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Weekly Evangelectionary for February 26, 2012 – First Sunday in Lent

February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Psalm 25:1-10; Genesis 9:8-17; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15

Theme: The Power of Choice

Message: Learning to Make the Right Choices

The Psalmist poses a thought provoking question in Psalms 25:12. “What man is he that feareth the Lord?” Ponder his question for a moment…Then allow that question to provoke a self examination. Walking in the blessings of God and receiving the benefits of the Gospel is not for pretenders. Though all Israel were the royal seed and descendants of Abraham, not all would receive the promised blessing. God gave the nation of Israel, his chosen people the power of choice. The choices they made had serious consequences, some good and others not so good.

The power of choice has always been a part of God’s plan for mankind. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were given the opportunity to choose. Think about Genesis 2:9 “And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” God himself placed both “the tree of life” and “the tree of knowledge of good and evil” in the garden. Adam and Eve would be blessed by their choice or cursed by their choice. On the border of the Promised Land, Moses clearly sets a choice before the people, De 30:19 “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

In Psalms 25, the psalmist reveals a list of petitions to his God and a list of awesome promises from God. God promised protection from his enemy, instruction for the sinners, guidance and direction for the  meek.  In verse 12, “What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.”  For the person who truly walks in the fear of the Lord, God promises to teach him in the way that he should choose. The truly blessed man needs the Lord to help him make the right choices. Jeremiah 10:23, O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” God promises that those whose hearts are right shall not err for want of heavenly direction. Where God sanctifies the heart he enlightens the head.  We all wish to choose our way; but what a mercy it is when the Lord directs that choice, and makes free will to be goodwill!  If we make our will God’s will, God will let us have our will.  God does not violate our will, but leaves much to our choice; nevertheless, he instructs our wills, and so we choose that which is well pleasing in his sight. A Truly blessed Man is a man who chooses to learn at the feet of Christ and allows Christ to teach him what to choose; the man who will not violate his own conscience but will make choices that lead to quiet peace of a good conscience; and the man who make godly choices that will bless himself and his children. Salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ opens the door of many wonder privileges here and in the hereafter. The benefits are increased or decrease by the choices we make. Let us draw close to God and allow him to teach us to make the right choice.

Illustration: Ah, life is so full of choices. Sometimes we choose wisely. Sometimes not so wisely—like the little boy whose older brother talked into letting him crack some eggs on his head. The two of them were getting ready to boil some eggs so they could decorate them for Easter when the older brother told the younger one—“if you let me break three eggs on your head I’ll give you a dollar.” The younger one’s eyes grew wide with the prospect of getting a dollar. “really?” he said, “a whole dollar?” “Yep. If you let me break three eggs on your head I’ll give you a dollar.” “Promise?” “Promise.” “Okay.” The younger brother closed his eyes and held his hands at the side of his face as the older brother giggled and cracked open the first egg. As the yolk was just beginning to roll down onto his cheeks, the older brother said, “That’s one. Here’s two.” As he cracked open the second egg the older brother said, “This is so cool.” The younger boy then braced himself for the third egg. After about ten seconds he said, “Come on, I’m ready for the third egg.” The older brother then slyly said, “Are you kidding? That would cost me a dollar.”

Music:  I have Decided To Follow Jesus (# 164 The New National Baptist Hymnal)

Trust and Obey (#443 The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal)

Am I A Soldier of the Cross (#438 The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal)

Prayer: O God, our Father, since it is not in man to order his steps or to proper choose his way, teach to draw near unto thee. Since we will have life that we choose, help us to make choices that lead to your divine favor and communion. We realize that in Christ all our needs are supplied and whatever come short of life and happiness, we owe to the choices we make. Lead us in the way of life everlasting…In the name of Jesus, our redeemer and Lord, Amen.

 

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Weekly Evangelectionary for Sunday, February 19, 2012

February 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

By Kwasi Kena

Lectionary (Year B): 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6 2; Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9

Theme: “Godly Companionship”

Message: Few would argue that people are, by nature, social creatures. We learn how to function in society through interaction with others. We observe, we act, we receive feedback, we adjust. We learn values from our families, our peers, and by those we consider significant—a spouse, a dear friend, a close companion. We understand this type of socialization; but who socializes us spiritually?

In the lives of Elijah and Elisha we find a clear demonstration of the godly companionship. Theirs is a spiritual mentor-mentee relationship. The relationship between a mentor and mentee can provide new insights into how to follow God. How many of us benefitted from the mature perspective of a coach, an instructor, or an older peer?

Imagine the mature perspective Elisha developed after listening to the stories Elijah told. Elijah, whose name means Yahweh is my God, undoubtedly told Elisha about his confrontation with the wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, his showdown with the 450 prophets of Baal, and how he spoke and a three-year drought ensued. Elijah, aware that his time on earth was winding down, chose to spend his final moments with his beloved mentee, Elisha.

Elisha, also aware that this was Elijah’s last day on earth, clung to his mentor and never left his side. For his persistence, Elijah offered his mentee one last favor, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you” (2 Kings 2:9 NRSV). Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.

The request to receive a double portion is significant. According to inheritance practices, the eldest son in Hebrew culture received a double portion. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s anointing because he believed that being Elijah’s first son in ministry entitled him to receive this spiritual inheritance. Who is looking for mature Christian fellowship and spiritual guidance from you and me? Who could benefit from hearing about our spiritual journey?

The news media fills the air with horror stories of young and old people gone astray. How many of their lives would have turned out differently with the guidance and encouragement of a modern-day Elijah? Sometimes people just need to hear good news. One aspect of evangelism is good news—that is sharing what it means to live in the Kingdom (Reign) of God. Sometimes our best teaching occurs through demonstration within the intimate space of friendships. We who have been privileged to enjoy a relationship with Jesus Christ have a grand opportunity to wrap our arms around some Elisha, spend time and talk about how God walks with us each step of life’s journey.

Similarly, there is an Elisha who needs to stop walking along a solitary spiritual path and seek the company and seasoned advice of an Elijah who has “some stories to tell.” This week urge your congregation to seize the opportunity either to serve as a mentor or to become a willing mentee in spiritual matters.

Quote(s):

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and
a push in the right direction.” – John Crosby

“One of the things I keep learning is that the secret of being happy is doing
things for other people.” – Dick Gregory

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life
by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

Film
s with mentor themes:

  • The Karate Kid
  • Star Wars
  • Finding Forrester
  • The Lion King
  • Searching for Bobby Fischer
  • X-Men

Music:

  • The Summons
  • I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
  • Would I have Answered When You Called

Prayer of Confession

Gracious God, how often have I buried myself in busyness rather than open myself to others? When you called me to spend time with another traveler on life’s journey, did I heed your request? I confess that too often I respond too quickly to a life of ease first when the couch and TV call. I forget that I am a steward of time and not the owner. Forgive me for the times I ignored the cry of Elisha. Remind me that I too have important stories to tell and good character to demonstrate. Amen.

Words of Assurance

God hears. God forgives. God’s grace grants another chance. In the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven.

Sending Forth:

The same God, who spoke to Elijah, speaks to us beckoning us to find Elisha. Go from this place inspired to invest in another person’s life for the sake of the Kingdom (Reign) of God. We have a mission. We are called to serve.

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Evangelectionary Reflection for February 12, 2012

February 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Lectionary (Year B): Sixth Sunday after Epiphany: 2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 30; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Mark 1:40-45

Theme: Enduring in our Mission

Message: “Our Mission’s A Moving Target!”

Our mission focus causes us to contemplate Paul’s comparison of our “calling” to that of a seasoned athlete who exercise(s) self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.

(I Cor. 9:25)

We must endure in our mission in an ever-changing personal life and cultural context to be faithful to the Lord in the mission to which He calls us as disciples.

“No athlete ever considers himself or herself to have “arrived”; winners always keep on training, always keeping in shape, always looking forward to the next contest or event.  That’s the challenge that Paul gives us: to exercise self-control constantly (v. 25) and to take even painful steps of self-denial in order to be ready to meet the challenge of effective Christian living (v. 27). (Leroy Koopman)*

*(Subscribers are permitted to reprint material in non-profit publications only; all other reproduction is prohibited.  2011 Liturgical Publications Inc, LPi Resource Center, P.O. Box 510817, New Berlin, WI 53151-0817, 1-800-950-9952 ext 2469)

Quote(s):

“There are two tragedies in life: one is to not to get your heart’s desire, and the other is to get it.” (Man and Superman),George Bernard Shaw

“I think now that God has set us free to be responsible to make our own choices and to pay the costs for them, with our eyes wide open and our feet on the ground, and that God goes with us, goes before us, and he meets us at every corner…at every turning and corner, God is there with us as the images break within us, helping us to put back the pieces, but now in a new shape and a new pattern.”  Robert Raines, Success is a Moving Target

Film, other visual arts

  • The Mission
  • Chariots of Fire
  • Hoosiers
  • Remember the Titans

Illustration:

At the same time that Brigham Young and his flock made their trek across the American continent on the way to Salt Lake, another group of Dutch Christians left their homeland to sail to a wilderness in Western Michigan to establish what has become a prosperous city named Holland.  On the gravestone of the founder, Albertus Van Raalte, are these words of spiritual direction: “Beloved, who follow us in this inheritance.  We give it over to you with joy.  But do not forget we receive it from God as a training school for eternity; a work place for God’s Kingdom.” (Italics mine, BGL)

Music:

  • “Everything I Do”
  • “O God, Our Help in Ages Past, Our Hope for Years to Come”
  • “Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak”

Opening Prayer

Fill our worship with grace, Lord Jesus Christ, that every thought, word, and deed may be acceptable to you, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen*

Intercessory:

“We come before you today as people who are living in a busy world, a world of troubles and challenges, a world of problems and difficulties, a world that often gives us distress.

We pray for ourselves and others who may be experiencing distress over personal relationships—of tensions with others in the family, of worries over children and grandchildren, of conflicts at work or school.

We pray for ourselves and others who deal with distress in finances—of present or potential unemployment, of homes about to be foreclosed, of credit card debt that is out of control.

We pray for ourselves and others who deal with distress over health issues—of worrisome diagnosis, of chronic pain, of old age, or ongoing health problems.”*     – Leroy Koopman

Benediction:

“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.  God is not a secret to be kept.  We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.  If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hid you under a bucket, do you?  I’m putting you on a light stand.  Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!  Keep open house; be generous with you lives.  By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” – The Message, Matthew 5:14-16, Eugene Peterson

 

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Weekly Evangelectionary for Sunday, February 5, 2012

January 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Lectionary (Year B): Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39

Theme: Witness in and to the World

Message: “If Paul boasted about anything in this passage, it was that he had been able to adapt to different kinds of people in order to communicate the gospel effectively. He understood the needs and questions of those who had been under Judaism; and he understood, at least in part, some of the needs of those who had never been bound by Jewish law.
Paul writes that he ‘can’t not’ share the gospel, and so has no basis for boasting about his commitment to his ministry. He also describes his strategy of ‘identification’ with others, of coming alongside them and seeking to connect with them as they are. Paul was exceptionally flexible in ministering the gospel to others. He was comfortable with approaching either Jews or Gentiles on their own terms. Whether people considered themselves under Jewish law or outside the law was inconsequential to the message of the gospel, het Paul did not consider himself a ‘free agent;’ he was bound by the law of Christ.” Sofiya Fosua, (United Methodist Church Worship staff)
Do we believe our way into belonging or belong our way into believing? The answer is yes, both, I believe. It depends on the context though the goal is the same, to win the hearts and minds of those to whom we are called to love regardless of the response.
But one thing that we must never exhibit to others in our “friendly persuasion” is a self-righteous arrogance that is always a “turn-off” for the recipients.

Quote(s):
“Evangelism is one beggar telling another where to get bread.” D.T. NIles

Film, other visual aids
“Tender Mercies”

Music:
“Slip-Slidin’ Away,” Paul Simon
“Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak”
“There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy”

Prayer of Confession
“Pardon us, Lord, if in any way our testimony has been weak—
If we have not backed up our words with deeds;
If we have not spoken with conviction or enthusiasm;
If we have relied only on our own strength;
If we have witnessed only to like-minded people who we consider safe.”
(Leroy Koopman)
(Subscribers are permitted to reprint material in non-profit publications only; all other reproduction is prohibited. 2011 Liturgical Publications Inc, LPi Resource Center, P.O. Box 510817, 1-800-950-9952 ext. 2469)

Benediction:
“Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

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Weekly Evangelectionary Reflection: January 29th, 4th Sunday after Epiphany

January 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Texts: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; I Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28

Message:

Who has authority – and what right do they have to that authority? are questions that ring out in our post-modern world. But before we think we are unique in asking these questions – a quick glance through the world of the Bible indicates for a long time human beings have struggled with these questions. Where does authority come from?

In Deuteronomy we run into the promise of a prophet like Moses who God will “raise up for you…from among your own people.” Two quick notes on the text. First context, Deut. 8:9-14 forbids Israel from making use of soothsayers, diviners, and sorcerers. Such people would not have authority in Israel. Second grammar, the Hebrew is ambiguous about number – and should best be seen as God promising to raise up a string of prophets – “a prophet class” – who would speak God’s word in their time and place and would be succeeded by another prophet who would speak God’s word. God would put in the mouths of human beings God’s word to the people and the people were to listen to that authority. The church believes that Jesus stands in this line of prophets – is the pre-eminent prophet in the line “like Moses.”

Psalm 111 points to the signs of God’s authority – “full of honour and majesty is God’s work” (vs. 3); “God has gained renown” (vs. 4); “the works of God’s hands are faithful and just” (vs. 7); as but a few examples. God’s “precepts are trustworthy” (vs. 7) and are to be “performed with faithfulness and uprightness” (vs. 8). God’s authority is to be obeyed – for the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (vs. 10) In a world that asks where authority lies – Psalm 111 answers unequivocally – it resides with God.

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians that authority can be oppressive and destructive unless it is tempered by love. Authority often arises from knowledge – and as Paul writes “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” (vs. 1) The authority of having the right knowledge can destroy community and belittle others. Authority that functions in this way cares little for the “weaker brother (or sister)” it cares more about being correct.

In Mark people note that Jesus taught with authority – unlike the other teachers of the law. It is hard to know exactly what is meant by that – but it certainly meant that hearers were moved by what they heard, hearing a power, a challenge, an authenticity to Jesus’ words. N.T. Wright suggests the authority of Jesus’ teaching could be seen in the fact that he did not quote other teachers, other rabbis – but rather spoke directly – unashamedly speaking for God. Jesus authority was life-giving for not only did his words give people hope and new vision – his authority was also over evil spirits – over the destructive powers of the forces of darkness. In healing the man who was possessed, Jesus used his authority to bring life and renewal to the brokenness of the man’s life. God’s authority is a robust life-bringing, hope-restoring authority rooted in transforming the broken and the hurting and the despairing.

This life-bringing, hope restoring authority comes from only one place, God as made known to us in Jesus Christ. There is no other place such authority comes from. Christians are invited to follow this authority and declare its power in the world. We can in confident humility declare we know where authority resides in our world.

Quotes:

One of the challenges with the Mark text is determining how to define “an evil spirit”:

“The accounts resemble descriptions of certain kinds of behavior labeled in modern medical language as particularly severe mental disorders. Though it is certainly true that the Gospel writers employ the descriptive language of their day for such conditions and that moderns may be uncomfortable with ideas of “demon possession,” we must not allow the medical question to overshadow the fact that the Gospel accounts show Jesus as bringing deliverance and health to such afflicted people as part of God’s manifestation of his rule. That Jesus is shown taking pity on such people and releasing them, rather than condemning them or superstitiously avoiding them, is significant as a role model of care for such troubled persons today.” – Larry Hurtado

On Corinthians text:

“Once one’s theology is properly in hand, it is especially tempting to use it as a club on others….This does not mean that knowledge is either irrelevant or unimportant, but it does mean that it cannot serve as the primary basis of Christian behaviour. In Christian ethics “knowledge” must always lead to love….In the Christian faith “knowledge” or “insight” is never an end in itself; it is only a means to w great end, the building up of others.” – Gordon Fee

Hymns: 

  • “Awesome” – Words by Brenton Prigge (available on line at www.newhymn.com)
  • “Majesty” – Jack Hayford
  • “A mighty fortress is our God” – Martin Luther
  • “Holy Spirit, truth divine” – Samuel Longfellow

Peter Bush is Teaching Elder at Knox Presbyterian Church, Mitchell, Ontario. He is the author of Western Challenge (2000) and, with Christine O’Reilly, Where 20 or 30 Are Gathered (2006).

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Evangelectionary for January 22, 2012: Third Sunday After The Epiphany (Year B)

January 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Lectionary Reading: Psalm 62:5-12; Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Mark 1:14-20; I Corinthians 7:29-31

Mark’s story is not complex, or elaborate, it’s to the point, it’s only seven verses long.  But contained in this story of Jesus’ calling of Simon, Andrew, James and John is a call to you and me and to the church.

When I read this story what grips me again and again is the response of those first four disciples.  After forty days in the wilderness, Jesus begins his ministry proclaiming the good news of God.  Jesus then goes to Simon and Andrew and then James and John and says, “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately, they went and followed Jesus.  There wasn’t a well let me think about it or a let me get permission from this person or that person, or will you pay better than what I’m getting right now.  They just immediately follow Jesus.  The more practical side of me says, that’s just irresponsible…it won’t last.  To be honest I don’t know if I would have responded so boldly.  My question really is why did they respond the way they did?

First, I think they got what Jesus was saying when he said, “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God has come near.” For many hearing these words in first century Galilee, the kingdom meant a place, a long hoped for earthly kingdom or eschatological future.  For many of us, kingdom of God language is still a place.  Maybe not visible, maybe consigned to the future.  Living in a broken and hurting world probably enforces the idea that the kingdom has not really been “fulfilled”.  There s a sense of an “already but not quite” quality to our perspective of the kingdom. (George Eldon Ladd)

But Jesus says, “the kingdom has come near”.   That’s what those first disciples hear.  A better translation might be, “the kingdom is right in front of you”.  Guess who is standing right in front of those first four disciples, it’s Jesus.  They got it. They understood the kingdom is about a person not just a place.  The good news that we have to share is about the person of Jesus Christ.  The life, death and resurrection of Jesus has fulfilled and ushered in the kingdom of God.  The good news is as one commentator has put it, “Kingdom people live the future in the present.  Kingdom people live the not yet in the here and now.”   We can be part of “the kingdom coming near” in the lives of people when we share our faith in Jesus in our words and our actions.  Brian McLaren says it well when he writes, “The Gospel is not primarily informational but relational/missional.  That is imparting information on how to be individually saved is secondary to inviting people into a relationship with a King (God/Christ) and with members of a kingdom whose foremost concern is wholeness for a broken world, rather than just an insurance policy for eternal destiny.”  I believe they immediately followed Jesus because he was calling them to something bigger than themselves to a movement of God’s kingdom breaking into the world through Jesus.  Which brings me to my next observation.

Second, they responded immediately, because Jesus gives meaning and purpose for their lives.  In many of the translations, Jesus’ call to Simon, Andrew, James and John seems like a task.  A more accurate translation of Jesus’ call is “ follow me and I will make you to become fishers of people.”   Jesus is in a sense giving them a new identity, a new purpose for their lives.  Evangelism is not just a task or a program it is a way of life.  It isn’t,”Llet’s start a new evangelism program,” or “Let’s get everyone to bring one person on this Sunday or that Saturday.”  In the North American church we have focused too much on programs and too little on developing disciples who live out their faith and share their faith in all of life. That’s why I love Acts 1:8 when Jesus says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Jesus doesn’t say you will be great evangelist, he says you are my witnesses.  Like it or not people are watching us, they want to see what following Jesus is about. They crave to experience the kingdom of God come near, they want to know the God whom we serve.  Jesus gave meaning and purpose to their lives, and to our lives and vocations and occupations.  We’re not just parents or children, doctors or mechanics, teachers or students, clerks or scientists, waiters or fishermen.  We do all those things but we are “witnesses” for Jesus Christ first and foremost.

Don’t let the term “fishers of people” confuse you; our call is to be in our lives, in our words, in our actions, like Jesus to others.  We are called to serve and radically love others and our world.  We are called to reach our communities and work for justice and a better world.  We are called to reconciliation and healing.  We are called to share the good news that in and through Jesus the kingdom has come near, repent (go in the other direction, make new life choices and priorities) and believe (give yourself fully to the God who loves you and loves the world) the good news.

Christ is calling us and our churches to live our faith.  I agree with Reggie McNeal when he says that we don’t need another evangelism strategy, we need a blessing strategy.  God is calling us not to do church better, but to be church I a different way.  That’s why those four disciples dropped everything and followed. Because in a sense Jesus was calling them to be a part of changing the world.  Those disciples and a few others who were in Acts were described as “uneducated, and unlettered” were witnesses (the word in Acts is the root word for martyr) and they gave their lives because of a belief in the risen Jesus and the call to love others radically.  These ordinary men and women would change the world.  Christ calls us to the same mission, to the same movement.

Additional Worship Resources (Sourcebook of Worship Resources):

Call to Worship

Leader:      God saves us.

People:    God calls us with a holy calling.

Leader:     God calls us according to God’s own purpose and grace.

People:    God’s grace has been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Leader:     For us, our Savior abolished death and brought life and immortality to light.

People:    We have been appointed heralds for the gospel

 

Invocation or Illumination

Most gracious God, prepare our hearts and minds to receive your deep peace.  Hush the anxieties that shout in our minds.  Prepare us now to receive your living Word with joy through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayer of Confession

Searcher of hearts you know us from the beginning.  You see in us more good and beauty than we have dared to believe.  You beckon us to do more than we have dared to try.  Forever you call our names.  But we have filled our ears with the sounds of the world; we have timidly spoken of your great love.

Lord, have mercy.  Christ, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy and forgive us. (Silent Prayer)

Gracious God, searcher of hearts, shine your forgiving light into our hesitancy, and embolden us to live with such joy and fire that all the world may know of your love.  We ask in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Benediction

God loves you and sends you into the world to share the Good News of God’s love.  Be, therefore, agents of change, mediators of reconciliation, heralds of good news of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

 - Sourcebook of Worship Resources.  Communications Resources, Inc.  Canton, OH. (Pp. 39, 43,68,196)

 

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Weekly Lectionary Reflection: Sunday January 15th 2012

January 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

nathaniel under a fig treeLectionary (Year B): 1 Samuel 3:1-10; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; John 1:43-51; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Theme: Letting Go of Our Comfort Zones

Message:  Called to Venture

In the story from John’s gospel we find Jesus going up to Galilee, where he meets a man named Philip and invites him to become a follower. Philip accepts, and in the story the first thing Philip decides to do is seek out his friend Nathaniel to tell him “I’ve found the man Moses and the prophets said was coming, a man from Nazareth called Jesus.” In response, Nathaniel utters the famous line “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip, probably grinning at his friend, retorts, “Come and see.”

It’s a good evangelism story, isn’t it? Classic, even. So much so that we can probably all think of hundreds of times in our lives when this “come and see” narrative and others like it in the New Testament are used as a basis for exhorting church-folk to invite others to church so they can “come and see.”

If you’ll forgive me, I must say that to me, it’s become a cliche. Honestly, I seriously doubt I’d ever accept an invitation to a church where someone says to me, “Hey, I found what we’re all looking for, and it’s at church!” In fact, I bet I’d respond in my best Nathaniel imitation, “Can anything good come out of CHURCH?”

And if the person inviting me were to reply with “Come and see!”, then unlike Nathaniel, I’d almost certainly still take a pass. I’ve heard it too many times. It is what it is.

But then I am given opportunities like this, to write an Evangelectionary reading, and I actually go in and read the passages and do some research and all the cliches go away and I find rich and wonderful nuggets of newness to ponder.

The first thing that became clear to me in reading this story was this: Jesus was not inviting Philip to church. And Philip, in turn, was not inviting Nathaniel to church. Both of them were in fact being invited to follow Jesus – and Jesus wasn’t hanging out at the local synagogue rehearsing a sermon hoping to bring in enough folks to fill up the place – he was out traveling, talking, relating, healing, building community … and making trouble.

So here we have Nathaniel, a man who at this point sounds like a big jerk thanks to that “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” zinger. But in spite of his sass, he decides to follow his friend Philip and go see this Jesus guy.

Then, as Nathaniel arrives and walks toward Jesus,  before even meeting him, Jesus loudly greets Nathaniel as a “true Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” Essentially, Jesus is saying that Nathaniel is an honest, forthright Jew who doesn’t go around saying or doing things just for appearances’ sake. In context, that very likely means Nathaniel is an openly practicing Jew who isn’t in the business of hand-waving his piety for the sake of his fellow Jews NOR tamping down his faith for the sake of the Roman oppressors. This is someone who says what he thinks, and in the world in which these folks are living, that can get a person into trouble. When you think about it, he’s just Jesus’ kind of guy. In my imagination, I see the two men lock eyes and share this knowing glance, the kind that only kindred spirits are able to manage.

So when Nathaniel asks “How do you know so much about me?”  Jesus tells Nathaniel “I saw you under your fig tree before Phillip came to talk to you.” I’d always assumed – and I think most people in my experience probably assume – that Jesus ACTUALLY saw Nathaniel hanging around under a fig tree, either in a vision or with actual sight. While this may be true, my preparation for this reading  brought up a whole new notion I’d never heard before – that “standing under your fig tree” is a Jewish metaphor used throughout the Hebrew Scriptures that basically means “being in a comfortable, safe place of contentment”. So perhaps Jesus is saying, “You look like the kind of guy who plays it safe and close to the vest – but you came here to see me anyway, even though you know in your gut that hanging around with me is going to be neither comfortable nor safe.”

I know a little bit about being the kind of guy who has an inner-personality of blunt honesty and a desire for wrestling with big important stuff but who has timidly remained under a shade tree playing it safe for most of his life. And I know that meeting a guy like Jesus in this situation would easily be the thing that could convince me to take the risk, step out of my safe place, get away from my comfort zone, and follow the man who came to show us what God wants us to be.

I guess what I’m saying is, if you want to be an evangelist to a person like me, don’t bother inviting me to your church. Church in North America these days is pretty much just another safe and comfortable place for people to go and act like faithy-folk in safe, comfortable ways.

Instead, invite me along on an adventure of high-risk, small comfort, and little thanks. Invite me out into the world to be Jesus-like with you, invite me to follow Jesus and help build the Kingdom.

Prayers:

Call to Prayer:
Arise, shine, for your light has come; and over you the glory of the Lord has dawned. Let us pray
Approach:
Almighty God everlasting, whose loving‐kindness is shown to us in Jesus Christ your Son and whose touch is compassionate towards those for whom life has been cruel, we come to lay our lives before you in worship, imperfect as they are, often distraught and perplexed. In your mercy receive us in our human state and condition. Your nature is love and mercy, grace and truth. These you bestow upon us without our asking, again and again, for your gifts are as beyond measure and we are utterly undeserving creatures. As you have formed our hearts to love and serve you, look upon us now and enlighten our whole being to respond to your call; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Confession:
God of love and compassion, who has called us to confess our sins, our presence in this place is not only an act of worship and praise: our coming her speaks of our needs and the wider needs of the world. Each day we burden ourselves with things that do not matter. We bewilder our minds with problems of our own imagination. We are frightened by complexities that do not exist. Now we acknowledge our dependence upon you, our need of your presence here and of your reassurance in every circumstance. We try to understand your purposes, only to be bewildered by the state of the world and the life of Man. Then we look into the face of Jesus Christ and find that his life brings meaning and purpose into ours. In our willingness to be guided, so take our uncertainties and clothe them with your Holy Spirit, the Spirit who is our strength and our power.
God, forgive us: pardon us: cleanse and renew us: and impart to our lives that inner light and strength which take away such burdens; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Petition:
God of constant love, mercy and forgiveness, as we remember the powerful and effective faith of your servants down the ages of time, we acknowledge that we are not always people of faith. As your promises always contradict the vague assurances of the world, so open our eyes to see what you are able to do with us and through us when we place ourselves at your disposal. Help us to hold firm to your promises, to laugh at what seems impossible, and to believe that all things are possible; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Collect:
Almighty and everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being, who has created us for yourself, so that we can find rest only in you; grant to us such purity of heart and strength of purpose, that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing your will, no weakness from doing it; but in your light may we see light clearly, and in your service find perfect freedom; for the sake of Jesus Christ your only Son our Lord. AMEN.
Illumination:
Most blessed God, as your Word shines as a light to the world, in faith and wonder, may we perceive its radiant power and find in it the way in which to walk, the truth by which to live and the life in which to rejoice.
In the name of the Triune Mystery, AMEN

- from the Church of Scotland

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