Lessons from Great Stories of Faith

1 Kings 18:20-39
Luke 7:1-10

Two great stories of faith today.

And I absolutely love the first one. King Ahab has been doing everything possible to eliminate any mention of the God of Israel. He’s driven God’s prophets underground if not outright killed them. All except one: Elijah. Ahab sees Elijah as a rather strong threat. After all Elijah boldly predicted a drought (which came true), Elijah produced the never-ending jars of oil and meal, Elijah brought the widow’s son back to life. And now Elijah is challenging Ahab, going directly to him to look him in the eye. Elijah even challenges the king and his false gods to a duel with the one true God, even asking for a crowd to assemble to watch the precedings.

If nothing else, Elijah is bold. He’s got guts. And for whatever reason Ahab, instead of killing him on the spot, complies with Elijah’s wishes. Game on!

He lets the prophets of Baal try their very best to get their gods to send fire. And do they try, even to placing themselves on the altar as what I suppose to be some sort of kindling.

And so Elijah mocks them and their gods. You can hear the “nyah, nyah” coming out and imagine him doing some sort of over the top victory dance. But he doesn’t stop there.

And then he really eggs them on, digging trenches and pouring water over the wood time and time again. Yes, Elijah is certainly bold. And the fire comes and burns the wood, and the animal, and the stones, and the water. Try that at home!

It’s quite the story. It’s the story of one so strong in faith that he couldn’t help but celebrate the victory even before it happened.

Or maybe you’re more like the centurion, so humble as to know that he is not worthy of Jesus’ love and care. And all this not for his own need, but for the need of a beloved slave. A man had great earthly power but understood he was no match for the power of God. A leader humbling himself, knowing that he couldn’t come to Jesus on his own terms. As Jesus said, “not even in Israel have I found such faith.

And yet both Elijah and the centurion show great strength, both fearing God in their own way. There is certainly something for us in these examples for living today.

Because what if we did tackle the false idols in the world today with the ferocity of Elijah? What  we challenged the status quo of collecting wealth? What if we stopped pushing others down to advance our own cause and instead sought to bring others to the way, the truth, and the life? Are we bold enough to turn away from those idols that we crave. After all there’s a reason TMZ and the like are so popular: people want to feel superior, people love getting caught up in paying close attention to things that really don’t matter to keep from having to look at what’s really going on.

How popular would I be, would this church be, if we promised the world those things that many prosperity preachers feed to their followers. How awesome would it be if I could stand here (as others have in their ministry) and tell you that if you give $1000 dollars today you will get $10,000 in return? Yes that sounds great. Until it doesn’t happen. And let’s be honest, if it did come true the Securities and Exchange Commission would have more than a few questions for me!

But there are things we can promise. We know that faith in God will bring us to eternal life. No, it won’t bring us riches; at least not the kind people hope for. But those riches come at a steep price. Because if that $1000 actually becomes $10,000 you’ll next be looking for $100,000, then $1,000,000. The trouble with earthly prosperity is that the need for more never ends. 

In our gospel story we see the reward of real faith. And mind you, the centurion in the story is not hurting for earthly things. In fact the centurion is doing pretty well and even acknowledges that fact: “I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” But he also knows that there is so much more than this. And he recognizes, even though he is wealthy and powerful, that he is not worthy of facing Jesus on his own terms. But he also knows Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

And Jesus is amazed. The centurion is the epitome of faith. And faith has made him, and the slave, well.

So indeed today, we see a contrast in styles. We have “in your face” Elijah and we have the humble centurion. But the one thing they have in common is amazing faith. Both know that the Lord God can and will protect them and the people they love. Both know that God will not let them down. What if we had that confidence? What if we could be so sure that God will do exactly as God promised? What if we were proudly bold to proclaim God as Lord and yet be so humble as to lower ourselves from our earthly heights to kneel at the feet of God?

What if that’s exactly what Jesus did when he came to earth? He turned the tables of the treasury in the temple, he performed miracles in plain sight of many, yet in humility allowed himself to be hung on a cross to die for us. 

What then if we took seriously Jesus’ commandment to love one another seriously? Seriously enough to be so bold as to proclaim God’s mighty power even when outnumbered 450:1. Seriously enough to ask for God’s mercy for a friend, knowing that only through the suffering and death of Christ are we worthy to even approach God. 

And even if we aren’t as bold as Elijah God’s work still needs to be done. And in thanksgiving for the gift of eternal life, equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be God’s hands even in quiet, small, and humble ways. And God’s work is active all around us, in the good deeds and shared love and miracles both large and small happening all around us. 

Keep your eyes open and you will see God’s work. You’ll see a community of faith banding together to make sure hungry children are fed. You’ll see teachers bringing the word of God to bright-eyed children clinging to every word of the story. You’ll see a neighbor offering the use of his mower when yours seems beyond hope. You’ll see the joy in someone’s face when you tell them to enjoy vacation and promise to make certain they don’t work. 

The list goes on and on. Keep your eyes open.

More than a Mother's Day gift

Luke 24:44-53, Acts 1:1-11

Ascension Sunday: May 12, 2013

Happy Mothers’ Day! I can’t really imagine how Mother’s Day and the Ascension go together. So we’ll stick with the Ascension for now.

We can only imagine as to what the Ascension of Jesus must have been like. I can imagine myself somehow trying to jump and pull him back down to earth. After all, I probably still have a few questions I would like answers to: “Where are you going Jesus?” “What do we do next?” “Could you explain your miracles just one more time?”

But he had to go. If he had stayed the Holy Spirit could not have done her work. The church would not have been able to grow, stunted by the physical presence of God. You see, faith is the belief in something that is not seen. So there would be no need for true faith if Jesus had simply stayed on earth. Without faith, the Holy Spirit is worthless as she brings the gift of faith to us.

Because Christ ascended to heaven the disciples—which includes us—are now empowered to do the work of God here on earth guided by the Holy Spirit. We have been gifted with the Holy Spirit so that we can aim toward obeying Jesus’ command to love God and to love one another. Through that same Holy Spirit we are then led to grow as people of faith, using the gifts and time God has given us to advance God’s kingdom here on earth.

So then Jesus leaves our midst so that we can grow.

Maybe there is a connection between Mothers’ Day and Ascension after all!

Jesus spent his last few years on earth teaching and showing the disciples what his love was all about. The lessons Jesus gave to them were to show them how to continue after they were no longer physically together. And the moms in our lives have done the same things. Teaching us the skills and traits we will need for a successful life as an adult away from home.

Jesus loved, taught lessons, even scolded when necessary. He used real life examples to show both the strengths and weaknesses of human life. And moms do that too… do your homework, clean your room, don’t tease your sister, or one of my personal favorites—if everyone was jumping off a bridge would you do that too?

But of course the Ascension does far more for us than just show us who we are. It also shows us who Jesus is, opening our eyes to the knowledge that Jesus is truly God. And even better, for the first time we now can see God as more than being   beyond time and space, something greater than all-powerful, majestic, sovereign, and eternal. As Jesus returns to the Father we can now realize a God who knows loneliness, betrayal, thirst, rejection, and even death.

No longer can God be portrayed as completely detached from the human experience. Jesus offers us a God who is vulnerable and even approachable. So that when we turn to God in distress, peril, or despair; we turn to a God who knows intimately the pain of the human condition. We have a God that assures us that affliction will not have the final word because the risen and ascended Christ will intercede for us; nothing can separate us from his love.

Today Jesus tells his followers—US!—that repentance and forgiveness are to be proclaimed in his name to all nations! This is not idle chit-chat, not a command, not even marching orders. It is a promise to us that now we have the power to do that. No longer is there only one voice on earth to proclaim good news to the people but now all who call upon his name are empowered and equipped with the power to proclaim God’s forgiveness for all who believe, to declare God’s mercy and goodness for the world, to share God’s love for all right where we are.

And to put the icing on the cake, the cherry on top, Jesus does one final act. He blesses the disciples. His very final act is to lift up his hands and bless us. And during his ascension the blessing continues, it’s the very last vision the world has of Jesus. And he continues to bless us right through this very moment and beyond. We continue in these blessings, they are all around us in the people and places God has placed in our midst. And so it goes.

When Jesus left the disciples didn’t hang their heads and feel woe for Jesus leaving them. Because they realized the promise that Jesus wasn’t leaving them alone. They fully understood their new sense of mission to be “little Christs” as Martin Luther would later write, recognizing that they are now servants of all, carrying a message far more precious than the most expensive jewels, far sweeter than the most splendid perfume, and far more satisfying than the richest of foods.

And we too, because of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, can rejoice in the very same way. WE know we aren’t left alone, WE are today’s little Christs with a message we can deliver in a multitude of ways that sounds sweeter than the most beautiful symphony. The Holy Spirit empowers us to share that marvelous message of Christ’s sacrifice for us. And by telling the story we then fulfill the proclamation to all nations, one friend, one family member, one neighbor at a time.

And so Christ really did have to return to the Father. Because then we receive a gift not just for moms but for all of us here today. It’s a gift tastier than the finest chocolate, more fragrant than the best perfume, more lovely than the most beautiful of roses. It’s the gift of the Holy Spirit. And for that gift and all the other gifts we receive daily from our Creator…

Thanks be to God!

An Abundance of Peace

John 14:23-29

The Sixth Sunday of Easter: May 5, 2013

Affirmation of Baptism

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable to you, O Lord, our rock and our redeemer. Amen.

It’s a strange world we live in. Yes, it’s the world God created, but we humans have left our own indelible and mark on it as well. So when Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you,” we can’t help but look around and wonder where, when, and how we find this peace.

The disconnect comes when despite our best intentions, we try and define peace on our own terms rather than God’s terms. How do we as the United States maintain peace? We stockpile our own offensive weapons of mass destruction while doing everything we can to destroy others. If this doesn’t work we create a defensive scheme to knock down anything that is lobbed toward us.

Or in other words, we build up so much power that nobody and nothing will ever mess with us. Sure, it mostly works, despite a few notable exceptions along the way. But it’s definitely not God’s way.

God gives us all an abundant life. But our definition of abundance doesn’t always match God’s pure abundance. Often we hear the word abundance and can’t help but think of fancy cars and opulent houses; we inevitably imagine a large bank account and all the trimmings of earthly success.

However, God’s abundance, promises so much more even though the immediate result may look the opposite. In Matthew we hear, “Whoever finds their life will lose it; whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

It turns out that earthly abundance practically guarantees insecurity and fear and anything but peace. A recent Boston College study revealed these very real fears of the most rich and famous:

• ·       One respondent reported he wouldn't feel financially secure until he had at least $1 billion in the bank. How are you doing on that quest?
• ·       Other wealthy people report feeling that they have lost the right to complain about anything, for fear of sounding — or being — ungrateful.
• ·       Some respondents are parents worry that their children will become trust-fund brats if their inheritances are too large — or will be forever resentful if those inheritances (or parts of them) are instead bequeathed to charity.
• ·       The respondents also confide that they feel their outside relationships have been altered by, and have in some cases become contingent on, their wealth. "Very few people know the level of my wealth, and if they did, in most cases I believe it would change our relationship," writes one respondent. Another says, "I start to wonder how many people we know would cut us off if they didn't think they could get something from us."

·       "Wealth can be a barrier to connecting with other people," writes the spouse of a tech wizard who cashed in to the tune of $80 million. Rich people often feel they can't share the stresses in their lives, for fear someone will say, "Yeah, wouldn't I like to have your problems." It can get awkward when the check comes at a restaurant and there's hesitation over who will pay.

·       Many express relief that their kids' education was assured, but are concerned that money might rob them of ambition. Having money "runs the danger of giving them a perverted view of the world," one respondent writes. Another worries, "Money could mess them up — give them a sense of entitlement, prevent them from developing a strong sense of empathy and compassion."

Somewhat ironically, this study was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

So… Hunter, Louis, Andrew, Zach, and Conner: where does this leave you?

Where does this leave us? It does offer some questions:

Is it OK to work toward making a good living, to be comfortable in life? Of course it is. If we truly believe that all things are gifts from God then we are certainly welcome to enjoy the gifts we are given.

But do those things bring real peace? Without a doubt, the answer is “NO!” The real peace comes from non-monetary sources. Real peace isn’t even found in that sound wave machine that helps get people to sleep. And it certainly isn’t found in staying one step ahead of the neighbors. This gift is so great that apostle Paul said that it is “beyond all understanding.” It’s nothing we can buy or earn, but rather simply a gift from God—the gift of faith.

We can’t earn it? We can’t buy it? The idea is so countercultural, so far outside our capitalistic thinking that it’s hard to wrap your head around it. We’ve even coined phrases like, “God helps those who help themselves,” to try and help prove God’s love for our work ethic. Yet that phrase is found nowhere in the Bible. And remember, Jesus chastised Martha for being a busybody, and praised Mary for doing nothing else than listening to him.

So you might be wondering, “Pastor, we don’t have to do good things to earn God’s favor?” Not in the least. We do good deeds because we have the peace of living in God’s favor. Within this gift of faith are motivated to praise and thank God and to do God’s work on earth. Not because we have to, not making sure we’ve done “enough” to earn our spot in heaven. But instead, we can’t help but love others—which is obeying Jesus’ command--in reaction to the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Each one of you  in your own way spoke to the use of prayer in your faith statements as something mostly used when things are tough or when the pressure is on. And dare I suggest we all have that tendency?

God invites us to live every moment as prayer. So even in the most normal and plain of times we can thank God for the normalcy of the day. We can thank God that we are not hungry or homeless or in trouble. We can praise God for the everyday ho-hum lives that we often take for granted, because in that normalcy there are so many blessings that we need to learn to see:

• -      The friend who doesn’t turn on you even when you mistakenly accused him.
• -      The grace of the teacher when your dog actually did eat your homework.
• -      The parents who despite you calling them unfair provide for your needs.

And the list goes on and on.

Even when we’re not noticing, God is by our side. Even when we don’t consciously pray, God still hears our needs and desires. Even when we don’t take the opportunity to share the gospel, God still works through our deeds and actions to show the world a better way, God’s way. The Holy Spirit shows us that way and moves us to respond to God’s love and mercy for us. And together in the Spirit we can do amazing things.

So, today we join the confirmands in reaffirming the promises made on our behalf when we were baptized. When you hear those words of affirmation, say them for yourselves as well, to live among God’s faithful people, to hear God’s word and share in the Lord’s Supper, to proclaim the good news of Christ through word and deed, to serve all people—following the example of Jesus, to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.

All of this is made possible by the peace of God which exceeds all understanding, made available to us through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Please pray with me:

Stir up in each person here the gift of your Holy Spirit, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever. Amen.

By Our Love

Hey, we get to sing, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love!"

That’s a nice song, we feel pretty good when we sing it. In fact, we do those things we sing about all the time! Who needs a sermon, let’s just sing that song. That’ll be awesome!

Jesus told his disciples to love one another in that upper room at the meal we often call the last supper. Jesus took his greatest friends, served them a meal, and told them to love one another. After all, they were friends, so except for a few squabbles here and there, that should be pretty simple. Ah, love one another.

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

And Jesus in today’s gospel gave us the perfect example, sharing a meal with his friends, those who loved and cared for him the most. Sure, we can do that! And then Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Well, not the most pleasant thing, but among friends, why not!

It sounds like a great party, a really great time! Until we remember that Judas Iscariot was there: The one who would turn Jesus over to the authorities, unleashing a chain of horrible events that would lead to Jesus’ death. Jesus shared the meal with him too, even though Jesus knew he really didn’t have his best interests at heart. Jesus even washed his feet, even though he knew that Judas would kick start his final walk to the cross that very night.

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love. How? Not by our niceness. Not by our love only to those who we know will love us back. Not by those who we have something to gain from by loving them. This love Jesus speaks of is selfless, without prejudice.

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love. Suddenly this doesn’t sound quite so simple. Because we all have those people who know exactly how to push our buttons, get under our skin. Being truly honest, we can all name a few people who we would really just never see again for whatever reason. Judas was certainly that person to Jesus. And Jesus simply loved him, dined with him, washed his feet. And right after Jesus gives the new commandment, Peter lavishly and loudly promises never to betray him, then does so three times. And Jesus simply loved him.

They’ll know we are Christians by our love. Not by our beautiful building, not by great sermons (now that’s good news!), not by our family values or upstanding citizenship, but by our love. And you know, that sounds nearly impossible.

We hear the words “love one another” and often imagine we need to be like Mother Teresa, as if loving one another is some unreachable goal that only the most holy can ever even come close to achieving. Because sometimes it’s just really hard to love.

But sometimes it’s not.

Because indeed we actually can and often DO love one another.  Now we won’t and frankly can’t love perfectly, but we do love. And often we do it without even thinking about it.

So let me invite you to think back on your week. Consider a time when you showed love in some way big or small. Perhaps you had someone’s back when there were lies and misinformation rumored about her. Or maybe a friend slighted you and you chose to simply overlook it. Possibly you put aside your own goals for a time to help someone else achieve theirs. Or maybe it wasn’t that monumental: holding the door for someone whose arms were loaded. Being cut off in traffic by someone lost in thought and not honking the horn. Someone needing some encouragement and you giving it. Someone needing another to just listen and you sitting by their side and listening. Get that moment in your mind.

And now think of a moment in the recent past when you found it very difficult to love one another. Maybe it’s hard to forgive someone who hurt you or a loved one deeply. Maybe you can’t get past the disappointment caused by someone close by what they did or didn’t do.

And now realize that indeed we do love one another all the time. And we also fail at loving one another probably just as much. And so here you are, at the very place where it’s possible to give thanks for loving while also praying about the failure.

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love…

Jesus doesn’t just command us to love one another, he actually shows us what it is to love one another. He talks the talk and walks the walk. Walks straight to the cross to show us that “God so loves the world.”

Jesus did not go to the cross to make God loving, or to satisfy God’s justice, or to take on our punishment. Jesus went to the cross to show in word and deed that God is love and that we, as God’s children, are loved. So whether we succeed or fail in our attempts to love one another this week, God in Jesus loves us more than we can possibly imagine. And in hearing of this love we then are set free and sent forth, once again, to love another.

So simply put, God is love. Thanks be to God.

Please pray with me: Loving God, help us to reflect your love so that they’ll know we are Christians by our love. Amen.