Rev. Valerie Robideaux
“And the crowds asked him, 'What then should we do?' In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusations, and be satisfied with your wages.’” (Luke 3:10-14)
Scot McKnight discusses these words from the voice of John the Baptist as an example of what it means to live a life of the Jesus Creed- of the Spirit-filled power to baptize, to do justice, and to live as servant leaders.
“Be satisfied with your wages.”
Tax-day is still in the rear-view mirror.
“Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none.”
I think I have at least five coats hanging in my closet. What about you?
As Christians, our life is not our own. Our things are not our own. John the Baptist was preparing the way for the Lord, the Messiah. John was speaking against the injustices of his day, to prepare the people for the radical teachings and ministry of Christ.
“Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.”
We have three computers in our home and four televisions.
We are called to prepare the way of the Kingdom. We are called to move aside, to lay things aside for the work of the Kingdom. When we move from knowing the love of God to choosing to love God in return, we experience a transformation. We become adopted heirs of Christ and are clothed in God’s grace allowing us to love God, love self, and love others as we have been commanded.
When we are open to this transformation, we become uncomfortable- because the message of Christ is uncomfortable. When we experience this transformation, we begin to live our lives in radically different ways. We become more conscious about what we purchase, what we discard, when we speak up and when we are silent.
Are you preparing the way of the Kingdom?
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Affirming the Tuba
Rev. Matt Rawle
Several years ago a youth director decided to form a youth praise band in the congregation which he served. He simply made an “all call” to any youth who were interested. Jamie and Wendy wanted to sing, Scott grabbed his drum sticks, Jim restrung his guitar, and Jeff . . . well, Jeff tuned his tuba. The youth director wasn’t quite sure how this was going to work, but as he remembered from his Vacation Bible School days, “All God’s creatures have a place in the choir” (even though “praise band” is never explicitly mentioned—he was never a literalist, so he went with it). At the first rehearsal the youth tuned up and plugged in and played “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High . . . whomp, whomp, whomp, whomp.” It was pretty terrible, tragic really. The tuba was an obvious elephant in the room. What is a youth director to do?
During the rehearsal there was considerable feedback in the sound system. The youth director didn’t really know how to fix the problem, so he asked the band for ideas. Jeff jumped up and said, “I know how to fix it.” He set his tuba down, walked behind the sound board, fixed the feedback, and there he stayed—to everyone’s liking, including his own. From then on, they made beautiful music together.
In 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed, Scott McKnight talks about affirmation. He writes, “Affirmation creates a wave of considered appreciation of others. We are wise to avoid flattery and insincere affirmations, but otherwise, the Jesus Creed shapes the kind of love that leads to the open acknowledgment of others.” It would have been easy to say “No” to Jeff and his tuba. The band would initially have sounded better, but eventually the feedback would have crippled any concert. The band needed Jeff. Jeff needed the band. Failing to recognize one’s desire to be a part of the group, even if he or she brings considerable baggage (in this case, a tuba), would have erased the beauty God was trying to express. Which of your gifts needs to be recognized in the church? Whose gifts do you need to celebrate?
Several years ago a youth director decided to form a youth praise band in the congregation which he served. He simply made an “all call” to any youth who were interested. Jamie and Wendy wanted to sing, Scott grabbed his drum sticks, Jim restrung his guitar, and Jeff . . . well, Jeff tuned his tuba. The youth director wasn’t quite sure how this was going to work, but as he remembered from his Vacation Bible School days, “All God’s creatures have a place in the choir” (even though “praise band” is never explicitly mentioned—he was never a literalist, so he went with it). At the first rehearsal the youth tuned up and plugged in and played “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High . . . whomp, whomp, whomp, whomp.” It was pretty terrible, tragic really. The tuba was an obvious elephant in the room. What is a youth director to do?
During the rehearsal there was considerable feedback in the sound system. The youth director didn’t really know how to fix the problem, so he asked the band for ideas. Jeff jumped up and said, “I know how to fix it.” He set his tuba down, walked behind the sound board, fixed the feedback, and there he stayed—to everyone’s liking, including his own. From then on, they made beautiful music together.
In 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed, Scott McKnight talks about affirmation. He writes, “Affirmation creates a wave of considered appreciation of others. We are wise to avoid flattery and insincere affirmations, but otherwise, the Jesus Creed shapes the kind of love that leads to the open acknowledgment of others.” It would have been easy to say “No” to Jeff and his tuba. The band would initially have sounded better, but eventually the feedback would have crippled any concert. The band needed Jeff. Jeff needed the band. Failing to recognize one’s desire to be a part of the group, even if he or she brings considerable baggage (in this case, a tuba), would have erased the beauty God was trying to express. Which of your gifts needs to be recognized in the church? Whose gifts do you need to celebrate?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
How much do you love me?
Rev. Andy Goff
Do you remember as children hearing someone you loved or held in high esteem say these words: "How much do you love me? This much or THIS much?" of course the bigger the hands were outstretched the more they knew we loved them. As we begin this week known as Holy Week, we will also be asked this question by Jesus. What will your answer be?
Scot McKnight reminds us again that the Jesus Creed is at the heart of our love for God. This week as a community of faith we will be challenged to walk with our Lord to Calvary. How will we respond?
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God,
the Lord is one.
You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart,
and with all your soul,
and with all your might.
(Deuteronomy 6: 4-5)
I suspect that the above quote is a start for us. My prayer is that my love for my Jesus will not be this much but T-H-I-S much for he who gave me SO much. How about you?
How much do you love him?
Do you remember as children hearing someone you loved or held in high esteem say these words: "How much do you love me? This much or THIS much?" of course the bigger the hands were outstretched the more they knew we loved them. As we begin this week known as Holy Week, we will also be asked this question by Jesus. What will your answer be?
Scot McKnight reminds us again that the Jesus Creed is at the heart of our love for God. This week as a community of faith we will be challenged to walk with our Lord to Calvary. How will we respond?
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God,
the Lord is one.
You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart,
and with all your soul,
and with all your might.
(Deuteronomy 6: 4-5)
I suspect that the above quote is a start for us. My prayer is that my love for my Jesus will not be this much but T-H-I-S much for he who gave me SO much. How about you?
How much do you love him?
ALMOST THE BENEDICTION
Rev. Elenora Mackey Cushenberry, Th.D.
Almost to the benediction…that’s the way we could look at these last few chapters of 40 Days Living The Jesus Creed. Just four more chapters (days) to go. The equivalent of extinguishing the candles or taking the Christ light out into the world, recessional hymn, benediction, congregational fellowship/dispersing. McKnight almost made it! But, then, he dropped the bombshell—that onerous and divisive “M” word. “You see, that’s why I don’t like Church,” I could hear someone say. “Money always has to come up!”
In 1973, the O’Jays recorded one of their hit songs, “For the Love of Money.” With this song, we are reminded that we “do thangs, do thangs, do thangs - bad thangs with it.” Yet the aim is to “do thangs, do thangs, do thangs - good thangs with it – yeah.”
Almost the Benediction!
Money is a part of our lives. Money is also a part of the DNA of Jesus’ ministry. “Hey, you over there, isn’t your Rabbi going to pay taxes just like everyone else?” (Matthew 17:24) Judas carried the purse and stole from it (John 12:6, 13:29). And, there were women who traveled with them and gave of their resources (Luke 8:2-3). Interestingly, money was used to accuse Jesus: “They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.’” (Luke 23:2)
As I mediate on today’s reading, Matthew 25 comes to mind. Matthew 25, the passage describing the final judgment, gives us a good picture of both the importance of money and how we should use our money “to do thangs, do thangs, do thangs, good thangs with it”: When I was hungry, you fed me.” This takes money. When I was thirsty, you gave me drink. This, too, takes money. When I was naked, you clothed me. Used or new clothes—money! When I was sick, you took care of me; imprisoned, you visited me.” Yes, money, money, money—especially if we take into consideration the cost of gasoline for driving.
I’m happy that McKnight saw the necessity of including the topic of money before giving us the benediction. In this way, the “almighty dollar, money” is dethroned and the Almighty God sits on the throne of our lives, our ministry, our worship, our money. The offertory is an integral part of our worship of God and the ministry of Jesus Christ!
For the love of God, we will give and use our money to do thangs, do thangs, do thangs, good thangs with it…and let the Church say, “YEAH!” or “AMEN”!
All things come from you, O God, and of Your own have we given!
Now, let us move on to the Benediction.
Lyrics of “For the Love of Money” copied from http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/allaboutthebenjamins/fortheloveofmoney.htm
We are reminded that the offertory consists of more than just monetary gifts. It also consists of offering memorial gifts, our talents and gifts, etc.
Almost to the benediction…that’s the way we could look at these last few chapters of 40 Days Living The Jesus Creed. Just four more chapters (days) to go. The equivalent of extinguishing the candles or taking the Christ light out into the world, recessional hymn, benediction, congregational fellowship/dispersing. McKnight almost made it! But, then, he dropped the bombshell—that onerous and divisive “M” word. “You see, that’s why I don’t like Church,” I could hear someone say. “Money always has to come up!”
In 1973, the O’Jays recorded one of their hit songs, “For the Love of Money.” With this song, we are reminded that we “do thangs, do thangs, do thangs - bad thangs with it.” Yet the aim is to “do thangs, do thangs, do thangs - good thangs with it – yeah.”
Almost the Benediction!
Money is a part of our lives. Money is also a part of the DNA of Jesus’ ministry. “Hey, you over there, isn’t your Rabbi going to pay taxes just like everyone else?” (Matthew 17:24) Judas carried the purse and stole from it (John 12:6, 13:29). And, there were women who traveled with them and gave of their resources (Luke 8:2-3). Interestingly, money was used to accuse Jesus: “They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.’” (Luke 23:2)
As I mediate on today’s reading, Matthew 25 comes to mind. Matthew 25, the passage describing the final judgment, gives us a good picture of both the importance of money and how we should use our money “to do thangs, do thangs, do thangs, good thangs with it”: When I was hungry, you fed me.” This takes money. When I was thirsty, you gave me drink. This, too, takes money. When I was naked, you clothed me. Used or new clothes—money! When I was sick, you took care of me; imprisoned, you visited me.” Yes, money, money, money—especially if we take into consideration the cost of gasoline for driving.
I’m happy that McKnight saw the necessity of including the topic of money before giving us the benediction. In this way, the “almighty dollar, money” is dethroned and the Almighty God sits on the throne of our lives, our ministry, our worship, our money. The offertory is an integral part of our worship of God and the ministry of Jesus Christ!
For the love of God, we will give and use our money to do thangs, do thangs, do thangs, good thangs with it…and let the Church say, “YEAH!” or “AMEN”!
All things come from you, O God, and of Your own have we given!
Now, let us move on to the Benediction.
Lyrics of “For the Love of Money” copied from http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/allaboutthebenjamins/fortheloveofmoney.htm
We are reminded that the offertory consists of more than just monetary gifts. It also consists of offering memorial gifts, our talents and gifts, etc.
Pressing Forward in Love
Rev. Ellen Alston
Weather report for the week: The sun is shining for the moment, but with gathering clouds, and severe storms are threatening in the days ahead. I’ve brought an extra layer to wear for comfort and security, but strangely I find myself letting go of it and laying it out onto the street. Someone has put a palm branch into my hand, and I am waving it and crying out “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
I am amazed at how Jesus enters right into my life, my city, my world. Here he comes, riding awkwardly on a colt, a magnet for both cheers and jeers, and letting each of them roll right off his back. It’s difficult for me to see what God is doing here, unless I look with eyes of faith that trust that God follows through. I’m pinning my hope on Jesus, but again it’s not something I can see right now, but a glimpse of his in-breaking kingdom that spurs me on while I live as if it has already been fulfilled.
This Holy Week is really about the in-between time, the strange unfinished time when God is bringing it all together even as it feels like it is all coming apart. It’s the time when Jesus walks completely in who God is, even as the closest disciples run away. Such time would be unbearable, were it not for the love that remembers its source, and anticipates its culmination.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Love is Enough
Rev. Wayne Evans
I was visiting my Aunt Ernie in the nursing home. Dementia brought on by Alzheimer’s Disease caused her to no longer know who I was. I sat there in her room and told her of my fond memories so many things she did for me when I stayed her while my parents attended sessions of the Annual Conference in Shreveport. She cooked wonderful meals, and treated my siblings and me as if we were her own for that week. They had a huge home that I marveled at as we explored it to find all the treasures there. Their entire home was air conditioned! They must have been rich! She loved children, and after hers were grown she spent over twenty-five years in the nursery at FUMC of West Monroe every Sunday caring for the little ones of the congregation. She would sing to them and tell them how much Jesus loved them.
In her final months my aunt could only say “Uh-huh” as I asked questions
which called for an affirmative response. She had otherwise lost the ability to engage in conversation with me. Before I left I began to sing “Jesus Loves Me.” She began to sing along with me. Even though she did not recognize who I was, she had a profound relationship with her Savior who loved little children. He had claimed her as one of his own. She could no longer serve him or do for others, but she knew his love was there for her. Her arms could no longer hold little children, but she was confident that this One was now holding her in His. Love is all that remains.
I was visiting my Aunt Ernie in the nursing home. Dementia brought on by Alzheimer’s Disease caused her to no longer know who I was. I sat there in her room and told her of my fond memories so many things she did for me when I stayed her while my parents attended sessions of the Annual Conference in Shreveport. She cooked wonderful meals, and treated my siblings and me as if we were her own for that week. They had a huge home that I marveled at as we explored it to find all the treasures there. Their entire home was air conditioned! They must have been rich! She loved children, and after hers were grown she spent over twenty-five years in the nursery at FUMC of West Monroe every Sunday caring for the little ones of the congregation. She would sing to them and tell them how much Jesus loved them.
In her final months my aunt could only say “Uh-huh” as I asked questions
which called for an affirmative response. She had otherwise lost the ability to engage in conversation with me. Before I left I began to sing “Jesus Loves Me.” She began to sing along with me. Even though she did not recognize who I was, she had a profound relationship with her Savior who loved little children. He had claimed her as one of his own. She could no longer serve him or do for others, but she knew his love was there for her. Her arms could no longer hold little children, but she was confident that this One was now holding her in His. Love is all that remains.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Eternal Life -- Eternal Love
Rev. Juan Huertas
In many Christian circles we find an obsession with heaven. The way many of these Christians put it, becoming Christian is about earning an entrance ticket into heaven. This easily becomes a reason for not engaging the world, for ignoring its plights, and for a self-centered life of faith. Eternity becomes something that will happen someday, that we will enjoy at the end of time.
The world in this point of view becomes a place for “passing thru.” So human reality, earthly reality, embodied existence becomes another stumbling block to the real life promised some day, to the real concern of God, to our “spiritual life.”
In today's reading on our journey Scott McKnight gives us a helpful corrective. He tells us that “[w]hat is finally eternal is love, and heaven and eternal life are terms that house what is truly eternal: love.” (168) In loving God, neighbor, self, we are participating in the divine life, we are participating and inaugurating eternal life. Love keeps us centered, hopeful and inspired on being about God's own nature in the world. We, as embodied beings, making incarnate God's nature for the many who are not yet responding to God's initiative in their life.
We might be at a point in our Lenten journey where tiredness is beginning to set in. We are ready for celebration, we are ready to take on that which we gave up, we are ready to sing Alleluia once again. Those things might seem like the heaven that we are waiting for, so near and yet so far away.
The promise of the Gospel is the promise of eternal life that begins today. We do not have to wait. The God we serve gave us an embodied savior and through that savior has taught us to love in the same way. Let us go into these last days loving. Knowing that in our loving we are participating in God's own nature, knowing that in loving we are making possible heaven right here on earth.
As we prepare to hear the story of Jesus' last days let us also remember that our embodied existence is no stumbling block. In fact our savior reminded us in his suffering and death that this world, this created order, is worthy, sacred, God's own image in the world. God's love for that world tells us something about the power of God's Spirit within us that allows our loving to be an agent of participating in the eternal life of God-self. Thanks be to God!
In many Christian circles we find an obsession with heaven. The way many of these Christians put it, becoming Christian is about earning an entrance ticket into heaven. This easily becomes a reason for not engaging the world, for ignoring its plights, and for a self-centered life of faith. Eternity becomes something that will happen someday, that we will enjoy at the end of time.
The world in this point of view becomes a place for “passing thru.” So human reality, earthly reality, embodied existence becomes another stumbling block to the real life promised some day, to the real concern of God, to our “spiritual life.”
In today's reading on our journey Scott McKnight gives us a helpful corrective. He tells us that “[w]hat is finally eternal is love, and heaven and eternal life are terms that house what is truly eternal: love.” (168) In loving God, neighbor, self, we are participating in the divine life, we are participating and inaugurating eternal life. Love keeps us centered, hopeful and inspired on being about God's own nature in the world. We, as embodied beings, making incarnate God's nature for the many who are not yet responding to God's initiative in their life.
We might be at a point in our Lenten journey where tiredness is beginning to set in. We are ready for celebration, we are ready to take on that which we gave up, we are ready to sing Alleluia once again. Those things might seem like the heaven that we are waiting for, so near and yet so far away.
The promise of the Gospel is the promise of eternal life that begins today. We do not have to wait. The God we serve gave us an embodied savior and through that savior has taught us to love in the same way. Let us go into these last days loving. Knowing that in our loving we are participating in God's own nature, knowing that in loving we are making possible heaven right here on earth.
As we prepare to hear the story of Jesus' last days let us also remember that our embodied existence is no stumbling block. In fact our savior reminded us in his suffering and death that this world, this created order, is worthy, sacred, God's own image in the world. God's love for that world tells us something about the power of God's Spirit within us that allows our loving to be an agent of participating in the eternal life of God-self. Thanks be to God!
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