4.17 - who is this?

Palm Sunday: Who is this?

As I read the story of Palm Sunday this week found in Matthew chapter 21, the people of Jerusalem, with their question, stood out to me. The people of Jerusalem asked: “Who is this?” Who is this Jesus?


And this is the question for us as well. Who is this Jesus?


On this day, thousands of years ago, as Jesus journeyed into Jerusalem, the crowds sang Hosanna and they waived palm branches. But, have you ever wondered, as I have, why we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem?  He’s been there before, so why do we celebrate? Why are the people that day, thousands of years ago waiving palm branches and laying down their coats?


Why do we sing Hosanna?  Why do we decorate with Palm Branches?  What is it about this day, and these symbols that mean so much to us?


Essentially what the people from the countryside and the villages were doing as they entered Jerusalem, with Jesus, was displaying their political signs for all to see. They were displaying all their hopes and their dreams of the future, including salvation from the current tyranny from the Romans.


When the crowds shouted Hosanna! and waived their Palm Branches they were certainly expecting great things of Jesus; particularly in regards to the politics of the day. In many ways, the actions of Palm Sunday were much like a current political rally or march. They were practically and visibly displaying their hopes and dreams for a new leadership.


The people had bought into the notion that the Empire could and would offer them salvation. Yet the Jews at the time did not believe Rome was capable of offering them salvation. They wanted, and believed they needed a king from the line of David. They believed, as Jesus was entering Jerusalem on the brink of Passover, that He would be their empirical saving king. They were fed up with Rome, a nation with many gods rather than the One. They believed only God’s chosen and anointed one could rule God’s chosen people with justice and righteousness.


And there they were, with great expectations, awaiting their salvation, salvation from the current hierarchy. They came to the city with hopes and expectations that Jesus would be their next David. They expected a man carrying a slingshot and sword. They expected a warrior, a champion, a hero. They expected Jesus to come in and replace the Romans with the Jews. They came that day, celebrating the release and relocation of those in power.


If you look back in the previous chapter of Matthew, chapter twenty, they really were thinking politically as two disciples even asked to be sat on the left and right of Jesus’ throne. Clearly they were thinking empirically. Clearly the problem of the day was that although the crowd offers the right words and actions, with the hosannas they sing and the Palm Branches they waive, they desired a salvation that is not a solution. It’s not a solution to their problems or the problems of the world. It’s not a long-term, life changing solution. They merely sought political prestige and independence.


Today we sing and wave our Palm Branches, not because we, like those before us, expect Jesus to follow in the way of the Empire. No, we sing because we still celebrate Christ’s triumphant entry into our lives. We, as followers of Jesus’ way, resist the notion that the world is for us and for our kind. We resist the notion that salvation is something the world provides through its power and prestige. We sing and celebrate because with Christ’s help we resist the structure of society and its empirical power pyramid, backed by fear and force.


We are able to rest and find our place in the kingdom of God as we faithfully follow in the humble steps of Jesus. As we follow his way, we – you and me, are able to live as he did. We are empowered to live in humility. We are set free to let Love reign in us.


This week I read a story of a guy who loved baseball. He went to games all the time. And what I read was his story of a particular trip to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs play. He said he arrived a little late that day, and as he crested the top of the stairs to the entrance to his seats, before he could see the field, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Apparently something had happened on the field that had people out of their seats and roaring. He quickly looked at his ticket, located his row and wiggled down to his seat. As he approached his seat, the man next to it was going wild with cheers, whistles, and applause. Embarrassed that he got there late and didn’t know what happened, he shyly tapped the guy on the shoulder and asked him “what happened?” Without the slightest embarrassment the guy next to him said, “I don’t know; I just got here.


I’ve had this happen to me before! I’ve walked in and immediately been caught up in the excitement. And this is exactly what is happening in Jerusalem. And, so it makes perfect sense why the people asked “who is this”!


As I read the story of Palm Sunday this week, the people of Jerusalem, with their question stood out to me as they asked: “Who is this?” Who is this Jesus?


And this is the question for us as well. Who is this Jesus?
Jesus is the humble king. He is the king of an upside down kingdom, a kingdom where Christ came for the poor, the sick, and those who are in need. Our humble king was born in a manger. He is the 
King who rode into town upon a donkey.


Jesus is the one who kneels down and washes the feet of his friends.
The humble king, Jesus Christ, came for you and for me.


Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. Jesus reminds us to love the Lord our God with all our heart soul mind and strength, and our neighbor as our self. Jesus Christ, the one triumphantly riding into the city upon the back of a donkey, a symbol of peace, came proclaiming uncompromising, unconditional love. A love for humility and humanity!


That’s who Jesus is!
But as our city asks this question, perhaps we need to make it a bit more personal. Who is Jesus to you?


I hope we all have a personal story and experience with the Living God. I hope his story in our lives stretches beyond the crowd’s declaration. The crowds were saying: “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” Yet, I hope we are able to move beyond this simple declaration of prophet and location and move into the declaration that he is the living, relational God who so loves the world…!


I hope we are able to move beyond the empirical hopes and dreams of a new empire… And celebrate the coming of the Humble King; the Humble King, who came not for the rich and healthy, but for the poor and the sick. I pray that as we wave our palm branches, that we realize our empirical hopes and dreams become the ash of tomorrow.


“The whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?
On the cusp of Holy Week, Who is Jesus to you? As we prepare to remember Christ’s betrayal and crucifixion, who is Jesus to you? As we remember Christ’s death, who is he?


As we look forward to the coming days, did Jesus endure the stripes and the nails that we may go on living within this empirical society? Did Christ hang, broken on the cross so we may be disconnect from the realities of today and focus on the life beyond? Did Jesus walk, talk, and embrace the stranger that we may turn our eyes and walk on the other side?


“The whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?”
I’d like to read you a relatively famous description of who Jesus is from Pastor S.M. Lockridge titled: My King


The Bible says my King is the King of the Jews. He’s the King of Israel. He’s the King of Righteousness. He’s the King of the Ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of Glory. He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King.
I wonder, do you know Him?


My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful.
Do you know Him?


He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Saviour. He’s the centrepiece of civilization. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He is the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology. He’s the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour.
I wonder if you know Him today?


He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captive. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent. And He beautifies the meek.
I wonder if you know Him?


He’s the key to knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory.
Do you know Him? Well…


His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. And His yoke is easy. And His burden is light.
I wish I could describe Him to you. Yes…


He’s indescribable! He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hand. You can’t outlive Him, and you can’t live without Him. Well, the Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him.
Yeah! That’s my King, that’s my King.


“The whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?”
Who is this Jesus?


Who is this Jesus we claim to love? Who is this Jesus we claim to serve? Who is this one, whom we say we follow? Has his life, death, and resurrection impacted and transformed who we are and how we see the world?


Who is this Jesus?
Do you know him?
Do you follow him?


Have you stepped out of the empirical world with its focus on power, prestige and self-gratification – and into Christ’s upside down kingdom where the first will be last, and the last will be first. Where we wash each other’s feet, and humbly serve others – that they too may come to know the one who is the servant of all!


This week as we step into the biggest week of the church year – when asked who Jesus is, be bold. Share your story. Share how he has stepped into your life. Share how Jesus Christ has transformed you and share how you will never be the same again! Don’t be shy about your relationship with the Risen Lord – as the Apostle Peter was.


Rather, when the whole city is in turmoil, and is asking, “Who is this?”  Boldly pronounce the powerful presence of the Humble King in your life!


We see him, we see our humble king seated upon a donkey. We watch him, we watch our humble king wash the feet of his followers. We’re shown the humility of our lord as he was baptized by one and anointed by another. 


The Palm Branches remind us that salvation does not come from this world’s empire. Salvation comes from the LORD!  This morning we celebrate Christ’s humility and his willingness to provide himself as our true salvation.  Today, this Palm Sunday, we are invited into God’s Kingdom, where the humble King greets the lowly and invites you, the sick, the broken, the hope-filled seekers of a new kingdom into his Loving embrace. This morning, we can lay our hopes before God and seek his way, and seek his will, and seek his power for our lives!  His humble, loving power!


Who is this Jesus?


He’s the one standing at the mouth of the tomb, with his arms outstretched, ready to embrace you with his humble life of love.

As you go, allow your affiliation with Christ the Humble King to be evident to all. Go and Love!

a bit of time

It's been a bit of time since I last posted. This is partly due to the fact of not knowing how/what to write in times of transition and specifically in regards to private matters. Well, really, private - yet soon to be public.

What am I talking about?

Moving.

Back at the start of the New Year, we were discussing and looking at options for relocating. One ministry stood out to both of us and the conversation ensued.
Perhaps what's interesting, is that it's back in So Cal. Perhaps interesting still, it's a beach town. Well, this may not be interesting to you right off, so let me give some background. I told Bree several years ago that if we ever moved back to California it'd have to be to a beach town.

And here we are - living in Redondo Beach. We live about 2.5 miles from the beach. And our ministry is within the Beach Cities (Hermosa, Redondo & Manhattan - Beach). As random as it is, I didn't want to move back to California unless we were in a beach town - and that's where we are!

It is exciting to begin a new phase in ministry and life... It's exciting to see how God will (continue) to move within this church and in this community. I am excited to see how God uses me - and particularly in regards to creating space where his Kingdom is displayed.

Throughout this transition  and the months ahead, perhaps as I come to mind, pray that I might have wisdom, discernment, and strength.

1.9 Baptism's Boundless Love

When you get a new car, what’s the first thing you do? When you jump into a rental car – before testing it’s capacities – what are your first steps? 1. adjust the seats 2. adjust the mirrors and 3. Tune THE RADIO. Everytime I’ve gotten a new car, the first thing I’ve done is adjust the preset stations. I want my favorites on those little buttons. I want the stations I listen to within easy reach. Do you know what I mean? Do you do that? Do you have your favorites preset on your car radio?

I don’t have my favorites just preset on the radio… my favorites are always within reach. They’re always close by. I have my favorite websites listed, my most common sites tallied. I have my books next to my bed. My fridge is ideally stocked with all the things I like.

I like Pizza… I could eat pizza several times a week. Are there particular meals you want monthly, weekly, daily? I get joked a lot about how much I like Pizza. Did you know I like Pizza? Like I said, I could eat pizza several times a week. I think my longest stretch of eating pizza is 9 days in a row. I like Pizza.

I’m the kind that could pretty much eat the same thing week after week. There doesn’t have to be much variation to my pallet. I like what I like, and might as well have it often! Others in my family… they need more variation. And so, I don’t just eat at Pudge… I eat at CPK, Little Caesars, Milano’s, Pagliacci’s, Olympia, Delfino’s… the Wallingford Pizza House, the list can go on and on.

There are definitely things we like to eat aren’t there… We have particular tastes and preferences. I like pizza and ice cream. Bree likes Thai food and sushi. Mark likes Burger Master, chips, and little smokies. Judy likes Raspberry Jell-O and Tea’ likes her quad tall decaf latte.

As I think about preferences, I think about the playground. Do you remember what it was like during recess in elementary school? When everyone was out running around, playing on the playground, and picking teams for dodge ball, soccer, kickball, basketball and even four-square. The drama, the emotion of picking teams, you always knew who the first picks would be. You could calculate who would be picked depending on who was captain… who would be picked first, second, third – last!

We do a good job of showing our favorites… but interestingly enough we also do a great job sharing what our least favorites are. Those things we like the least!

For me its things like meatloaf and potatoes, running and wearing shoes. We have entire systems set up in our society to share what our likes and dislikes are. This past Christmas Season a friend on facebook posted: “I Thinks its easier to pick a Christmas song I hate then pick a favorite.” She then went on to share her least favorite Christmas song.

We all have preferences. Things we like. Things we show favoritism towards. Whether we want to admit it or not – we all have favorites. We have favorite movies, books, tv shows. We have favorite passages of scripture, quotes, and even friends. And on the flipside, we all have our least favorites of each of those.

Whether we want to admit it or not – our society – as progressive and accepting of peoples as we might be, we still struggle with the playground antics of showing favorites. In this week’s Tuesday’s edition of the Seattle Times there was an editorial[i] written which reflected upon a failed effort to place ads on Metro Transit buses. The write said the ads accused Israel of war crimes as part of an effort to delegitimize the state of Israel.”

As I read the article and reflected upon the opinions of the writer, I believe whether we agree or not with his perspective – we must agree that we have favorites and we play favorites. Isn’t that what fantasy football is all about?

Let’s read the text of the day found in the book of Acts chapter 10 starting with verse 34.

Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism ³⁵ but accepts those from every nation who fear him and do what is right. ³⁶ You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. ³⁷ You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

 ³⁹ “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross,⁴⁰ but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. ⁴¹ He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴² He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³ All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

            Upon my first read of the text – I was struck by the first verse.

I always believe we need to begin by looking at a texts location within the larger picture. So, after having just woken up from a dream where  Peter saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. And upon the sheet were all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. A voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”

          Peter replied “Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”

The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” [ii] )

So following this vision, Peter being approached by some men who were sent to find him and bring him to their town to meet a man named Cornelius, began a two day journey to Caesarea. After meeting Cornelius he stepped into the house and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with Gentiles or visit them. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

At this Cornelius shared his story with Peter and that’s where we find our text… with Peter’s response.

Upon my first read of this text – I was struck by the first verse: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” 

            I am struck by this verse. I’m struck by its meaning and its implication upon our lives. I’m struck by its countercultural presence in our favorites stricken society. God does not show favoritism. God, the creator, sustainer, lover, redeemer does not show favorites. He’s not the team captain on the playground picking his team based on their ability or their mere loyalty!

            So, what are the implications for this kind of nonpartisan boundless love on our lives and on our world?

            In the Gospel text[iii] we read about the baptism of Jesus by the hands of John the Baptist. And then we follow that text with this one from Acts where Peter is given a vision of things the community considered impure or dirty becoming pure and clean.

            The vision, God’s words, Peter’s epiphany – there’s a light bulb that goes on in his heart and mind. What the community had segregated and created social laws and practices against, God breaks down. God breaks down the segregation; the us-and-them. He opens up, perhaps what never should have even been closed.

            In Christ’s baptism, love is boundless. The favorites we think are played – no longer hold merit. Peter tells us that God does not show favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear him and do what is right. I believe one of his strong points here is the part about every nation. Every nation! God accepts those from every nation – with their differing practices. Every Nation!

God accepts. God Loves. It’s through the baptism of our Lord that we too are given the ability to accept and love. Through baptisms boundless love we can move beyond the confines of the playground hierarchy where favorites, not just of games or balls – but of people are played out. We must move beyond the confines of the playground hierarchy.

Through baptisms boundless love we can embrace beyond the limitations of our societal preferences for the newest gadget, toy, fashion and click! When we embrace the reality afforded us through Christ’s baptism we can move beyond the empirical strivings for wealth and fortune. Through God’s reconciling work found in the dying and rising of baptism, we can move beyond these worldly traps and into God’s upside down kingdom; where national boundaries disappear, racial tensions are blinded, and cultural stereotypes are ignored. 

Upon reading this passage – I am struck by the first verse: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts those from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” 

The last part of this verse keeps pulling my attention to Micah 6:8 - He has shown you what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

When we’re honest, and we slow down… I believe we will realize that Peter’s words ring true. And beyond the “at times” not so simple act of acceptance – we will find God doing more! He not only accepts those from every nation who fear (or love) him and do what’s right (or live justice, mercy, humility) but he actually seeks us out. He seeks us out, each of us. From every tribe, kingdom, and nation. We’re not his afterthought – but rather his forethought. We are his beloved – from every tribe, kingdom and nation!

Throughout this chapter in Acts, we hear the story of God stepping out - beyond our man made walls and limitations. He steps beyond them to embrace and share his love with those on the outside. He’s breaking walls down, and leveling the playing field. He’s running a no cuts tryout.

Do you know what I’m talking about? A No-Cuts Tryout! He’s inviting all who are interested, to come and learn what it means to run on his cross-country team where failing is as important as winning. We’re invited to join our brothers and sisters from across seas, oceans, and continents; we are invited to join our brothers and sisters from across denominations, perspectives, and life experiences – in his kingdom where he shows no partiality for the rich and well adjusted. If there is any partiality – it is for the sick, the broken, the disenfranchised, the poor, the hurting, and the lonely.

Through God’s baptism flows boundless love.

It is because of God’s baptism that we are able to do things we do. Things like opening our doors to the stranger; throwing a feast for the homeless; sharing from closets and cupboards. It’s because of the boundless love of God that we devote space to latte’s, cappuccinos, and conversation. We do this because, like Peter – we realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism. We do this because we know within our local and global neighborhood there are others just like Cornelius who have seen, tasted, and experienced God’s boundless, unconditional, grace-filled life, soaked in love. They’ve experienced God’s Prevenient Grace, his grace that goes out before; his grace which meets you where you are, before anyone even knows where to find the real you.

We must be faithful to the visions and passions God is placing before us. We must be willing to step out beyond the comfort zones of the way things are and have always been…We must step out and allow Peter’s faith and trust in God’s Lordship to rule true for us! When God asks, we must be willing to go against the norm. God’s spoken words upon our lives are more poignant than any tradition or nation.

The question of the day simply boils down to: What preferences, prejudices and favorites are you playing… that God is now lowering down a white sheet before you?

Let us, on this second Sunday of a new year – remember our baptism in Christ, and step out beyond the walls of our institution. Let’s follow in Christ’s way. Let’s forget our playground antics of favoritism and boldly follow as Peter did, allowing God to speak his boundless love through us.

Allow Christ and his baptism’s boundless love to redeem all of which HE loves!

As you go, forgo your preferences for Christ’s redemptive kingdom of love. Go and Love.

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[i] http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2013837805_guest04singer.html

[ii] http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+10&version=TNIV

[iii] http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+3:13-17

Zechariah’s Song – Redemptions Joy – 12.5

Today is the second Sunday of Advent and today we light the Candle of JOY. Our joy is rooted in God, our God who loves; our God who loves all of us – all of his people.  The joy of today is that God has asked us to live, walk, sing, and participate in his Kingdom. Today we can live a joyful life because our God, our savior, our Lord, daily walks among us.

Here this morning we can have JOY!  Here in this very moment joy, is available.  Wrapped up in a blanket, clothed in human flesh is God incarnate.  From a virgins womb comes our king, the baby Jesus; the King who would triumphantly ride into the city upon the back of a donkey.  It is God incarnate who washes the feet of the poor, the broken, and the downtrodden. In just a few weeks we celebrate our King, born in a manger, surrounded by animals, with his loving arms outstretched. Jesus came to flip our understanding of what it means to be in community.  He came to change our world view.  Christ came that we may have joy and have it more abundantly.

But here we are – in this season of Advent – where we wait patiently for the arrival of baby Jesus. Here we are in the weeks leading up to Christmas when we recognize the “already – but not yet” aspects of our Lord. In this season we are given the opportunity to remember and try to understand what it must have been like – for those who lived before the arrival of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

This year, as we patiently wait for the birth of Christ, during Advent we are looking at the songs of a few characters from the story. Last week we looked at Mary’s song. Today we hear Zechariah’s, and the following weeks will include John the Baptist’s, the Angles’ and Simeon’s songs.

If you’re sitting there wondering just what Zechariah’s song is – It’s located in the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel and begins with verse 67. Let’s read it together.

⁶⁷ His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

⁶⁸ “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. 
⁶⁹ He has raised up a horn^[c] of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 
⁷⁰ (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), ⁷¹ salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— ⁷² to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, ⁷³ the oath he swore to our father Abraham: ⁷⁴ to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear  ⁷⁵ in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 
⁷⁶ And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, ⁷⁷ to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, ⁷⁸ because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven ⁷⁹ to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

            When I was in college I used to carry my little hand held bible with its tiny little print with me everywhere. It was great; it was the era of the cargo pants. Do you remember them? They’re still around, but not like they were in the late 90’s. You could hardly find a pair of pants that weren’t cargos. I remember one day walking along cafe-lane and as I passed a group of friends, the girl was commenting how she didn’t like cargos with all their pockets. She was going on and on about how no one uses all those pockets and how they were useless and not very attractive. As she got to the part about them being useless I walked by. Without saying anything – I simply began emptying my pockets. I pulled something out of nearly every pocket I had. I had my yo-yo in my front left pocket along with some gum, and I had my keys in my front right. I had my wallet in my back pocket and hand lotion in the right-side cargo pocket. And over in my left-side cargo pocket – was my little hand held bible.

            This little hand held bible has been with me and helped me through some pretty tough times in my life – especially in college; times of loneliness, uncertainty, confusion, betrayal, persecution and doubt. You know, the cargo pockets might not have lasted long – but I’m sure glad I had room for all that stuff, especially the little hand held bible with its tiny little print.

            I remember reading from this little bible inside my Chevy truck waiting for a friend. I was parked just outside of Brown Chapel on Point Loma’s campus. It was dark, I had my cab light on as I read Mark chapter 9.

            What passage of Scripture do you come back to – or did you rely on – in your toughest moments?

            In the midst of my loneliness, uncertainty, confusion, doubt and unbelief – inside my truck outside of Brown Chapel and even today I turn to Mark chapter 9. Mark 9:24 “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’”

            Just thinking about the role this passage has played in my life over the years is powerful. It’s emotional, moving, inspiring, and humbling. If I pause on it too long, reflect upon it for more than a moment – I can feel my eyes well up.

            So – Are you wondering what the connection is between Mark 9 and Zechariah’s Song?

            When I began reading and working on this passage, I had to go and be reminded of who Zechariah was and why he was singing – or prophesying as it were. To be honest, I was confused for a little bit as to why we were hearing from Zechariah and not Joseph. To be honest, I had to remind myself who Zechariah was. To do that – I started reading from the beginning of the chapter.

            This is a really hard passage, this Song of Zechariah, to just read 10 verses from and speak on. We have to look at the whole of the chapter – we have to understand all the elements of the situation to be able to hear Zechariah’s song, to hear his hope and to hear his joy!

            Zechariah and his wife were both kind of old – and childless. Zechariah was part of the priests, and when it was his turn to go into the temple and do the routine temple things… he was greeted by an angel. A most un-routine kind of thing! He was told his wife would bear him a son – and his name will be John. The angel goes on to tell Zechariah that John will be a joy and a delight!

            Zechariah – like many of the other Hebrew Hero’s of the Bible – was a realist, he was a bit skeptical. Even being a priest, knowing the Torah, and living a life of faithfulness, Zechariah had some doubts. He wasn’t sure how in his (and his wife’s) old age he was gonna have a son. So he asks the angel how he can be sure.

            Well, apparently that was the wrong question to ask. Perhaps the lesson when an angel speaks to you – don’t ask questions. The angel tells him because of his unbelief he will be mute until the birth of his son. He can’t talk, he is unable to say anything all because of his unbelief.

            There’s the connection – did you see it? Zechariah was struck mute because of his unbelief. Sometimes we’re a lot like Zechariah aren’t we. We go through the routines. We do what we’re supposed to. We do what’s expected… but we lack a little faith. We lack understanding. We lack belief in the power, the action, the love, the faithfulness, the presence of God. We forget that our Loving God is here, caring about us.

            Nine months later Zechariah’s son is born, they are about to circumcise him and give the child his name. And the men assume he will be named after his father – but Elizabeth says his name will be John. Blown away the men go to Zechariah to ask him what the boys name shall be. After writing John on a tablet – his voice comes back. And he doesn’t just talk – he begins to sing!

            He doesn’t just talk, he sings, he praises the Lord. He gives “Praise to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”

                       

Today I love hearing Paul’s words to the Romans found in chapter 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

He says: may you be filled with ALL joy and ALL peace as you trust in him. May you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. His prayer is that we would be so full of joy and peace that as our cup overflows – hope floods the gates. Paul’s prayer for us is that our joy, our excitement, our passion will transpire into the lives of others as hope for their own situations, for their own lives!

This passage from Paul for some reason reminds me of the last Presidential race and Obama’s campaign vastly rooted in one word. Hope. Not caring what your political leanings are - the hope we seek, as Christians, as people of faith – is a hope of change. In this season, we better hope that God incarnate changes things. The hope we seek is one of change in perspective, a change in location, and change of allegiance. The hope that overflows, is one of justice, and one of mercy. The hope of change, in life, in perspective, in relationship – the hope of change found in Christmas – is one brought on by the joy found in salvation. The hope of Christmas is found in the joy of redemption!

Zechariah knew this to be true. After being struck silent for nine months – the joy at the birth of his son caused him to praise God for his faithful acts of redemption! He began to “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.” After being mute for nine months, the joy at the birth of Zechariah’s son caused him to praise God for his faithful acts of redemption!

In the midst of Advent, in this midst of this season with its hustle and bustle and emphasis on consumerism, I hope the words from the song by Over the Rhine ring true for us! Because as we await the birth of our savior, we know we need “A New Redemption Song.” We have tried to do it on our own, but it hasn’t worked. As we have sat in unbelief, skepticism and uncertainty, we need to claim as the father did in Mark 9 – “help me overcome my unbelief!” As we sit around pondering the reason for the season, as we’re lambasted by memories of old, reflecting on scriptures that got us through those hard times… As we wait in the darkness, the confusion, and in the stable filled with dirty animals – we know we need something different. We know God’s love is out there – calling us to sing “A New Redemption Song”

Lord, we need a new redemption song. Lord, we’ve tried, it just seems to come out wrong.

Won’t you help us please? Help us just to sing along, a new redemption song, a new redemption song.

Lord, we need a new redemption day. All our worries keep getting in the way.

Won’t you help us please? Help us find the words to pray, to bring redemption day, to bring redemption day

Lord, we need a new redemption song. Lord, we’ve tried, it just seems to come out wrong.

Won’t you help us please? Help us just to sing along, a new redemption song, a new redemption song.

As we patiently wait for the birth of Christ, we like Zechariah need Christ’s Redemption song in our lives. We need to join hands, step up, and join the choir. Singing isn’t a spectator position. It’s an activity – Mary’s done it, Zechariah’s done it, and John the Baptist does it. We need his help to sing along. Our world continues to need the new redemption song Christ sings in us!

Our joy, our true joy, is found in our participation in Christ’s song of redemption. We must prepare the way for the Lord. We must sing and proclaim – as God’s provocateur of Prevenient Grace we must sow seeds of justice, mercy, and love. Seeds of hope! Seeds of compassion!

In the midst of our unbelief, God the Father shows his compassion. In the midst of darkness, God the Son emanates with love. In the midst of our hectic lives, God the Holy Spirit fills us with joy; a joy so rich that we overflow with hope – God’s loving redeeming hope for this broken and hurting world.

We are filled with joy so we may overflow with hope!

 As you go, be filled with redemptions JOY and overflowing with hope… Go and Love!

Spiritual Discipline of Worship- 11.21

Harvest Sunday - Spiritual Discipline of Worship

The Lyrics of My Heart by Deborah Belka
With what words shall I compose,
the lyrics of my heart?
I hear them in my mind,
yet, I am not sure where to start.

Shall I arrange them in perfect order,
from the time when we first met?
Or open with the refrain of the day,
You took upon Yourself my debt?

Shall I begin with my appreciation,
with the gratitude I have for You?
Or, perhaps I should open with my love,
ah, yes that is what I ought to do.

For to capture from within my soul,
the melody of my full expression.
I would have to come up with the tune,
of how Your love left its true impression.

Oh, to know what I now understand,
and to see how my love has grown.
You would have to one day meet,
this Man I have loved and known.

For He loved the world so,
and gave to all His only Son.
And that is the greatest love song,
this heart can sing to anyone.

As we gather this morning on our 7^th annual HARVEST SUNDAY, we celebrate our gracious God. We worship the Humble King, the one whom we look to in our times of need and our times of plenty.

            At Seattle First Church, today is the last day in our series looking at Spiritual Disciplines. We spent time reflecting on: Solitude, Community, Prayer & Meditation, Fasting, Stewardship, Service, and today we wrap it up with Worship. How fitting, on a day the Global church closes out the calendar year, a day we collectively celebrate Christ as King, the Sunday before Thanksgiving – that we carve out time to spend participating in the Spiritual Discipline, the Spiritual Exercise of Worship!

            I found out this week that speaking on Worship during a worship service is not an easy task. Wrapping our minds around why we do what we do – and its implications – is not an easy task! I’ve found myself asking questions I’m sure many of you have asked as I’ve grappled with what Worship is, and its role in Spiritual formation.

            So what is it about Worship that brings us together each week? I have three basic questions I want us to look at: What is worship? What do we do in worship? and What are the implications of worship on our lives?

What is worship?

Is it merely an hour set aside every week to gather in a building, sing some songs, listen to a message, shake some hands and continue on with our lives? Or is it more?

Praise and worship seems to be universal. Have you ever heard of an explorer finding a new tribe or a culture that doesn't worship? For every person, for every people group - worship is a natural instinct, a basic need, a historical expression. A simple definition of worship is to regard with great devotion or to honor as a divine being. Worship is defined by what we are devoted to.

A great place for us to begin looking at worship is found in the Scriptures. Let’s look at a handful of passages that point us to what and how worship is depicted. I have several verses I’d like us to read. They are: Ephesians 5:19-20, Romans 12:1-2, Psalm 95:1-2, John 4:23, Matthew 22:36-39, Matthew 6:33.   

Seek first his kingdom & his righteousness. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength – and your neighbor as yourself. Worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth. Sing for joy, make music. Offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice.

What is worship? Of all those verses we just read – one theme emerges prominently. Each verse speaks to the action of worship. The call to worship – is one that is not stagnant. Worship is a movement. Worship is exciting – life giving – and transforming.

What do we do in worship?

Thinking about worship – how do you worship. What does worship look like for you? What aspects do you like to have as a part of your worship experience, your worship expression?

This morning we have incorporated many different ways for us to express our worship of God. We have singing, live art, a choreographed dance, and we have communion. We have read scriptures and poems. We have prayed and we have one another – a beautiful mixture of lives and backgrounds.

Often when we think of worship, our culture thinks only of singing, and attending church, and praying. These obviously are expressions of worship, ones which we participate in regularly, but I believe worship is more than just those three. Worship is not found only on Sundays or only within a church building. When we honestly look at worship, it’s what our lives ought to be about – a dynamic, everlasting celebration of God. Worship is not an isolated occasional activity, it is a lifestyle.

The call to worship – is one that is not stagnant. Worship is a movement. Worship is exciting – life giving – and transforming.

Worship is not found only on Sundays or only within a church building.

Growing up, the worship services I remember best – most of them were outside, at a camp, in the mountains or on the beach, around a fire. In college – they took place outside in the Greek Amphitheater. I have opened my heart to God in unique ways in buildings, on beaches, in rivers, and in the mountains. God is not limited to a location and he’s not limited to a singular expression! And God does not expect his people to be limited to a location or to a singular expression!

I have been to an art museum and nearly moved to tears as I gazed upon the beautiful depiction of God’s grace. I have sat on the beach, listening to the sound of the waves – enamored by the awesome power of God. I have been on a bus, in a crowd, at a random event – and been blown away by God’s indescribable presence.

In 1999 I sat in a worship service, one I will never forget. I’m sure you have a few that stand out to you! That night I heard the amazing transformative story of an African tribal princess. I don’t know her name. It wasn’t shared with us. You see, it was not safe for her to share her identity incase word got back to her surrounding villages of what she was saying and sharing. I will never forget that night as she told us the story of her conversion from witch-craft to following Christ.

Years before her conversion three Catholic nuns moved near her village. But for fear of their lives, the nuns didn’t share the Good News. They basically just lived in proximity to their neighbors. They didn’t proclaim, they didn’t do anything, they were just there.

As crazy as this sounds, the Princess said It was in a dream that she became aware of Jesus. She woke up freaked out, wondering who that was. As she went about her day, days on end she just thought about Jesus. She began to know him, and speak to him. Not knowing any of the scriptural facts about his life – she became compelled to seek out the nuns and learn from them.

One day she traveled over to the Nuns house and asked them for a bible. To her amazement (and ours) they said no. They thought it was a trick. But she convinced them that she was honestly interested in learning about their book and asked them who Jesus is. Still a little skeptical and afraid, they said he is the Son of God. The Princess replied – yes I know.

You see, God was made known and God was worshiped that day. Out in the fields, at the doorstep of the house, and eventually throughout the whole village God was worshiped. He is not confined to a system, a mountain, or a temple.

The call to worship – is one that is not stagnant. It is active it is moving. Worship is a movement of the Spirit. Worship is exciting – life giving – and transforming.

Worship is not found only on Sundays or only within a church building, and worship is not expressed in only one way.          

What are the implications of worship on our lives?

The Gospel of Luke paints a beautiful description of Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday – we hear that the disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Well some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus: “Rebuke your disciples!” And Jesus replied, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

If we don’t worship, if we don’t praise, if we don’t sing songs, dance, create, break bread, remember – the stones, inanimate objects will cry out. If we don’t worship – the rocks will!

We know Worshiping God is not about us – it’s about turning our hearts to him, sharing our thankfulness, our praise and adoration. We know it is an act founded in Spirit and in Truth.

But what then does worship do as a spiritual discipline?

In God’s upside down kingdom – I believe worship looks and takes on different characteristics than it does in our empirical/regular world. What does it mean to worship the king who came as a servant… who does not sit on a throne idly – but steps into the lives of his people – empowering love? Perhaps our worship is not only about him – but about his transformative power in our lives, readjusting our perspective.

Perhaps as we worship, worshiping the king who came in stable, and rode in on a donkey, we are strategically being swept away from the functions and mindset of this empirical world. Worship in the upside down kingdom varies from worship in the empirical world – While there are similarities of conforming to the images, the differences lie in not being elevated – but becoming a servant.

            As we worship God. As we seek to be more like Christ, like minded, action oriented – holy as he is holy – our very countenance changes from seeking financial or public glory to living the life of a servant, humble, meek. As we worship the Humble King we are drawn into a counter cultural movement where love wins. As we worship the Creator God we are given freedom to dance, sing, proclaim and create, not for ourselves but for the one who loves, and is love.

           

I believe worship is like our tool box. It’s kind of like going to the gas station/the filling station. We are getting the stuff, the tools, the sustenance, the ability to pick up our cross and follow him. I believe we must practice the exercise of worship because while God is blessed during the process – he is also daily drawing us closer to him. He, like the Wood Carver reminding Punchinello, transforms who we are as we engage in more of him. As we are being drawn to him – we are being reoriented to our true selves – ones of love and compassion, ones where we look not to our own needs, but to the needs of our brothers and sisters.

God cares about us so much, that even the things that are about him – I believe are about us. I might get some flack for saying that. But really – I don’t believe he is an egotistical, narcissistic God who needs our praise. I believe he needs our praise, he needs our worship simply because he cars so much about us. It is in his caring about us, that in worship of him, we can be transformed, re-oriented, purely conditioned in his love.

It is in our worship of him, that we become so much like him – that we begin to see the world as he sees it. It is in our Worship of him, that we become so much like him – that we begin to walk as he walks, talk as he talks, live as he lives, love as he loves. It is in our Worship of God that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. It is then that we are able to live, putting our individual and corporate action into God’s will – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

On Harvest Sunday, what a great day to be reminded of who we are, what we do, and why we do it. What a great day to have prayers in different languages, art being created, songs of love and joy, and a dance of thanksgiving. Today is a powerful day of worship where we break bread, remembering Christ’s unconditional call of love and justice for all. Today we will not partake in communion in the traditional form found in the cup and plate – rather we have brought clothes, canned foods, and a Thanksgiving meal. Today we bring our harvest of God’s bountiful love to the table. Today we worship, across denominational lines, ethnic backgrounds, and economic diversity – Praising God for his blessings, his presence, and his transformation in our lives. Today we worship that we may continue to be his instruments of peace, and his hands and feet of love.

As we close, I’d like to read A Poem of Worship by Amber Williams

Praise the Lord here in this place.
Praise our God for his wonderful grace.

Tell of his glory, his power and love.
Tell of the one who reigns up above.

Sing and be glad for our God is great.
Sing of the wonders that He did create.

Shout for joy, be glad He is King.
Shout to the Lord, let your praises ring.

Worship the Lord with prayers and with song.
Worship the Lord all the day long.

Love the Lord for He sent his Son.
Love the Lord, His will be done.

Lift your feet and dance around.
Lift your voice, make a joyful sound.

Raise your hands and praise his name.
Raise a prayer- thank God Christ came.

Praise the Lord, our God of love.
Praise the Lord who reigns above.

As you go, worship the Lord in all you do – Go and Love!