God Delivers

2 Samuel 18:9-18

Acts 21:12-24

Mark 11:27-12:12

There is no way to read our three passages for today without recognizing the conflict in each. In 2 Samuel 18 Absalom, the rebellious son of King David, is killed during battle. In Acts 21 an assassination conspiracy is organized against Paul. And in Mark 11 and 12 religious leaders confront Jesus who in turn shares a parable of judgment about them. Where are the “peaceful, easy feelings” of faith? Where are the still waters and the green pastures? Where is the light, the love, the abundant life?

But there is another way to look at these passages, one which makes God’s grace clearer to us. Think of it this way, that neither war, nor social unrest, nor religious contention can prevent God from accomplishing what God wills. Consider these stories as a sort of biblical version of the famous words on the James Farley Post Office in New York City: "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." No matter what may be going on among nations or in our neighborhood, God still has a word to say and grace to share. David will remain on the throne to be followed by Solomon, Paul will live to reach Rome, and Jesus will die but rise again to offer us the blessings of eternal life.

There is nothing trivial or matter or fact about this but God is present and at work in all times and places. And as God’s people we may rely on God’s love to transcend the struggles of life and faith no matter where or when. In good times or bad, God delivers hope and confidence that in never failing. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord forgive us when we lose confidence in you and your work in the world, and help us to remain focused on what you are doing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Quiet Time

Acts 21:27-36

When my brother-in-law was pastoring a church in Dallas he would hang a sign on his office door that read, “Please do not disturb. Holy Spirit at work.” It was his way of saying that he needed time to concentrate on sermon preparation. I thought of that sign when I read a portion of our Acts passage this morning. “Some in the crowd shouted one thing, some another; and as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, [the tribune] ordered [Paul] to be brought into the barracks” (Acts 21:34).

If you’ve ever tried to use a cell phone in the midst of a noisy crowd you may know how the tribune felt that day. All he wanted was to “learn the facts” but the yelling and the commotion around him made that impossible. So it is at times with the word of God. To fully comprehend what God is saying we sometimes need to quiet the voices around us, to still the uproar–even in our own minds, so that we can concentrate. Even Jesus knew the importance of quiet time. Often he would go off by himself to pray and listen for God. The pushing and the pulling of the crowds and the constant demands made prayer impossible.

My brother-in-law found a way to create quiet time for himself. I’m not always so good at it. But if we truly want to listen for the voice of God we have got to take time away from the crowds, away from the demands, away from the voices, the phones, the TV. We’ve got to allow God the opportunity to speak to us and allow ourselves the opportunity to listen.

Prayer: God, lead us to times of peace and quiet so that we may hear you more clearly and be lead by you to do your will more effectively. Amen.

It’s All About What You Know

Hosea 4:1-10
Acts 21:27-36
Luke 6:1-11
A recent Pew Foundation survey showed that Americans are not as knowledgeable about religion, even Christianity, as might be expected.
(see http://pewforum.org/Other-Beliefs-and-Practices/U-S-Religious-Knowledge-Survey.aspx). As it turns out, knowledge may be more important than we realize, at least based on our readings today. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me,” says God through the prophet Hosea (Hosea 4:6). In the book of Acts Paul is surrounded by a mob intent on killing him. When Roman troops arrive to break up the riot they are not able to discover what is happening. “Some in the crowd shouted one thing (against Paul), some another; and as (the Roman Tribunal) could not learn the facts because of the uproar he ordered (Paul) to be brought into the barracks” (Acts 21:34). Jesus, too, is confronted by a need for knowledge. Over and over again he is challenged over his or his disciples’ actions on the Sabbath. But Jesus continues to redefine what God intends the Sabbath to be.

Not preparing or informing ourselves can lead to a number of negative consequences. Spiritual alienation from God and one another is just one example of where we may end up if we don’t take the time to learn and appreciate what God is saying to us. As a minister, I feel a special sense of urgency in this matter. To a certain extent it is my responsibility to make sure people have the knowledge they need to function best as Christians. When I fail to convey the message adequately then things begin to break down. The challenge, of course, is to strive to know God better, in study, prayer, worship, contemplation, conversation, and a spirit of openness and trust in what God is saying. And it isn’t just about knowing the answers to the questions. As any high school algebra teacher can tell you, it is really all about applying what you know to the circumstances of life. The Pharisees knew the laws pertaining to the Sabbath, they just didn’t understand what it all meant. That’s why Jesus had to redefine it for them.

In the modern era of religion, with technology and information so readily available, it is more important than ever to make sure that we are learning, and that we are applying what we learn to the glory of God. We’ve simply got to take the time.

Prayer: O God, forgive us when we will not learn, when we allow knowledge to pass us by, and when we refuse to share what we do know. Help us to become better prepared for life in your terms, O Lord. Amen.

God's Choice

Hosea 2:16-23
Acts 21:1-14
Luke 5:12-26
The words of the leper in Luke 5 are an example of sincere faith. “Lord,” he says to Jesus, “if you choose, you can make me clean” (Luke 5:12). Jesus does choose to make the man clean just as he chooses to forgive the sins of the paralytic later in the chapter, and then to heal this man as well. “Lord, if you choose…” In Acts the same sentiment is expressed, though in slightly different words. The apostle Paul is determined to go to Jerusalem and face whatever may happen there, even over the objections of his friends. “Since he would not be persuaded,” says Acts, “we remained silent except to say, ‘The Lord’s will be done’” (Acts 21:14). Lord, if you choose… The Lord’s will be done… in each case there is a willingness to allow God to work as God sees fit, because God can!

The prophet Hosea looks at a nation full of idolatry and far removed from its own God. And yet this same prophet can affirm God’s intention to “make for (Israel) a covenant on that day with the wild animals, the birds of the air, and the creeping things of the ground…” (Hosea 2:18). War will cease and all people will live in peace and safety. How can this happen among such faithless and fickle people? Lord, if you choose… The Lord’s will be done… The prophet knows that God will because God can!

What problems do we see in our world? What circumstances seem beyond hope? What difficulties lie in our path? Is there nothing that can be done about the violence that erupts so often? Is there nothing that can be done about human divisiveness and isolation? Is there no healing to be found for the ill? Is there no hope to be offered to the lonely? There is: Lord, if you choose… The Lord’s will be done… We, like the prophet, like the man with leprosy, like the friends of the paralytic, like Paul’s companions, may lay claim to the good news that God will because God can address our needs with mercy and grace! It may not be exactly what we want. It may not be exactly the way we saw things happening in our own mind, but the truth is that faith in God is never misplaced. God’s choice is to stand in relationship with God’s people, to hold us accountable, but also to meet our needs in ways that only God can know. God chooses. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Almighty God, may we be guided to trust in you and your love for us, that all the days of our lives may be lived in faithfulness. When we falter, Lord, give us the courage to move ahead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.