5.27.12--Pentecost Sermon

It was a dark and stormy night, and not a good time to be out in the middle of the sea. The entire crew worked tirelessly to keep their small fishing boat afloat among the waves. Giant swells threatened to capsize the vessel and plunge them all into a watery grave, and ominous clouds darkened the stars that served as the only means of navigation. Everyone was bone tired and on edge.

How many of them were rethinking their vocational choice at that moment? How many of them were thinking that it would have been much better to take up a staff, sit in the shade of a tree, and care for a herd of sheep or cows. Anything, even the life of a shepherd, would be better than dying at sea!

Then, in the midst of this struggle with the sea, someone shouts that they see a ghost among the waves! They cannot help but halt their tasks for a moment to gaze into the night at the awful apparition that is slowly moving their way. Who or what is this thing? What should they do? How should they respond?

And just as panic sets in, they hear an all too familiar voice, a voice full of authority and comfort; it was the voice of their master. “Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.” 

5.20.12--Sermon on Romans 8

Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

            -Romans 8:12-17

As most of you know, I have a little sister who is twelve years younger than me. Katherine was born on February 24^th, at 7:47 pm, weighed 8 lbs 1 oz, and was 21 inches long. Now, because I was twelve at the time, I can actually remember the birth of my little sister. My brothers and I have actually been able to help raise her and be a part of her life in a wonderful way that is very different than it would be if we were closer in age. We’ve been able to attend her softball games and dance recitals, take her and her friends on adventures, and guide her through life as she grows and matures.

The age difference hasn’t always made things easy on her, though. By the time she was 9, all four of her brothers had graduated from high school and moved away from home. The house went from being full of people to nearly empty, and I know this was not an easy thing on her. She also had to grow up a lot faster than most kids, because we expected more of her and treated her like she was our age most of the time. I honestly wonder and worry sometimes if we took away some of the joy of her childhood because of that.

But Katherine is a tween now, which seems unreal, and has grown into a wonderful young lady. Most of our interactions for the past few years have been playful as we joke and tease each other as siblings do. It used to be that Tomas, Ben, Korey and I would be the teasers, and Katherine would be the teasee, but as she’s grown older, she’s also grown wittier and sharp on the uptake. I know that if I joke around with her today, she can now give as good as she takes!

Growing up, our favorite way to tease her was to try to convince her that she was adopted.

4.29.12--Guided Meditation on Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. The Lord is the good shepherd, who cares for all of his sheep, even me. In him, all of my needs are met. Even though I may find that at times I want more than I have, and even when it seems like the current pastures are not green enough, I can stand firm in the knowledge that my God is sustaining and caring for me, and I need nothing more than this. When I needed it the most, I know that my Lord, my good shepherd, gave his life for my own, giving all that he had so that I might retain what little I had. The Lord is no hired hand, who placed his own needs above mine, but is instead the shepherd, the one who gave all for me. The Lord, my shepherd, loves me.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. My shepherd wants only the best for me, and is always leading me to new places of nourishment and rest. When the ways of this world become dark and dangerous, my Lord, the good shepherd, leads me to newness and to life. While I rest, I know he watches over me, standing guard and keeping me safe. My God provides for me even when there does not seem to be any provisions, for my Lord, the good shepherd, has the power to multiply food to feed four and five thousand plus, and longs to see each of his sheep fed and cared for. When I have done all I can, given all I have to give, the good shepherd fills me again, invigorating me and pushing me on toward our destination, toward our goal. My Lord cares for more than just my body; he cares for my soul.

He leads me in right paths for his namesake. My Lord, the good shepherd, knows that without his guidance, I would be trapped in the ruts of the pasture. I could not go anywhere new, anywhere healthy and fresh, for all I know is how to continue in sin, searching the bleak, scorched earth for signs of life that have long since been forgotten. Instead of leaving me here to my own devices, instead of allowing me to remain easy prey for the wolf who comes to kill and destroy, the good shepherd leads me on new and right paths, always moving me closer to him, always reminding me of why I place my trust in him. Even when I find that I have deviated greatly from the path, even when I have ventured away from the 99 and am lost in the wilderness, my Lord, the good shepherd, will leave everything to find me and restore me to the right path.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. No matter how bad things become, no matter how bleak the situation is, I know that the Lord, my good shepherd, will see me through it. Even though demons posses me, even though sight and sound and speech are taken from me, even though I may personally experience the icy hand of death, I know that I am not alone, for the Lord, the good shepherd, is with me. And even more importantly, the Lord has been through all of these dark places already! He has gone ahead of me and knows how treacherous the way will become. And yet I can find solace even in this treacherousness, for I know that the good shepherd is with me and will fight for me if necessary. Nothing can stand up against me, for if the good shepherd is for me, then who could be against me?

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Even when I am surrounded by evil, even when the forces of darkness are gathered all around, you care for my every need. I have nothing to fear in you, my good shepherd, for I know that in you deliverance is guaranteed. I can even rejoice in my persecutions, for I know that they lead to perseverance, character, and a hope that will not disappoint. You prepare me for the feast day and honor me with oil, as if I were anything special. You, the Lord, my good shepherd, place me in the highest place, that I might realize your love for me and for all of your creation. You not only care for me, but you hold me as your highest priority.

And because of that, I give all praise to you, my Lord, my good shepherd, and I have faith that in this life and the life to come that you will be with me, that you will guide me, that you will provide for me and that you will love me. For surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever.  Amen.