Tag: Jesus

Funny Smelling

Exodus 30:22–38; Acts 22:2–16

Have you ever had the experience of a particular smell, either good or bad, that triggers memories? There are a number of smells that will trigger memories of my grandparents’ house. My daughter has also shared experiences where certain smells trigger her memories, and they are often of her grandma’s house (my mom).In many respects, the smells from my childhood create almost a homesickness. There was something deeply contentful about those smells and the feelings invoked. I can’t imagine not having them.

God provided a recipe for a very special—a holy—incense. So special that it’s only time of use was in the temple. It was just incense. Incense is nothing special.

God made it so. Likely, it was set apart so that the smell became associated with the God and being in God’s presence.

Imagine a rough, horrible day that you found nothing good in. Because you have to, and only because you have to culturally, you go to the temple. You smell the incense. If you’re like me, that smell would trigger the response, God is here.

Because incense was a familiar thing, this special recipe had to be set aside, so that even the common could be holy.

Sometimes normal things, sometimes odd things, sometimes even people who are the “enemy” are set aside to do God’s will.

Paul was the enemy, until he wasn’t. Paul was going about his normal business, and then Jesus came to him in a vision.

While it might seem strange to combine the Law of incense with the story of Paul’s call, the reality is that God often defies our human logic. God sees beyond the human vision that we have. Paul, in many respects, was transformed from the “common” (the Law abiding Jew) to the “uncommon” (called by Jesus). Paul’s very life became the startling transformation from persecutor to proclaimer.

Just as being set aside, the “common” incense became uncommon, and thus a testimony of God and to God’s presence. So, too, Paul’s life became the transformative testimony (even without words) of what God can do for the world, if the world chooses to hear.

※Reflection※

In your life, has there been any common thing that has become a symbol of God (or God’s presence) for you? Why?

※Prayer※

Lord, you have called to follow you. Help us to be willing to be uncomfortable in that call. You have not called us to an easy life. You have called us to a fulfilled life in you. Give us your peace, mercy, grace, and most of all, courage, to be the light. Amen.

2021-01-11
Not Yours, But God’s
Psalm 69:1–5, 30–36; Genesis 17:1–13; Romans 4:1–12

“Abram” translates to “exalted ancestor”. “Abraham” translates to “ancestor of a multitude”. While Ismael was Abraham’s son (the son he had with Sarah’s servant), it didn’t quite connect with Abraham as Ishmael wasn’t a result of him and Sarah (his wife and love).Both names had their own sting. “Exalted ancestor” requires more than just the son of a servant, but grandchildren. “Ancestor of a multitude” probably stung worse, for that would seem to imply even more. He had only one.

Yet, as Scriptures attest to (and Paul recapitulates) Abraham trusted God, and Paul notes that God “attributed” to Abraham righteousness. The strong implication for many commentators was that God “considered” Abraham righteous because of his faith/trust, not because of his actions. In addition, many infer that it also means that God viewed Abraham as righteous in spite of any possible failings or sins that Abraham had.

Circumcision was the act that in some respects “remembered” the covenant that God made with Abraham. One could view it as God choosing Abraham’s descendants, setting them aside, and treating them as righteous, even when they weren’t. The Israelites were set aside for God. The males bore the mark.

The similarity between circumcision and baptism are often drawn. Especially in the Christian traditions that baptize infants, it is quite simple. Even in the traditions that perform believer’s baptism, the imputation of righteousness is still there.

When we are baptized (as infant or believer), the righteousness we receive is that of Jesus. It isn’t ours. Just as in circumcision, or even infant baptism, the promise is performed before the child has a choice.

The reality is that almost the entirety of our relationship with God…the entirety of our becoming more like God…is because of God.

Paul draws baptism and circumcision together. Paul needed his Jewish brethren to understand that baptism was a valid entrance into the family of God. He also needed the Gentiles to understand that baptism was part of tradition that went back in time, tying them to a tradition and people and God they were only beginning to understand.

※Reflection※
- What traditions family, cultural, and/or religious tie you to the past? Why is being rooted in the past helpful when going forward?
- The majority of church traditions/theology (there are outliers) believe in only one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. Why do you think that is?
※Prayer※

God, your word goes to a past we do not fully know. Your word also goes forward to a time we cannot see. Thank you for the guidance that your word provides us, and may we share the gift of your word to others. Amen.
2021-01-10
Remembrance of Change
SermonTemplate400 words (3 minutes)Auto-publish to Faithlife SermonsAboutSeriesTopicsPassages

Genesis 1:1–5; Acts 19:1–7; Mark 1:4–1

Approximately 70% of the earth is covered by water. Around 3% of that is readily drinkable. On average, a human is 60% water. Depending on weather and health, a human can survive 2–7 days without additional liquid.

We all know water is important. Even those of us whose water only habits are lackluster understand that we need liquids to keep our bodies going. There are those that are so concerned about their water habits that they have apps that remind them to drink water.

Other than a few desert cultures, people bathe using water.

From an ancient perspective, water (deep waters, like oceans, especially) also represented death. When we think about it (even today), the depths of the ocean have the air of death and fear often because we are unable to see below the surface.

As a sign of repentance and/or the fulfillment of a vow or for other requirements of the purity laws, a bath (or mikveh) was (and still is) performed to fulfill ritual cleanliness.

Part of the path of a Christian is being baptized. This is to show, in symphony with the mikveh cleanliness, that what was unclean (the old person, the person separated from God) is now clean and reconciled.

Yet, the most mysterious baptism is Jesus’. The Perfect One didn’t need cleansing. The Son of God didn’t need to be reconciled to the Father (God). The water of baptism brings change. Jesus didn’t change, though it could be argued that Jesus’ ministry truly did not begin until after he was baptized.

The other change is a “handing-off”. John the Baptist could be (and probably should be) viewed as the last Old (or First) Testament prophet. This “old school” prophet “passes the torch” from the way of the Law to the revealed way, which is Jesus.

※Reflection※
- It is not “evangelical” or “Church of the Nazarene” to remember (i.e., observe the anniversary of) our baptisms. For such a significant event, why do you think that is?
- Other than your own, what is the most significant baptism story that you remember? What made it powerful?
- Why do you think it is important to and for “the church” (thus, all believers) to remember Jesus’ baptism?
※Prayer※

Jesus, as your testimony of your humility, you were baptised by your own creation. May your humility guide us into your truth, and away from the truth of the world. Amen.
2021-01-09
Path of Strength
Psalm 29; 1 Kings 2:1–4, 1 Kings 2:10–12; Luke 5:1–11

In their younger days (and sometimes in their later ones), would flex their muscles, and show off the bulge (even if it was small) of their biceps to their friends. Males, as a general rule, spend much of their lives trying to show their strength. The reality is that for many men, strength is where they find their validity.

Females may not understand that, and that’s okay. Sometimes, guys look at other guys and just shake their heads.

We have carried forward one of those displays as a word-image: saber-rattlers. The basic understanding is that an army would stand before another army, and rattle their sabers in the sheath. As sabers (or swords) did not fit snugly in their sheaths, the gathered rattle of hundreds or even thousands of sabers all at once would make a loud noise.

This display was meant to…avoid battle. Much of the flexing and such that men display is to not fight (physically, at least). The goal is for the other to decide that it’s not worth it. As we all know, physical strength is not everything. Often it is not your strength, but the strength of the ones around you that truly decides the next steps. This is much of the effect of saber-rattling.

Solomon took over the throne of Israel. The military, political, and economic strength he started with wasn’t his. His father, David, had built up the nation mostly with the sword. God determined that the Temple of the Lord could not built by such a person, despite David’s heart orientation toward God.

Solomon had the option to take the same path, but even without the wisdom God bestowed, it seemed that there was an underlying truth that Solomon wasn’t the warlike person that his father was.

Often we model those that appear successful. This is why males tend to continue saber-rattling and flexing…it works.

We often choose to model the behavior that appears successful, or model what we think is the behavior that achieved success. Other times, we are confronted with the fact that we are not that person. Their way of success is not ours.

Solomon did not follows his father’s way of success. He chose a different path.

Peter, James, and John changed their lives, and followed Jesus. They couldn’t recreate the miracle of a fishing trip so successful that it threatened to break the nets.

As part of their following of Jesus, they even lost their way and ran away. Yes, they came back, and then…they chose their path.

Following the heart of Jesus, rather than trying to replicate Jesus. Granted, no one wanted to be crucified. Certainly, though, the miracles they experienced post-Jesus…wouldn’t that be great?

Through those 3, and others, we know who Jesus is. Through those 3, we have the church. Were they alone? No! Yet, in many respects their story is our story…or it should be.

※Reflection※
- When have you followed a bad (for you) path of success or acknowledgement?
- How do you balance the modes of success that we have been trained and nurtured in with what your heart, soul, and skills provide?
- How we succeed deeply affects those that follow us. What are ways we as both church and culture need to improve our paths of success to aide those that follow?
※Prayer※

Lord, in far too many respects, the signs of your success are beyond are capabilities. Thank you for not calling us to that, but instead to the ways you have designed us for. Help us to honor both the call and the path that you have put before us. Amen.
2021-01-08
Inconceivable!
1 Samuel 16:1–13; 1 Timothy 4:11–16

In the movie, The Princess Bride, Vizzini the Sicilian (trust me, it’s part of the plot) faces against the supposed Dread Pirate Roberts. The Dread Pirate Roberts defies Vizzini’s plans and expectations. Each time, the word, “Inconceivable,” escapes Vizzini’s lips. Finally, the “dumb” “brute” (again, a tongue-in-cheek part of the plot) looks at Vizzini and says, “I do not think that word means what you think it means.”

In stories of God, “inconceivable” is often the underlying response. Even to this day, “inconceivable” is that thought that God would become a human being (we all know how bad of an idea that is) and then die for them. It’s, a Vizzini would say, inconceivable.

That God would promise a mere shepherd a place and a massive group of descendants, it’s well…inconceivable. That God would rescue these (now) slave descendants from the most powerful military in the world, walk them through standing water, create a covenant with them and, call them God’s people. It’s inconceivable.

If we Christians, our Jewish predecessors, and even our somewhat related (though tenuous at best) Muslim fellow Monotheists were really honest regarding the faith that we have been handed, we should be able to sympathize and even empathize with those who do not believe that God would do this. To them it makes no sense! It is inconceivable!

That’s part of our problem. We are so close to the issue (not, sadly, necessarily God) that we are often unable to see just how inconceivable our faith is. This is especially true for those who claim to only hold onto the “truth” they can see before them.

For Samuel, it had been inconceivable that people would not choose God. The reality was that the people themselves, had insight that Samuel may have forgotten. People are fallen, and even those bestowed with the duties (e.g., priests, seers, etc) from God can be bad people. Their choice of King was logical (to a point).

King Saul was, really, a valiant king. He did a few unwise things. He did play “priest”, which was a career (i.e., king) limiting move. God called the next one. The next one? Was a shepherd boy sent out to the far fields and not quite forgotten by his family. The selection of David was…inconceivable.

There is a reason why God talks to Samuel about seeing as God sees. Samuel thought it was inconceivable that the sons of Jesse who were present were not satisfactory.

This is also the underlying message of Paul to Timothy. Paul told Timothy that while it may be culturally and religiously inconceivable that such a young man (scholars put him at around 35-40, at this point) should be the “pastor-in-charge”, it was Timothy’s charge to fulfill.

While Paul supported the presbyters (we’d say elders, and Paul really did mean AARP elders who were deep in the faith), Timothy’s call was not to be taken lightly. In fact, what we know of Timothy was that he was likely a little sickly, and almost definitely the “quiet as a church mouse” type who avoided conflict. Paul was telling him that these people were his responsibility. He must not hide away from it.

Think on that. Paul, who was not shy about conflict, had “raised up” a person to fill his shoes who was not like him. Paul who got in the proverbial face of Peter, who had to have dramatic confrontation with Jesus to take the right path…Paul “chose” that timid guy? It’s (yep) inconceivable.

※Reflection※
- Why is it important to not only recognize, but to also embrace, the inconceivable-ness of God?
- You might be offended (or know someone who is) that thinking about God as inconceivable. Why would such be offensive? Why might it help to understand God’s inconceivable-ness when it comes to explaining your faith?
- If you were to take “the brute’s” words of, “I do not think that word means what you think it means,” and apply it to the inconceivable-ness of God, what happens?
※Prayer※

Lord, there is something to be said and to be grateful that we are finite. We cannot understand the depth of your joy or love. We also cannot understand the depth of your sorrow, loss, and mourning that you have experienced. Help us to be grateful for the mystery that is the inconceivable-ness of you. Help us to be grateful for what we do know. That you love us so much that Jesus came to die for us. Amen!
2021-01-07
Saving Love

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.”
—John 3:17 (NRSV)

Have you ever started disciplining a kid (whether your own, relative, or perhaps you were bold and disciplined a complete stranger’s kid) and you caught yourself wagging your finger in their face?! I catch myself doing this quite often with my own kids – I must admit. I am not proud of it. When I realize I am doing it; I try to stop myself because I don’t want to get in their face of make them feel condemned. I just want to correct them and lovingly guide them.

This is what I think of when I think of this passage. God didn’t come to wag His finger in our faces. We weren’t made to feel badly about the brokenness that entered the world with Adam and Eve—we are also not meant to be made out to feel bad for our personal sin. Should we repent—you bet! But God doesn’t want us to feel shameful or bad about our sin. God desires right relationship with each of us. That’s you!

God desires to fix the separation that was so that we might be whole again with God. God desires for us, in turn, to love others to that they might find and follow Jesus so they will not live in brokenness but live free in Jesus Christ. As you enter into the final day(s) leading up to the celebration of Christmas – be reminded of the “why” of Jesus coming. Because God loves us and so that we could be saved through Him and be made whole. Amen.

2020-12-22
Believing Love

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
—John 3:16 (NRSV)

God loves you! Did you know that? Okay – if you are reading this…chances are that you did know that. But do you believe it? There is a possibility that at some point, or another, you have questioned if a certain person in your life loves you. A parent, your spouse, a grandparent, your kid, etc. Personally – I have questioned this a handful of times in all four of those areas mentioned. It’s not a good feeling to question if someone loves you. Maybe we logically know they love us, but we don’t feel it or see it very often – which leads to the questioning. We can also have a hard time loving ourselves even.

This can lead to questioning God’s love for us at times. But. I want you to really know, and believe that God has a deep love for you. It’s the reason that He sent Jesus – His one and only Son – to come to the earth as a helpless baby only to grow up and save us all. So if you believe in Jesus you should also believe the love that comes from God. If you believe you have eternal life because of the faith you have in Jesus, then you should believe in the love that comes from God.

God loves you! God’s love is the never failing kind of love. When earthly love can fail us – God’s love never fails. When you fall short as a grandparent, parent, sibling, parent, child – God’s love never fails. When you feel unlovable – God’s love never fails and He demonstrates that love through Jesus. Remember that this Christmas season. You are loved. And because you are loved you can love others.

Maybe you are like me and have given yourself a hard time or two about how you have showed your love to your kids, spouse, parents, grandparents, friends, or people you don’t even know very well. Give yourself a break and then remind yourself that you can love others because you are first loved by God. Then go out and try to show that love again and again and again. Love others the way that Jesus loves you.

2020-12-21
In Love’s Time

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.”
—Galatians 4:4 (NRSV)

I will never forget finding out we were having our first child. I was still finishing up my masters and an internship at a church I had been serving at throughout college. We were so excited when we found out, but the timing wasn’t the best. I was super nervous to tell our family life pastor, by boss, that we were expecting our first child. Partially because I knew that being pregnant would mean a crazier schedule with doctor visits and partially because I knew I needed advice. My internship was ending when I finished my masters that spring and that made things sticky.

Johnny, my boss, gave me the best insight that day. “There is never a ‘right’ time to have a baby.” He is right. We could always make excuses or explain why it’s such a terrible time to have a baby. But, we adapt. It made making the decisions to add to our family much easier because we weren’t looking for a magical timing of owning a home or having dream jobs (so long as we could support our family).

This is what makes Jesus’ story even more unique than it already is! The timing of Jesus being born was the “right” time. It was the time that God had planned on all along. While there may never be a “right” time for us to have babies…Jesus being born was the right time. It was the exact time that god had laid out knowing what the next 33 years would hold for Jesus and what that would mean for us.

God’s timing is perfect. It’s not always what we expect, desire, or understand…but God’s timing is perfect. Which is really hard when we have to wait. God’s people waited and waited for a king to come save them. They got a baby. So not only did God’s timing seem off to them because they had waited for so long, but then they were caught of guard. But we know the story. We know how it all plays out. It was perfect. Jesus was perfect and showed us perfect love that is now a part of our stories.

2020-12-20
Joy Decision

“The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.”
—Psalms 33:11 (NRSV)

Have you ever had to make a big decision in your life? It’s hard! Especially when it affects lots of different other areas of our lives. Maybe it was a big move, a job shift, adding to your family, etc. These types of decisions are big and take lots of prayer and consideration. When I have to make a big decision I seek out counsel. I hope you do too! Maybe you have specific people in mind you go to before you make a big decision. Your spouse, other family members, friends, and even pastors.

I hope you also seek out counsel from God. Because God has a plan and a purpose for us all. I believe that counsel from God is displayed in various areas. Scripture, worship music, listening to Him, and other people. God speaks to us in all of these avenues. God desires for us to seek out counsel when we make big decisions because God has a plan for us. God wants to be intimately involved in our lives. It’s why Jesus was sent to live among us – so that we could be in direct and right relationship with Him.

In this advent season – if you are facing a large decision that might affect multiple areas of your life – I hope you find joy in the fact that God sent His Son, Jesus, so that you might have the counsel you need from God. You are never far from God’s heart. You are always on God’s mind. God has a plan for you. Live into that plan and always seek after God.

2020-12-16
Joy in the Questions

“Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.”
—Luke 1:38 (NRSV)

When it comes time for the Advent season and thinking about the story of Christmas—Jesus coming to earth for all humankind…I often think of Mary and Joseph. I think about what it must have been like to be these young teenage kids seeing an angel and getting this crazy, but amazing news. I think about Mary. She had to have known that by saying yes to this plan that God had for her was going to make Joseph question everything in their relationship. She had to have known that this would have ostracized them both from their community and there would be whispers. All the whispers.

She had to have known the repercussions and probably had so many questions for the angel. I mean—wouldn’t you? And yet. She said yes. She said that she would serve the Lord in this way. In this crazy unforeseen way she would follow through with what the angel was proposing to her. She could have said no. She could have! But, she knew (somehow) that God had a bigger plan and purpose here and for her. So she said yes. Yes to serving the Lord in this amazing way. She said yes in the face of potentially losing her fiance, dealing with all the whispers and questions, to caring for the Son of God.

God asks us all to serve. God asks us to serve those around us for the Kingdom so that all might know Jesus. Ultimately this is what I think of when I think of Mary saying yes. When we invite Jesus into our lives we say yes to Him, but also to serving Him. We are to make disciples of all nations.

This Christmas may not look normal. We won’t be in the building like we typically would be for the candlelight Christmas Eve service. But! You can still invite someone to church and to experience the love and light of Jesus. You can invite them to your home to do circle church or you could invite them to watch with their own families. Tell someone about Jesus this year. Bring joy to someone else the way that God has brought joy to you.

2020-12-14