The Word of God Came To John

“…the word of God came to John son of Zechariah…”  Luke 3:2

Some of us have heroes of the faith, people who do great and extraordinary things because of their relationship with God.  For some people, these hero’s are the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Bible, folks like Abraham and Sarah, who receive the promise, trust God’s faithfulness, and become the forebears of a great nation.  Others have as their biblical heroes, people of power and strength, like David or Sampson, who draw upon God for their strength and courage.  Still others have as their hero’s one of the disciples, committed followers of Jesus who were willing to leave it all behind to fish for people.

My hero is John the Baptist.  Why?  Because John the Baptist is an unlikely hero.  As Luke tells us the story of the beginning of John the Baptists ministry, he provides us with some historical context.  He does this by listing the power brokers of the day, ” In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene,  during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the Word of God came to John, son of Zechariah.”  Luke 3:1-2.  In the midst of all the big shots of geopolitical, regional, local and religious importance, God’s Word comes to John.  In terms of power and prestige,  Zechariah’s son John is a nobody.  And yet, the Word of God comes to John, who will prepare the way for Jesus.

This gives me hope because Luke is about to unfold a story which shows how God works in that which is often overlooked.  God will be at work in the lives of two distant cousins, John who will “prepare the way” and Jesus who will repair the wayward.  And in the telling of the Good News of Jesus we will hear over and over again how God uses the least and the least likely to bring about our salvation.  In the wilderness a Wild and Wooly preacher will prepare the way for the one who is to come.  He will fill in the potholes on the road, he  will straighten out the paths, he will help us see the roadblocks and the obstacles that get in the way of or relationship with God.  And the one who is coming will remove the final obstacles and roadblock, our sins and bring us to the promise of new life.

As you continue your Advent-ure in faith how is God’s word coming to you?

Just Another Passing Thought!

Looking Forward

 “The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.”  Jeremiah 33;14

We are now in a time of transition, as we move from our celebration of Thanksgiving and lean into the season of Advent.  On the secular side of the coin, people are busy shopping for “the perfect gift”, decorating their homes, baking holiday goodies, writing Christmas letters, and making arrangements for family Christmas gatherings.  In many ways, this is a time of looking forward.  People look forward to holiday concerts, receiving Christmas greetings from distant friends and relatives, getting together with friends at Christmas parties and open houses, and of course children look forward to the arrival of the guy in the red suit with a bag full of toys. So what is it that you are looking forward to?

As we enter the season of Advent the church finds itself in a time of looking forward.  Jeremiah reminds us that we are invited to look forward to promises that only the LORD can fulfill.  This promise is one of an everlasting covenant, an agreement of grace and forgiveness that God will establish with his chosen people.  Our thoughts are drawn to the one whom God will send, “the righteous branch of David” (Jeremiah 33:15) who will usher in a time of justice and righteous in the land.  This righteous branch is Jesus, who comes to put us in a right relationship with God.

In the busyness of the season, sometimes we can lose track of what is important.  We look forward to all the events which surround our celebration of the promised Savior’s birth, but this sometimes distracts us from the central message of the good news  that God has come to live among us and with his arrival salvation has come.  As we begin this season of Advent I invite you to ponder this question, “What is it that you look forward to?”

Just Another Passing Thought!

I Am Grateful!

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”  Colossians 2:6-7

This week families, friends, and neighbors will gather around bountiful tables filled with delicious Thanksgiving feasts.  As part of this annual ritual, many people take time to reflect upon the things for which they are thankful.  Often during this time of reflection there is a focus upon naming the blessings of family, good health and well-being.  Our celebration of thanksgiving is an important reminder to the necessity for us to recognize the source of our blessings and offer our gratitude.

The Thanksgiving Holiday should also remind us of the importance to daily express our gratitude for the abundant blessings God bestows upon our lives.  On those days when the wind is howling across the prairie carrying with it snow and freezing temperatures, we should thank God for warm coats, hats, and mittens.  When your children bring home report cards, are you grateful for teachers, school para-professionals, and all the individuals involved in education?  As you drive down the road, passing the fields of the farmers in our communities, do you pause to think about the processes that turn seed to bread?

Being grateful and expressing our gratitude is a necessity  in our lives as Christians.  It helps us to recognize that all of life is a gift, the big things and the little ones.  Daily expressions of gratitude lead us into a deeper relationship with the one who provides daily bread.  Being grateful also builds up the relationships God has given us in our family, friends and neighbors.  Gratitude also reminds us that on our own we can do nothing, but when we live our lives with an attitude of gratitude, we can recognize the innumerable blessings God bestows upon his people.

Our gratitude also helps us to see the needs of our neighbors.  When we consider our blessings, God invites us to share the abundant blessings we have received.  We are not called to be hoarders of God’s generosity, but vessels, which God uses to pour out blessings upon others.  Maybe this Thanksgiving you and your family can begin a new tradition of sharing blessings.  Gifts to a local food shelf, a meal delivered to a neighbor in need, or a visit to a nursing home or assisted living can become wonderful new way of giving thanks.

As you celebrate this thanksgiving, may you recognize God’s abundant blessings in your life.   And may each of your days be filled with gratitude and overflowing thanksgiving.  So be encouraged by these words of the Apostle Paul,  “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just Another Passing Thought!

 

It Is Not Good To Be Alone!

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.”  Genesis 2:18

The Bible begins with two stories of creation, which are told in the book of Genesis.  In the first story of creation in the first chapter of Genesis, after God has worked wonders in creation, God evaluates the works of creation by saying it is good.  By the last day of creation, in this first story God’s assessment of creation is elevated to being very good.  In the second account of creation in the second chapter of Genesis we are told of the intimate creation of the man, formed out of the dust of the earth, brought to life by the breath of God, placed in the beauty of God’s new garden of creation.  This newly created man is given a task, to till and care for the garden, in this he becomes the first farmer.

As we read this story of creation, by all outward appearances, things seem to be fine, or as God might evaluate the situation, very good.  There is a beautiful garden, water, trees, plants, and a caretaker to watch over God’s garden of creation.  Yet, God observes that not everything is in place yet.  God’s assessment is that something is missing.  “It is not good,” God says, “that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.”  In this self-critique of creation, God sets the course of creating and valuing relationships.  So afterward, all sorts of animals are created, which the man is given the task of naming, but none of these are suitable partners for the man.  So out of the man, God creates a partner, a woman.  “At last,”  the man exclaims, “bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.”

It seems clear to me, that God has created us to be in relationship with others.  God’s evaluation that it is not good for us to be alone recognizes the importance of our interdependence with others.  It really isn’t good that we should be alone.  We need to companionship of a close friend, a spouse, parents, children.  As God’s creation, we are social creatures who find meaning and understanding in our relationships with those who differ from ourselves.  And as hard as we might sometimes try, we cannot live in isolation.  God has created us in a way that causes us to depend upon the presence and giftedness of the other.   I happen to believe that we need others in our lives , not just for the purpose of survival, but so that we might just get a glimpse of the face of God.

Created In The Image of God

This Sunday (The Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost)  we will hear the story of God’s creation of the gift of relationship as it is told in the second chapter of Genesis verses 18-24.  In this time of political discourse about marriage and what constitutes marriage, we could all too easily boil this scripture down to a defense of marriage.  (please note that I am not saying that is a bad or unacceptable approach)  However, I believe when we do that we miss the greater gift that God gives to us in this creation story, and that is that it is not good for us to be alone.  So God creates us to be relational beings.  We are created in the image of God, so that we can be in relationship with God.  We are created in the image of God, so that in relationship with others we might reflect God’s image to the other.  We are created in the image of God, so that in relationship with others, God’s image might be reflected back to us.

It is not good for us to be alone.  So God gives us one another, partners and helpers and reflections of God’s wonderful and amazing grace.

Just Another Passing Thought!

Change and the one who changes not.

 

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.  He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. 
  He gives wisdom to the wise
 and knowledge to the discerning.”  Daniel 2:20-21

It is September and we are now witnesses to God’s beautiful transition of seasons from summer into fall.  The fields of corn surrounding our communities have changed from a deep rich green to harvest gold.  Trees in the groves and wooded areas are yielding their cool summer colors to brilliant yellows and reds.  More temperate days are followed by cooler evenings.  Once again we are experiencing “good sleeping weather”.

As schools have opened children and parents have changed their schedules.  Bed times are earlier, and morning activities greet bleary-eyed children just a bit earlier then they had during the summer.  Changes are occurring in local churches as well.  Sunday school and confirmation classes have begun, or are soon to begin.  Some congregations are beginning new Bible studies, or stewardship campaigns.  In the parish I serve, Fields of Grace Lutheran Parish, the worship times have changed.

This autumn the landscape of our neighborhoods have changed as yard signs encouraging the support of political candidates and positions pop up in our neighborhoods.  In this political season, we are bombarded with messages encouraging us either to make a change or stay the course.

And no matter the season, sometimes change occurs in our lives that comes to us unexpectedly and even unwanted.  In these times of change we are caught unaware and thrown off-balance.  Tragedy strikes, the that which occurred eleven years ago this week, and the whole world is changed.

In the midst of all of the change we are experiencing, stands one who “changest not” as the hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness proclaims.  Our gracious God, leads and guides our journey in the midst of change.  God is the one who blesses the harvest of once green fields that have changed to gold.  It is God’s handiwork, which paints the colors of the leaves which have turned into their fiery autumn colors.  Providing gifts of wisdom and understanding, God’s hand is involved in shaping the political landscape to raise leaders who protect and preserve the blessings of freedom, justice, and liberty.    And when change occurs that throws us off course, we are invited to cling to his steadfast love and faithfulness, which will never abandon us.

As we transition from summer into autumn, may the presence of the one who does not change, bless you in the midst of all the changes life will bring.

Just Another Passing Thought!

In The Midst of the Mess

“Bless the Lord, all his works, and in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul.  Psalm 103:22

Bishop Jon Anderson, of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, often asks the following question when meeting with a group:  “What is the sweetest thing God is up to in your context?”  It’s a good question because it prompts people to consider God’s activity in the midst of what we sometimes believe is mundane and ordinary. This question helps stretch the imagination and look into the ordinary to see God doing the extraordinary.

On an occasion or two, I have borrowed this question and given it my own little tweak.  When I meet with small groups of people or on a one on one basis, I like to ask, “Where is God in the midst of the mess?”  I ask this question, because lets face it, life is messy. But I also ask it because I have experienced that in the “midst of the mess” is often where God does his best work.  The bible sure seems to prove that true, one only needs to look at how God deals with broken people, to seek god in the midst of the mess.  For instance, as Jacob is venturing back home to hopefully be reconciled with his brother Esau, he tackled by an angel of God and wrestles with him until the break of day.   When it appears that the match is a stalemate, Jacob seeks a blessing and the man gives him a blessing and a new name, Israel (God wrestler) because he has struggled with humans and God and has overcome.

At times in the midst of the mess, life seems like a wrestling match.  Sometimes it seems as if God is the opponent and we are contending against an unmovable object.  Other times it seems that God is the coach sitting on the edge of the mat, shouting words of encouragement, asking us to give our best, celebrating our victories, and picking us up off the mat when we are defeated.  And still other times God acts as the referee, making sure we wrestle by the rules, keeping us on the mat, and preventing us from stalling when action is needed.   In the midst of the mess, God is there and all we have to do is open our eyes, ears, and heart.   Then we must pay attention to his presence.

The Psalmist says, “Bless the Lord, all his works, and in all places of his dominion.”  These words of wisdom direct our attention to a God who is actively involved in the midst of the mess.  All of God’s works, where ever and whenever they happen are worthy of being blessed.  As a matter of fact they are deserving of a blessing.  So it is fitting that we bless God for his active presence in the midst of all of the circumstances of life.

Stuck at a railroad crossing?  Take a moment to give God thanks for the extra time you had to sort through the events of the day.  Struggling with issues at home?  Look for God’s guiding presence as you address the issues before you.  Washed away in the busy-ness of the day?  Pause for a prayer break.  In the midst of all the messy moments of life, pay attention to the works of the Lord in all of his dominion.

So, where is God in the midst of your mess?

Just Another Passing Thought!

Miracles of Multiplication

Miraculous Multiplication

 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”  John 6:35

The Farm Journal Foundation, has organized a campaign entitled “Farmers Feeding the World” this campaign is an industry-wide campaign in American agriculture with the goal of eliminating world hunger.   Working with global hunger organizations such as Heifer International, they have set a goal of raising $20 million annually to fight global hunger.  “Farmers Feeding the World” along with other organizations, many church based, are working towards the admirable goal of eliminating world hunger.

Living in south central Minnesota, I am quite aware of the impact that agricultural production has on the lives of others locally and globally.  At this time it is fitting to thank everyone involved in producing the food that is placed on our tables.  The work of local farmers and other agricultural professionals is a holy calling, and for that I wish to express my gratitude.

Just before the passage of scripture I have quoted above, Jesus had just fed a great crowd of five thousand people with only a few loaves of bread and two fish that were shared from a boys sack lunch.  Not only did this simple offering of loaves and fishes feed five thousand people until all had their fill, but following the meal twelve baskets of left overs were gathered up.

Jesus does some incredible things with the resources that are placed in our hands.  Miracles of multiplication occur in his presence, everyone receives their fill and in the end there are even leftovers.  Yet, all too often we are quick to forget the miracles of multiplication and begin to take on a mindset of scarcity. We tend to see what is missing, rather than what is present.  We focus on things being “not enough”, rather than directing our attention to “doing what we can with what we have.”  And scarcity thinking leads us to see that what we have belongs to us, instead of being placed in our hands as a gift from God.  In other words, scarcity thinking is, in my view, “stinking thinking”.

Jesus knew that this mindset could often get in the way of our calling to share the gifts of God with one another.  So he appealed to the people by telling them, ^“Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”  Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:31-33).   The crowd replied, “Then give us this bread always.”  To this Jesus said that he is the bread of life and that in his presence no one goes hungry and people never thirst.  You see, if we trust in Jesus abundant providing, we can see that we have enough and even more to share.  May the blessings of God’s abundant giving lead you to live a life of generosity.

Just Another Passing Thought!