Morning entertainment

Interesting if true:

• More Yeti footprints, at 19,000'. One man is convinced of their existence.
• A Kurdish shepherd discovered what other people think to be the site of Eden.

True and interesting:

• Pictures of wave interiors may be viewed in a much safer locale than the photographer's.
• Doodling while listening to something may improve recall. Taking notes may too.
• Check out this fish with a mother's ability!
  

Ash Wednesday II

Last night's readings were Joel 2:12-19 and Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. The sermon text was John 3:1-21, 19:39.

Nicodemus doubted, then believed. How is this connected to the Lenten season? He brought spices for Jesus' body after the Crucifixion. We normally associate Thomas with doubting. Yet Nicodemus, too, has a remarkable turnaround.

Nicodemus came at night - in John's gospel, signifying ignorance of God the Christ. When Judas left to betray Jesus, "it was night." In Nicodemus's case, he wasn't ignoranct of the Scriptures at all. Yet, although he doesn't really get it and is incredulous, he still comes to ask.

The word Christ used, "born again," can also be expressed "born from above." Jesus means the latter (Nicodemus misunderstands) and explains: water and the Spirit (the washing of Baptism, separate from the endless Pharisaical ablutions). Nicodemus could only understand tangible, physical things. But he needed also to see the spiritual depth of His words. Faith, living faith, is the key to this. And you can't obtain or sustain it yourself.

A certain part of Christ's message stuck and sticks today: John 3:16. During the trial, Nicodemus wanted to give Jesus a fair, public hearing. But he remained otherwise silent, like so many of us. Later came the last scene: Jesus was dead. Suddenly, unexpectedly, Nicodemus came with Joseph of Arimathea to embalm the body. Was this the moment of faith replacing doubt and unbelief? Probably. God's Word of love embodied had taken root.

May we not be silent when God opens the door for us to speak about Him.

Transfiguration 2009

Today's readings: 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6, and Mark 9:2-9 (sermon text).

It's good to be here in God's presence! - even if it's only on account of habit. Think about the event of the Transfiguration... Peter, James, and John were sleeping, having reached the summit. The glorified, glowing Jesus Christ roused them suddenly. He now manifested the Father's glory, and these three disciples saw it. What a rare privilege! Moses and Elijah (representative of the Law and the Prophets, respectively) added to the wonder and grandeur. So it's a wonder that Peter was even able to say anything.

In the parallel Gospel accounts, we learn that the disciples were next terrified by God's voice, and rightly so. It's the same with us - alternate exultation and terror. Sin - our sin - terrifies. Spiritual experiences will, because of this, fall flat if they're based on our feelings. Subjectivity fails us.

But Jesus came, touched, and told them not to fear. This leads to another insight: look to Jesus, especially in "down" moments, rather than to your emotions. Spiritual highs are inconsistent and usually undependable. So look only to Jesus Christ, holding on only to Him. That's the message of the entire Word. God is present here, forgiving you your sins. Hold Him in your everyday life, as the disciples did. Follow Him wherever He leads you.

And so Lent begins.

Epiphany 6

Today's readings: 2 Kings 5:1-14 (sermon text), 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1, and Mark 1:40-45.

Naaman was successful, respected, mighty - but he had leprosy. Like him, none of us is perfect. Yet we're still startled by sin and its effects. No one is holy; all are affected. We feel it when faced with perfection (human and divine both). The brighter His light, the darker our sin. It's always worse than we expected.

But when we're stunned by sin, a greater surprise comes: God's grace. It's a daily greeting - do we have ears and eyes to hear and see this marvelous medicine? Each time sin wounds, Christ heals, completely. According to Luther, God's grace is "exceedingly rich." Yet we doubt - can my wounds be healed? We are weak. But this is the appointed time for forgiveness.

Naaman's healing was unexpected. That made it all the better. God willingly healed an enemy of Israel, even though, he was too proud to accept it for free. Another surprise: no mystic rituals - only a common washing of water. Like he did, let God's surprises flow over you - look at His promises, listen to His voice, believe in Him because He is more than worthy of your belief and trust. See Him in the visible, physical elements - water, bread, wine - be surprised, and do not doubt. Through these and His promises, we may draw near.

Amen.

Epiphany 5

Today's readings: Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-27 (sermon text), and Mark 1:29-39.

Changes in life can be devastating, causing even illness and injury. Humans generally don't like this type of change - but what about Paul? He relishes change in order that he may be "all things to all people." Why does he do this? To bring some to Christ. The most drastic, vital change in Paul's (Saul's) life was his conversion near Damascus. From an enemy of God to a friend, by Jesus Christ's power, in an instant.

We're God's enemies naturally too. Left alone, we're blind and stupid. But faith in Baptism, Christ's light, changes and enlightens us forever. We go from sinner to saint. How marvelous! But look now how Paul willingly undergoes major changes - avoiding cultural taboos, for example - to become closer to people to become a better witness to them. Keep in mind that he never disobeys Jesus' teachings, though.

Today we also have missionaries who imitate Paul. They endure sometimes-painful, always-necessary changes for the sake of the Gospel. We as His ambassadors, remember that God gives us opportunities to do so - be judicious, but go along as far as able to become a more effective witness. Become like your witnessees, but DO NOT change the fact or the message that Jesus Christ is Lord. Not under any circumstances! Keep Him as Lord in your life that He may become the Lord of others' lives.

During this past week, each student attending chapel received an Ablaze! card. While I and many others don't agree with its goals and methods, the point is the same: share Christ's light with others by whatever means you have.

Ho!

My loyal - or not so loyal - readers, please go over to Ian's and read this poem. Count the allusions.

Epiphany 4

Today's readings were Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, and Mark 1:21-28 (sermon text).

In the text, Satan is in God's house (!) and not intimidated by Jesus (!). Christ resists this and all of Satan's temptations, even as He preaches the Gospel to many. This Word is powerful - before the demoniac's entrance, He was teaching with authority, giving spiritual life. Perhaps we're too used to the Word, not being astonished at the display of its raw power. But this same power brought us to Him.

Baptism used to be accompanied by an explicit exorcism - Satan must leave as God enters. It's just as real a miracle as the one in our text. Satan still distracts when we're in God's house - sometimes he's even right beside us. Become aware of this and resist him.

Before Lucifer and his angels fell from heaven, they met Christ at God's right hand. Christ came to defeat them - not a first encounter. Remember that God must empty us, too, before He fills us. Be possessed by Him. Be amazed that He triumphs over evil!

Have a blessed Sunday.