The Hands of Christ

The following is the first sermon in my Lenten series concerning The Body of Christ.

1st Sunday in Lent

John 8:1-11

The Hands of Christ

 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 This morning we begin our Lenten series concerning the Body of Christ, his humanity, his life among God’s people, his suffering and death for our sake.  Today our focus is on the Hands of Christ.

First of all, consider the hand.  Its purpose is to grasp and to hold things.  Its design suits its function very well.  When the hand is first employed it reaches out with an intended purpose.  The hand’s fingers grasp an object and hold it firmly, supporting as much weight as they can bear.  When the weight becomes too great, one hand may reach out in assistance to another.  Given the right set of circumstances, a hand can provide great strength and security.  It can provide a means to do work, or as in many circumstances, a hand can apply a gentle loving touch, a simple caress.  Hands can even speak.  No, they cannot talk, but they can communicate.  Hands can say “I love you.”

What comes to your mind when you think of hands?  Something very emotional, perhaps.  The first thing our own tiny hands grasped as infants was probably a finger of our father or mother.  Our parents’ hands caressed us, changed us, fed us, held us, played with us.  Some might think first of a father’s strong, calloused hands taking your own hand in order to show you how to do something, to teach you, guide you, to protect, or to touch and reassure.  Others might think first of a mother’s gentle hands stroking your forehead as you lay sick; hands that playfully tousled you hair, cooked and served your favorite meal, hands that washed and bandaged cuts and scrapes.  In both cases, we recall hands that loved.

Today, we consider Jesus’ hands.  Jesus’ hands combine that strength, gentleness, love and more.  Jesus’ hands were the strong hands of a carpenter, and yet the gentle loving hands of a healer.  Much has been written about the hands of Christ.  We often read about the wonders that took place by his hands; wonderful and mighty works done by his hands, yet with such a gentle touch.

Early in his ministry when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying sick with a fever; Jesus touched her hand, and the fever left her.  The hands of Jesus were hands filled with love, hands that welcomed and touched everyone.  The hands of Christ touched lepers with love, risking infection from that hideous disease.  They were hands that could be trusted, trusted by the sick, trusted by the lame.  The hands of Jesus could cause the crippled to walk.  The hands of Jesus could cause the deaf to hear, and the hands of Jesus could restore sight to the blind.  They were hands that could even be trusted to bring life back to a child who had died.

These hands of love were hands that could also forgive.  In our Gospel lesson a woman was caught “red-handed” in the very act of adultery.  When she stood accused and brought to Jesus, the beautiful hands of Christ bent to write in the dust.  What do you suppose he wrote?  Did he write the names of all those in the crowd and the sins they themselves had committed?  Did he write the Ten Commandments?  Truth be told, no one knows what it is that Jesus wrote in the dirt with his hands.  But all those eager to kill the woman by stoning her, suddenly and quietly walked away.  No one condemned her.  Christ Jesus, with the hands of love had compassion on the woman and said, “Neither do I condemn you; go and do not sin again.”  The woman’s hands loosened from the bonds of sin so that she might go and serve God with hands of love.

Forgiveness at the hands of Christ.

And what of our hands?  In your hands this morning you have a nail.  Earlier I asked you to consider the hand.  Now consider the nail.  The nail’s purpose is to hold things as well, hold them together.  As with the hand, its design suits its function very well.  When a nail is first employed its tip violently and efficiently pierces the surface of one material meant to be fastened to another.  Driven deeper and deeper, the nail finally penetrates the one, and then begins sinking deep into the other.  Given enough length, the nail will finally penetrate the second object where its shaft may be bent over so that the two in essence become one providing great strength and security.  Because of the nail, two objects are joined, affixed.  Only until one is ripped from the other, or the nail straightened and driven back can the two be separated.  Properly applied, nails employed by human hands do good work.

The work we do with our hands in the name of Christ is the work of love.  Following the example of Christ Jesus, we strive to love our neighbor, serve those who are in need, feed those who are hungry, love those who long to be loved.  Yet all too often, we humans fall short and our hands become instruments of something quite different.  Because of sin, our hands become instruments for consumption rather than service, greed rather than generosity, and hate rather than love.  Because of sin, our age old rebellion, our human hands become something quite different; they become as like nails.

Take a moment and consider the nail, held in your hand.

Finally, consider the cross, where nails and hands meet.  Neither functions toward its desired purpose.  The nail rips through the flesh of the hand, penetrating through to the rough wooden beam.  The hand is wounded, broken, bleeding.  It is unable to grasp, unable to hold.  The nail is misused in a most despicable way, tearing down rather than building up.  It restrains the hand, destroys its ability to do work, to apply a gentle loving touch.  The nail denies the hand its desire to touch; keeps it from applying a gentle caress.  Yet, even as the nail is misused, given the right set of circumstances, the hand still speaks.  Though wounded and bleeding, pierced and dying, the hands of Christ reach out and say “I love you.”

To ensure the same forgiveness granted the woman caught in adultery would be available to us also, the hands of Christ, his strong, skilled, healing, loving, forgiving hands were nailed to a cross.  In order that we may be forgiven and gain the assurance of everlasting life in God’s kingdom, the hands of Christ bore the weight of the world’s sin.  Christ died that we might live.  Christ died in order to save us.  Christ died at the hands of humans; yet he was raised by the hand of God.  Consider the hands of Christ; the hands that forgive, the hands that conquer death, the hands that give life.

As we stretch out our empty needy hands this morning, God fills them by his loving hand.  Why?

So that we might live.  So that we might live; so that we might love, so that we might be as the hands of Christ for others.

No doubt you’ve seen pictures from Japan following the earthquake and tsunami.  It will take more than the hands of humans to repair the damage.  It will take the hands of God.

Consider the hand.  Its purpose is to grasp and to hold things.  Its design suits its function very well.  When the hand is first employed it reaches out with an intended purpose.  As we extend our hands toward others, let us do so as Christ did for us; with complete and unselfish love.

In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Tending to the burning bushes

As you begin reading this post, consider a few questions.  When was the last time that you heard God speaking to you?  When was the last time you actually became still so you could listen?  And what was your response the last time you felt God tugging at your arm, inviting you to a place that you really didn’t care to go?

 As each day passes there is never a shortage of opportunities for ministry in and around our community.  Those burning bushes God uses to get our attention seem to be set ablaze at nearly every turn.  They could take the form of a woman sitting at a bus stop, a homeless person staking claim to a park bench, or as was the case yesterday, a parishioner making a frantic phone call to my office.  I am usually amazed at what God can do each time I am invited into difficult and stressful situation in the life of someone whom I am called to shepherd.  Yesterday was one such day when God called me to a place I’d rather not go.  Suddenly, I felt a bit like Moses when he saw the burning bush.  What makes me so special that they should listen to me?  What if I don’t have the ability to do what is required?  What good can come out of my simply being there?

Moses is certainly one of the central characters of the Old Testament narrative, yet before he became such a key figure, he could have been best described as someone who was short of confidence and filled with doubt.  He was born a slave but raised in the house of Pharaoh and later rejected by even his own people.  He had to flee Egypt because he killed a guard.  When God finally got Moses’ attention he was but a shepherd tending a flock that wasn’t even his own.  God’s call wasn’t extended in dramatic fashion.  There were no lightning bolts or loud claps of thunder.  Instead, God used the sight of a burning bush.

This is where Moses gives us one of those great theological movements.  Instead of sitting there with a puzzled look on his face, Moses turns aside.  Turning aside is one of those things we learn about in seminary.  Turning aside means dropping what you are doing, forgetting what you are thinking about so that you can look and listen for God.  Moses turned aside in order to pay attention and noticed that this bush was not consumed by the flames.  Moses turned aside and heard God.  Yet even turning aside isn’t always enough.

When God called Moses his response was to the effect of “Who am I but a poor shepherd, uneducated in your ways and incapable of eloquent speech?”  With each excuse Moses was able to conjure up, God promised to do more than simply meet his needs.  Fast forwarding several thousand years, we may be quick to offer the same excuses when God calls us to ministry.  “Who am I that I should be of help?”  “I’m not qualified, send someone else.”  “In this instance I don’t believe I have what it takes.” I’m not up to the challenge…am I?”  Often at times we sound just like Moses, yet God still takes the time to bless us with the gift of the Holy Spirit and walk with us into the dark valley.  Our calling as followers of Christ Jesus is simply to go and let God be God.

The burning bushes are out there in our midst.  God continually calls his people to action using the most ordinary of means, but spotting those burning bushes takes patience and it takes practice.  If we are not listening for God, if we are not paying attention we might not recognize a burning bush when we see one.  As we go about our busy day, Christian folk need to be actively looking and listening for God.  We need to be tuned in to the burning bushes in our midst, always remembering that as we are called to ministry, God is with us and provides what is needed to do his will.

So again I ask the questions that I have considered these last few weeks.  When was the last time that you heard God speaking to you?  When was the last time you actually became still so you could listen?  And what was your response the last time you felt God tugging at your arm, inviting you to a place that you really hadn’t planned on going?

The King’s Speech

Like many folks, I enjoy seeing a good movie every now and then.  Sadly, like many other folks, I don’t always take advantage of the opportunity to spend an enjoyable night out when it comes along.  But recently I recognized there was a break in my normal routine and so my wife and I decided to take in a movie.  First we had dinner than we went to the theater and saw The King’s Speech.  I must say that I had no idea what the movie would be like, but it garnered twelve academy award nominations so it must have had something going for it.

The King’s Speech is a film about King George VI and his sudden rise to the throne of England.  It was the advent of WWII and England needed to hear a clear and confident message of hope from her king.  Yet, even as he had the gifts and pedigree for the job, George VI lacked confidence due to his obvious speech impediment.  Realistically, I didn’t think I would enjoy a movie about a king who stammers, but to be honest, I enjoyed the movie very much.  I won’t ruin the story, but I will say that it gives one plenty to consider, especially when we are faced with the opportunity to speak confidently with someone who may be confused about matters of faith.

Not all Christians are ready and willing to step up and speak out about their faith.  Many lack confidence in either their knowledge of the Bible, strength of their voice or ability to articulate clearly what they believe and why.  Christians ought to be glad for the opportunity to speak of God’s grace, but we humans don’t always believe we can do it.  If this describes you, well, you’re not alone.  Moses, as great a prophet and leader that he was, also lacked confidence in his ability to speak for God.  In the fourth chapter of Exodus, Moses goes so far as to beg God to send someone else.  He admitted to being slow of speech and lacking in eloquence.  Yet God reminded him that it is God himself that gives speech to mortals.  God promised to fill Moses with the words and message of deliverance.  We all know how that story turned out.

Fast forward a few thousand years and not much has changed.  Humans still suffer under the weight of a fallen and broken world.  Many are lost and forgotten and countless more live well beyond the margins of society.  In the instances where people suffer and feel lost and forgotten, people need to hear a confident message of hope from their king.  God has something to say to those desiring to be delivered from sin and despair.  Whom shall he send?  Well, for starters, how about you?

To those whom God has called through baptism he gives the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The same Holy Spirit of God who gave speech to Moses, the disciples and the apostle Paul, also gives speech to Christians of all generations.  As it is with all our gifts and talents, we must learn to use them and be sure in our abilities.  Just as George VI had to work hard in overcoming a speech impediment, Christians must practice the art of speaking the faith.  Sunday worship, Bible study and fellowship gatherings are all opportunities for us to practice using our King’s speech.

Can you remember the last time someone asked you to speak about matters of faith?  If not it is only a matter of time.  God has something to say to a world that is hurting and wanting.  He has given this word to the church so that we may confidently and boldly share it with others.  Do you know what to say?  Do you know how to say it?  Are you confident in your ability?  Chances are you have some doubts.  Perhaps, but it is God’s word Christians are called to share, and God will not fail you.  If you need to gain confidence, gather with God’s people, listen and learn while deepening your faith.  Become comfortable speaking about your faith with the folks in your congregation, then go out into the world as ambassadors for Christ.  Soon you will realize that it is God who speaks through you, and you can take delight in using the King’s speech.

What a friend we have in Jesus

I’m sure that we are all very familiar with the song “What a Friend we have in Jesus.”  It is a beautiful song that everyone, from the youngest child to the most senior adult loves to sing.  In my own humble opinion, we don’t sing this song nearly enough.  There is also an old saying that goes something like, “A friend of so-and-so’s is also a friend of mine.”  Taking these two things into consideration, I’d like to tell you about a friend of Jesus.

I only know this person as Robert.  Robert is a simple man, perhaps in his mid fifties.  He doesn’t seem to have a lot going for him and I would suppose he never did.  I don’t know Robert’s background, but if I had to guess I would say that he is a highly functioning autistic man.  I don’t know where he lives, who his family members are or even if he has any family.  The only thing I know about him is that he is a friend of Jesus, and so he is a friend of mine.

Robert stops by our church about three times each week, and especially on Sunday morning.  When he comes he only asks for one thing; Robert wants to pray the Our Father.  He isn’t particular whom he prays with, he doesn’t insist on seeing the pastor and is comfortable praying with any of God’s people.  He takes delight in praying with everyone and anyone, this is how I know he is a friend of Jesus.  Robert takes seriously Jesus’ promise that where two or more are gathered in his name, Jesus also is in their midst.

Robert stopped by last Sunday to say hello and to pray.  I hadn’t seen him in a while so it was good to lay eyes on him and to know he is alright.  The streets of our little part of God’s kingdom have been unseasonably cold, and I worry about folks like Robert.  He was bundled up wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a scarf around his neck.  Over his shoulder was his familiar old back pack.  When Robert showed up, I was on my way from our parish house to the church nave.  Our guest for the day, the assistant to our synodical bishop was with me.  In his quiet and unassuming way, Robert extended his hand and asked if we would pray with him. And so we prayed, Robert, the bishop’s representative and me, right there on the sidewalk.  At the Amen, Robert wished us a blessed day and with that was off to another adventure.

There is never a dull moment here in our little corner of God’s kingdom, and each day brings a new surprise.  Sometimes Jesus himself pops in for an unexpected visit, and sometimes our Lord’s friends stop by.  But what I love most about being called to this community is being able to look out my window onto the kingdom streets and seeing so many of God’s children at work or at play.  The best part is that at any given moment, one of Jesus’ friends will stop in and say hello.

A word about friendship

Recently, I heard from someone whom I have not thought about for quite a while.  It has been years in fact, since the last time my friend and I have enjoyed conversation.  I’ve missed him and I’m glad to hear that he has missed me as well.  After all, we were friends.  Following our conversation, I was reminded of an exercise I have done with church men’s groups.  Gathered in small groups we would talk about our best friends.  As usual, most of the men chose a friend from high school, college or the military as their best friend. Then I asked them when was the last time they either spoke with or saw their “best friend?” Most hadn’t seen or heard from them in years.  The question then becomes, are these really our best friends?

Certainly there are those people in our collective past with whom we wish we had maintained contact over the years. I can think of several people who I have great memories of but have not stayed in touch with.  In this exercise it soon becomes evident that our concept of friendship is a little bit askew.  Friendship is not a noun that simply describes a relationship between people; rather, it is a verb that takes time and effort to be accomplished and accomplished well.  Quality friendships endure because the participants have a genuine interest in the life of the other, and care enough to remain a vital part of each other’s lives.

In Acts 20:36-38 we read, “When [Paul] had finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed. There was much weeping among them all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving especially because of what he had said, that they would not see him again…”

The apostle Paul most certainly formed friendships with those churches he visited throughout his journeys, and through his letters he remained a vital part of their lives.  Paul also strengthened his friendships through a daily diet of prayer for his friends in far off lands. Rooting his friendships in Christ, Paul provides an example of what friendship means.

The relationships we form with our Christian friends most often prove to be our best and longest lasting friendships.  We may lose touch from time to time, but through lasting memories, and quiet moments spent in prayer, we can remain a vital part of our friend’s lives, even as years and miles have separated us.   Lifting up cherished memories and giving God thanks for the good times are ways of recognizing past friendships.  It allows us to feel the joy of being a friend to someone whom we love, and reminds us that in Christ we are all one.

This week I pray for my friends, past and present.  I thank you for the memories of good times we once shared, for the times you supported me when I needed it, and for the privilege of being your friend in those instances when you needed me.  May God bless our friendships now and always.

God loves you just the way you are

Everyone wants to be loved.  Everyone needs to be loved.  Sadly, not everyone feels they are loved.  We hear so many stories these days about kids who have run away from home because they feel unloved or unwanted.  We hear even more stories about people who, for one reason or another have fallen out of grace and become shunned for something they’ve done.  The sad truth is, the world is filled with people who perceive themselves to be misfits, outcasts and undesirable.  “If only I were good enough, someone would love me.”

Have you ever tried to convince someone who fits the above description that they truly are loved?  Have you ever been faced with the difficulty of giving someone the assurance of God’s love?  It isn’t as simple as it sounds.  People who are convinced they are undesirable have walls surrounding them that are nearly impenetrable.  Breaking down the barrier of doubt and low self- esteem is a dauntless task.  Change is needed; transformation must take place for both, the unloved and the community that shuns them.

Several times in my reading this morning I have come across a commonly used sentence that always seems to give me trouble.  “God loves you just the way you are.”  This sentence gives the connotation that, even though I am not good enough for people, I am good enough for God.   Now on the surface of this statement has an element of truth, God does love us unconditionally.  But simply telling someone that God loves them just as they are does not tell the whole story.

Ever since Adam and Eve bit the forbidden fruit, a barrier has existed between God and humanity.  Sin is the great separation, the deeply driven wedge breaking the relationship between God and people.  There can be no mistake, God hates sin and we are sinners.  God does not love us just the way we are.  God does not love us as sinners continually turning away from the relationship he established with creation in the beginning.  This is a difficult message to hear and even more difficult to accept.

Certainly, God loves us.  After all, we are people created by his hand in his image and likeness.  But God does not love us just as we are.  God does not love our sinful human condition. In order for God to love us just the way we are, change is needed.  Transformation must take place.  The deeply driven wedge between God and people must be removed and the wounds of sin healed forever.  This is why God sent his Son into the world.

One of the aspects of the Lutheran Church I cling to is our emphasis and focus on the cross of Christ.  Even as Jesus was fully human, subject to the same temptation, hunger, and pain we feel, he did not surrender unto sin.  Jesus accomplished what humans cannot; he remained obedient to God even unto death.  God loved Jesus just as he was; sinless, blameless, perfect.

As we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, change occurs, transformation takes place.  God receives us into the one true body of Christ Jesus and forgives us all our sin.  God sanctifies us with his Holy Spirit, claims us as his own and gives us the assurance of his love forever.  It is in this truth that humans can rightfully say, “God loves us just the way we are.”  No longer lost, no longer broken, as sinners redeemed by the blood of Christ Jesus, washed in the waters of Holy Baptism, God loves us just the way we are.

There is a favorite camp song we sing with the youth that sums it up quite nicely.

JESUS TAKE ME AS I AM

Words & Music: Dave Bryant

Jesus take me as I am,

I can come no other way.

Take me deeper into you,

Make my flesh life melt away.

Make me like a precious stone,

Crystal clear and finely honed.

Light of Jesus shining through,

Giving glory back to you.

The Invisible Man

When I was a kid I used to think it would be great if I were able to become invisible.  If I had such power I could sneak around unnoticed, get into things my parents told me to leave alone and simply enjoy the freedom of doing what I want when I want.  As a child, invisibility intrigued me and the possibilities seemed endless.  These days I’m not so sure.

Certainly no one has the power to become invisible.  There are no cloaking devices such as the ones we see in science fiction movies and no super heroes with exceptional powers.  We are stuck in this world of visibility, out there for all to see whether we like it or not.  So we make the best of it.  Some wear nice clothes, others follow current trends or perhaps even take on a look all their own.  Through all of this the fact remains, at some time during life everyone wants to be noticed.  

Yesterday as the sun finally broke through the clouds, I went for a walk along downtown streets.  It had been cloudy and gray for some time now, so the invitation of warm sunshine was welcome news.  The sidewalks were crowded with people taking their lunch outside, getting in some exercise or simply enjoying some fresh air in the park.  It was great.  People were talking to one another, trading hellos and greeting others with smiles as they passed by.  That is until they came upon the invisible man.

Joey is a homeless man who frequents the park across the street from the church I pastor.  He has few possessions, wears pretty much the same set of clothes most days and perches on the same park bench day in and day out.  People walk past Joey never even turning their heads.  Not that he really is invisible, folks just don’t want to pay too much attention, mostly out of fear I guess, fear that he may say something, asking for some spare change or some other “handout.”  Every city has its Joey, actually, more of them than we can count.

Joey and I have been, well, acquaintances for a couple of years now.  He really is a deep thinker and I enjoy conversation with him.  As I approached I took my usual place next to him on the bench and made small talk.  What’s up?  Where you been?  Nice weather we’re having.  I used all the clichés.  But as Joey responded, there was a difference in his tone.  Somehow Joey seemed annoyed that so many people pass him by each day, paying him little attention.  Precious few even bother to look his way.  “I’m the invisible man,” he said to me, “I sit here every day and no one sees me at all.”  Sadly, I couldn’t argue; that is until God tapped me on the shoulder.

“Hey Joe, you still got that Bible I gave you last year at Christmas?”

“Yep, read it every day.”

“Well, what’s Jesus have to say about you being invisible?”

Joey thought about it for a moment, then he brought up several stories where Jesus had compassion on the outcast from society; ten lepers, a woman bleeding for twelve years, and even a demoniac who lived in a graveyard.  Jesus cured all of these people and restored their relationship with their respective communities.  Then Joey asked, “Why doesn’t Jesus do the same for me?”  “He already has.” I said, “You just don’t see it.”

Nine months ago, Joey came to the church and was baptized.   We welcomed him into our family just as God welcomed him into the body of Christ.  Since that time, he has become a fixture within our congregation.  He won’t accept much in the way of assistance and though people have offered, Joey prefers to continue living as he does.  But as I often remind him, God has restored his relationship in the community of the faithful.  Yes, the worldly often pass him by without giving much notice, but God looks upon Joey, just as God looks upon all of his children with the compassion and love of Christ Jesus.  We are all visible in the eyes of God.  Even more, we are precious, cherished and loved.

There is a song that is played on contemporary Christian radio that says “[i]Open the eyes of my heart Lord.”  Perhaps this is a prayer that Christians everywhere should pray before we take to the city streets and wander among the invisible.  With the eyes of our hearts open to the needs of others, we become as Christ to them, having compassion and welcoming all into the community of faith.  As we do this, the God whom we cannot see becomes visible in the hearts and minds of others, and the good news of God’s salvation through Christ becomes a present day reality for all whom God places within our midst.

No one wants to be truly invisible, it goes against human nature.  We need love and human contact in order to live and to thrive.  Open the eyes of my heart Lord.  Help me to see the invisible so I can help them to see you and make your grace known to them.

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[i] Open the eyes of My Heart Lord – Original lyrics by Mercy Me

Living in a Perfect World

Sharing conversation over a cup of coffee, someone recently asked me if I could ever imagine living in a perfect world.  I’ve used the “in a perfect world” phrase plenty in my lifetime, but usually in an anecdotal sense.  Until my friend asked this question in a serious manner, I really had not given much thought to what a perfect world would look like.   Mostly, I guess, because I know that as long as we live in a fallen broken world, we cannot ever fully comprehend living in a “perfect world.”

Case in point:

This morning during my drive into work I was in very good spirits.  The sun was shining and my travel mug was filled with hot and fresh coffee.  Traffic flowed exceptionally smooth for a weekday commute and I made every green light leading to the interstate.  But then the radio station to which I was listening began to fade into static.  Naturally I began to complain, even though no one was there with me.  In a perfect world there would be no static because radio signals would travel infinitely, so there would be no need for complaining.

Finally the station’s clarity returned and I was able to listen to the rest of the news broadcast.  Budget shortfalls, robbery, murder, and unemployment were the headlines competing for top billing.  It seems the more our government tries to “fix” things, the more confusion, contempt and controversy sets in.  In a perfect world there would only be good news because there would be no violence, bigotry, greed or shame and everyone would strive for the same goals, that is, to keep things perfect.

After arriving at my office, I made a bee line for the Keurig coffee maker but noticed someone had consumed that last of my favorite K-Cup coffees.  Oh there were still plenty of the others, but I was looking forward to the final cup of Newman’s Own.  Again, in a perfect world there would be no need to complain because all of the coffee would taste as good as Newman’s Own Extra Bold.  If only we lived in a perfect world.

Come to think of it, when we consider what it may be like living in a perfect world, most of us likely consider our own view of perfection.  We tend to think our way would be best and if everyone and everything were to conform to our standard.  That would be perfect right?  Well, we all know that’s not truly the case; our standards and ideals, no matter how well intended they may be are always subject to our human condition.  They are always riddled with the flaws of inherent sin.  Thankfully, God has something to say about that.

The apostle Paul writes, “For our sake [God] made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:21).  Only one human being ever lived perfectly in this world; not that the world was perfect, he was.  Jesus, fully God yet fully human lived as we live, experienced the human struggle as we experience it, and did so without imperfection.  Jesus remained fully obedient to God even unto death.  Our Lord took the entire weight of sin upon himself and made the final atonement for humanity in the victory of the cross.  For this, God raised him on the third day and exalted him to God’s right hand in glory.  It is through Christ Jesus that we too may one day realize the fullness of God’s kingdom and glory, and dwell in God’s perfect world.  Yet until such time, Christians are called to be in this world, even as through Christ we are not of this world.

No, the world is not perfect, and even in our pettiness and complaining we do our share to keep it that way.  But even as we strive to live according to the laws and promises of God, Christ is with us, enabling and empowering us as disciples living for the sake of others.  We may not be perfect, but God’s love and forgiveness is.  The perfect world of God’s kingdom awaits us, but for now, with God’s help we can strive to make this one a little bit better each and every day.

Now where is that coffee……?

“…And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Certainly, the twenty-third psalm is much beloved by people throughout the Christian church.  Most especially we read this psalm during funeral and memorial services because of the comfort and consolation God provides through these words.  In verse six, we have the assurance that God’s salvation is a certainty for his people, and that death will not be the final word, for we will live forever in God’s eternal kingdom.  But what about this “house of the Lord?”

Again in Psalm 27:4, David says he seeks to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life.  Yet we know that God is not bound by physical walls.  Scripture tells us that God does not live in temples, tents or any other structure built by humans.  God is omnipresent, God is boundless and infinite.  So what are we to make of this house of the Lord in which we seek to dwell?  Do we hope to gain a place in some physical realm beyond our comprehension, or perhaps inside heavenly gates?  Are we hoping that after death we spend eternity in a newly created city of God, or within the bounds of a beautiful garden such as the Garden of Eden?  Perhaps, but as we read these words from Scripture looking only to our life after death, we are limiting the house of the Lord and God’s eternal promise.

Eternal means forever, now and always.  If we seek to dwell in the house of the Lord forever, we must also include our earthly lives in the equation.  Though it is not yet fully revealed, Christians profess the in-breaking of God’s kingdom on earth with the coming of God’s Word incarnate.  Surely as Christ dwelled among God’s people, God’s kingdom burst forth in the earthly realm.  To dwell in the house of the Lord forever; therefore, also must mean living as God’s people in his eternal presence, including the here and now.  At the close of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says “Remember, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20).

As we are baptized into Christ crucified and risen, we realize that his promise of presence is an eternal one, meaning now and always.  Christ has given us the gift of his Holy Spirit to dwell in the hearts and minds of God’s people.  Through his holy and life giving Spirit, Jesus comes to us in our times of need through the faith and witness of others who give of themselves, being as Christ for us.  Living in the presence of God means offering our lives for the sake of others as well, inviting and welcoming all into our midst so that they may also see the goodness of God.  We stand in the presence of God as we gather for worship and thanksgiving, as we pray for and with one another, and even as we forgive others as we are forgiven.  Dwelling in the house of the Lord all the days of our lives means living in the presence of God each and every moment, among God’s people no matter where we might be, for where God’s people are gathered, so also is Christ there with us.

As I look out the window of my office this morning, I see the house of the Lord.  I can see the people of God’s kingdom as they go about their daily tasks, some realizing their vocational ministry while others not yet understanding or knowing that Christ is indeed with them.  Our mission and ministry as Christians is to be among the people of the world, to be as Christ for them, attending to their needs and proclaiming the good news of God’s forever promise through his Son Jesus Christ.  The more we do this, the more we can begin to realize that we not only dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of our lives, but that through our baptism, we are called in a very real way to be a part of this holy house of God.  Let us seek this house now and always.

The Church and the BCS

For so many people, the month of January sometimes brings what is often called the “post-holiday let down.”  Others may call it the “January swoon.”  In either case, the sentiment is the same.  The hustle and bustle of secular Christmas with its light displays and malls filled with frenzied shoppers is over.  The sometimes wild and festive celebrations ringing in the New Year are quickly becoming but a fading memory.  In fact, some will say that if you are not a college football fan, there isn’t much left to look forward to in January.  At least college football fans can look to the January swoon and shout out, “Thanks God for the BCS!” (Bowl Championship Series).  If it weren’t for the BCS, what else would there be to look forward to?  Thankfully, The Church has something to say about that.

During the time following Christmas, Holy Scripture tells the story of God’s light display come to earth.  The season of Christmas concludes with the reading of St. John’s account of God’s Word becoming flesh and dwelling among his people.  John writes, “What has become into being through him was the light and life of all people.  The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1: 4-5).”  The Epiphany season begins with the journey of the Magi as they followed a bright new star Bethlehem where they beheld the newborn King.  For this reason, Epiphany is called the Season of Light.

The lessons of Epiphany (revealing) are in their own way, Holy Scripture’s BCS (Because Christ Saves), for they tell the world exactly who Jesus is and why he came to earth.  During January and throughout the season of Epiphany, we won’t notice radio stations playing extended versions of our favorite carols.  There won’t be television specials scheduled in prime time, and we certainly don’t have to worry about purchasing the perfect gift for someone special.  We will, however, be witness to many of the greatest stories in the Bible.  Christmas may have passed and the novelty of a New Year may soon wear off, but certainly the joy of Christ lives on.

Even as we marvel at the excitement of the shepherds at Christmas, how can we help but feel the excitement and anticipation of Andrew when he tells his brother Peter, “We have found the Messiah!”  There might be a new star for us to follow, but certainly we must feel the wonder of those simple fishermen as they dropped everything, accepting Jesus’ invitation to follow him.  And finally, even as Luke told us of the starry skies and angels singing “Peace, goodwill to those whom God favors” we listen in Matthew’s gospel as Jesus proclaims God’s blessings and beatitudes during his Sermon on the Mount.

December, with its Christmas and New Year celebrations may be over, but the Church has no time for a January swoon.  Through the stories provided by the authors of the gospels, the life, ministry and purpose of Jesus Christ is made known to us.  The joy and amazement continues as God’s light and life dwells among his people.  As we begin this new year together, I encourage everyone to avoid the post-holiday let down and feel the excitement, peace and promise of Jesus.  In January and throughout the seasons of the Church, all are welcome to worship God and sing praise to him for the gift of his Son.  Salvation has come to earth!  God has kept and continues to keep his promises made so long ago.  How can we know this?  The answer is clear; BCS!  Because Christ Saves!