Matthew 6:25-34
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Being competitive is a part of my nature. Most of the time, I try to use this tendency as a motivation to do more of what is good and right. But occasionally I find myself in the mode of "keeping up with the Joneses." Every now and then I find myself looking at my neighbor and comparing myself to her or him. And you know how that moment of comparison and judgment makes me feel? Anxious.
Our text today is one of the most famous in scripture because it expresses the primacy of the kingdom over every material concern, even for necessary things. Jesus' expression is even more vivid in the King James Version. Where the NRSV says "Don't worry," the KJV says "Take no thought." It's almost startling to read Jesus telling his disciples not to think at all about the very things that most consume our attention. After all, food, clothing and shelter are basic needs. All around us people are stressed about how they will provide for themselves. But Jesus doesn't want us to look around us at our friends and families; he wants us to look at the flowers. When we consider the flowers and the birds, we realize that taking care of ourselves is not our top priority. Our top priority is God's kingdom and God's righteousness.
In this season of economic downturn, when anxiety fills so many hearts and when the desire to show off materially could have disastrous effects on our present and future, it is good to be reminded to look at lilies and sparrows. We cannot afford to let the anxieties of this world distract us either from the security we have in a loving God who provides or from the responsibility God has given us to seek God's reign and justice.
Sing, "His Eye is on the Sparrow"
Loving God, we bring all of are cares and concerns to you. We thank you for the reminder that you care for us and that you have always taken care of us. May we grow in our trust in you and in our commitment to your righteous rule here on earth as it is in heaven. Keep us centered in our purpose as your children; rid us of our anxiety and make us secure in your love. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Valued and Prized
Matthew 6:19-27
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Most of us have lots of possessions but few treasures. Our possessions we use, enjoy, take care of, but eventually discard. Our treasures are another matter entirely. Those things we polish, appraise, ponder, and set in a place of honor. When we lose our possessions, we are irritated and disgusted. If they are stolen, we feel violated and angry. But when we lose our treasures, we are crushed.
Jesus continues to dig deeply into the human condition with a warning to his followers concerning what is valued and prized. "Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth." Jesus understands that some possessions are necessary for the navigation of life in this world. But he doesn't want his disciples to confuse the incidentals of life with the main point. Treasures, those highly valued and prized parts of your life, should never be material. The material is vulnerable to moth and rust; it can be lost and stolen. It is this vulnerability that makes people inclined to hoard those material things. But Jesus wants his people to know that the temporary nature of material things is the very reason that we should hold no great stock in them, but rather treasure what is preserved and protected in heaven for us. For, where our treasure is, our hearts are there also.
Jesus does not offer the easy way for those of us who want to walk with him. He challenges us to think about what is most special, valued and prized in our lives. If the most precious things to us are earthly, then we are on the wrong path. If we seek what is earthly, then we have our reward already. But if we seek what is heavenly, then we continue to strive.
Sing, "Jesus is All the World to Me"
Let us pray:
Loving God, we praise you for guiding us into this way that leads to abundant and everlasting life. We thank you for directing us away from the materialism and worldly-mindedness that plagues our culture. Continue to remind us to value most the spiritual life and to store up treasures in your kingdom, we pray through Jesus Christ. Amen
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Most of us have lots of possessions but few treasures. Our possessions we use, enjoy, take care of, but eventually discard. Our treasures are another matter entirely. Those things we polish, appraise, ponder, and set in a place of honor. When we lose our possessions, we are irritated and disgusted. If they are stolen, we feel violated and angry. But when we lose our treasures, we are crushed.
Jesus continues to dig deeply into the human condition with a warning to his followers concerning what is valued and prized. "Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth." Jesus understands that some possessions are necessary for the navigation of life in this world. But he doesn't want his disciples to confuse the incidentals of life with the main point. Treasures, those highly valued and prized parts of your life, should never be material. The material is vulnerable to moth and rust; it can be lost and stolen. It is this vulnerability that makes people inclined to hoard those material things. But Jesus wants his people to know that the temporary nature of material things is the very reason that we should hold no great stock in them, but rather treasure what is preserved and protected in heaven for us. For, where our treasure is, our hearts are there also.
Jesus does not offer the easy way for those of us who want to walk with him. He challenges us to think about what is most special, valued and prized in our lives. If the most precious things to us are earthly, then we are on the wrong path. If we seek what is earthly, then we have our reward already. But if we seek what is heavenly, then we continue to strive.
Sing, "Jesus is All the World to Me"
Let us pray:
Loving God, we praise you for guiding us into this way that leads to abundant and everlasting life. We thank you for directing us away from the materialism and worldly-mindedness that plagues our culture. Continue to remind us to value most the spiritual life and to store up treasures in your kingdom, we pray through Jesus Christ. Amen
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Learning to Pray
Matthew 6:7-15
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Few things are as irritating as having a person criticize your actions or ideas without offering an alternative. "How could I improve my performance?", you ask. "I don't know; I just don't like the way you do it now." And the only thing worse than having a peer do this to you, is to have a teacher be so unhelpful.
Jesus not only gives his disciples instructions on "how not to pray;" he teaches them how to pray. There is much in the lesson of the "Lord's prayer" for us to consider, but two aspects of the prayer stand out in my reading of it today. The first is that Jesus wants his disciples to pray always for and with one another. Even if I am at home alone, when I say "Our Father," I join myself with all of God's other children around the world and even throughout all the ages. I care as much about my sister's daily bread as I care about my own. I am as interested in my brother's being forgiven as I am in being forgiven myself. In addition to the communal concern that is expressed in the prayer, Jesus also demonstrates God's holistic interest in human beings. Our worship of God's holy name is connected to our prayer for God's will and God's kingdom which is also connected to our need for daily food. Nothing in our lives is outside of God's loving concern for us all.
As we pray, we learn that we are our brother and sister's keeper. We hold each other in prayer as we pray in the pattern that Jesus teaches in contrast to the misguided petitions we would offer without his guidance. We also discover that when our hearts are turned heavenward we see God's absolute provision for all of our needs - spiritual, emotional, and physical.
Sing, "The Lord's Prayer"
Pray the Lord's prayer.
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Few things are as irritating as having a person criticize your actions or ideas without offering an alternative. "How could I improve my performance?", you ask. "I don't know; I just don't like the way you do it now." And the only thing worse than having a peer do this to you, is to have a teacher be so unhelpful.
Jesus not only gives his disciples instructions on "how not to pray;" he teaches them how to pray. There is much in the lesson of the "Lord's prayer" for us to consider, but two aspects of the prayer stand out in my reading of it today. The first is that Jesus wants his disciples to pray always for and with one another. Even if I am at home alone, when I say "Our Father," I join myself with all of God's other children around the world and even throughout all the ages. I care as much about my sister's daily bread as I care about my own. I am as interested in my brother's being forgiven as I am in being forgiven myself. In addition to the communal concern that is expressed in the prayer, Jesus also demonstrates God's holistic interest in human beings. Our worship of God's holy name is connected to our prayer for God's will and God's kingdom which is also connected to our need for daily food. Nothing in our lives is outside of God's loving concern for us all.
As we pray, we learn that we are our brother and sister's keeper. We hold each other in prayer as we pray in the pattern that Jesus teaches in contrast to the misguided petitions we would offer without his guidance. We also discover that when our hearts are turned heavenward we see God's absolute provision for all of our needs - spiritual, emotional, and physical.
Sing, "The Lord's Prayer"
Pray the Lord's prayer.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Treasures in the Closet
Matthew 6:1-18
Monday, 21 April 2008
Occasionally, in a fit of cleaning frenzy or to bemoan a change in dress size, I clean out my closet. Although I don't do it often, whenever I do clean the closet, I find items that I had lost or had wondered about - articles of clothing that had fallen off their hangers, jewelry or money in pockets, etc. Odd, isn't it, that when we think of "closets," we imagine skeletons instead of pondering the treasures that are hidden in them?
Jesus is in the midst of his most famous teaching, known as the Sermon on the Mount. Throughout this discourse, the Master instructs his disciples and the listening crowd about the distinction between the follower of Jesus and the ordinary person. Literally and figuratively, Jesus' followers are always called to go the extra mile. But what we are not called to do is to create public displays of piety for the entertainment of the world around us or for the advancement of some personal agenda, such as the praise of people. Prayer, fasting, and the giving of alms all are integral to the spiritual walk, but the audience for those pious acts is God and not people. Go into your room (the King James Version says "closet") and shut the door, and trust that the God who sees in secret will give an open reward.
There is a sweetness about the presence of God that can only be known in solitude. While there is much about the Christian way that is communal, some of our time and energy have to be given to God alone. We know that sharing secrets with a friend builds intimacy and bonds. Likewise, sharing secret time with God in the secret place binds us to God and to God's purpose for our lives. Take the time to discover the treasures in the prayer closet, knowing that the secret of our intimacy will eventuate in open and public rewards.
Sing, "More Love to Thee"
Take the time to pray your own private prayer.
Monday, 21 April 2008
Occasionally, in a fit of cleaning frenzy or to bemoan a change in dress size, I clean out my closet. Although I don't do it often, whenever I do clean the closet, I find items that I had lost or had wondered about - articles of clothing that had fallen off their hangers, jewelry or money in pockets, etc. Odd, isn't it, that when we think of "closets," we imagine skeletons instead of pondering the treasures that are hidden in them?
Jesus is in the midst of his most famous teaching, known as the Sermon on the Mount. Throughout this discourse, the Master instructs his disciples and the listening crowd about the distinction between the follower of Jesus and the ordinary person. Literally and figuratively, Jesus' followers are always called to go the extra mile. But what we are not called to do is to create public displays of piety for the entertainment of the world around us or for the advancement of some personal agenda, such as the praise of people. Prayer, fasting, and the giving of alms all are integral to the spiritual walk, but the audience for those pious acts is God and not people. Go into your room (the King James Version says "closet") and shut the door, and trust that the God who sees in secret will give an open reward.
There is a sweetness about the presence of God that can only be known in solitude. While there is much about the Christian way that is communal, some of our time and energy have to be given to God alone. We know that sharing secrets with a friend builds intimacy and bonds. Likewise, sharing secret time with God in the secret place binds us to God and to God's purpose for our lives. Take the time to discover the treasures in the prayer closet, knowing that the secret of our intimacy will eventuate in open and public rewards.
Sing, "More Love to Thee"
Take the time to pray your own private prayer.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Troubling, Troublesome, Trouble Free
John 14:1-14
Easter 5
20 April 2008
To me one of the greatest gifts that the African American spiritual tradition has given to the world is the ability to embrace the difficulty and tension of human life and at the same time to celebrate the presence and joy of knowing God's presence. Few songs were as effective in capturing this pain and joy than the old chorus "Trouble in my way/I have to cry sometime." Even after you "lay awake at night" you know that "That's all right" because "Jesus, He will fix it after while."
Surely Jesus is aware that trouble waits at the door for himself and for his disciples as he dines with them in the upper room on the night of his betrayal and on the eve of his crucifixion. Indeed, near the end of this extended discourse, recorded in John 16:33, Jesus declares that in the world [the disciples] will have tribulation. Yet in midst of this troubling time, when the one who has been the source of their stability is about to be crucified and the very foundations of their understandings about the Christ and about God are about to be shaken, Jesus instructs his disciples "Let not your hearts be troubled." How does he think that peace in the midst of trouble is possible? Believe in God; believe also in me. Understand that even the troubling times you are now experiencing are the preparation for the way that God is making for your future lives. "I go to prepare a place for you."
News around the world, in our neighborhoods, and even in our homes and churches is troubling. Our own infirmities, vices, and bad habits are troublesome. But our faith in God is strong. When we focus on our trustworthy and faithful God, believing God and the One whom God has sent, then our hearts are blessedly trouble free. The peace that surpasses understanding keeps our hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.
Sing "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"
Let us pray:
O for grace, God, to trust you more. Much in our experience has taught us of your faithfulness and encourages us in our hope in you. Still, the troubles of this world and the traumas of our lives sometimes cause us to forget what our spirits have learned. Today, we recommit ourselves to believing you, in the name of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice has made a home for us. Amen
Easter 5
20 April 2008
To me one of the greatest gifts that the African American spiritual tradition has given to the world is the ability to embrace the difficulty and tension of human life and at the same time to celebrate the presence and joy of knowing God's presence. Few songs were as effective in capturing this pain and joy than the old chorus "Trouble in my way/I have to cry sometime." Even after you "lay awake at night" you know that "That's all right" because "Jesus, He will fix it after while."
Surely Jesus is aware that trouble waits at the door for himself and for his disciples as he dines with them in the upper room on the night of his betrayal and on the eve of his crucifixion. Indeed, near the end of this extended discourse, recorded in John 16:33, Jesus declares that in the world [the disciples] will have tribulation. Yet in midst of this troubling time, when the one who has been the source of their stability is about to be crucified and the very foundations of their understandings about the Christ and about God are about to be shaken, Jesus instructs his disciples "Let not your hearts be troubled." How does he think that peace in the midst of trouble is possible? Believe in God; believe also in me. Understand that even the troubling times you are now experiencing are the preparation for the way that God is making for your future lives. "I go to prepare a place for you."
News around the world, in our neighborhoods, and even in our homes and churches is troubling. Our own infirmities, vices, and bad habits are troublesome. But our faith in God is strong. When we focus on our trustworthy and faithful God, believing God and the One whom God has sent, then our hearts are blessedly trouble free. The peace that surpasses understanding keeps our hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.
Sing "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"
Let us pray:
O for grace, God, to trust you more. Much in our experience has taught us of your faithfulness and encourages us in our hope in you. Still, the troubles of this world and the traumas of our lives sometimes cause us to forget what our spirits have learned. Today, we recommit ourselves to believing you, in the name of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice has made a home for us. Amen
Thursday, April 17, 2008
How Will They Know 17 April 2008
Exodus 33:1-23
Thursday, 17 April 2008
I grew up in a church tradition that focused on holiness, on being set apart. The "saints" didn't behave the way the "world" behaved. In speech, in attire, in commitment, in recreation, in everything visible they tried to be an example of the sanctified life. They wanted people to know by looking at them that they were saved.
The disaster of idolatry and its devastating aftermath are fresh in the minds of Moses and the people. But God is ready for them to move on into the Promised Land. In conversation, though, Moses notices that God has not promised that the divine presence will accompany them. Instead, God promises to send an angel, a messenger to fulfill God's will. The problem is that an angel is not God, and Moses knows it. In one of the most poignant prayers of the scriptures, Moses declares that if God's presence does not go with them, then Moses will not go. "How else," Moses asks, "will they know that we are your people, if you are not with us?" It is by God's presence that the people are distinct from other peoples. God relents. In seal of this promise, Moses asks to be shown the divine glory - the weighty presence of God. Although Moses is not permitted to behold that glory, he is given protection in a rock as the Lord passes by.
Our desire as Christians to be distinctive from the world is an appropriate one. But our distinctiveness is not primarily measured in how we dress or what we eat or what we say or how we have fun. It is really the presence of God in our lives and the hand of God upon our lives that distinguishes us from the rest of the world. The world will know that we are Christians by our love, by our light, and by our truth, as the character of God is demonstrated in our character as God's children.
Sing "He Hideth My Soul"
Let us pray:
Lord, we confess that we are not all that you would have us to be. Just as our ancestors in the faith have done before us, we have sometimes failed to honor you. But we pray that your presence will continue to go with us and lead us to your promised land. Set us apart as your people even as you develop in us character and beauty that is more than skin deep, we pray in Jesus' name. Amen
Thursday, 17 April 2008
I grew up in a church tradition that focused on holiness, on being set apart. The "saints" didn't behave the way the "world" behaved. In speech, in attire, in commitment, in recreation, in everything visible they tried to be an example of the sanctified life. They wanted people to know by looking at them that they were saved.
The disaster of idolatry and its devastating aftermath are fresh in the minds of Moses and the people. But God is ready for them to move on into the Promised Land. In conversation, though, Moses notices that God has not promised that the divine presence will accompany them. Instead, God promises to send an angel, a messenger to fulfill God's will. The problem is that an angel is not God, and Moses knows it. In one of the most poignant prayers of the scriptures, Moses declares that if God's presence does not go with them, then Moses will not go. "How else," Moses asks, "will they know that we are your people, if you are not with us?" It is by God's presence that the people are distinct from other peoples. God relents. In seal of this promise, Moses asks to be shown the divine glory - the weighty presence of God. Although Moses is not permitted to behold that glory, he is given protection in a rock as the Lord passes by.
Our desire as Christians to be distinctive from the world is an appropriate one. But our distinctiveness is not primarily measured in how we dress or what we eat or what we say or how we have fun. It is really the presence of God in our lives and the hand of God upon our lives that distinguishes us from the rest of the world. The world will know that we are Christians by our love, by our light, and by our truth, as the character of God is demonstrated in our character as God's children.
Sing "He Hideth My Soul"
Let us pray:
Lord, we confess that we are not all that you would have us to be. Just as our ancestors in the faith have done before us, we have sometimes failed to honor you. But we pray that your presence will continue to go with us and lead us to your promised land. Set us apart as your people even as you develop in us character and beauty that is more than skin deep, we pray in Jesus' name. Amen
Sunday, April 13, 2008
How Do You Tell the Difference 13 April 2008
John 10:1-10
Easter 4
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Q: How do you tell the difference between a violin and a dog? A: The dog knows when to stop scratching.
This Sunday's Gospel text put me in mind of the style of "How do you tell the difference" jokes. In this joke format two things are compared which have such obvious distinctions that part of the joke is the question itself. Who can't tell the difference between a violin and a dog? Who can't tell the difference between a walrus and an orange? Who can't tell the difference between a shepherd and a robber?
The point the Jesus makes in his discourse about the Good Shepherd is that while the difference between a good shepherd and a thief/robber seems obvious, people can be confused and choose to listen to the latter rather than the former. To remedy this tendency, Jesus describes the activities of the Shepherd in contrast to the thief. First of all, the shepherd's concern is for the sheep's well-being. Psalm 23 remarks that the shepherd leads the sheep to green pastures and beside still waters. Jesus says that the sheep who enter through him will have pasture. The thief, on the other hand, looks out only for the thief's interests. In sum, the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The Shepherd comes to give life. The sheep recognize the Shepherd's voice because it is associated with loving and consistent care.
So, how do you tell the difference between a shepherd and the thief? I don't have a pithy statement in answer to this question, but I am clear that the actions are more important than the words anyway.
Sing "More About Jesus" and/or "The King of Love My Shepherd Is"
Let us pray:
Loving Shepherd, grant us discernment to hear your voice and follow your way, so that we experience the fullness of abundant and eternal life. Keep us safe away from the thief. Fill us with every good thing that comes from your hand, through Jesus Christ. Amen
Easter 4
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Q: How do you tell the difference between a violin and a dog? A: The dog knows when to stop scratching.
This Sunday's Gospel text put me in mind of the style of "How do you tell the difference" jokes. In this joke format two things are compared which have such obvious distinctions that part of the joke is the question itself. Who can't tell the difference between a violin and a dog? Who can't tell the difference between a walrus and an orange? Who can't tell the difference between a shepherd and a robber?
The point the Jesus makes in his discourse about the Good Shepherd is that while the difference between a good shepherd and a thief/robber seems obvious, people can be confused and choose to listen to the latter rather than the former. To remedy this tendency, Jesus describes the activities of the Shepherd in contrast to the thief. First of all, the shepherd's concern is for the sheep's well-being. Psalm 23 remarks that the shepherd leads the sheep to green pastures and beside still waters. Jesus says that the sheep who enter through him will have pasture. The thief, on the other hand, looks out only for the thief's interests. In sum, the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. The Shepherd comes to give life. The sheep recognize the Shepherd's voice because it is associated with loving and consistent care.
So, how do you tell the difference between a shepherd and the thief? I don't have a pithy statement in answer to this question, but I am clear that the actions are more important than the words anyway.
Sing "More About Jesus" and/or "The King of Love My Shepherd Is"
Let us pray:
Loving Shepherd, grant us discernment to hear your voice and follow your way, so that we experience the fullness of abundant and eternal life. Keep us safe away from the thief. Fill us with every good thing that comes from your hand, through Jesus Christ. Amen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)