will be hard to embrace. Rasburry story showcases the fine line that many believers will struggle with between faith and doubt. Rasburry admits like Thomas believing that the Lord is truly risen will always bring doubt. Rasburry will bring scars and wounds to his faith. Answers do not promise to come easily in this lifetime[15]. Salee the Cambodian was never go to here why God failed to intervene while all his people suffered. Salee would see God bringing signs of “future” resurrection to his people though in unexpected ways. Steve Jobs might have clamored for a “fair” universe, yet the thing that “grace” shows us is that God’s ways are ultimately unfair that go way beyond the expected. Darin Rasburry was going to struggle with doubt until like Thomas he stands in the Lord’s actual presence, yet what his story reminds us is that doubt is not the opposite of faith. Doubt is rather an acknowledgment that there will be times that clinging to one’s faith will be hard. Doubt is not something to be celebrated, nor is it something to despair. Here’s what I think we can take from Thomas’ story though. We might struggle with unbelief; we might have loved ones who struggle with unbelief. Thomas’ story speaks to these people[16]. Thomas’ first encounter with the Risen Lord is interesting. Jesus doesn’t condemn Thomas or even seek to address his doubt. Jesus instead just sought to proclaim to Thomas that everything you previously knew has now changed. Thomas came to the story of Resurrection as one of its skeptics. Thomas though would become eventually one of its greatest believers. Amen [1] Stories for Preaching. “Hagar’s Search for God.” Web. Apr.20.2017. [2] Stories for Preaching. “Hagar’s Search for God.” [3] Richardson, Ethan. “So You Have Your Doubts.” Mockingbird Ministries (MBird). 4. Apr.2016. Web. Apr.18.2017. [4] John 20:25. [5] Stier, Leon. “I Will Not Believe”. Email Meditations. 8.Apr.2015. Web. Apr.20.2017 [6] Stier, Leon. “Steve Jobs Questions for His Pastor(a)”. Email Meditations. July.27.2016. Web. Apr.20.2017. [7] Stier, Leon. “Steve Jobs Questions for His Pastor(a)”. [8] Stier, Leon. “Steve Jobs Questions for His Pastor(a)”. [9] Stier, Leon. “Steve Jobs Questions for His Pastor(a)”. [10] Stier, Leon. “Steve Jobs Questions for His Pastor(a)”. [11] Stier, Leon. “I Will Not Believe”.. [12] John 20:26 [13] John 20:27. [14] Bishop, James. “ ‘Debunking Christianity’ writer becomes Christian because of evidence.” Reasons for Jesus. 20.Oct.2016. Web. Apr. 17.2017. [15] Bishop, James. “ ‘Debunking Christianity’ writer becomes Christian because of evidence.” [16] Nelson, Dennis. “Before We Go Too Hard on Thomas.” Lutheran Core. 18. Apr.2017. Web. Apr.20.2017. First Lesson: Acts 10: 34-43 Responsive Reading: Psalm 118: 1-2, 14-24 Second Lesson: Colossians 3: 1-4 Gospel Lesson: John 20: 1-18 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
“Resurrection means that the worst thing is never the last thing”.- Fredrick Buchner Paul Harvey tells the following story. There once was a Boston preacher named S.D. Gordon[1]. One day, Dr. Gordon places a beat up rusted out birdcage right next to the pulpit. He then began to tell the story of the birdcage. One day a young boy with a disheveled appearance of about ten years old was walking up an alley carrying this birdcage when he encounters Dr. Gordon. Dr. Gordon sees several tiny birds were shivering on the floor of this birdcage. Dr. Gordon begins talking to the boy[2]. He asks, “Where did you get these birds?” The boy replies “I trapped them.” “What are you going to do with these birds?”- asked Dr. Gordon “I’m going to play with them.” -said the boy Dr.Gordon knowing the attention span of a lot of ten-year-old children then asks “Well, what are you going to do once you get tired of playing with them?” The boy thinks for a moment then answers “I have cats at home, I can just feed these birds to my cats?” Dr. Gordon didn’t like this plan, so he makes an offer “Son, how much do you want for these birds and the cage?” The boy is surprised at the offer. The boy explains “Mister; no one would want these birds, they’re just ratty old field birds that can’t even sing.” Dr. Gordon was unmoved by the boy's arguments, only to respond “Just tell me what you want for these birds?” The boy starts hemming and hawing. The boy finally decides the birds are worth “two dollars.” Dr. Gordon reaches into his wallet, gives the boy two dollars, and he would never see the boy again. Dr. Gordon then took the birdcage aside, tapped on it, and encouraged the birds to leave on their way to freedom. So as soon as Dr. Gordon explains the origins of the birdcage, he starts telling what seemed to be a separate story[3]. One time, Jesus was talking to the Devil. The Devil starts boasting about how one day in the Garden of Eden he had set a trap, the trap worked like a charm, pretty soon the Devil had nearly the whole wide world in his cage. Jesus wanted to know what the Devil was going to do with all these people in his cage. The Devil starts boasting of all the things he’s going to do with these people for his amusement. Jesus says “Well, what you are going to do when you’re tired of these people.” Satan says “They’re pretty worthless. I’ll damn them and kill them.” Jesus’ reply is “How much do you want for them?” Satan starts to laugh. “You can’t be serious?” “If I sell them, they’re just gonna spit on you and hate you.” “They will eventually hammer nails into you, these people I tell you are no good.” Jesus says to Satan “How much?” Satan finally says “It’s going to cost you your life?” Jesus says “Done?” Jesus takes the cage from Satan and begins to open the door setting free every last one of Satan’s prisoners. You see the whole point of Easter is this. Jesus one day was talking to a woman named Martha. Martha was mad that she had recently lost her brother. Martha asked Jesus what the fate of my brother is? Jesus said to Martha, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live ‘-John 11:25. Jesus promised Martha that her brother would soon walk out of the grave and that everything she thinks she knows about death will soon be proven wrong as Jesus walks out of his own grave. Today’s Gospel Lesson from John 20[4] tells this story. It’s the conclusion of a tale that seems as unsettling as the little birds being trapped and fed to cats. Jesus is betrayed to the authorities by one of his closest followers[5]. His best friend denies knowing him three times. Many of his other followers stand idly by as he gets beaten and eventually suffers death on a cross. Pretty soon just like Dr. Gordon and the Birdcage, the whole story gets totally turned upside down with reports of Christ walking out of death’s seemingly unpenetrable cage. Easter is not easy[6]. Easter’s claims should be hard for us to grasp as Christian people. Easter seemingly stands in contrast to every life experience that we’ve previously had. Easter redefines your world. The message of Easter was quite well summed up by Catholic Priest James Martin when he says: “The message of Easter is, all at once, easy to understand, radical, subversive and life-changing. Easter means that nothing is impossible with God. Moreover, that life triumphs over death. Love triumphs over hatred. Hope triumphs over despair. And that suffering is not the last word. Easter says, above all, that Jesus Christ is Lord[7].” The whole of the Christian faith rests on whether Easter is true? Easter says you’re experiences of death appearing to be the final verdict, isn’t the way it’s going to all work out in the end. Mary Magdalene didn’t believe in Easter as she approaches Jesus’ tomb on that Sunday morning. She sees an empty tomb and assumes the body to be stolen. The Disciples are so confused by this scene, they throw up their hands and return home upset at the grave-robbers. Mary Magdalene though in one moment has her whole perspective on the world change. She turns around and sees a man, confused at first about his identity because of the belief that the dead stay dead. She finally hears this man’s voice call her by name “Mary.” Mary Magdalene was now a believer in Resurrection! Jesus had kept his promise to Martha upon the death of her brother Lazarus. Jesus is announcing that pretty soon he will empty the cage of death, which Satan currently possesses. The promise of Resurrection is that life shall never be the same again, once you encounter it. I began this morning with the story of a young boy, and let me close this morning with the story of a different young boy named Phillip[8]. Phillip was born with Down Syndrome and all sorts of other medical issues[9]. When Phillip was born, the doctors thought he wouldn’t survive infancy, but Phillip amazed them by making it to the age of 8. Eventually, Phillip enrolls in Sunday school Class. Phillip was an outcast in Sunday school as a result of his differences. The week before Easter the Sunday school teacher Miss Miller gave out an assignment. She handed each student a plastic Easter egg. She wanted the children to fill the egg in the next week with something that represented Resurrection and new life. The kids were to show their eggs on Easter Sunday. The kids started blabbing to each other about what they were going to put in their egg, all the while Phillip sat by himself off in the corner. Easter Sunday arrives, Miss Miller asks for the children to bring forth their eggs[10]. Miss Miller decides that she’s going to open the eggs one by one without identifying who the egg belonged to? She feared the kids might laugh at Phillip. First egg she picks up inside is a small flower. Miss Miller gushes with joy: “Flowers that bloom in the spring represents new life.” Second egg she picks up inside is a blade of grass. Miss Miller gushes again. The third egg sees a butterfly fly out. Now the students are cheering; Miss Miller can’t believe how well the assignment is going. Then she opens up the fourth egg; the egg is empty. Miss Miller fears that this is Phillip’s egg and he failed to understand the assignment. She tries to quickly discard the egg, without any of the other students making fun of Phillip. Phillip though raises his hand. At first Miss Miller tries ignoring him, and then Phillip in a rare show of boldness speaks up. “Miss Miller, you didn’t explain my egg?” Miss Miller looks confused. “Phillip, your egg is empty!” She was dreading, the other children laughing at Phillip[11]. To which Phillip says “It’s empty just like Jesus’ tomb[12].” The room goes silent, tears come to the Miss Miller’s eyes as she had a realization just like Mary Magdalene at the tomb. Miss Miller realized that it was her that didn’t understand the assignment. Phillip’s life because of his Easter egg was different from that day forward. His classmates now took him in as a peer. Philip had been set free from the cage previously created by his differences. Phillip would lose his life later that summer[13]. Here’s what happened at Phillip’s funeral though. His whole Sunday school class went. They sat together at the service. During the service, they got up each holding their Easter eggs and laid right beside Phillip’s tomb a whole bunch of empty Easter eggs. Phillip’s death certainly wasn’t going to have the last word in his life. The tomb is empty on this day!!! He is risen! He is risen indeed! Amen [1] There are a few variations of this story. One version has the preacher being a New England Reverend named George Thomas. [2] Harvey, Paul. “Paul Harvey Delivers a Powerful Easter Message.” GodTube. 2013. Web. Apr.12.2017. [3] Harvey, Paul. “Paul Harvey Delivers a Powerful Easter Message.” [4] John 20:1-18. [5] Zahl, David. “The Difference Between Christmas and Easter.” Mockingbird Ministries (MBird). 29.Mar.2016. Web. Apr.12.2017. [6] Zahl, David. “The Difference Between Christmas and Easter.” [7] Martin, James. “The Challenge of Easter.” Wall Street Journal. 26.Mar.2016. Web. Apr.12.2017. [8] The story of Phillip and the Easter egg is told in a few different formats. This telling is based on Steven Brandt’s explanation. [9] Brandt, Steven. “Inspirations- The Empty Egg.” Drums In The Deep. 27.Mar.2010. Web. Apr.12.2017. [10] Brandt, Steven. “Inspirations- The Empty Egg.” [11]Brandt, Steven. “Inspirations- The Empty Egg.” [12] Brandt, Steven. “Inspirations- The Empty Egg.” [13] Stories for Preaching. “Phillip’s Egg.” Stories For Preaching. Web. Apr.12.2017. Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29 Gospel Lesson: Matthew 21: 1-11 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Today, we celebrate one of the most important events in Jesus’ Ministry, his Palm Sunday march into Jerusalem to adoring crowds. What is the story behind “Palm Sunday” though? What was the meaning behind the shouts of “Hosanna?” What were the motivations of people who gathered on the Road to Jerusalem? What were they expecting from Jesus on this day[1]? The first reason people on Palm Sunday gather is to see fame up close. Let me begin with a story. In 1989, the Minnesota Timberwolves played their first games as an NBA franchise. Now through the good luck of one of Dad’s college friends, I got to attend their first home game at the Metrodome against the Chicago Bulls with 40,000 other people. Why were the Chicago Bulls a big deal in 1989? They had a player named Michael Jordan. Even at ten years old, I knew Michael Jordan was a big deal. He had scored “63” points in a playoff game against the Boston Celtics. Jordan had led the NBA in scoring the last two seasons and won the previous two slam dunk contests. I didn’t expect the Timberwolves to win (and they didn’t), I just wanted to see Michael Jordan. Even though our seats were far, far away from the court, I just wanted to see Michael Jordan do something spectacular like a dunk from the free-town line as he came to my town. I wanted to be the one telling my friends the next day about seeing Michael Jordan. Similar story, some years ago a movie was being filmed in Center City which was the town right next to Lindstrom. The film contained some fairly well-known actors in Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon, and Ann Margaret. The movie was called Grumpy Old Men. Everyone in the Chisago Lakes Area wanted a taste of fame. To say they talked to the stars. Grandma invited Walter Matthau to the casino in Turtle Lake? Matthau said “maybe.” No one from the Chisago Lakes Area was not going to see these famous stars if they could. The brush with fame attracted people to Jesus on Palm Sunday. Jesus was coming to their town of Jerusalem. Jesus was coming to town after having performed the most dramatic of acts in his raising of Lazarus from the dead. Jesus was expected to do more dramatic miracles, leave jaws dropped in the presence of all witnesses. Jesus was the famous guy that people needed to see. If Jesus had raised Lazarus at a rinky-dink little home in Bethany, they had no idea what acts that he might pull off next in the big city. People were looking to believe to see an act like no one before had delivered. The attraction factor was just one reason that people came to see Jesus on Palm Sunday. The second reason people gathered on Palm Sunday is they were mad, and someone needed to know it. 1887, Paris, France, people were mad[2]. A French architect had started to build what his critics called “an ugly street lamp,” “a giant skeleton” “a useless monstrosity.” The critics believed that this design would destroy people’s reputation of French culture. The critics contained a lot of France’s leading intellectuals: writers, painters, and other architects. The most famous critic was Three Musketeers author Alexander Dumas. Who was this rogue architect who wanted to go against everything good and sacred? His name was Alexander Eiffel[3]. His tower which was going to destroy French culture was called “The Eiffel Tower.” The point is this; you will always be able to find people who are looking to protest. As Jesus marched into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the number one source of all protests were the hated Roman oppressors. As Ed Markquart points out the five previous years, had brought thirty-two riots against the Roman oppressors[4]. We can hear the anger of the crowds in its chants “Hosanna, to the Son of David.” There was a reason they wanted to invoke Israel’s greatest king and warrior. The crowds were shouting for Jesus to confront the Romans, set the people of Israel free from their tyrants. Did Jesus intend to be a political revolutionary? Here is what’s interesting; Jesus chose to arrive in Jerusalem without a weapon riding a slow donkey that would intimidate no one. Jesus’ humble appearance and surroundings tell us something about his ministry. The 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade has a scene that illustrates Jesus’ presence quite well. Indiana Jones is trying to recover the Holy Grail or the cup which Christ drank from at the Last Supper. Indiana walks into the room surrounded by beautiful cups: gold, diamond and jewel studded. One of the men standing there with Indiana guesses the most spectacular looking cup to belong to Jesus. A cup that shines so bright, its cost in a jewelry store would seem to be infinite. The man drinks from the cup only to encounter sudden death. Indiana realizes choosing the wrong cup could have terrible consequences, so he looks at all these splendid cups side by side, when something strange catches his eye. Indiana sees an old wooden cup that looks like it should have been thrown away, generations ago. It was this old wooden cup that Indiana would soon discover is the one that would bring life. Jesus didn’t look like much on Palm Sunday. He grew up a carpenter; he stayed looking like a carpenter, whereas every eye on the Basketball court immediately goes to Michael Jordan, every eye in Center City on Ann Margaret, Jesus look was so common, that the religious authorities needed him to be identified upon his arrest just a few days later. Jesus’ appearance looking like a carpenter, rather than a mighty king previewed the week ahead. People might have wanted a Roman Rumble, but Jesus was shortly going to provide them a different answer to their chants calling for “salvation.” People weren’t gathering to see a dramatic miracle nor were they going to be witnesses to a revolution. They were going to be witnesses to a funeral. The final story, April 9th, 1865. Palm Sunday[5]. Confederate General Robert E. Lee signed the terms of surrender at Appomattox Courthouse to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. Four of the darkest years in American history were coming to an end. The previous week in Richmond, Virginia had been one of the most important ones in city history. Monday, Confederate President Jefferson Davis had fled the city along with all sorts of soldiers. The Union had now seized the Confederate capitol[6]. Tuesday, President Lincoln visiting nearby troops decides to enter the city. At first, no one recognizes Lincoln. Then a few freed black workers, recognize him and run out to thank him. Pretty soon, former slaves join in singing a song of praise “Glory Hallelujah, Massa Lincoln, Glory Hallelujah[7].” Lincoln didn’t want people to kneel before him, as he only sought to give the people of Richmond what God had wanted for them. The triumphal march proceeded through the city of Richmond on that day. Richmond seemed like it would be the greatest triumph Lincoln could imagine, yet five days after Appomattox Courthouse, Lincoln is shot by John Wilkes Booth[8]. The story of Abraham Lincoln would not yet be over. Like Jesus, many of his followers would undergo great despair at his loss. They wondered how they could ever go forward without their leader. It was in the death of America’s Civil War that the resurrection of its promise could begin. The thing about the Mob that gathered on Palm Sunday was this. Many of them were expecting Jesus to be something that he wasn’t. Jesus was not merely about the thrill of today, nor the revolution of tomorrow. Jesus was about bringing forth the promise of eternal life. God would soon be made weak, so one day we are made strong. The point of Palm Sunday is this. The cheering for Jesus would soon stop. Jesus would soon be arrested. Many in the crowd would sit at home disappointed to not being able to witness Jesus’ dramatic deeds up close, no different than if I showed up at the Metrodome to find out Micheal Jordan wasn’t going to play that evening’s Basketball game. Others would be disappointed by another political figure, not being able to deliver true salvation by driving the Romans off the land. Like in the case of Alexander Eiffel’s horrid design, they thought that every failed politician brought them to closer to their death as a nation. Like the Eiffel Tower, the initial predictions of Palm Sunday’s outcome were wrong. Something was taking place on Palm Sunday that wasn’t obvious to those witnessing its parade. Burial was about to take place. People would soon quickly abandon all hope. Death seemed to be the unconquerable foe. Whereas the upcoming funeral as in the case of Abraham Lincoln seemed to be the end of his vision, it was merely only the beginning of a world that would never be the same again. Amen [1] The inspiration for this sermon came from Dr. Mickey Anders’ sermon on Sermon Writer titled “Who is This? From 2008. Anders is quoting Fred Craddock who says: “the Triumphal Entry was a parade, a protest and a funeral procession. We have all seen the nature of the event as a parade with the throngs shouting their praises as Jesus slowly rides into Jerusalem. Perhaps we could understand this event as a protest. But most importantly, it was also a funeral procession. Only Jesus knew that this was the beginning of the end.” Craddock’s words inspired the outline for Today’s sermon. [2] “Debate and Contoversy Surrounding the Eiffle Tower.” Tour Eiffel Paris. Web. Apr.3.2017. [3] Stories for Preaching. “The Eiffel Tower.” Stories for Preaching. Web. Apr.3.2017. [4] Markquart, Ed. “Riots of Pilate. Sermons from Seattle. Web. Apr.3.2017. [5] Stier, Leon. “717: Palm Sunday, 150 Years Ago”. Email Mediatations. 29.Mar.2015. Apr.3.2017. [6] Stier, Leon. “717: Palm Sunday, 150 Years Ago.” [7] Stier, Leon. “717: Palm Sunday, 150 Years Ago.” [8] Stier, Leon. “717: Palm Sunday, 150 Years Ago.” First Lesson: Ezekiel 37: 1-14 Responsive Reading: Psalm 130 Second Lesson: Romans 8: 6-11 Gospel Lesson: John 11: 1-45 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Jesus said to Martha (her), “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he lives, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”-John 11:25-26 I want to tell you a story Today. It’s a story for everyone who has ever experienced the loss of a loved one. I want to tell you the tale of the Allen family. The Allen’s were a family that lived in a town, not unlike Silver Bay. The Allen’s had three children in Marie, Melissa, and Luke. Marie was the oldest daughter[1]. A while back, Marie had a quit her job to take care of the Allen’s aging mother. Marie was a doer with a work ethic that seemingly never stopped from sunset to sundown. Marie was a serious type. When other people were playing games, Marie didn’t waste her time with such foolishness. Marie guarded her time tightly. You might even say Marie was a control freak, to keep the Allen house in check. Marie’s sister Melissa seemed to be her exact opposite. Melissa was known for being funny and silly. Melissa was known for always having a smile on her face. Melissa was adventurous. Melissa would go through life so optimistic that it bordered on naïve. Melissa had worked for a non-profit a while back, until ending up on permanent disability. The Allen’s beside Marie and Melissa also had a son named Luke. Luke was seemingly “Mr.Perfect.” When Luke was in High School, he was the star Quarterback even leading the team to state. No one in town could say a bad word about Luke. Luke was one in a million, of the Allen children, with Marie taking care of mom, and Melissa unable to work this made Luke the primary breadwinner. The Allen’s weren’t rich by any means, but as along as Luke was around, they were going to be comfortable. One day the Allen’s life would be to change forever. Luke started feeling ill. At first, this was thought to be nothing. Luke was so young and healthy; this couldn’t be a big deal. Only Luke’s condition kept worsening and worsening. Within a few days, Luke would fall asleep only to never awaken. Luke’s loss was such that it seemed like the Allen’s could never recover. As Luke died, there was one person notably absent in Luke’s good friend Jason. Jason was an odd-duck. Jason was like really, really religious. Jason was always quoting scripture. Jason prayed the nicest prayers. Jason didn’t fit in with the local religious scene. Jason found most of the churches he attended were about rules. Jason was all about grace and forgiveness. Jason struck some people the wrong way because of his anti-establishment tendencies. Here’s the thing about Jason he was always really well put together. Jason never yelled. Jason never got too high or too low. Marie and Melissa had sent word to Jason that Luke was on the way out[2]. Jason just stood there as cool as could be. Just like Joe Montana in the Super Bowl. Not only did Jason not rush to Luke’s house. Jason kept chilling with his friends like normal. Jason believed that Luke’s illness wasn’t that big of a deal. Jason finally decides after two days of waiting that he needs to see Luke[3]. Jason then receives word that Luke has died. Jason being Jason doesn’t act like it’s a big deal, Jason merely says to his other friends. “Our friend Luke has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him[4],” I told you that Jason was a little bit different. Jason finally arrives at Luke’s house after Luke had been dead for four days[5]. Marie and Melissa were both mad at Jason’s absence. People had been gathering at Allen household bringing them goodies and attempting to console their grief, yet Jason was nowhere to be found. As soon as Jason arrives, Marie the older sister comes out to greet and confront Jason. “Jason, if you had been here, my brother would not have died[6].” Apparently, Jason must have been some sort of miracle worker that can even prevent death. Jason upon witnessing Marie’s outburst could merely say to her “Your brother will rise again[7].” Marie just started shaking her head as said: “I know that he will rise again in the Resurrection on the last day[8].” “But what good does that do us now? We’re going to have bills to pay, and we need more than just promises for some time a long, long time from now. " Jason kept as cool as he could in the midst of Marie’s grief-stricken outburst. Jason gave Marie a promise from the scriptures. “Whoever lives and believes shall never die[9].” After Marie worked Jason over onto the scene came Melissa. Melissa’s complaint to Jason was the same as Marie’s “If you had been here, my brother would not have died[10].” Jason saw Melissa hurting. Melissa was mad. Happy- go- lucky Melissa just didn’t get mad. Jason then did something that shocked both Melissa, Marie, and all others present. Jason began to weep[11]. Jason got mad at the way the world was. Luke died too soon, too young, that it hurt Jason inside. Jason cried as you cry. Jason cried at Luke’s death like we cry when a spouse, parent, brother, sister, or friend leaves this world. Jason believed in resurrection, heavenly mansions, eternal life, and all the scriptures said, yet this doesn’t make the pain of the present any easier to bear as Luke was now dead. Jason finally snaps in the midst of his weeping outburst as he says “Where is Luke buried[12]?” The onlookers just shook their head at Jason[13]. They wondered where Jason was when Luke was on the way out. What good can his presence be now? The game seemed to be long over, the bleachers swept clean, and the lights turned off. Marie and Melissa lead Jason to Luke’s tomb. Luke was buried in a cave on the Allen’s property. A stone was guarding Luke’s tomb. Marie being the ever hardened realist could only say “There’s already a stench from Luke’s body as he’s been dead for four long days[14].” To which Jason said to Marie and Melissa “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God[15]?” Jason approached Luke’s tomb and began to pray. He prayed the following: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me[16].” A while back, I was at a Boys Basketball game. Silver Bay was playing Wrenshall. Silver Bay was up three with seconds left in the game. Everyone knew Wrenshall’s star guard would get the ball. The Mariners play pretty good defense, but Wrenshall’s star hoists a shot from just over half-court if Wrenhall player shoots that 100 times, maybe he makes the shot once. The ball never even hit the rim. Game tied, Silver Bay’s fans are sitting there in stunned silence. The Wrenshall buzzer-beater was nothing compared to what happened at Luke’s tomb. Jason calls for Luke to walk out of his own tomb[17]. People started to snicker. People started to think that Jason was crazy. Only jaws would soon drop. People were standing in stunned silence. Luke did indeed walk out of his own tomb! Someone from the crowd shouted out “You mean Resurrection is possible?” The Allen family’s story ends with Marie, Melissa, and Luke being reunited once again! As for Jason’s story, it is not over here. Word of his great miracle at Luke’s tomb quickly began to spread. The religious authorities got nervous; they got really nervous. They were worried how many people might begin to follow Jason, rather than them as his fame as “miracle-worker” became known. These authorities began to plot to take Jason’s life[18]. Jason’s life would end shortly after this miracle, yet even still Jason’s story was not quite over. Remember as you hear the story of Jason and Luke that Resurrection is always possible. Remember this when your best friend dies, or your spouse dies. Heart attack, cancer, car accident, doesn’t matter, Resurrection is always possible[19]. The following story of Melissa, Marie, Luke, and Jason might seem familiar. It’s a retelling of our Gospel lesson from John 11 in the Raising of Lazarus. Lazarus’ miracle would be the most dramatic miracle that Jesus performs. Word of this miracle would lead to his eventual arrest and crucifixion. Jesus's story was not over because Resurrection is always possible. Every funeral speaks Jesus’ famous words from this passage: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die[20].” There will be times in this life when these words will be the hardest thing to believe. We will wonder why God doesn’t act according to our timetables. Before too long the tombs that we see will soon be empty. The following is the story of the Allen family. Perhaps, you know people just like them. Amen [1] The characters of Marie and Melissa are based on Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42 along with being influenced by others. [2] John 11:14. [3] John 11:6 [4] John 11:11. [5] John 11:17 [6] John 11:21. [7] John 11:23. [8] John 11:24. [9] John 11:25-26 (Paraphrase) [10] John 11:32. [11] John 11:35. [12] John 11:34. [13] John 11:37 [14] John 11:39. [15] John 11:40 [16] John 11:41-42. [17] John 11:43-44. [18] John 11:45-52. [19] Markquart, Ed. “Lazarus, Jesus Bursting into Tears.” Sermons from Seattle. Web. Mar.28.2017. [20] John 11:25-26. First Lesson: 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 Responsive Reading: Psalm 23 Second Lesson: Ephesians 5: 8-14 Gospel Lesson: John 9: 1-41 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
“Were it not for tribulation, I would not understand the Scriptures[1].”- Martin Luther Last weekend, I was watching a movie called Collateral Beauty. Collateral Beauty tells the story of a hot-shot advertising executive named Howard. Howard seemingly had it all brilliance and charisma until one day his life changes forever. Howard loses his daughter Olivia to a rare form of cancer at six years old. Howard in his grief decides to cut himself off from the world: isolating himself from his work, his friends, and ultimately bringing about an end to his marriage. Howard’s days consist of sitting alone in his apartment, and barely eating as he struggles with coming to terms with his loss. Howard in a unique reaction to his grief decides to start writing letters to love, time, and death asking why their outcomes are ultimately so unfair in life. Now picture Howard’s story how it relates to either your own or those close to you. We’ll get back to Howard’s story in a little bit. Today’s Gospel Lesson comes to us from John the 9th Chapter. Our Gospel Lesson tells the story of Jesus and the Disciples going out for a walk when they pass a man born blind. The Disciples proceed to ask the following question: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind[2].” The Disciples thought they had God all figured out. The reason that this man had been given the seeming curse of blindness is that sometime a while back either he or his parents sinned in such a way that he deserved this fate. The Disciples figured that suffering in this life can only be a byproduct of some unresolved sin. To which Jesus answers the Disciples question “It was not that this man sinned or his parents, but that the works of God might be manifest in him[3].” These words jump out at you. Jesus actually says that God is going to take this blind man’s seemingly terrible situation and use it for God’s purposes. We might know the verse from Romans 8: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose[4]." How exactly this works is really difficult to answer in things like financial difficulty, permanent ailment, or even loss of our loved ones like Howard who lost a child in Collateral Beauty. What I want to do this morning is illustrate how even when we think this might not be possible that God brings good out of situations even in the greatest of tragedies. First story, There once was a young man working in the cheese business in Buffalo, New York[5]. The young man was forced out of business by his partners in 1903. The man then decided to travel to Chicago[6] hoping to make it big in the cheese business after having already failed once. The young man decides to start selling cheese from the back of a wagon. The venture wasn’t going well at all; the man figured he would soon be broke and forced to give up. One night, the young man talking to his horse cried out “What is wrong with us?” that we’ve become such failures. The young man finally hears a voice that tells him “The problem is that you’ve taken God out of business[7].” In spite of your past failures, with God’s power, nothing shall be impossible. The man’s perspective was forever changed. He decided that all he could do going forward every day was believing that somehow, someway the Lord would provide. The young man’s name was James L. Kraft[8]. Perhaps you’ve heard of his company “Kraft Cheese.” Kraft eventually realized that God’s plans can often be much different than any temporary failure or struggle. James Kraft though just had a financial downturn, he didn’t have any physical maladies to overcome. What about blindness, you say, how can our weaknesses ultimately be used for God’s purposes like Jesus tells the Disciples. Can disadvantages like blindness actually benefit us? Second story told by Malcolm Gladwell[9], David Boies grew up in rural Illinois farming country. When he was young his mother would read to him, Boies couldn’t make out the words on the page, so he would memorize what she read instead. Boies couldn’t read until 3rd grade and when he did, he struggled. The only thing, Boies could enjoy reading was comic books. Boies because of his difficulty reading can only use small words and speak in short sentences. Boies even today, can barely use a spell-check on a computer because he’s such a terrible speller. Boies graduated high school with no grand ambitions. Boies worked as a construction laborer for a while, until one day Boies decides for the sake of his family he should think about a different career. Boies then decides that he wants to go to law school. Such a decision would seem to be a terrible idea for David Boies, being a lawyer involves reading and reading and more reading. If anyone shouldn’t be a lawyer, it would be him. Boies goes to college, gets by because he was able to avoid classes that required a lot of reading. Boies then enrolls in law school. Boies still wasn’t a very good reader. But he figured out two things. 1. Most court cases he needed to know, boiled down to a simple point. 2. What he lacked in reading ability, he more than made up for in listening ability. David Boies had become a freakishly good listener because that was the only way that he could learn in life. So whereas Boies classmates would listen to law lectures by taking notes, Boies would listen and commit these lectures to memory. When Boies became a lawyer, he would have been terrible at types of law that required a lot of reading[10]. Instead, Boies became a litigator which requires thinking on one’s feet. Boies’ freakish listening ability made him into one of the best lawyers in the country because he always knew what questions need to be asked during cross-examination. Boies today is regarded as one of the top lawyers in the country arguing cases even before the Supreme Court. What David Boies did is take his greatest weakness (the inability to read brought about by Dyslexia) and compensated by adopting a different approach to engaging in the world. Boies was able to take what seemed to be a devasting weakness and become better off because of it[11]. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul himself speaks of being seemingly cursed with a “thorn in his flesh[12].” Paul kept praying for the thorn to be removed; he kept receiving silence from God. The answer that Paul hears is “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong[13].” What God is telling Paul is like in the case of David Boies that it's often our weaknesses and tragedies that make us into who he calls us to be. What Jesus is seeking to illustrate to the Disciples is that perhaps it is in the blind man’s weakness that God can mold for his ultimate greater glory and purpose. What seems like a curse in one moment, can play itself out years down the line. Earlier, I was telling about the movie Collateral Beauty which told the story of Howard trying to discern meaning from the tragedy of losing a child. Randy Hoyt was excited for the upcoming birth of his seventh child[14]. One day, tragedy struck. Randy’s wife Kris was taken to the hospital with an emergency Caesarean section when she was five months pregnant. Kris’ bleeding was tremendous; she lost over thirty years units of blood. Randy cried out in prayer “God, what do you want? I know you can heal her; why don’t you?” Kris Hoyt would die shortly after this prayer. Randy’s daughter also would not survive. Randy was now the single parent of six children. Randy would cry out night after night begging God for answers. Randy’s community began to rally on his behalf. Pretty soon a program was started called “Help Bring Hope to the Hoyt Kids.” The next six months, saw over 500 people send money and supplies to help Randy and his kids. Pretty soon, bills were all paid, and Randy was back at work. Randy still had to struggle every day with Kris’ loss[15]. Randy would draw comfort every day that Kris was no longer enduring the pain of this world, but rather being comforted by the promises of resurrection that is to come. Kris’ presence would never leave his life, everyday moving forward. Randy’s reflection upon everything he went through was this. “I asked God for the life of my wife; I received a lesson on the nature of God instead. God is good. Armed with that knowledge, I have no fear for today or the future. God will always be enough…for any situation[16].” In our lesson for today, Jesus and the Disciples encounter a man born blind. “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind,” Jesus says this man was not punished on account of any sin; rather this man could be born blind so that the work of God might be made known in his life. James. L. Kraft seemed destined for financial ruin, yet years down the line America’s most famous cheese empire bears his name. David Boies set out with a foolish dream of being a lawyer, yet it was his great weakness not being able to read which helped him develop his greatest strength. Randy Hoyt cried out to God for the saving of his wife’s life, only for God to show him that his plans are not our plans, yet his wife’s presence shall never be forgotten, and our proof of this is the promises to be given in the resurrection which is soon to come. Amen [1] Quote taken from Kent Crockett’s sermon illustrations on the topic of trials. Web. Mar.20.2017. [2] John 9:2 [3] John 9:3 [4] Romans 8:28. [5] “James. L. Kraft.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation.25.Feb.2017. Web. Mar.20.2017. [6] Llewellyn, Tony. “Sermon Illustrations:Suffering.” Hotsermons.com. Web. Mar.20.2017 [7] Additional material found online at Google Books for Blaine Bartel’s Thrive Teen Devotional. Harrison House, Tulsa. OK. 2003. Print. Page.232. [8] Llewellyn, Tony. “Sermon Illustrations:Suffering.” [9] Gladwell, Malcolm. David and Goliath. Little, Brown and Company. New York. Print. P.107-113 [10] Gladwell, Malcolm. David and Goliath. P.110. [11] Gladwell, Malcolm. David and Goliath. P.112-113. [12] 2 Corinthians 12:6 [13] 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. [14] Found on Found on Stories for Preaching website on Mar.20.2017 under “Learning God is Good.” Taken from the source Randy Hoyt, “Seeing God,” Pentecostal Evangel, January 21, 2001, pp.14-15 [15] Stories for Preaching. “Learning God is Good.” Found in the section under Suffering analogies. [16] Stories for Preaching. “Learning God is Good.” First Lesson: Exodus 17: 1-7 Responsive Reading: Psalm 95 Second Lesson: Romans 5: 1-11 Gospel Lesson: John 4: 5-42 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Calvin Robertson was born in Montreal in 1911[1]. At the age of 11, Calvin would be forced to deliver newspapers on Montreal’s icy streets, just to help his family of nine survive. Calvin’s life was not easy. His home didn’t contain a bathtub, running water, or heat other than the stove. The family was so poor that they could never even celebrate Christmas. His dad was an alcoholic. Calvin would spend the night hiding under his bed, fearful of what Dad was going to do to him when he got home[2]. Calvin’s temperament was such that he was either getting into fights at school if he wasn’t skipping altogether. In 1921, Calvin’s family situation seemingly grew even more desperate with the birth of two new twin brothers Jimmy and Billy. In the summer of 1922, an Aunt named Addie came for a visit[3]. Addie was appalled at the conditions in Calvin’s home. Addie makes the suggestion that Calvin and his sister Thelma come down for a visit in Washington D.C. When Calvin arrives in Washington D.C., his first stop was to see his Uncle who he had never met a man named Clark Griffith[4]. Clark Griffith would soon take Calvin in as his child. Clark was most well-known for owning a baseball team called the Washington Senators, who eventually became the Minnesota Twins. One encounter in Montreal had totally changed Calvin Griffith’s fortunes from struggling to survive to becoming an eventual owner of a Major League Baseball team. Now picture Calvin Griffith’s tale of rags to riches, let’s look at our Gospel lesson. Our Gospel Lesson is one that we know of John 4:5-42. Jesus and the Woman at the Well from the town called Sychar. Our lesson for Today centers around a woman who has been married five times and is now living with another guy. Now this woman often has a reputation of possessing ill-repute. The woman possessing such a reputation for questionable moral behavior is certainly a possibility. There are though a couple of other possibilities. The first possibility is that she was a victim of divorce laws[5]. You see in Jesus’ day; men could get rid of spouses for nearly any reason, however, trivial. She could have been divorced for being unable to bear children. Another possibility for the woman from Sychar is that she was a repeated widow. The practice in Jesus’ day was that when one’s husband died, their brother would inherit his wife, and with husbands often much older than wives (this could explain why she was so unlucky in love[6]). The most relevant explanation for the woman at Sychar is that she had a troubled heart on account of her broken relationships. She had been down in the dumps whether for weeks, months, or years. She was clamoring for a different kind of life. So this woman is going through her daily routine when she sees a man down by the well. The man is Jewish. She is Samaritan. Grandma was born in Lindstrom. She spent the majority of the first seventy years of her life in Lindstrom. Grandma then sold the family home for being too big to her. Grandma moved to a senior living complex about four miles away. Grandma was moving into a nice, place. The only problem with the complex is that it resided in Chisago City. Grandma’s husband and father both were mayors in Lindstrom. Grandma has used plenty of inappropriate slang to describe Chisago City over the years, where they’re supposedly not as high-brow as Lindstrom. Grandma because of this could never consider herself a resident of Chisago City, even as she’s lived in Chisago City now for nearly twenty years. Now picture Grandma and Chisago City. Picture your or your loved one’s Chisago City, the place of the stranger, the place of the other. The historic rival through whom he could show no mercy. Jesus was going to approach the Jews historical rivals in this Samaritan woman. Samaritans were considered to be fake Jews and traitors to their religion. Jews and Samaritans had hundreds of years of animosity between them. This woman probably sees Jesus is Jewish approaching, assumes he’s going to go the other way, only he doesn’t. You see Jesus doesn’t see her as a Samaritan. Jesus sees her as lonely, and broken longing for not well water, but living water. “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.”- John 4:13-14. Jesus approaches this woman not like she’s the worst outcast in the entire village, but rather like she’s the most important woman in the whole, wide world[7]. Jesus is the first person that she’s encountered in her life who can move beyond her baggage, move beyond what anyone else might think, and give unto her a promise of living water instead. This woman like Calvin Griffith in just one encounter has her life forever changed turned from the greatest of outcasts to the greatest of witnesses of the saving power of God. All because she received living water from the well of Sychar. There are all sorts of people out in our world Today just like this woman from Sychar. Marie Miller is a devout Roman Catholic singer. A few years ago, her best friend was in a lot of pain. His mom was suffering from bipolar disorder, and he was struggling with how to cope[8]. You see most of his Mom’s friends had abandoned her not willing to engage with the extremes of her behavior. He felt that absolutely no one understand his loneliness just like the woman from Sychar. Marie Miller spoke to her friend words of promise, no different than Jesus speaks to the Woman at the Well on this day. “I’m gonna roll up my sleeves. I’m gonna fight for you; I’m gonna fight till I bleed. So, listen to me now. I’m not gonna stand here, when my friend’s down and out. I’m not gonna run when, it’s hard to figure it all out. If there’s anything I’d say, I will tell you right now: you’re not alone[9].” What Jesus is saying is that there might be powerful forces fighting against you, but my presence shall never leave your side, whether you’re Samaritan or any other outsider shunned by the world. Jesus doesn’t care what anybody else thinks, he will claim you as his own. Joseph Merrick was born in England in 1862[10]. Merrick like Calvin Griffith was born in the slums. Merrick within the first few years of his life developed lumpy skin, enlarged lips, a bony lump on his forehead, oversized hands and feet. Merrick is better known by his nickname “Elephant Man.” At the age of 9, Merrick’s mother died. His mom was the only person who accepted him as he was in the whole wide world. His new step-mom didn’t take too kindly to Merrick. At the age of 12, Merrick’s father put him to work as a door to door salesman. People would scream at him, and slam doors in his face. One day, his father finally snapped, beating him and throwing him out of the house. Merrick’s next stop was a workhouse for the mentally ill. Merrick hated this so much; he decided to lower himself to becoming a sideshow act at the circus. Everyone in the world thought that Joseph Merrick deserved nothing but laughter and contempt[11]. Pretty soon, Merrick meets a Dr.Fredrick Treves who takes him in. Joseph Merrick was permanently scarred[12]. Whenever Dr. Treves or anyone would walk into his room, he would act like a frightened child. Treves soon discovered there was much more to Merrick than what everyone else thought. Merrick was quite bright and worthy of attention. Merrick though had one great fear, ever since the loss of his mother he had experienced nothing but rejection from women. They would literally run in the other direction upon encountering his presence. Treves then decides to track down an attractive woman in Madge Kendal to visit Merrick[13]. Kendal was one of the best known and prettiest actress in all of London. Kendal[14] comes into his room and doesn’t do anything extraordinary, she merely shakes his hand and gives him a smile. Merrick is so moved by her outreach that he breaks down into a ball of tears, having not experienced kindness from a woman since the death of his mother years before[15]. This one encounter though totally changed Joseph Merrick. Merrick began to open up in the presence of others. The years ahead would bring numerous encounters and even friendships with royalty[16]. What the story of the Elephant Man and the Woman from Sychar show us is how powerful one simple act of grace can change lives. Joseph Merrick was not merely just a sideshow act. The Woman from Sychar was no longer just unlucky in love. Just like in the case of Calvin Griffith, one simple encounter and their lives would never be the same again. They are no longer merely going through life all alone. The point for the morning is this; Jesus doesn’t see you as the world sees you. Jesus doesn’t see you as old, young, Jew, Samaritan, rich, poor, single, divorced, widowed, healthy, sick, pretty, ugly, white, black, or yellow. Jesus sees you as his child, longing for grace to break free from the chains which afflict you. Jesus met a woman on this day from a town called Sychar. Jesus promises unto her that her past shall no longer define her. Jesus promises unto her that the judgment of others shall no longer define her. Jesus instead says “Come and drink Living Water, which only I can provide. So you may never thirst again[17]” Amen [1] Kerr, Jon. Calvin: Baseball’s Last Dinosaur. Calumet Editions. Minneapolis. 2016. 2nd Edition. Print. P.17-21. [2] Kerr, Jon. Calvin: Baseball’s Last Dinosaur. Print. P.17-21. [3] Kerr, Jon. Calvin: Baseball’s Last Dinosaur. Print. P.20. [4] Kerr, Jon. Calvin: Baseball’s Last Dinosaur. Print. P.21. [5] Zingale, Tim. “An Encounter with the Messiah”. Sermon Central. 05. Feb. 2005. Web. Mar.13.2017. [6] Zingale, Tim. “An Encounter with the Messiah”. [7] McDavid, Will. “Bible Wednesdays:Jesus Met the Woman at the Well.” MBird (Mockingbird Ministries). 12. Jun.2013. Web. Mar.13.2017. [8] Rebecca. “Marie Miller:You’re Not Alone.” Finding Order in the Disorder: Bipolar Disorder and Depression hosted by Blogger. 09. Oct.2013. Web. Mar.13.2017. [9] Rebecca. “Marie Miller:You’re Not Alone.” [10] Stories for Preaching. “The Elephant Man.” Stories for Preaching. Found in Welcoming the Vulernable section. Taken from www.elephant-house.fsnet.co.uk. Web. Mar.13.2017. [11] Stories for Preaching. “The Elephant Man.” [12] Stories for Preaching. “The Elephant Man.” [13] “Joseph Merrick.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 06. Mar.2017. Web. Mar.13.2017. [14] Kendal’s visit to Merrick is unconfirmed via historical record. The scene appeared in the 1962 Elephant Man movie. [15] Stories for Preaching. “The Elephant Man.” [16] Stories for Preaching. “The Elephant Man.” [17] Paraphase of John 4:11-13. First Lesson: Genesis 12: 1-4a Responsive Reading: Psalm 121 Second Lesson: Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 Gospel Lesson: John 3: 1-17 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
There once was a man named Erik[1]. Erik was like the type of guy that you might meet in Silver Bay. One day Erik dies and is standing in the presence of Saint Peter. Saint Peter and Erik start to discuss Erik’s potential acceptance into heaven. Saint Peter informs Erik that he’s been tested his whole life and he needs 100 points to make it in. Saint Peter then gives Erik the opportunity to plead his case. First, Erik describes how he was married to his wife for fifty years, how he never cheated on her once, how they raised three children together who all turned out alright. Saint Peter nods his head at Erik proclaiming “Ok, that’s three points.” Three points, Erik couldn’t believe it, he thought that alone should make a compelling case. Erik started brainstorming then thinking of his work at the local Saint Martin’s Lutheran. Erik describes being in church every Sunday, serving on the church council, and being a generous giver. Saint Peter says “That’s wonderful let me give you a point for that.” Erik is starting to get worried at this point. Erik then thought of something else to plead his case. Erik then says “Well every Friday night for over thirty years; I volunteered at the local homeless shelter.” A big smile gets upon Saint Peter’s face. Erik is finally hopeful. Saint Peter says “That’s great, I’ll give you two points for all that.” Erik is getting frustrated, he throws his hands in the air, and in a bout of frustration cries out “At this rate, the only way that I’ll ever get into heaven is by the grace of God.” Saint Peter starts to clap as he says “Bingo, 100 points for you[2]!” “Erik, Welcome to Heaven!” Now keep a picture of Erik in your head. Today’s Gospel lesson centers on a similar man in Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a respected elder in his community. Nicodemus was well-versed when it came to scripture and religious traditions[3]. Like Erik, Nicodemus probably was a dedicated husband and father. Nicodemus had earned all his power through the noble ways of learning and character. Nicodemus would seemingly be the type to ace Heaven’s entrance exam, yet deep down he felt a little bit off. Nicodemus hears about Jesus. Nicodemus hears about all the signs that Jesus is performing. Nicodemus wishes to meet with Jesus. Nicodemus arranges the meeting be at night, so their meeting can be in secret[4]. So Jesus’ meeting with Nicodemus goes like this: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God[5].” Jesus' words stump Nicodemus. Nicodemus says “How can one be born from above[6]?” Nicodemus had two problems with what Jesus is saying about “being born from above”. Problem One: Nicodemus was probably too smart. Nicodemus probably knew too much religious ritual. Nicodemus couldn’t imagine God not working in a way that he hadn’t heard of before. “Born from Above.” Doesn’t make sense to me, so it can’t be so. I was reading a book this week called The Undoing Project by Michael Lewis. Lewis described based on psychological research[7] “Why Doctors make wrong diagnoses in medicine[8]?” The issues have nothing to do with lack of education or even experience. The issue has to do with Doctors like all people having a tendency to jump to the easiest and neatest conclusion. For example, when a patient comes in with pneumonia and a normal heart rate; doctors will often ignore normal heart rate as being insignificant. The doctors focus on the pneumonia. Focusing on the pneumonia makes logical sense, just like it makes sense that a great guy like Nicodemus or Erik would be perfect applicants for the Kingdom of God. Here’s the thing though normal heart rates can be misleading. A normal heart rate when your body is fighting an ailment such as pneumonia can be a bad thing because one’s heart should be working harder to heal one’s body. “Pneumonia kills because of its power to spread infection.”[9] The heart rate appearing normal can mislead Doctors to fail to see below the surface of what’s going on. Pneumonia/heart rate conundrum is an example of how too much knowledge can often lead to tunnel vision[10]. Nicodemus could easily identify and possess the traits of a good religious person. What Nicodemus failed to account for is that God can and will work in ways beyond how we think it should be so. Problem Two: Nicodemus probably fell into an even worse error though in that he might have been too successful in life[11]. Nicodemus as great as he sounds seems like the type of guy who would give a boring testimony at church. Nicodemus never had any substance abuse issues. He probably rarely got in trouble at either school, home, or with the authorities. Nicodemus was probably disciplined with his tongue. Nicodemus probably didn’t have any real exciting vices. As great as this sounds this can be a problem. I came across a quote by Methodist Bishop Kenneth Carder earlier this week who described this passage well when he said[12] “From my own experience across the years, it is much easier for those languishing in prison or those who are addicted or those prodigals who find themselves waking up in a pigpen in a far country to understand what Jesus is saying to Nicodemus than it is for those of us who have reduced life to what we can control. It’s easier for them to believe in being born anew from above than we who think we have it all together.” Back to Erik in the Heaven Entrance Exam, Erik thought he had the right approach to the test. Erik would be able to point to all his accomplishments as a way of procuring God’s favor. “Being born from above” is about something else though entirely. It’s a reminder that our God isn’t about extending this life with all its foibles a little longer, our God is rather about creating new life and bringing hope from the deepest of darkness[13]. Now let’s talk about a guy at the opposite end of the spectrum from Nicodemus in President Richard Nixon. Richard Nixon left the White House in shame[14]. Nixon being the only President ever voluntarily to step down from the Oval Office. Jimmy Carter won the presidency in 1976 because people were outraged that President Gerald Ford had pardoned Richard Nixon. Nixon had spent the next few years of his life away from the public eye, because of his actions. In 1978, Former Vice President Hubert Humphrey died[15]. Richard Nixon decides to attend Humphrey’s funeral. Humphrey’s funeral is a big deal with every political dignitary in the world seemingly attending. What happens when these people see Richard Nixon is that they shun him, they look away, they walk the other direction. Any conversations Richard Nixon has on this day are brief. Richard Nixon’s place in the world had been made abundantly clear on this day. Into the room though walks President Jimmy Carter. Carter would seem to be the last guy to ever reach out to Nixon. Carter was a Democrat and Nixon was a Republican. Jimmy Carter goes to find a seat when he notices standing off in the corner by himself Richard Nixon. Jimmy Carter approaches Richard Nixon sticks out his hand, cracks a big smile and says: “Welcome home, Mr. President! Welcome home[16]!” This simple gesture of kindness would come to be a turning point in Richard Nixon’s life; his time spent living in the wilderness[17]. Plenty of people weren’t going to get the gesture. Jimmy Carter had everything to lose for daring to reach out to Richard Nixon. Everyone in the room believed Richard Nixon had done nothing to earn such grace[18]. What Jesus is trying to explain to Nicodemus today is that is exactly the point. Grace is the great equalizer for both the greatest saint and great sinner in the eyes of the world. Grace can change all our lives. The story of Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter though was not over on this day[19]. In 1981, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was assassinated. Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, and Jimmy Carter ride over on a plane together to attend the funeral. There was tension on the plane between Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter over the 1976 Election. There was one man on the plane though that believed “new birth” was possible in any relationship in Richard Nixon. By 1981, the previous dour Richard Nixon had become quite jovial in the presence of others. Nixon sought to bring Carter and Ford together. By the time the three men left the plane, the ice was melted and all these former Presidents had become friends[20]! So even in Washington D.C. is anything possible. Back to the story of Jesus and Nicodemus, John 19 tells the end of Nicodemus’ story[21]. Jesus goes to the cross. Jesus is being buried by two men Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Nicodemus brought seventy-five pounds of spices to help bury Jesus’ body. Nicodemus had come to realize that just like Erik at the gates of Heaven that his life wasn’t as together as he thought that it would only be the Grace of God not any of accomplishments that would bring extended arms at the great beyond. Here’s the thing about being born from above, we don’t do it. We are never born on our terms. We don’t choose when to be born. We certainly can’t control it. Nicodemus and Richard Nixon would seem to have nothing in common in the eyes of the world. Both men needed to encounter a whole new world of grace, hope, and forgiveness. Amen [1] The following is a retelling of an analogy given by Llewellyn, Tony. “Sermon Illustrations: Grace”.Hotsermons.com. Mar.6.2017. [2] Llewellyn, Tony. “Sermon Illustrations: Grace [3] Descriptions of Nicodemus influenced by Markquart, Edward. “Born Again”. SermonsfromSeattle.com. Web. Mar.6.2017. [4] John 3:2 [5] John 3:3. [6] John 3:4. [7] The research of Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman [8] Lewis, Michael. The Undoing Project. W.W. Norton Companies. New York. Print. Chapter 8 (212-237). [9] Lewis, Micheal. The Undoing Project. P.221. [10] Lewis, Micheal. The Undoing Project. P.221-222. [11] Carder, Kenneth. L. “Seeing, believing, and the new birth from above.” Faith&Leadership.com. 4.July.2011. Web. Mar.6.2017. [12] Carder, Kenneth. L. “Seeing, believing, and the new birth from above.” [13] Weems, Rev. Dr. Cynthia. “A Complete Makeover.” Day 1.org. 31.May.2015. Web. Mar.6.2017 [14] Found on Stories for Preaching website on Mar.6.2017 under “Welcome Home Mr.President taken from Maxie Dunnam, The Workbook on Living as a Christian, pp.112-113 [15] Stories for Preaching. “Welcome Home Mr.President” [16] Stories for Preaching. “Welcome Home Mr.President.” [17] Stories for Preaching. “Welcome Home Mr.President.” [18] Stories for Preaching. “Welcome Home Mr.President [19] CBS News Staff. “Ford and Carter: An Odd Couple?”CBSNEWS.com. 18.Feb.2000. Web. Mar.6.2017 [20] CBS News Staff. “Ford and Carter: An Odd Couple?” [21] John 19:38-42. First Lesson: Genesis 2: 15-17; 3: 1-7 Responsive Reading: Psalm 22 Second Lesson: Romans 5: 12-19 Gospel Lesson: Matthew 4: 1-11 Grace and Peace from Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Let me begin by telling you the story of a guy named Bill[1]. Bill was like a lot of guys getting up there in years and trying to drop a little bit of weight. Bill figured that to drop his extra weight, he would need to make a few lifestyle changes. The first lifestyle change that he needed to do was avoid his favorite donut shop in Bernie’s Bakery. Bill passed Bernie’s every day on his way to work. Bill could never say no to chocolate custard stuffed long johns[2]. Bill always had to get two or three of them which would be scarfed down before arriving at the office every morning. Bill’s weight loss journey had been going pretty good. He had been on the straight and narrow for the last few weeks dropping a few pounds in the process. Bill had been taking a different, slightly longer route to work as a way of avoiding Bernie’s Bakery. Bill one day, via force of habit, got back on his old route to work. Bill immediately got nervous about passing Bernie’s Bakery. Bill quickly discerned that driving this way must be a sign from God to stop in. Perhaps if there is an empty parking spot, I’ll know it's God’s will for me to buy chocolate custard long johns. A parking spot wasn’t immediately open, but perhaps God was trying to teach Bill patience. Bill starts driving around the block, and around the block. And finally, on Bill’s eight-time around the block, the parking spot that God wanted for Bill at Bernie’s Bakery finally opened up[3]! “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”-Matthew 6:13. Today’s Gospel Lesson comes to us from Matthew 4[4]. It tells the story of Jesus being tempted by the Devil in the wilderness for forty days. The Devil makes Jesus the most dramatic of offers to give into temptation during these days in material possessions, glory, and power. Jesus resists these temptations with more willpower than we can seemingly ever muster in the presence of our chocolate custard long johns. Today’s lesson describes a boxing match between Jesus and the Devil that goes forty rounds that were able to leave Jesus standing in the end. What’s really interesting in Today’s Gospel lesson is how it points to ways that the Devil seeks to get us to give into temptation. How the Devil makes his ways so attractive, pleasurable and bringing about all sorts of temporary joy. How exactly does the Devil strike us??? One of the most influential books that I’ve ever read is Robert Cialdini’s Influence [5]. Influence is widely considered to be the greatest book ever on the psychology of persuasion. Influence describes six modes of influence to get people to change their minds. These modes are on display in not only the Devil’s attacks on Jesus but also on us. First Attack Mode: Consistency and Commitment: Kent Crockett tells the following story[6]. Andrew Golota was one of the best boxers in the world with a record of 38-5 with 31 knockouts. Golota had an upcoming match with Lamon Brewster for the WBO heavyweight title. Brewster starts preparing for the fight by studying tape of Golota’s fighting, looking for an advantage. Brewster saw that Andrew Golota’s fighting style left him continually vulnerable to a left hook. Fight starts! First round, Brewster sees an opening and throws a left hook, Golota goes down. Golota gets up; Brewster lands another left hook, the same story. After Golota gets back on his feet a second time, Brewster kept attacking Andrew Golota’s[7] weak spot with a left hook. A much anticipated Heavyweight boxing match ends in the first round because Andrew Golota’s weaknesses left him perpetually vulnerable. Andrew Golota had spent years developing all sorts of strengths as a fighter leading him to a championship fight, but it was his own, unique weaknesses that was his downfall. Like Andrew Golota, we all have our weaknesses that the Devil exploits. Bill had a weakness for chocolate custard long johns. Bill had eaten so many of them throughout the course of his lifetime; one stop wasn’t going to be a big deal. Consistency can lead to the greatest of spiritual struggles: “Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin[8].” The first temptation that the Devil seeks to exploit in Jesus is his momentary weakness brought about by deviation from consistency. Jesus is sitting in the desert without having eaten for forty days. “Turn these stones into bread.” I can barely write a sermon or read a book after not having eaten for a few hours. I cannot imagine, saying no to the simplest of material possessions after forty days. Jesus had eaten bread all sorts of times before for his benefit. Here this first temptation describes what makes the Devil’s attacks so enticing, something is presented as life-giving when in reality it will lead to nothing but death just as the Devil tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Second Attack Mode: Social Proof. When I was in junior high, there was a hierarchy of jeans. Girbauds were at the top, followed by Guess, followed by Levis then Lees and lastly Wranglers which weren’t real popular among suburban kids. One’s cool quotient was often determined by where they fell on this scale. My middle school classmates failed to ask was an important question “Is there any proof that Girbauds are higher quality jeans than Wranglers especially for active seventh/eighth graders?” My classmates did actually hit on a trend in advertising. David Lose tells of watching a PBS documentary several years back called “The Persuaders[9].” “The Persuaders” was dedicated to the evolution of modern advertising. Now some years back, advertising would focus on the quality of the product. Recent years though have seen a change in advertising trends to focus not so much on a product’s quality but rather its social status. New cars are not evaluated on things such as safety, reliability, nor gas mileage as much as the type of lifestyle it conveys to the world around you. Now as Lose points out such appeals on the surface probably sound silly[10]. Why would TVs or computers matter so much? Still, advertisers have been able to determine that people are often so starved for meaning or purpose in life that they seek wholeness by their social proof. This week I was reading a book by a phycologist named Scott Sonenshein[11] who spoke of all the ways that human beings run into trouble chasing non-essential things they don’t have to the detriment of the resources around them. For many of us, the worst thing we can do lose is our cool factor! The second temptation that Jesus deals with is an offer for all Earthly glory. Throw yourself off the top of the Temple and save yourself for the world’s amazement. Perform a miracle on demand. Have everyone worship you for your greatness! Here’s the thing about social proof, while it seems great at the moment there is often something much deeper we are after. Third Attack Mode: Liking. When I was in third grade, I got into a fight that caused me to spend recess time in detention. Now I’m not going to stand up and say I was fighting for a noble cause; my cause was being well-liked by my classmates. We had a kid in our grade that I’ll call Jimmy. Jimmy was like a lot of third-graders in that he had a big mouth. Jimmy liked to brag about being the best at stuff when he clearly wasn’t. So one day at recess a group of kids was picking on Jimmy. I was by no means the leader of the operation, but like most third-graders was a willing follower. I didn’t have any problem with Jimmy, but I wanted to be liked by more people than just Jimmy. So one day on the playground, Jimmy was being picked on. Another kid got behind Jimmy in the form of a bridge and I pushed Jimmy. The playground monitor saw this and I was in trouble. Now as the years went by, Jimmy was a really good guy. I went to Jimmy’s high school graduation party even though we graduated from different schools. I was willing to push Jimmy for the sake of more power regardless of any reason to do so. Peer pressure is powerful because we want people to like us. Think how many times in life, we’ve acted to failed to act a certain way so someone would like us. “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.”-Romans 7:18 The final offer that the Devil makes unto Jesus has everything to do with popularity. “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Now there is nothing wrong with being well-liked! Being liked can have its downsides. How many people have bought something from a friend out of pressure, only to eventually regret it[12]? How many people have been swayed by beauty only to regret it later? How many kids pushed Jimmy on the playground out of a desire to be popular? There are limits to popularity’s benefits. Jesus saw something much more important than just being the most well-liked person in the world. Jesus saw his temptation as having a higher purpose. Those forty days in the desert would not be the only times that Jesus experienced temptation in his life, Jesus could have later given in by running away when he was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus could have advocated for his life before Pontius Pilate before going to the Cross. Popularity might come and go, but God’s promises shall surely endure forever! Our conclusion for this morning is this: there once was a man tempted to go into a donut shop, chocolate custard long johns were the vice. The man found every reason under the sun to give into temptation. Satan as in the case of boxer Andrew Golota will always be able to spot our weaknesses. There once was a kid growing up wanting to be popular, so he got involved in a fight for no good reason, he could not see how all the allures of this world are merely temporary. Jesus went out into the desert for forty days and forty nights. Forty rounds of boxing with Satan without a drop of food in his stomach. The Devil gave Jesus all sorts of chances to choose an easier world for himself, yet Jesus vowed to keep going even beyond these forty days. Even to the point of death. Our lesson for Today is no matter how things seem on this day, Our Lord, in the end, is more powerful than anything Satan can throw at him. Amen [1] Llewellyn, Tony. “Sermon Illustrations: Temptation”. Hotsermons.com. Web. Feb.26.2017. [2] I really liked chocolate custards as a child, so that’s why I use this example. [3] Llewellyn, Tony. “Sermon Illustrations: Temptation”. My version is an expanded telling of Llewellyn’s analogy. [4] Matthew 4:1-11 [5] Cialdini’s book was published by Harper Collins (Collins Business) originally in 1984. [6] Crockett, Kent. “Open for a Left Hook.” Kentcrockett.com. Web. Feb.26.2017. [7] Crockett, Kent. “Open for a Left Hook.” [8] John 8:34. [9] Lose, David. “Into Temptation”. Working Preacher. Luther Seminary. Saint Paul, MN. 07.Mar.2011. Web. Feb.26.2017. [10] Lose, David. “Into Temptation”. [11] Sonenshein’s book is titled Stretch published by Harper Business in 2017. [12] The following examples come from Cialdini’s chapter on Liking titled “The Friendly Theif” found on pages 167-207 of the 2007 third edition of Influence. |
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