"The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, 'Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?' Jesus answered, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.'" (Luke 5:30-32)
It's rather amazing to go through the gospels and see just how many times Jesus is eating with people, or using meals as teaching stories. Literally it appears at times as if Jesus ate his way through the Bible. On this past Wednesday night we had our first of five meal worship services that we will continue to do throughout Lent. Each week we are gathering to engage in the idea that when Jesus broke bread and offered cup saying, "Do this in remembrance of me" he meant at EVERY meal we eat rather than simply the ritual moments of Holy Communion.
Our first attempt to live into worshiping, eating, and communion together and with Christ all at the same time had its bumps and confusions. It wasn't a polished service... and we'll work on it and try to make it better - that is only right. And yet I think in some ways it was also exactly what it ought to be. Our efforts are never going to be perfect. Our lives are full of bumps and confusions - and maybe our worship ought to look a lot like our lives. Jesus has a habit of taking the ordinary and putting it to sacred usage... to take our fumbling, bumpy, confused lives - and put them to work as the light of the world.
"I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance"
I have come not to offer holy, perfect worship in order to show just how perfect God is. I have come to gather in the broken, the hurting, the wayward, the odds and ends of this world - and make them whole... make them holy, and show just how much God loves and cares for creation.
I come not to pull you out from the world and make you set apart from it. I come to seek you out and to send you into the world as a part of it.
I come not to find righteous partners to stand above the world. I come to the ordinary people of the world asking them to stand with the least, the lost and the lonely - and offer them healing love.
I come not to set up sacred times and sacred meals.
I come to make all things, all time, all places sacred.
When we break bread - all the times we break bread - do we remember Christ?
When we sit at meal with each other, do we do so as ordinary people living sacred lives?
Are we seeking not to be a church on the hill... whose light shines as testament to our righteousness, but as messy, bumpy, confused and dirty lives in a ministry of sacred servants seeking simply to please God in all we do... in all you do?
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Sanctifying God - you have called us in all our brokenness. You gather us to offer us healing and wholeness. Infuse our lives - muddy earthy lives that they are - with your holy spirit that our lives might be broken in remembrance of you.
Amen.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Feb 24 - Lenten Devotional
"Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed... finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed... When he saw their faith, he said, 'Friend, your sins are forgiven you.' Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, 'Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"' When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, 'Why do you raise such questions in your hearts?'" (Luke 5:18-22)
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You will have noticed already that this is a much longer selection of Luke. I have done so with intention because I want to contrast two groups here - the friends of the lame man and the Pharisees. It is not my wish to bad mouth the Pharisees - the mistakes they make here are mistakes the disciples make in other places in the gospels (with equal rebuke from Jesus). However the Pharisees here serve to highlight a "type" of communal dysfunction contrasted to the behavior of the lame man's friends.
One group gathers to serve (we aren't even given their names - only their relationship). The other gathers to find fault, to discredit and stand in the way of healing.
One group gathers to do whatever necessary - even "break" rules and move quite literally outside the box of expectation - to get healing for their friend. The other gathers to protect their power and standing in the community at the expense of others.
One group's demonstrable faith leads to life for their friend. The other groups closed hearts and ill will was unable to see the miraculous presence of God because they could not imagine God at work in ways beyond their knowledge.
To one group Jesus responds with healing because he is moved by the testimony of their lives. The other group receives rebuke: "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts?"
Discipleship is a group activity. Not only does discipleship require a teacher - but it is almost exclusively a communal activity in the bible - wherever two or more are gathered. The question of this text then becomes not whether or not to choose community... but are you choosing the right community?
I often like to remind people that there actually isn't anything wrong with peer pressure - in fact it's a good thing... so long as you are in a good community. We just don't call that peer pressure - we call it accountability... we call it nurture and guidance... we call it journeying with us... we call it mentoring, partnering, serving. And in the right communities the people with whom we do these things have a faith that makes US well.
Are you putting yourself in the right communities in your life?
Are you being good community for others
offering service, nurture, affirmation and accountability?
Is your faith and the faith of your community making others well?
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Healing God - heal us, not only in body, mind, and spirit - but heal our communities as well. Help us to be guided by care and nurture rather than self interest and fear. Guide us to affirm one another and grow together as we follow you. Amen.
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You will have noticed already that this is a much longer selection of Luke. I have done so with intention because I want to contrast two groups here - the friends of the lame man and the Pharisees. It is not my wish to bad mouth the Pharisees - the mistakes they make here are mistakes the disciples make in other places in the gospels (with equal rebuke from Jesus). However the Pharisees here serve to highlight a "type" of communal dysfunction contrasted to the behavior of the lame man's friends.
One group gathers to serve (we aren't even given their names - only their relationship). The other gathers to find fault, to discredit and stand in the way of healing.
One group gathers to do whatever necessary - even "break" rules and move quite literally outside the box of expectation - to get healing for their friend. The other gathers to protect their power and standing in the community at the expense of others.
One group's demonstrable faith leads to life for their friend. The other groups closed hearts and ill will was unable to see the miraculous presence of God because they could not imagine God at work in ways beyond their knowledge.
To one group Jesus responds with healing because he is moved by the testimony of their lives. The other group receives rebuke: "Why do you raise such questions in your hearts?"
Discipleship is a group activity. Not only does discipleship require a teacher - but it is almost exclusively a communal activity in the bible - wherever two or more are gathered. The question of this text then becomes not whether or not to choose community... but are you choosing the right community?
I often like to remind people that there actually isn't anything wrong with peer pressure - in fact it's a good thing... so long as you are in a good community. We just don't call that peer pressure - we call it accountability... we call it nurture and guidance... we call it journeying with us... we call it mentoring, partnering, serving. And in the right communities the people with whom we do these things have a faith that makes US well.
Are you putting yourself in the right communities in your life?
Are you being good community for others
offering service, nurture, affirmation and accountability?
Is your faith and the faith of your community making others well?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Healing God - heal us, not only in body, mind, and spirit - but heal our communities as well. Help us to be guided by care and nurture rather than self interest and fear. Guide us to affirm one another and grow together as we follow you. Amen.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Feb 23 - Lenten Devotional
"Many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray." (Luke 5:15-16)
I believe that discipleship is essential to Christian life. I believe that we absolutely must be disciples if we consider ourselves Christian. But lets be honest. we cannot be "on" all the time. More importantly discipleship cannot be a task we have to "check off" on our to-do list. It is a about cultivating and nurture character consistent with the character of Jesus. It isn't a task so much as a way of life. An in this "way" - we absolutely have to make sure we have "down" time. "But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray."
I have always thought Andrew Lloyd Weber was an excellent biblical exegete. He seems to have an eye and a ear for the human story of the bible. One of my favorite "reads" he has on the bible is a scene in Jesus Christ Super Star in which the crowds of needy people - lepers, blind, lame, diseased, hungry, hurting... you name them - they are pressing in on him asking for healing and food and drink and wholeness and the whole song becomes a cacophony of need: real need... but overwhelming and exhausting. At the height of the crowds neediness Jesus shouts in a shrill voice (overly shrill if you're listening to the Ted Neely version of Jesus) - "HEAL YOURSELVES!!!!"
We are not good to anyone when we are exhausted, least of all ourselves. If you are having trouble seeing that in your life I'll lend you my four and half old son on a Saturday night!! When we are exhausted we make bad decisions, we become pushy and petty, or we become pushovers and easily led. When we are exhausted we tend to do things out of character. And if discipleship is all about character, well you just can't be a disciple when you're exhausted.
Jesus knew this. So, "he would withdraw to deserted places and pray."
I think partly why so many hard decisions came easily to Jesus was because he knew who he was. He was consistent in character. He was grounded in communal history of the Jews and the active presence of God. And I think he could be all these things ONLY because he we would withdraw to deserted places and pray. Here he connected with God. Here he came to know himself. Here he rested, was nurtured, and prepared for the ongoing struggles of ministry and service to God's mission in the world.
Do you have a deserted place you withdraw to? Are you able to discipline yourself to actually go there... to spend time there... to spend enough time there? Do you know yourself - the community - and God?
Are you able, in moments of your own need, to cry out - heal yourself?
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Shepherding God - you make us to lay down in green pastures. You remind us that we are mortal and limited - that we are not you. Help us to to take time to heal ourselves, to know ourselves, to learn to be ourselves - just as you created us to be. Amen.
I believe that discipleship is essential to Christian life. I believe that we absolutely must be disciples if we consider ourselves Christian. But lets be honest. we cannot be "on" all the time. More importantly discipleship cannot be a task we have to "check off" on our to-do list. It is a about cultivating and nurture character consistent with the character of Jesus. It isn't a task so much as a way of life. An in this "way" - we absolutely have to make sure we have "down" time. "But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray."
I have always thought Andrew Lloyd Weber was an excellent biblical exegete. He seems to have an eye and a ear for the human story of the bible. One of my favorite "reads" he has on the bible is a scene in Jesus Christ Super Star in which the crowds of needy people - lepers, blind, lame, diseased, hungry, hurting... you name them - they are pressing in on him asking for healing and food and drink and wholeness and the whole song becomes a cacophony of need: real need... but overwhelming and exhausting. At the height of the crowds neediness Jesus shouts in a shrill voice (overly shrill if you're listening to the Ted Neely version of Jesus) - "HEAL YOURSELVES!!!!"
We are not good to anyone when we are exhausted, least of all ourselves. If you are having trouble seeing that in your life I'll lend you my four and half old son on a Saturday night!! When we are exhausted we make bad decisions, we become pushy and petty, or we become pushovers and easily led. When we are exhausted we tend to do things out of character. And if discipleship is all about character, well you just can't be a disciple when you're exhausted.
Jesus knew this. So, "he would withdraw to deserted places and pray."
I think partly why so many hard decisions came easily to Jesus was because he knew who he was. He was consistent in character. He was grounded in communal history of the Jews and the active presence of God. And I think he could be all these things ONLY because he we would withdraw to deserted places and pray. Here he connected with God. Here he came to know himself. Here he rested, was nurtured, and prepared for the ongoing struggles of ministry and service to God's mission in the world.
Do you have a deserted place you withdraw to? Are you able to discipline yourself to actually go there... to spend time there... to spend enough time there? Do you know yourself - the community - and God?
Are you able, in moments of your own need, to cry out - heal yourself?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shepherding God - you make us to lay down in green pastures. You remind us that we are mortal and limited - that we are not you. Help us to to take time to heal ourselves, to know ourselves, to learn to be ourselves - just as you created us to be. Amen.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Feb 22 - Lenten Devotional
"And he ordered him to tell no one. 'Go,' he said, 'and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.'" (Luke 5:14)
Following our weekend conversation with Anna Carter Florence on Testimony this text comes to us with perfect timing. Here we find words from Jesus about testimony. Following his healing of this man with leprosy we get a very intriguing list of commands that add up to what testimony is.
"Tell no one"
"Go"
"show yourself"
"make an offering"
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"Tell no one"
We Presbyterians have a way with words. We love to reflect on them... to define and understand them... to shape them and speak them... to listen and be informed by them. However, when it comes to testimony in this text... there isn't anything to do with words, it rather actions that are of importance here. In fact we begin with a prohibition of words - "tell no one!" Its easy to think that testimony is about telling people things, convincing people by good rhetoric or passionate discourse that what you believe is true. I am certain there is a time and place for that - speaking our faith has its place. But not here - not in this text.
"Go"
Any audience where they are knows what has happened. Jesus wants this testimony to happen not in front of a "home crowd" - these aren't the people who need the message. Instead Jesus sends this man who has been formerly a leper to the temple presumably - to the priest clearly - a place that he has been denied because he has been "unclean". Jesus has sent him to "contested spaces" to give witness - testimony - to people who most need to see God's healing power at work in the world in new and wondrous ways.
"show yourself"
The testimony isn't a matter of words or speaking of what this man believes. He is to show himself - he is to be a living testimony of Christ's healing power. Simply let the story speak for itself! How often have we quoted St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary - use words." Here is Jesus version of that same claim: let your life speak!
"make an offering"
Its hard to put a finger on exactly what Jesus means here - it is a reference to Leviticus 14 and the laws regarding how a priest can restore a leper to the community if they are healed. The priest cannot, has not been able, to heal the leper. The priest is only able to either forbid him entry to the community or re-unite him to the community. So while it would be possible to assume that the offering here is that which is prescribed by Leviticus, I wonder if its a mistake to assume that this is all that Jesus means here. Certainly what also gets offered when this man presents himself and his offering to the priest is what the story will speak for him: that Jesus was able to offer healing to this man. Jesus was able to give him a way back to wholeness as he is restored to community and possibilities and hope. The offering is his life as testimony to the power and work of Christ in his life.
As we think about our discipleship... are we listening and living this kind of testimony? Do we "go"? Do we travel into the "contested spaces" of our lives to witness there - or do we only witness in places that are comfortable?
Do we "show ourselves"? There is so much temptation to maintain masks, fit in, play by the rules. Are we willing to break from that when necessary to allow our lives to show - speak - our living witness to the power and work of Christ in our lives?
To the crux of the issue: Do we make our lives an offering?
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Healing God - your power and presence are at work in the world in wondrous and amazing ways. Stir us that we too will be at work allowing our lives to give testimony to your life giving presence - to witness that you are journeying with us. Let our unfolding stories be a pleasing offering to you and a witness to your world. Amen.
Following our weekend conversation with Anna Carter Florence on Testimony this text comes to us with perfect timing. Here we find words from Jesus about testimony. Following his healing of this man with leprosy we get a very intriguing list of commands that add up to what testimony is.
"Tell no one"
"Go"
"show yourself"
"make an offering"
-----
"Tell no one"
We Presbyterians have a way with words. We love to reflect on them... to define and understand them... to shape them and speak them... to listen and be informed by them. However, when it comes to testimony in this text... there isn't anything to do with words, it rather actions that are of importance here. In fact we begin with a prohibition of words - "tell no one!" Its easy to think that testimony is about telling people things, convincing people by good rhetoric or passionate discourse that what you believe is true. I am certain there is a time and place for that - speaking our faith has its place. But not here - not in this text.
"Go"
Any audience where they are knows what has happened. Jesus wants this testimony to happen not in front of a "home crowd" - these aren't the people who need the message. Instead Jesus sends this man who has been formerly a leper to the temple presumably - to the priest clearly - a place that he has been denied because he has been "unclean". Jesus has sent him to "contested spaces" to give witness - testimony - to people who most need to see God's healing power at work in the world in new and wondrous ways.
"show yourself"
The testimony isn't a matter of words or speaking of what this man believes. He is to show himself - he is to be a living testimony of Christ's healing power. Simply let the story speak for itself! How often have we quoted St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the Gospel at all times, if necessary - use words." Here is Jesus version of that same claim: let your life speak!
"make an offering"
Its hard to put a finger on exactly what Jesus means here - it is a reference to Leviticus 14 and the laws regarding how a priest can restore a leper to the community if they are healed. The priest cannot, has not been able, to heal the leper. The priest is only able to either forbid him entry to the community or re-unite him to the community. So while it would be possible to assume that the offering here is that which is prescribed by Leviticus, I wonder if its a mistake to assume that this is all that Jesus means here. Certainly what also gets offered when this man presents himself and his offering to the priest is what the story will speak for him: that Jesus was able to offer healing to this man. Jesus was able to give him a way back to wholeness as he is restored to community and possibilities and hope. The offering is his life as testimony to the power and work of Christ in his life.
As we think about our discipleship... are we listening and living this kind of testimony? Do we "go"? Do we travel into the "contested spaces" of our lives to witness there - or do we only witness in places that are comfortable?
Do we "show ourselves"? There is so much temptation to maintain masks, fit in, play by the rules. Are we willing to break from that when necessary to allow our lives to show - speak - our living witness to the power and work of Christ in our lives?
To the crux of the issue: Do we make our lives an offering?
------------------------------------------------------------------
Healing God - your power and presence are at work in the world in wondrous and amazing ways. Stir us that we too will be at work allowing our lives to give testimony to your life giving presence - to witness that you are journeying with us. Let our unfolding stories be a pleasing offering to you and a witness to your world. Amen.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Feb 20 - Lenten Devotional
"But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!" (Luke 5:8)
Peter here participates in what I'm starting to call the "great misunderstanding of discipleship". Peter imagines he isn't good enough to be a disciple.... or not worthy... or not lovable... or not skilled... or not ready...
It doesn't really matter which of these he means, or which of these we might choose in our own lives - they are all versions of the same idea: that the calling to discipleship has prerequisites - and that we must "measure up" to some ideal.
But a disciple - by virtue of the name itself - is one who is learning. A disciple is not the teacher, has not arrived at a destination or standard, is not an "expert" of anything (if there even is such a thing). Peter isn't called to be a "righteous man". Peter is called to be a disciple... is called to follow Christ... is called to willingness to follow and be formed by a teacher - THE teacher.
Jesus' response to Peter is to tell him not to be afraid. Jesus sees in Peter's denial a fear that he cannot live up to the task... and likely a bit of fear about what this following will ask of him to risk in his life. But Jesus isn't "biting". There is no skill set that gets one "into discipleship". There is no measuring stick of giftedness. By virtue of being called to follow we are disciples - and the only prerequisite is our willingness to walk the journey with Jesus.
That is all we need... all God wants: the willingness to follow.
In every story of calling the only thing that emerges as a necessary characteristic to follow Jesus is the willingness to dare - to risk - to follow. The willingness to "not be afraid"... or at the least not be so afraid that we return to our homes muttering about "that crazy teacher" or "our own unworthiness". (However I do imagine we all do quite a bit of that muttering ON THE JOURNEY too... but such things are expected - so long the fear they inspire does not overcome our following!!)
We are God's beloved. God's steadfast love has named and claimed us.
We are, and will be, adequate to the task... we are ready... we are worthy.
For God has called us, Jesus is leading us - we are disciples on a journey.
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Calling God,
You have formed us in the womb,
You have loved us,
You journeyed to us,
you have called us...
Guide us now to overcome our fear,
help us to follow you,
form us in the journey of discipleship
that our lives may point others
to your love.
Amen.
Peter here participates in what I'm starting to call the "great misunderstanding of discipleship". Peter imagines he isn't good enough to be a disciple.... or not worthy... or not lovable... or not skilled... or not ready...
It doesn't really matter which of these he means, or which of these we might choose in our own lives - they are all versions of the same idea: that the calling to discipleship has prerequisites - and that we must "measure up" to some ideal.
But a disciple - by virtue of the name itself - is one who is learning. A disciple is not the teacher, has not arrived at a destination or standard, is not an "expert" of anything (if there even is such a thing). Peter isn't called to be a "righteous man". Peter is called to be a disciple... is called to follow Christ... is called to willingness to follow and be formed by a teacher - THE teacher.
Jesus' response to Peter is to tell him not to be afraid. Jesus sees in Peter's denial a fear that he cannot live up to the task... and likely a bit of fear about what this following will ask of him to risk in his life. But Jesus isn't "biting". There is no skill set that gets one "into discipleship". There is no measuring stick of giftedness. By virtue of being called to follow we are disciples - and the only prerequisite is our willingness to walk the journey with Jesus.
That is all we need... all God wants: the willingness to follow.
In every story of calling the only thing that emerges as a necessary characteristic to follow Jesus is the willingness to dare - to risk - to follow. The willingness to "not be afraid"... or at the least not be so afraid that we return to our homes muttering about "that crazy teacher" or "our own unworthiness". (However I do imagine we all do quite a bit of that muttering ON THE JOURNEY too... but such things are expected - so long the fear they inspire does not overcome our following!!)
We are God's beloved. God's steadfast love has named and claimed us.
We are, and will be, adequate to the task... we are ready... we are worthy.
For God has called us, Jesus is leading us - we are disciples on a journey.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calling God,
You have formed us in the womb,
You have loved us,
You journeyed to us,
you have called us...
Guide us now to overcome our fear,
help us to follow you,
form us in the journey of discipleship
that our lives may point others
to your love.
Amen.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Feb 19 - Lenten Devotional
"What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?" (Luke 4:34)
"Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?" (Psa 139:7)
"But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." (Jon 1:3)
------
Three very separate contexts, three differently nuanced meanings: one message to learn: God is God of the whole world.
In Luke an unclean spirit imagines that "the Holy One of God" ought not to have anything to do with them. And yet Jesus is a constant surprise to all he meets because he has something to do with all people and in all places - and usually with those who imagine themselves too unclean, or too far removed from the notice of "Holy" ones.
Do you have places in our lives that we think too unclean and too far removed,
places you think Jesus ought not to have anything to do with?
Do you harbor the idea that there are parts of our lives we can "keep from Jesus"?
In Psalm 139 words of hope are offered, everywhere the Lord is present. However it's amazing to notice just how true this is for the Psalmist... even to the depths of Sheol! As a friend has reminded me: this is the kind of hope that can move straight on to annoying... I mean I need some space from God already!!!! And yet anywhere we go: God is already there.
Do you feel God's presence in all the "places" of your life?
Are you aware of the ways that God is already at work in your life before you even get there?
Jonah of course is the perfect example of one who wishes God wasn't quite so "already there" in all places. Jonah after all is trying to hide from God, trying to ignore his calling; Jonah is fleeing the presence of God. Only we cannot flee God's presence. We cannot hide away pieces of our lives. We cannot draw a line and say this side is God's and this side is mine. Jonah tried... and well... lets just say that didn't work out for him.
Are you running from God's calling?
Have you hoped the challenges of the call to discipleship could be avoided?
God has everything to do with unclean spirits - though certainly never to destroy them. Jesus never once destroys a demon, unclean spirit... or sinner. Jesus has come to redeem - not destroy. And yet we flee redemptions sometimes far more than destruction. Being redeemed
is hard work - and as Jonah can attest to, it requires some radical changes
in the way we live our lives.
Are we listening? Are we ready to follow?
This evening Palms hosts Rev. Dr. Anna Carter Florence as our visiting theologian. She will talk to us about being called to live our faith - being called to testimony. I hope you join us for this wonderful conversation with Anna (who is one of the best preachers I know)!
I hope you join us... because God does have EVERYTHING to do with us!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
God of all Creation - Stir us again to awareness.
Awareness of your life-giving presence.
Awareness that you have everything to do with all of our life.
Awareness that you will not let us go.
Amen.
"Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?" (Psa 139:7)
"But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." (Jon 1:3)
------
Three very separate contexts, three differently nuanced meanings: one message to learn: God is God of the whole world.
In Luke an unclean spirit imagines that "the Holy One of God" ought not to have anything to do with them. And yet Jesus is a constant surprise to all he meets because he has something to do with all people and in all places - and usually with those who imagine themselves too unclean, or too far removed from the notice of "Holy" ones.
Do you have places in our lives that we think too unclean and too far removed,
places you think Jesus ought not to have anything to do with?
Do you harbor the idea that there are parts of our lives we can "keep from Jesus"?
In Psalm 139 words of hope are offered, everywhere the Lord is present. However it's amazing to notice just how true this is for the Psalmist... even to the depths of Sheol! As a friend has reminded me: this is the kind of hope that can move straight on to annoying... I mean I need some space from God already!!!! And yet anywhere we go: God is already there.
Do you feel God's presence in all the "places" of your life?
Are you aware of the ways that God is already at work in your life before you even get there?
Jonah of course is the perfect example of one who wishes God wasn't quite so "already there" in all places. Jonah after all is trying to hide from God, trying to ignore his calling; Jonah is fleeing the presence of God. Only we cannot flee God's presence. We cannot hide away pieces of our lives. We cannot draw a line and say this side is God's and this side is mine. Jonah tried... and well... lets just say that didn't work out for him.
Are you running from God's calling?
Have you hoped the challenges of the call to discipleship could be avoided?
God has everything to do with unclean spirits - though certainly never to destroy them. Jesus never once destroys a demon, unclean spirit... or sinner. Jesus has come to redeem - not destroy. And yet we flee redemptions sometimes far more than destruction. Being redeemed
is hard work - and as Jonah can attest to, it requires some radical changes
in the way we live our lives.
Are we listening? Are we ready to follow?
This evening Palms hosts Rev. Dr. Anna Carter Florence as our visiting theologian. She will talk to us about being called to live our faith - being called to testimony. I hope you join us for this wonderful conversation with Anna (who is one of the best preachers I know)!
I hope you join us... because God does have EVERYTHING to do with us!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
God of all Creation - Stir us again to awareness.
Awareness of your life-giving presence.
Awareness that you have everything to do with all of our life.
Awareness that you will not let us go.
Amen.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Lent 2010 - Feb. 17
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2010
Lent 2010 - Feb. 17
I will be writing daily devotionals throughout Lent for the congregation with whom I serve - Palms Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Lent is always a time of discipleship. However this year I will be particularly intentional about reflecting on the ways we are called to follow, the gifts we have been given, the discernment of how God desires us to live out of our gifts in the world. In two words we are: Discerning Discipleship.
Anyone is welcome to travel with me - read, comment and help us reflect on the nature of our shared calling and the particular ways we live that out in our lives.
Join us on the journey.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Feb. 17, 2010: Ash Wednesday
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;
Repent, and believe in the good news." (Mark 1:15)
These are the first words of Jesus in Mark's gospel. Without preamble or story Jesus is prepared for and baptized by John, and then begins ministry with this call: the Kingdom of God is near so repent and believe.
Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. This year at Palms Presbyterian Church we are focusing closely on Lent as a time of intentional discipleship. God is calling us - are we listening? So it was a wonderful discovery to find that these words from Mark have served in church history as alternate words to be said during the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday. They are fitting words.
The Kingdom of God has come near! God is in our story. God's Kingdom is not some remote heavenly realm - or end story good news to be balm to our wounds of injustice. The Kingdom of God is real... it is present... and it has drawn near even now. Are we practicing ways to focus our attention on God's Kingdom? Are we developing Kingdom eyes?
Repent! This word conjures diverse imagery. But biblically it serves as a call to turn to God... or more earnestly to re-turn to God. Many voices, many ways, many idols distract our attention. We orient our lives towards "things" and not the life-giving, life-sustaining presence of God. We are called to turn back, to re-orient our life with God at the center. What do we need to turn from? Who has God put in our lives to help us turn?
Believe the good news! Turning starts with a turning away... and turning away is hard. Turning away almost always takes us away from comforts, control, and clarity. Turning away is sacrifice. But we do not turn away in self-denial, self-punishment, self-deprecation. Certainly not for their own sake. We turn away in order to turn to God. We turn in order to experience the depth of joy that comes in life-giving relationship to our Creator. We turn to the one who has made us as a gift to the world - to the one who calls us beloved - to the one who dwells and delights in us. This is truly great good news. Do you believe that you are God's beloved? Do feel the embrace of the God who dwells and delight in you?
Christ is calling to us from the shorelines of our lives. Jesus is making known the Kingdom, calling on us to turn our eyes, our ears, our hearts, our minds... our lives to God and God's good news. Are we listening? Do we believe? Will we dare to risk our lives in service?
Let us answer the call and follow together!
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God of the waters - in the beginning your Spirit hovered over the face of the deep, and in the waters of baptism you called, named and claimed us. Hover over the deep of our lives once more and call to us. By your Grace may we turn once more to you and dwell in you, even as you dwell in us. Amen.
Lent 2010 - Feb. 17
I will be writing daily devotionals throughout Lent for the congregation with whom I serve - Palms Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Lent is always a time of discipleship. However this year I will be particularly intentional about reflecting on the ways we are called to follow, the gifts we have been given, the discernment of how God desires us to live out of our gifts in the world. In two words we are: Discerning Discipleship.
Anyone is welcome to travel with me - read, comment and help us reflect on the nature of our shared calling and the particular ways we live that out in our lives.
Join us on the journey.
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Feb. 17, 2010: Ash Wednesday
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;
Repent, and believe in the good news." (Mark 1:15)
These are the first words of Jesus in Mark's gospel. Without preamble or story Jesus is prepared for and baptized by John, and then begins ministry with this call: the Kingdom of God is near so repent and believe.
Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. This year at Palms Presbyterian Church we are focusing closely on Lent as a time of intentional discipleship. God is calling us - are we listening? So it was a wonderful discovery to find that these words from Mark have served in church history as alternate words to be said during the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday. They are fitting words.
The Kingdom of God has come near! God is in our story. God's Kingdom is not some remote heavenly realm - or end story good news to be balm to our wounds of injustice. The Kingdom of God is real... it is present... and it has drawn near even now. Are we practicing ways to focus our attention on God's Kingdom? Are we developing Kingdom eyes?
Repent! This word conjures diverse imagery. But biblically it serves as a call to turn to God... or more earnestly to re-turn to God. Many voices, many ways, many idols distract our attention. We orient our lives towards "things" and not the life-giving, life-sustaining presence of God. We are called to turn back, to re-orient our life with God at the center. What do we need to turn from? Who has God put in our lives to help us turn?
Believe the good news! Turning starts with a turning away... and turning away is hard. Turning away almost always takes us away from comforts, control, and clarity. Turning away is sacrifice. But we do not turn away in self-denial, self-punishment, self-deprecation. Certainly not for their own sake. We turn away in order to turn to God. We turn in order to experience the depth of joy that comes in life-giving relationship to our Creator. We turn to the one who has made us as a gift to the world - to the one who calls us beloved - to the one who dwells and delights in us. This is truly great good news. Do you believe that you are God's beloved? Do feel the embrace of the God who dwells and delight in you?
Christ is calling to us from the shorelines of our lives. Jesus is making known the Kingdom, calling on us to turn our eyes, our ears, our hearts, our minds... our lives to God and God's good news. Are we listening? Do we believe? Will we dare to risk our lives in service?
Let us answer the call and follow together!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
God of the waters - in the beginning your Spirit hovered over the face of the deep, and in the waters of baptism you called, named and claimed us. Hover over the deep of our lives once more and call to us. By your Grace may we turn once more to you and dwell in you, even as you dwell in us. Amen.
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