Anticipation

This message was first delivered at Mt. Zion United Methodist in Rustburg, Virginia and Cove United Methodist Church in Coleman Falls, Virginia on December 2, 2018. It is based on the lectionary texts of Luke 21:25-36.

Luke 21:25-36 (NRSV)

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Well...Christmas is coming! 23 shopping days left. Which may strike terror in the hearts of some, for me and Amazon Prime, it is about 20 days more than I have to have. Because although I do adore a lot of things about the Christmas season, shopping is on the bottom of that list. For some folks, the presents were purchased ages ago and are already wrapped with labels or ready to be shipped to friends and family far away. None of the people that I'm close to, but I hear that it happens! For me, even as a kid, it wasn't so much about the stuff as the feeling of anticipation. The excitement.

From my teen years my family has played Pollyanna at Christmas. Some of you might know it as Secret Santa or Kris Kringle – but since I'm one of five kids, even getting something for each of the seven “original” members would mean financial ruin or really lame gifts. From the time of the ritual of drawing names at Thanksgiving until the wrapping paper flew on Christmas morning...it was a season of anticipation. One year I got my sister Karen's name and I spent many hours creating a wedding doll with tiny pearls on her dress. Another year I got my sister Denise's name and I painstakingly restored an old trunk that she still displays in her home decades later. I think one of the years of greatest anticipation was the year that I was 15. I know I wasn't 16 yet because I did all my shopping that year on my 10 speed bike! I got Mom's name that year and somehow one of her artist friends took pity on the pocketbook of a 15 year old and sold me one of her landscapes that I knew Mom would love for the $25 I had to spend. I remember how tricky it was getting that bag home dangling from one hand as I biked home, hoping and praying that Mom wouldn't be watching or drive past! And on Christmas morning all I could think of was her opening the gift! Another of our traditions was to line up on the basement stairs before we would be released into the living room where gifts from Santa and grandparents had magically appeared overnight. We five kids shivered with anticipation while the grownups turned the lights on the tree and checked to see if Santa had indeed arrived. And it hit me as I sat there on the third step (whether it was a year of “oldest first” or “youngest first” I was always in the middle!) with my brother and sisters whispering loudly and maybe pushing each other a little that I realized there were gifts there for me too! I had been so focused on the gift that I was giving, that the receiving part had been forgotten.

I'm sure I got some nice things that day. I don't really remember. But what I DO remember was watching Mom's face when she unwrapped that painting. And the happy tears when she saw it. My favorite thing to do is make my Mom cry at Christmas... That's one of my best Christmases ever and in the years that have passed, I try to embrace that spirit of anticipation.

And I imagine how excited God was to give his incredible gift to the world! What motivated such a gift? It could only come from a God of love. I think that night as it all unfolded of the shivers of anticipation as God flipped the story and sent his SON to walk the earth as a human, to create a new connection to his creation. The fulfillment of a promise that the prophets had foretold – a righteous branch who will do what is just and right in the land. And the people had been waiting. And longing. And needing...

The prophet Jeremiah in today's scripture relates that promise – that the days are coming when he would bring forth such a branch from the line of David and that through that branch Judah would be saved and Jerusalem would live in safety. But Jeremiah was by no means the only prophet who spoke of a Messiah to come. Almost a millennium and a half prior to the birth of Jesus, God began to give his people an enormous amount of specific information about Jesus' life and ministry! In J. Barton Payne's Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy he itemizes 127 predictions involving more than 3,000 verses including 574 which refer directly to a personal Messiah. Here are a few of the definite clues about this coming (a small selection of a much longer list):

- Genesis 3:15 states that The Messiah would be the seed/offspring of a woman and would crush the head of Satan

- Genesis 12:3 says he would come from the seed of Abraham and would bless all the nations on earth

- Micah 5:2 declared he would be born in Bethlehem of Judah

- and Isaiah 7:14 said he would be born of a virgin. Isaiah also said in Chapter 9 that He would be called “Wonderful Counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” “Prince of Peace,” and would possess an everlasting kingdom. But then Isaiah 53:5 and warns he would be pierced for our transgression and crushed for our iniquities and He would die among the wicked ones but be buried with the rich.

Daniel said He would come again from the clouds of heaven as the Son of Man and Malachi said He would be the “Sun of Righteousness” for all who revere Him and look for His coming again.

The prophecies about the Messiah were not a bunch of scattered predictions randomly placed throughout the Old Testament, but they form a unified promise-plan of God, where each promise is interrelated and connected into a grand series comprising one continuous plan of God.

But the people had been waiting...for a long long time. And it is easy to see how some people got tired of the waiting and gave up. But then another prophet came on the scene...and this guy might have seemed like a nut. He hung out in the wilderness and wore clothes made of camel's hair eating locusts and wild honey. And he was declaring that the wait was finally over – that the appearance of the Messiah was imminent. And that the people should get ready!

Luke 3 tells of the start of John's proclamation, He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'”

John is doing more than informing people that the Messiah is coming, he's telling people what they need to do to get ready. Because it isn't enough to just anticipate the coming – we've got to get ready.

If we remember our elementary school story of Paul Revere – we know that his ride wasn't just about a warning...it was actually a call to action! John the Baptist wasn't just proclaiming, he was calling the people to action. Because there was a lot of crooked to be made straight and a rough places to be made smooth. We see that in John's reaction to some of the people who came to him for baptism...because John could see that some of the people were just going along with the crowd, but their hearts weren't changed. And John was not having it...Luke 3:7-9 describes the scene with his followers: John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

These people were just hedging their bets – baptize me John just in case you are right about this Messiah. No way, this isn't about fleeing the wrath to come, this is about bearing fruits worthy of repentance. Don't run to me because of fear – run to me because you are looking for the right way to connect to God. And don't think you get a free pass because of Abraham.

And the people ask him what the right way is - “okay John, if it isn't just about the baptism...what SHOULD we do?” And he spells it out in very simple and practical terms. Luke 3 continues: “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

If you have enough to share, then you should share. Clothes. Food. All of it.

Don't collect more than you are supposed to get. Don't cheat.

Don't extort money by threats and lies. Be satisfied with what you agreed your wages were going to be when you took the job.

John's list of recommendations are ones that we should all embrace today as we again prepare for the coming Messiah. Share. Be honest. Don't cheat. Be satisfied with what we have. Do unto others...

Every major religion that I have studied has some version of the Golden Rule. A few years ago when my youth class and I spent a year with The Idiot's Guide to World Religion, we heard many versions.

From Judaism in the Babylonian Talmud – What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow; this is the whole Torah; the rest is explanation; go and learn.

From the hadith in the Islam tradition – None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.

From Hindu – Those acts that you consider good when done to you, do those to others, none else.

Confucianism – What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.

And from one of my youth...we'll call it a Chance-ism...don't be a jerk.

We still have a lot of rough places to smooth, valleys to fill and paths to make straight. We look around and see a world that Jeremiah would recognize, a world in pain and suffering. A people cut off from their God in many ways. And a world that John the Baptist would recognize with people holding onto extra coats and food...tax collectors taking more than they were due...people on the margins being cheated and pushed further into poverty and desperation. But we know the rest of the story! We don't have to stay in the lamentation of Jeremiah because we know the promise was fulfilled. And that means that the other promises are also going to be fulfilled. We are called to be a people of hope because we know the truth is true. That God DID send his son down to be our savior.

And we listen to the words of John the Baptist as he tells us to get ready. To prepare. Because we aren't just sitting on our hands waiting and anticipating. We've got a party to get ready for.

Sometimes we are too quick to jump from Thanksgiving to Christmas. But we NEED this time of Advent to prepare. To realign our hearts and minds away from the usual way of doing things to the Christ way of doing things. And it's about to get radical up in here! Sure, Christmas is about celebrating when Jesus came the first time – but Advent is about something more than getting ready for the baby. It is about getting ready for the main event. The one that Jesus himself told us was coming.

Our gospel lesson today is Jesus telling his disciples and followers (and that includes us) about what is going to happen in the coming days. Luke 21 finds Jesus with his followers in and around the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. Do you realize when this was happening? I'll give you a hint...he's only been in town a few days and he arrived to quite a fanfare. Yes, this prophetic warning delivered by Jesus was part of Holy Week! So why are we hearing it at the beginning of Advent? Because we need to understand that we are in a new season of expectation and anticipation. We know Jesus came – now we need to remember that he is coming back!

There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars...distress among nations...fear and foreboding and people will not know what to do. But then he will come.

With power and glory and then we can stand up straight and raise our heads because our redemption is near. Just like you can tell that spring is here when the leaves appear on the trees, you will know. But Jesus has instruction in this passage that we would be wise to read and follow. From the Common English Bible, Luke 21:34-36, “Take care that your hearts aren’t dulled by drinking parties, drunkenness, and the anxieties of day-to-day life. Don’t let that day fall upon you unexpectedly, like a trap. It will come upon everyone who lives on the face of the whole earth. Stay alert at all times, praying that you are strong enough to escape everything that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Don't let your hearts be dulled by the things of this world – whether it be parties, drunkenness or the anxieties of the day-to-day. Oh. Hmmm.... I think I was ok with my heart not being dulled by parties (I'm kind of an introvert anyway) or drunkenness (because moderation is my friend) but I'm in serious trouble if I'm called to answer for the anxieties of daily living. Because that is my struggle. I sometimes feel I don't have enough time for more Bible study, devotion and prayer because I'm so busy. Or not enough time to go see a friend who is sick or depressed. Just not enough hours in the day. Jesus says don't lose track of what is really important. Am I living a life that is aligned with God's heart?

For those who live to step on others, the message is judgment of those actions and a call to repentance. Turn it around and live with a changed heart.

For those who cling to God's promises, Jesus's message is one of hope. Look up, hold your head up high...the celebration is at hand! Are you sharing your coat and food? Are you resisting the urge to get ahead by cheating or stepping on others? Are you aligned with the heart of God? Then keep on doing those things that are good – and resisting evil – and the kingdom is at hand.

Don't lose hope, but rely on the fact that you know that God keeps his promises. And if we are to wait, let us wait with confidence in the knowledge that we worship a mighty and loving God. A God who is smiling down upon us, just waiting to see our expression when we unwrap the gift and see that it is wonderful. Maybe we don't know what to expect or when it will arrive but we are waiting with joyful expectation for our Messiah to come again.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, let's also be sure that we are prepared for the day he will come again. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set your people free. From our fears and sins release us. Let us find our rest in Thee. Thanks be to God.

Asking For a Favor

This message was first delivered at Centenary United Methodist in Lynchburg, Virginia on October 21, 2018. It is based on the lectionary texts of Mark 10:35-45 and Job 38:1-7. 

Mark 10:35-45 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Request of James and John

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

They were wholly unaware of what they were asking for. They thought they were asking for places of glory in an earthly type of kingdom. They didn't fully grasp what was about to take place. This Jesus, whose power they have witnessed firsthand. They were there when the water was turned to wine. There when he healed. There when he cast out demons. They were present at the Transfiguration! James and John saw Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. They could see the crowds and felt awe and wonder. Not that Jesus hasn't been trying to get through their thick heads...

Just one chapter back in Mark 9 he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him.

And in the verses just prior to today's Gospel lesson, from The Message: Back on the road, they set out for Jerusalem. Jesus had a head start on them, and they were following, puzzled and not just a little afraid. He took the Twelve and began again to go over what to expect next. “Listen to me carefully. We’re on our way up to Jerusalem. When we get there, the Son of Man will be betrayed to the religious leaders and scholars. They will sentence him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Romans, who will mock and spit on him, give him the third degree, and kill him. After three days he will rise alive.”

In the next moment, James and John (possibly encouraged by their mother) make their “request.” And it is no small favor they are asking for. Not asking for help moving to a new tent. They don't realize what they are asking for...like most of us, they don't see the bigger picture. We are great at asking for stuff – but not very good at knowing what we need.

I am not a parent, but I am the aunt to three brilliant and handsome nephews and one vibrant and creative niece. So I've witnessed a LOT of asking. And begging. And negotiating... And some of those times, I've known that what they were asking for wasn't going to meet their expectations. Out of the four of these, I've had to talk at least two out of ordering Sea Monkeys from the back of a comic book. I know how great the ad looks – and I understand when they describe their futures as professional sea monkey trainers teaching them to do tricks and ride on a tiny sea monkey ferris wheel. But I've got a little more information than they do – and perhaps some first hand wisdom. Because I already tried to become a world famous sea monkey trainer and found that dried up brine shrimp are not adept at learning to juggle. I remember another occasion where one nephew negotiated an advance on future earnings in order to buy “the funnest toy EVER!” A marshmallow gun. Ten dollars later he is the proud owner of the funnest toy ever. Then he begs for money to buy a big bag of marshmallow ammunition. Ten minutes after that – all the adults have tired of being pegged in the head with increasingly dirty marshmallows. The funnest toy ever lasted about two days and then after attracting ants – was declared “stupid.”

Nope, we don't always have the whole picture of what we THINK we need. And sometimes the stuff that we want – isn't going to be nearly as cool as we THINK that it is. All the stuff in the world...where would you put it?

I have always LOVED the story of Job. Wondered if I could have held up against that level of pressure from the devil. Hoped that I could. But had some serious doubts about it when things continue to ramp up.

Job was SERIOUSLY good. This is a guy that used to get early in the morning after a celebration and give burnt offerings in the name of his children just in CASE they had sinned inwardly. He was totally devoted to God and hated evil. I like to think of myself as a good person, but I don't think I measure up to that guy. He was, in fact, SO good that when the angels came to give a report to God that God himself pointed out what a good guy Job was. And that was just the challenge that the designated Accuser, Satan was looking for. He said that of course he's good, he's treated like a pampered prince – he's got everything he wants. It's easy to be good and righteous if you're on top of the world. BUT...he slides in...if you reached down and took it all away, he'd curse you right to your face.

No way...God said...go ahead and try it, but don't hurt him physically. So one messenger after another comes to Job reporting the loss of his oxen, donkeys and field hands by a murdering band of Sabeans...then lightning strikes killed the sheep and shepherds...Chaldeans killed the camels and camel drivers. And then the toughest message – a tornado killed all of his children and their families. But Job doesn't curse God.

He's crazed with grief – tears his robe and shaves his head – but he doesn't blame God. And God points this out to Satan. Satan ramps up the intensity of the test by saying that a man will go to any lengths to save his life – take away his health and Job will curse you. Satan is certain. And God agrees, but don't kill him. So Satan causes terrible sores to afflict Job and when he is sitting on the ash heap scraping the sorts...Job's wife has had enough. She wants Job to just curse God and get this agony over with. But no deal.

Job doesn't curse God, doesn't blame God...he says we take the good days when God gives those, why not the bad days too?

Three of his friends arrive – and most of us remember that they weren't very supportive, right? But maybe we read the abridged version of Job? Because the first thing these three friends do is to cry out in lament, tear their robes as a sign of grief and sit with him. For seven DAYS. In silence. They could see that their friend was suffering and they wanted to be there for him. And they were...for awhile.

And then the damn breaks. Job starts to talk. And vent and curse the day he was born. And he goes on for 26 verses of Chapter 3 to express how miserable he is...ending with I have no rest; but trouble comes. Sometimes it feels like that. The night never ending – not feeling rest or comfort.

Then the friends start to weigh in on the situation – as friends are likely to do. But the first reaction is to ask what Job has done to cause such a thing. Surely someone as devout and exemplary as you appear to be wouldn't have such calamity thrust upon them...what did you DO? And they have plenty of advice...figure out what you did wrong, who you offended, appeal to the right angel for intervention, go to God and thank him for this suffering...since you clearly deserve it for whatever it is that you did.

Then Job defends himself to his friends and whines some more about how this isn't his fault – he's innocent and suffering. If God would just squash him like a bug then at least he'd be dead but he wouldn't have blasphemed the Holy God. And he basically tells his friends that they aren't helping. And he can't believe they don't believe him when he says he didn't DO anything!

The debate between Job and his friends then Job crying out to God go on for chapters...the questions and answers go back and forth from Chapter 4 through Chapter 31. And then a fourth friend steps in. Chapter 32 brings Elihu, a man younger than the other three who has held his tongue out of respect for his elders. Now he blows up with the pent-up anger of his youth and blasts the others for not coming up with answers but not giving up on trying to prove Job wrong! And he speaks honestly from his heart and brings new perspective into this argument.

That is often what we need. A new perspective. Some new piece of wisdom to illuminate the situation. Elihu inserts himself into this with humility but firmness – asks Job to listen and then lays out some of the facts as he sees them. Some of the gems from Chapters 33-37 include:

• God always answers, one way or another.
• It is impossible for God to do evil.
• God is always working behind the scenes. We have his attention.
• You can learn from the suffering you are going through.
• Don't get obsessed with placing blame.
• Look around you. See the evidence of God and his power all around you. Is this who you want to confront?

Maybe Job needs to reconsider his choice of confronting God? Elihu wraps up by saying, “Mighty God! Far beyond our reach! Unsurpassable in power and justice! It’s unthinkable that he’d treat anyone unfairly.

So bow to him in deep reverence, one and all! If you’re wise, you’ll most certainly worship him.”

Now God speaks to Job directly. And in the scripture that Ida read for us earlier, God pretty much asks Job just who he thinks he is. Sounds like a father talking... You all know my Dad as a kindly fellow who will help with anything you ask him to do. Need a hand moving some tables? Call Carl. Need your window air conditioners taken out and put back in the closet? Call Carl. He's a generally agreeable man but I can remember some times as kids that he would have uttered the classic line, “I brought you into this world, I can take you out.”

Job and his friends have discussed the character of God and his part in Job's suffering for about 35 chapters. Questions, challenges, assumptions, accusations and God weighs in.

God finally responds to Job in a storm outlining the God's presence in all creation. He shares the wisdom of how all things are divinely inspired and influenced, from the earth’s foundation, to the boundaries of the sea and sky, and the ordering of the day and night. How GOD structured the heavens and the earth, the water and the land, the day and the night, humanity and heavenly beings, and everything in between. Job, where were you when I created the earth? Since you are so smart, tell me who decided what size it would be...how the foundation was poured...who set the cornerstone. Huh? Tell me smart guy, since you seem to know so much. Where were you when the morning stars sang in chorus and the angels shouted praise?

God responds to Job in a storm, true to biblical tradition, illustrating a divine appearance. This whirlwind is similar to other Old Testament texts like in Ezekiel when God is present in the windstorm with a flashing light or Nahum experiencing God’s power in the storm and clouds, Zechariah witnesses God in lightning as loud as a trumpet, in 2 Kings, God appears in a chariot of fire.

Job is now confronted by God; and where Job once had questions, concerns, and complaints, he is now silent. In previous accounts, Job is left with inquiries and thoughts of loneliness; but now God is actively present, face-to-face with Job. God’s presence is undeniable, meaningful, and profound. God as master architect whose wisdom and resourcefulness cannot be matched or understood. We see in each verse that God measures, aligns, stretches, and builds. God lays foundations and constructs footings. We see an image of God that is meticulous about the details and precise in design for the cosmos, for the heavens, and even for humanity.

This is a mighty God we serve. God goes on to realign Job's perspective through chapters 38 and 39 with some powerful questions. Do you have any idea how big the Earth is? Do you know where light comes from and where darkness lives? Can you get the attention of the clouds and commission a shower of rain? Did you command the eagle's flight, and teach her to build her nest in the heights of a cliff's face? But then God asks the big one. The one that he asks whenever we give into that very human inclination to blame God or to ask why he has let something happen. God asks at the beginning of Job 40, “God confronted Job directly: Now what do you have to say for yourself? Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?” Well...what do we have to say for ourselves?

And like so many times in the Job story, I hope I would respond this way:

Job answered: I'm speechless, in awe – words fail me. I should have never opened my mouth! I've talked too much, way too much. I'm ready to shut up and listen.”

I'd like to think I could be as wise and mature as Job in this moment. I'm not real sure. It is hard for me to admit when I've talked too much, let alone WAY too much. When will I be ready to shut up and listen? Can I at least try?

Can I be wise or will I be like my nephew who just knew that marshmallow gun would bring unending happiness into his life. Unwilling to hear that isn't wasn't worth the cost. That he'd be tired of it long before his dream of taking it off to college to amuse his fraternity brothers. That I could see from a different perspective of previous unwise purchases. That maybe he didn't know best. Maybe his mom saying, “no” was the better choice.

We are all going to stumble and desire things or people or situations that although we are sure they'll bring us great joy or satisfaction...we don't always know what we are asking for. Which brings us back to James and John and the favor that they asked of Jesus.

“Teacher, we have something we want you to do for us.” “What is it?” “Arrange for us to be awarded the highest places of honor in your glory” “Dudes, you don't know what that even means...can you drink of the cup I drink, be plunged into the baptism I'm about to plunged into?”

They answer quickly, “Sure, bring it on.” And Jesus said, “come to think of it...you will drink of this same cup...but awarding places of honor isn't my business. That isn't up to me.”

And although they didn't drink of the exact same cup...neither James nor John were crucified (although we know that at least Peter and Andrew did suffer that same fate). James' death at the hands of Herod is reported in Acts 12. He was likely stoned or clubbed to death. But all of the apostles and followers suffered persecution and were in constant danger. This was by no means a place of honor at the right and left hand.

We even see that this request brought friction and division among the disciples. When the other ten heard about it, they lost their tempers with James and John. Who do you guys think you are? Do you think you are a level above us? Before the division and debate can poison their attitudes completely, Jesus steps in. Are they ready, like Job, to shut up and listen?

“You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around,” he said, “and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.”

We don't need to be power-mad. If we want to be great, we've got to let all that go and become a servant. Want to be first? Want to be at the right and left in places of honor? You only think that is what you need...but I have more information. I've got the bigger picture. More power just leads to the desire for more power. It's a hamster wheel you'll never get off. Empty calories. You want to be great? Then flip the whole thing upside down – the real winner is the one who is humble enough to serve, not be served.

There’s a story about a little boy named Billy. Every day on the walk to school, Billy’s grandfather would stop at the neighborhood store for a newspaper and cup of coffee. As Grandpa approached the register, Billy would point to large bins filled with candies, gum, and other treats displayed. The cashier grew a heart of compassion toward Billy. One morning when Grandpa and Billy approached the register, the cashier said, “Good morning Billy, today you can reach in and get the candies you want with no cost.” Billy smiled with joy; his persistence had finally paid off. He went to pull out a candy, but snatched his hand back abruptly. He then grabbed Grandpa’s hand and shoved it into the large bin. Startled, Grandpa pulled out a fist filled with assorted sweets.

Billy giggled with glee. As they continued the walk to school, Grandpa asked, “Billy, why didn’t you pick out your candies? This was want you asked for every day.” Billy looked up to Grandpa with the sun glistening in his eye, “Yes, Grandpa, but your hands are much bigger than mine. My hands are too small to get all the candies I wanted.”

There are times in life that, as believers, we should embrace Billy’s kind of wisdom. God’s hands are much bigger, capable, and able to provide everything we need. Our hands, our thoughts, and our understanding are limited in comparison to God’s vast knowledge and powerful hands.

It is refreshing to know that in spite of all Job experienced and all the pain he endured, he was not too proud to be silenced. Job is silenced by the images of morning stars and heavenly beings rejoicing in God’s glory. Job is silenced by God’s grace that is uniquely woven into the tapestry of all God’s creation. Job is silenced by God’s wisdom, knowledge, and love that is unexplainable and uncontainable. Job is silenced as God reveals the unlimited ability to be present in all things.

God can get tiny if we're not careful. Too often we fall into the trap of God being made in our image – instead of the other way around. We relate to God in our human understanding, putting God in a box that he simply can't be contained in! The hope is that our sense of God will grow as expansive as our God is. Each tiny conception gets obliterated as we discover more and more the God who is always greater.

We worship an awesome God. One who desires great things for us, not necessarily in the cars we drive or how many camels and sheep we have – but he wants good things of substance for us. The joy of a servant's heart focused on what is really important. We have to let go of the fleeting things of today and embrace our reason for being.

To love God and to spread that love throughout the world. In every situation, to all the people we encounter. Amen.

The Body

This message was first delivered at Providence United Methodist in Rustburg, Virginia and White's United Methodist in Lynchburg, Virginia on August 5, 2018. It is based on the lectionary texts of John 6:24-35 and Ephesians 4:1-16. 

John 6:24-35 NRSV

So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.

When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.”Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? 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.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

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.

Ephesians 4:1-16 NRSV

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people.” (When it says, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.)

The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

Both Paul and Jesus are talking to their followers about a calling. A task that is to be done. In each of today's scriptures we are not only instructed about WHAT we are supposed to be doing on earth, but the way we should approach the job at hand. Both Jesus and Paul are trying hard to guide a wayward group of people – with their own ideas and tendency to get their eyes off the ball. Are we really any different from the crowds they were addressing in Capernaum and Ephesus?

At the beginning of our Gospel lesson today, we are picking up after Jesus has fed 5000 with 5 barley loaves and 2 fish. The people are amazed and excited and ready to make Jesus their king by force. So Jesus has vanished. And the crowd piles into boats to go after him. When they find him he indicates that they are more motivated by what he did for them than the real substance of WHO he is. Verse 26 in The Message is paraphrased as “You've come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I filled your stomachs – for free.” And he is calling them (and us) to a higher level of understanding. He wants us to strive for things that last, and not the perishable things of the earth.

Paul, from prison, is urging – even begging – the followers to get to work! He says they need to live a life worthy of the calling they have received. Once again – what is that calling? What are we supposed to be doing here? In John, the crowd even asks “What must we do to perform the works of God?” What – specifically – are you asking us to do Jesus?

Have you ever worked on a project with volunteers who needed a lot of guidance? It takes about the same amount of patience that Jesus had...which is about one more measure than I usually have. Recently I was a part of the Kiwanis Club of Lynchburg's annual Shrimp Sale. We sold 1450 pounds of shrimp which was picked up on the morning of distribution day down in Oriental, NC by a member and chauffeured in a refrigerated van in boxes of ice to the parking lot of Holy Cross School. The club members then have the task of removing the ice and weighing the shrimp into 1 pound bags for pickup by the people who ordered. We've been doing the same fundraiser for several years and have the process worked out so that we can go from 50 pound boxes of icy shrimp to happy customers in under four hours.

The problem with this year was that there didn't seem to be anyone in charge of getting things set up to start bagging shrimp! I was in charge of orders and check-in and money so I was there, but had to get my station setup before the customers started driving through. But I kept looking over at the weighing station seeing people wandering and putting a box from here to there, and there to here...yet there wasn't any shrimp going into bags? I walked over and one of these grown people, who has worked the event for several years, looked at me and said, “what should we be doing?” Jesus would have approached it better than I did. And he would have left out one of the words from my next sentence... “how about you start putting shrimp in bags?” Jesus was patient with the question, “how should we go about doing God's work?” He didn't pick up a bat and say, “what did I JUST tell you people?” He tells them (again) what the work assignment is “this is the work of God: believe in him whom he has sent.” Believe in him who God has sent. Jesus says, it's simple stupid – put the shrimp in the darn bags!

Even easier than getting a dozen Kiwanians on task – your job is to believe in Jesus. Just believe. Because if you believe – then it is going to change you. Change the way you see the world. Change the way you see the people around you. If you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, sent from God. Listen to him. Hear what he is saying about how we are to relate to each other in God's world. How we impact the people around us. Believe. And then what?

Strangely, even though this is the same crowd that just saw him feed 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish with baskets of leftovers...their next question is “what sign are you going to perform for us now?” They go on to babble about signs given to their ancestors in the form of manna – bread from heaven – while their ancestors were in the wilderness. “Hey Jesus! Sure, the trick with the bread and fish was cool – but what is next? What wonder can you do NOW to prove you are who you say you are?” Jesus should be lauded for not dropping a giant loaf of sourdough on them.

We can't believe in a Messiah that is only as good as his last miracle! That isn't belief...that's just fandom. Are we here to be followers of Jesus or just his fans? We've got to be in this for the long haul! My father has been a fan of the Washington Redskins for most of his 78 years. That is through the good years AND the bad. And if you're a fan of the Redskins, you've got to be able to tolerate years of bad... As far as the NFL goes – I've been a fan of the Denver Broncos when Elway was quarterback, I like Boomer Esiason and cheered for the Bengals for awhile, I liked the Baltimore Colts but still hold a grudge against the Indianapolis Colts. I'm a fan...and not even a very good fan...not in any way a follower. I'm ready for the next Superbowl win or gold medal. Fans are fickle. Jesus doesn't want fans, he wants followers.

Believe in him whom God sent. That is the task. And bless their hearts, the crowd still doesn't quite get it. They are still focused on earthly things. Jesus said that the manna wasn't from Moses, but from God and that God was now offering them bread that comes from heaven that gives life to the world. And the wandering Kiwanians said, “oh cool, give us some of that!” “we want to have that all the time”

And Jesus simply says, “I am that bread. Whoever comes to me won't be hungry, whoever believes in my won't be thirsty.” Eugene Peterson's The Message, which is a paraphrase, did not originally have verse markings. In later editions, including the Biblegateway.com edition that I use, the added verse numbers sometimes break up paragraphs in different spots.

Often that is the case because the paragraph and the thought continues on. This final paragraph of today's gospel lesson is one of those instances where Peterson saw how verses 36-38 completed the thought begun in verse 35. Hear 35-38: Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go. I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.” This takes “believe” into a whole new level. He understood that even though the crowd has seen him in action – they haven't taken it to the next level of actually turning to God – running to him. Diving into the sureness of truly believing that Jesus is the son of the most high God.

Because the crowd is just like we are – at least sometimes – our minds are on the earthly things. And this is where we often get tripped up in getting the job done that we were told to do – because if we believe, then we are instructed to spread the word. Not out of obligation but because you can't help it!

Like the guy on the commercial who just keeps telling people how much he saved on his car insurance – or the lady who won't stop talking about the new man in her life who takes such good care of her and is smarter/taller/faster than anyone she's ever met before. Or like me when I find a great new restaurant or see a wonderful movie or read an impactful book.

If you've heard me speak before, it is likely you have heard stories from my favorite book (besides the Bible and the Harry Potter series) Tattoos on the Heart by Father Greg Boyle. The funny thing is that even though I have now read it dozens of times (not exaggerating) and have bought and given away about 80 copies...when my sister suggested that I would enjoy it – I didn't try it right away! I'm kind of stubborn like that. But once I did read it. I could not stop talking about it and sharing it.

The story of Jesus being sent by God to reconcile the world to him should spark the same burning desire in us. We can't stop sharing it because it has changed our lives. And that doesn't always mean that you need to stand in a pulpit or on a street corner “proclaiming.” Doesn't mean you've got to quote scriptures to your waitress or leave tracts in the bathroom. You've got to find your own pathway.

That is one my key takeaways from the passage from Ephesians today. Now that we know WHAT we are supposed to do...HOW are we supposed to approach the task? Hmmm...shrimp in bags...what process is required? I will tell you what I wanted to shout that muggy Friday afternoon standing on the asphalt of a parking lot when grown people were wandering around with orange cones and duct tape. “I don't care HOW you get it done...but these people are coming and will need their shrimp...figure it out, find a process that works for you and get to work.” “These people need God's love. You need to show them that love. Figure out your process and get to work.

Because although we are all called to get the same task done – Paul clearly states that we will have different approaches. We need to find unity – despite the fact we will all be given different gifts. Oh man...Jesus, wouldn't it be easier to just tell us exactly how to do it? Give us a formula, some blueprints, some rules. Man, humans sure do seem to like rules. Not that we love following rules but it is so much easier to tell when someone else is doing it WRONG! This is where people thrive...pointing out the faults and defects.

Paul says we need to get over ourselves. We've got to stop focusing on the earthly stuff...which includes our own desires and egos and desperate clinging to “my way is the right way and the only way and if you don't do it my way which is the only right way, you are indeed WRONG.”

Paul says we are all on the same road and heading in the same direction and that we are following the same God and are therefore saturated with oneness. And yet, we don't have to all look and speak and act the same. We are actually given a variety of gifts. You may be an apostle or a teacher or prophet or leader...you need to take stock of your gifts and find ways to stir them up and use them! Because God didn't give you that gift to put in the closet and keep it for a rainy day. He wants you to put that gift to use now! Have you ever given someone a gift to see them smile and set it aside and you just KNOW you are never going to see them wear that scarf you knitted or see them serve cookies off the plate you chose so carefully. It is disappointing isn't it? You want people to use and enjoy your gift!

A couple of years ago my sister Denise was just beside herself when she came to my house to celebrate my birthday. It is also my mother's birthday, so I just assumed she had found something really cool for mom. Denise is a very thoughtful gift giver. I wasn't even paying that much attention when I unwrapped a strangely shaped heavy object. When the paper was off, I realized that she had given me a blowtorch!! Now, I understand this isn't a gift for everyone...but I was so excited. I went straight into the kitchen and torched some marshmallows and bruleed some sugar on a banana. The funny thing is – Denise was just thrilled that I was excited. I don't know who had more fun that evening...I think it was me, but she was glowing.

God wants to see us use our gifts. He is glowing whenever we do! But Paul's list of gifts in Ephesians is NOT ranked in order of importance. It isn't indicating that one gift is better than any others. And we know from the old testament that we aren't to covet...so we need to let others use their gifts while we use ours. Because this is truly the way that the followers will be able to accomplish our goal. The way that we show the love of God in the world. The way we transform the world by making disciples of Jesus Christ. We work within the body until we're all moving together rhythmically and easily, efficient and graceful.

Paul has words of caution that we would be wise to hear once again, that we be careful not to be children, tossed to and fro...blown about by every wind of doctrine, trickery and deceitfulness. We need to be more mature than that!

Verses 15-16 from the Message sum up the goal of HOW we work together: “God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.” Do it the way Jesus would...follow his lead...do his work with all humility and gentleness, with patience bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Humilty, gentleness, patience, peace and love.

Search out your gifts. Find the ways that you can use those gifts to show everyone the truth. That God loves us and sent his Son as proof. Let's rededicate ourselves to the task at hand.

As we close this time of worship together I'd like to share a prayer in the form of scripture. Sometimes when I don't know what to pray, I turn to the Psalms and pray scripture instead. Close your eyes and listen to a portion of Psalm 51...the psalm written by David after he was confronted by Nathan about his affair with Bathsheba. As David pours out his heart to God, seeking his forgiveness...pour out your own heart feel God's loving embrace.

Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record. Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in your laundry.

I know how bad I’ve been; my sins are staring me down.

You’re the One I’ve violated, and you’ve seen it all, seen the full extent of my evil. You have all the facts before you; whatever you decide about me is fair.

I’ve been out of step with you for a long time, in the wrong since before I was born. What you’re after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.

Soak me in your laundry and I’ll come out clean, scrub me and I’ll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing.

Don’t look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life.

Don’t throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails!

Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home.

Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I’ll sing anthems to your life-giving ways.

Unbutton my lips, dear God; I’ll let loose with your praise.

Amen