Blogging toward Sunday

The Lectionary readings for this week include Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Matthew 21:33-46 and Philippians 3:4b-14.

Since over the past few Sundays we have been reading through Exodus and Matthew, let’s begin with these two texts. First, the reading from Exodus provides for us the Ten Commandments. God has brought the people of Israel out of Egypt and they have reached Mount Sinai. Now it’s time to go to school. Now it’s time to learn what it means to be God’s people. So God lays out the ground rules beginning with “I am the Lord your God…you shall have no other gods before me.” Concerning this passage, I love what Murray Andrew Pura says in his commentary in The Life With God Bible: “The important thing for us to understand [here] is the way in which grace precedes law. God first acts in grace and mercy by delivering the people, and then the people respond in gratitude and thanksgiving by obeying the commandments. Put succinctly: the crossing of the Red Sea comes before the giving of the Ten Commandments.”

In the reading from Matthew, Jesus continues to put the chief priests and elders in their place. The parable of the wicked tenants is a picture of God’s grace and love being rejected repeatedly. Through the death of God’s Son, the kingdom will break forth from its boundaries to include even those the religious authorities of the day would have never expected.

Which brings us to the reading upon which the sermon for this week will be based—the Philippians text. Here Paul claims his reason for boasting—Christ Jesus. There was a time in Paul’s life when that was not the case. There was a time when he despised the people of the Way and did everything he could to stop the gospel they proclaimed. But Paul has encountered Jesus and he will never be the same. 

The Apostle Paul provides for us a host of gifts, but the one that we will consider on Sunday is the hope that he models for us in a new life made possible through our relationship with Jesus.

Here are some things to consider as we journey toward Sunday:

1.      In the old life, what were Paul’s reasons for boasting?

2.      In today’s world, what types of things do people generally brag about?

3.      Paul uses the metaphor of running a race for his spiritual journey. How might that relate to your own story?

4.      All three Lectionary texts seem to point to a new life. In Exodus, the theme is new life made possible by knowing God, and treating our neighbor as we would like to be treated. In Matthew, a new life is promised for those who have been considered outsiders. And in Philippians, new life is modeled for us in the person of Paul. Have you experienced new life? How might you describe it to others?

These have been just a few thoughts from your pastor on the journey toward Sunday (which is also World Communion Sunday). I look forward to seeing you in worship.

Blessings,

Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

The Scripture passages for Sunday are Exodus 17:1-7 and Matthew 21:23-32.

So who is in charge, here?

We continue to follow the people of Israel through the wilderness. The passage from last week was one filled with complaints; this one provides more of the same as the people continue to quarrel with Moses and test Yahweh. Moses becomes frustrated in his role as leader of the people and says to God, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” It seems that Moses is between a rock and a hard place. Well, not really. Not really because God shows up and brings forth water from a rock sending a clear message that the LORD is still among the people. Moreover, the LORD is still in charge.

Now, let’s look at our reading from the Gospel of Matthew.  The chief priests and elders approach Jesus with a question about his authority. It’s a fair question. Perhaps they see him as some young fellow touting his own new teaching. It’s more likely that by this time in Jesus’ ministry, they see him as a threat to their own way of doing things. When Jesus answers their question with a question (something Jesus does quite often) they deliberate among themselves and decide that it might be best to keep silent—for now. (But only for now since it will be leaders such as these who serve on the final court that sentences Jesus to death.)

Jesus’ answer, in the form of a question, may be considered an indirect response. If these leaders can see the hand of God in John’s ministry, perhaps they can do so regarding his own ministry.  Certainly there have been signs and wonders enough!  Jesus has been teaching as one who has authority. He has been healing the sick and loving the un-loved.

Wondrous works of God are all around, but the religious leaders aren’t really interested in changing their beliefs. They will not bow to Jesus’ authority. And in the parable that follows, they are portrayed as those who may have pledged allegiance to God with their mouths, but failed to follow up on their beliefs by their actions.   

Consider the following:

A simple definition of “authority” is the power to control or influence the actions of other people.  Think on your own life. Who has influenced you in a positive way? What good things have you learned and acted upon because of some teaching you have received along the way? In what way have you been a positive influence for someone else?

Take some time this week to read Matt. 21:23-32 several times. Quietly sit with the text and try to imagine yourself in the story.  First, imagine that you are a chief priest. How does the story strike you? Ponder these things for a moment. Then read the text as a tax collector or a prostitute. Do you find hope here? Finally, read the story as a Jew who has happened upon the scene. What are your thoughts about Jesus once you hear his teaching? Might you consider giving him authority over your life?

In our earthly pilgrimage toward eternal life, we all “bow” to something or someone. Who or what is “in charge” of your life?  If this is the word you proclaim, how do your actions line up with your words?

May the LORD bless your week as we journey toward Sunday. I look forward to seeing you in worship.

Grace and Peace,

Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

The Scripture passages for Sunday are Exodus 16:2-15 and Matthew 20:1-16.

Let’s look first at the text from Exodus, which follows the crossing of the Red Sea. You remember the story. The people have been brought safely out of Egypt. In a spirit of thanksgiving, Moses offers a song to Yahweh. The prophet Miriam, with tambourine in hand, leads the first documented liturgical dance, singing, “Sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.” 

But the voices of worship and praise don’t last long.  In the blink of an eye, the people complain about the bitterness of the water.  In response to which, the LORD miraculously turns the water sweet.  Then Moses leads the people to a place where palm trees and fresh springs of water abound.  Yet again, in the blink of an eye, the whole congregation complains. In The Message their grumbling voices say,  “Why didn’t GOD let us die in comfort in Egypt where we had lamb stew and all the bread we could eat? You’ve brought us out into this wilderness to starve us to death, the whole company of Israel!” In response to this complaint, what does GOD do?  God rains down food from the heavens.

Fast forward to our reading from Matthew 20.  To really understand what is going on here, let’s back up to Matt 19:27. Peter has another question to ask. (Recall that his question from last Sunday was about how many times we should forgive a brother or sister.) Here, Peter seems to be checking out the way of the future. “Look Jesus, we’ve given up everything to follow you, so what’s in it for us?” 

Now there’s a question.  It’s a question that is woven into our modern day worldview—and one that, sadly, has taken up residence in the church. If you doubt it, let me share a few questions I’ve heard over the years along with a few responses I’ve been known to make: 

Question: What’s in the church for me?

Answer: How about God and fellowship with God’s children!

Question: Why should I go to church when I don’t get anything out of it?

Answer: First, could you tell me, what you put into it?

Question: Why doesn’t the church entertain me and meet my spiritual needs?

Answer:  It’s not about you.

It’s the truth.  It’s not about us.  And that’s what Jesus tells Peter.  The story of the laborers in the vineyard demonstrates how people tend to see the world—seeking fairness for number one—first of all.  The point of the story is that it’s not about us—it’s about God!  God is a generous God. God loves whom God will love.  And in God’s math—many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

But most of us have trouble with God’s math, don’t we?  We want what we deserve and if we show up to work early in the morning and sweat all day in the hot sun, we want paid more than that rascal who shows up right before quitting time.  We want what we deserve. Or do we?  Okay, I won’t speak for you, but personally, I don’t want what I deserve from GOD because I know that what I deserve is zero—nothing—zilch.  No, I think I am in better standing if I accept God’s math. 

Still, if I am being honest (and since I am your pastor, I feel compelled to be honest here) that doesn’t keep me from complaining right along with those laborers in the vineyard. I grumble when things seem to be going better for other people than for me. I complain when I pray and pray and nothing seems to happen. I grumble when God doesn’t rain down manna from the heavens to fix whatever ails me—right now.  I complain and, admit it, so do you.  We all do.

Which brings us to something important that will be happening on Sunday.  During worship we will each receive our very own “A Complaint-Free World” bracelet.  As a church we are taking the challenge to remain complaint free for 21 days.  That’s right—3 whole weeks without complaining. 

God is so generous.  God is so good. Let’s make a pact to work together to end the ear pollution of complaining. Let’s trade our spirit of complaining into a spirit of thanksgiving for being counted among those loved by the Lord.  Yes, let’s!

Blessings,
Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

Have Mercy!
After finishing the summer sermon series, we return to the Lectionary as a guide for preaching texts.  In particular, our focus this Sunday will be on Matthew 18:21-35. By this time Jesus has been about his earthly ministry for some time. After the birth narrative provided in the Gospel of Matthew, other important events occur, such as the ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism and temptation, the calling of the disciples and numerous accounts of Jesus’ teaching, healing and wonder-working. Prior to our reading for Sunday, Peter has acknowledged that Jesus is the Messiah and Peter, James and John have gone up on a high mountain to witness Jesus’ transfiguration.  A lot has happened.  Jesus has been working hard to set the stage for coming attractions.  Day by day he has been teaching his disciples, preparing them for his own departure, preparing them for the day when the church will be born.

It is in this context that Peter asks a question. It’s a question about life together, life in community. The question is: “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”  It’s interesting to note that Peter provides his own answer to the question.  It seems generous, doesn’t it?  Seven times. Perhaps Peter has something else on his mind, like the number seven is the number of completeness, and therefore perfection.  But if Peter thinks he has just gone above and beyond the call of duty, he is in for a big surprise. 

For Jesus, this simply isn’t good enough. For Jesus, who is always raising the bar above our meager expectations, forgiveness should be wrapped in a different package.  How about seventy-seven times? While the number can be translated as 77 times or 70 times 7, the end result is the same.  Jesus is calling for radical forgiveness.  Jesus is requiring a forgiveness that is so complete, there is no keeping score.  Then to get his point across, Jesus tells a story, a parable, as he so often does.

Take some time to read and ponder Matthew 18:21-35. What are your thoughts?  What two or three things come to mind as you consider forgiveness in light of Jesus’ teaching?  When have you been shown radical mercy?  When have you shown radical forgiveness to another?

Along these lines, here’s something else to consider.  What happens to us, in this lifetime, in our own bodies, when we refuse to show mercy to others?  It seems to me that having a spirit of un-forgiveness takes its toll. What are your thoughts?

Jesus wants us (his brothers and sisters) to be people who show radical love for one another and radical mercy to one another.  It was certainly his way of walking upon the earth. 

I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday.

Blessings,

Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

This Sunday marks the end of our summer sermon series "God's Grace in the Life of ____." I hope you have enjoyed this look back through the Old Testament as we have examined God’s grace in the lives of Jeremiah, Esther, Rahab, Daniel, Hannah, Joseph and Enoch. This week we get up close and personal as we consider God’s Grace in YOUR life.  Where have you seen the hand of God working in your life, providing unmerited favor? Where is God working now? To what acts of faith is God calling you?

Our first Scripture reading for Sunday is Psalm 23: “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long” (NRSV).

When I read this beloved psalm, I imagine the Good Shepherd caring for me even before I call out, even before I say a word.  Yahweh is the shepherd that watches over the flock, over us. What strength can we gain from such knowledge? What difference does it make in our lives?  I invite you to read Psalm 23 each day this week.  Read it and then sit quietly meditating on the words.  How does it speak to you? What words strike you as important to your faith journey? How does it speak of God’s grace?

Then take a few minutes to look at our reading from Hebrews 11:1-16 and 12:1-2.  Chapter 11 is often called the Hall of Faith. If you read the entire chapter, you will certainly see why. Here the story of our ancestors is told through the lens of their faith.  They believed in what they could not see, which is, of course, the very definition of faith. In the end, even those for whom things did not turn as expected on this side of eternity, still they looked toward the good that God had promised. They held tightly onto their faith in God who is greater than any human expectation.

The interplay of grace and faith continues. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NRSV).

God’s grace is evident throughout Scripture beginning in the beginning when God’s creation, Adam and Eve, reject God’s love and God’s plan for their lives. Yet God takes out a needle and thread and becomes God the Tailor, making clothes to hide their shame. God’s grace is woven in and out of Hebrew Scriptures and into the New Testament, which tells the story of Jesus and the redemption and hope he provides. The story lives on through Revelation that ends with words of hope: “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen.” 

The story continues in the lives of each of us who have been called for kingdom service. As Presbyterians we believe that it is not just the Pastor or the Elders who “work” in the Body of Christ. It’s all of us and it’s all kinds of work. So, dear Saints of God, I hope you will be able to attend church this Sunday for the Blessing of the Hands. During our worship service, as a symbol of hands in service to Christ, there will be an opportunity (for those who choose) to receive an anointing of oil on their hands. The anointing will serve as a symbol of God’s grace poured out upon us, blessing us as we continue in service to Christ.

I hope to see you Sunday. Grace and Peace, Glenda.

Blogging toward Sunday

This Sunday, in the sermon series "God's Grace in the Life of ____," we examine our final Old Testament character and what a character he is.  Of all people in the Hebrew Scriptures, Moses seems larger than life.  At the time of his birth the people of Israel have become slaves in Egypt, but even with increased oppression their numbers grow.  So much so that Pharaoh orders the Hebrew midwives to kill all Hebrew boys when they are born. But the midwives fear God more than Pharaoh so they do not obey the king. When Moses is born his mother takes great pains to protect him, hiding him for 3 months and then setting him afloat in a basket on the river. So, as a baby, Moses sets out on a journey that will take him to alarming depths and amazing heights.

When you think of Moses, what comes to mind?  Do you imagine the baby on the bank of the river being saved by none other than the daughter of Pharaoh?  Do you imagine him as he is described in our reading for Sunday from Exodus 3:1-22?  It’s the scene of the burning bush when Moses is commanded to stand barefooted before Yahweh, on holy ground. Perhaps you remember Moses making a few house calls to Pharaoh that result in plagues and miracles but no release for God’s people, until things get so bad Pharaoh is eager to see them go. Or what about the parting of the Red Sea when, at God’s command, Moses raises his staff, stretches out his hand over the sea, and the water is divided so that the Israelites pass over on dry ground?  When you think of Moses, what comes to mind? Do you think of him as a man on a journey?  

Moses has quite a life walking with his God, but he isn’t always a saint. Throughout Scripture, Moses’ humanity is displayed, particularly when, in anger, he murders an Egyptian who is beating one of his kinfolk. This crime causes Moses to make a run for it. He runs all the way to Midian where he becomes a shepherd. But out of a burning bush, God will call him to a new life as a shepherd of another flock, God’s people. It’s interesting to note that Moses is none too happy about this new vocation. He tries to bargain with God—five times!  No, Moses is not an easy recruit. But God has heard the cry of the people of Israel and God will respond to oppression and injustice.

God works in mysterious ways—in the life of Moses, in the life of the saints of Scripture and in the life of us all.  As I journey toward Sunday, there are many ideas and questions that fill my mind. That day in the wilderness, God meets Moses where he is. How is that true in our faith story? If the burning bush represents that holy place where we meet God, where is the burning bush for each of us? The fact that God works in the world to right injustice is clearly displayed in Sunday’s text. How do we as individuals work to right injustice? How do we do so as a church?

Moses is a man who seems larger than life. Yet he has much to teach the people of the Way, Christians who continue this amazing journey. He has much to teach us about what is required of us—to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God. 

I look forward to your comments and to seeing you in worship on Sunday.

Blessings,

Glenda

Blogging toward Sunday

For many people the Old Testament seems too full of God's judgment to embrace.  Some might even say that while God's grace is woven through the New Testament, it is absent from the Old Testament. But a closer look reveals that God's grace is evident throughout Scripture, even from "In the beginning, God..." 


Our summer sermon series has been delving into God's grace writ large throughout the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament). We have examined God's grace in the lives of Esther, Jeremiah, Hannah, Joseph, Daniel, and Rahab. This Sunday we take a look at God's grace in the life of Enoch. You can read about Enoch in Genesis 5:21-24 and Hebrews 11:1-6. 


For some time I have been curious about Enoch.  Scripture doesn't tell us much.  It's as if we are given a little teaser that leaves us yearning for more of the story.  Enoch, the father of Methuselah, lived to be an old, old man.  He lived and he lived and he lived for, we are told, "Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him" (Gen. 5:24, NRSV).  Enoch walked with God and then he was no more.  Amazing!  Truly amazing!  The wording here indicates that Enoch did not taste death.  In fact, Hebrews chapter 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith,"  states that Enoch didn't experience death because God took him.  Yes, truly amazing!


As I am praying toward Sunday, questions crowd my mind.  What was it about Enoch that made walking with God a way of life?  How did Enoch journey through his days?  Exactly how did his life please God? 


These days walking is considered more of an aerobic exercise than anything else.  I don't know about you, but seldom do I take long, meandering walks to no where.  I generally walk with a purpose.  I have places to go, people to see, and things to do. But walking serves more than a mode of aerobic exercise.  Could it be that spiritual exercise is even more important?  And maybe that is something Enoch knew well.  Walking with God is good for the heart and good for the soul. 


See you Sunday.

Blessings,
Glenda