Sermon 2nd June 2024 – 2nd Sunday after Pentecost Text: Mark 2:23-3:6 – True Sabbath observance

 Sermon 2^nd June 2024 – 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost

Text: Mark 2:23-3:6 – True Sabbath observance

 

Whenever the topic of anger comes up in Bible Studies most people are aware of Jesus flipping the tables of the money-changers in the temple and driving them out with whips. It doesn’t actually say that Jesus was angry but in today’s Gospel reading it does actually say that Jesus was angry. Listen again as Jesus asks the Pharisees a question: “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart. Jesus was angry at the Pharisees not because they were disrespecting the synagogue like the money changers but because they were neglecting the needs of a fellow human being with suffering.

As Jesus entered the synagogue (their place of worship) there was a man there who had a withered hand. What Jesus is confronted with is the dilemma. According to a strict interpretation of the law you were not supposed to do any work on the Sabbath. Healing was considered an act of work. On a similar occasion the Pharisee leader yelled at the people – “There are six days when one has to work. So come to be healed on one of those days, and not on the Sabbath day” And it was this neglect – this hardness of heart - that caused Jesus to be angry – that the Pharisees were more concerned about their traditions than the suffering of a person. But it’s how Jesus reacts that I want to look at:

 

Jesus doesn’t react by flipping tables or driving them out of the synagogue with whips. No. Jesus reacts with love and compassion by completing the act of healing without fear of what they might do to him: He says: “Stretch out your hand.”

The man stretched it out, and his hand was restored. As Jesus said to the Pharisees – what is the real breaking of God’s commands – Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill. Which is why when Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment he said – to love God with all your heart AND to love your neighbour as yourself.

Jesus is not breaking the commandments of God here but upholding them.

 

It’s interesting to compare the response to anger – Jesus responds with love and compassion by helping the man with suffering. The Pharisees respond by plotting to destroy Jesus. Sometimes we get angry at a situation and we are cautioned on how we react. At times, in anger, we can say and do things that hurt people. Just as Cain was cautioned by God when he was angry at his brother Abel: The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” And this is what Paul warns about in Ephesians – in your anger do not sin giving the devil a foothold.

 

We look at the world and we see things that we are not happy about. We see the injustices around the world and we keep asking – why doesn’t someone do something about it. The question is – in our concern about a situation is God perhaps wanting us to do something about it. Maybe the “someone” to do something is “me”. Has God stirred up our heart with compassion in the same way Jesus’ heart was stirred up with compassion. Is God perhaps niggling you as he was to Samuel? Three times God called out to Samuel. Each time Samuel was unaware that it was God calling him and ran to Eli for help. On the 4th occasion God called out - Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

It’s not always easy to respond to such requests, as Samuel showed. And sometimes it takes a while to realise God is calling us to do something. Sometimes I feel a bit like Jonah who instead of going to Nineveh with God’s message jumped onto a ship going in the opposite direction. But sometimes the call from God is not to go to a particular situation but rather to accept a certain situation that God has placed on us.

 

Samuel’s 3 callings remind me of St Paul’s prayer where 3 times he prayed to God to take away his suffering – his thorn in the flesh, as he called it. And it was after that 3rd prayer, just as Samuels understanding came after the 3rd call, that God responds about his Paul’s suffering – my grace is all you need.

 

The number 3 is interesting in the Bible. We have the 2 situations I’ve just mentioned with Samuel and Paul. But Jesus also prayed 3 times in the Garden of Gethsemane to his Father about the cup of suffering that he was to endure. We have Peter’s 3 times denial of Jesus and then Jesus 3 times asking of Peter if he loved him when he restores him as one of his apostles.

So sometimes the challenge and the struggle is that God doesn’t always respond in our time frame and when he does it’s not in the way we might have expected and we might get angry about the situation. And so we are reminded that when we are concerned about things in the world then our first action is to bring it to God in prayer and wait. And sometimes not just once or twice but continually and to not give up, or become disheartened or angry when things don’t change straight away.

And not to expect how the outcome is going to be, as with Paul who didn’t receive physical healing but spiritual understanding of his situation.

 

And in our 2nd reading today Paul reminds us of exactly that when he says: We have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.

 

We don’t always understand God’s ways but we pray, as Jesus did, who also didn’t understand all that he was going through – not my will but your will be done. Paul doesn’t deny that part of our Christian calling may be to suffer but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. And we remember that in all this we have our Lord Jesus who has great compassion that he seemingly broke the Sabbath Commandment in order to bring healing. And Paul reminds us that our suffering is limited – limited to this life time: For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

 

Jesus shows us in our Gospel reading that he has love and compassion for those who suffer. He also knows what it means to suffer as the book of Hebrews says: For we have a high priest who is able to empathize with our weaknesses, one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. We don’t always understand God’s will and why he acts in certain ways but we see through Jesus’ actions today that God’s will is to love and bring comfort. And Paul reminds us that even though at times we are afflicted in every way, that we are not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

 

In those dark times God’s light will shine out of darkness to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ or compassionate and loving saviour.

 

Sermon 26th May 2024 – Trinity Sunday Text: Romans 8:12-17 – Safe in the Trinity

 Sermon 26^th May 2024 – Trinity Sunday

Text: Romans 8:12-17 – Safe in the Trinity

Today we gather to celebrate Trinity Sunday, a day set aside to contemplate the mysterious and profound nature of God as Holy Trinity - the belief in one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  The Trinity distinguishes us from all other religions. It describes who we are and what we believe about God. A doctrine so essential that it led to the confession of faith known as the Athanasian Creed – one of the 3 ecumenical creeds used by the Christian Churches which begins –  

Whoever desires to be saved should above all hold to the catholic faith. Anyone who does not keep it whole and unbroken will doubtless perish eternally. Now this is the catholic faith: That we worship one God in trinity and the trinity in unity, neither blending their persons nor dividing their essence.

This doctrine is central to the Christian faith and is a mystery that has been pondered and debated for centuries.

And it ends, as it began - This is the catholic faith: one cannot be saved without believing it firmly and faithfully.

The Trinity has been the cause of well-meaning faithful Christians being declared heretics because instead of accepting the teaching of the Holy Trinity they wanted to debate and explain what is a hidden mystery. The Trinity is a reminder of the complexity and richness of our God.  It teaches us that God is not a solitary being, but a loving community of three distinct persons who exist in perfect unity.  And that God invites us into that community to experience the perfect unity of love. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are inseparable, equal, and eternally coexistent.  They are distinct in their roles, yet united in their purpose.

It is also the source of our comfort as Paul points out in our second reading: When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.

Paul reminds us that because Jesus is the Son of God he is heir to the Father’s kingdom and that through our Baptism we are Children of God and therefore we are joint heirs with Jesus. And Jesus therefore comforts us by saying - I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. We are safe and secure in the hands of our Lord in the Trinity of love. As he says in the parable of the Good Shepherd, Jesus has put a fence around us and he is the gate – the only way in – protecting us from our enemy.

As we reflect on the Trinity, we are reminded of the depth of God's love for us.  The Father, in His infinite wisdom and power, created the world and all that is in it. He was there at the beginning of Creation – as we confess – I believe in God the Father almighty – maker of heaven and earth. The Son, Jesus Christ, came to earth to take away our sin and to show us the way to the Father.  He too was there at the beginning – as John tells us in his opening chapter: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. The word that created – let there be light. And the Holy Spirit, sent by the Father and the Son, dwells within us, guiding us, empowering us, and comforting us who was also there at the beginning of creation: Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. The Holy Spirit brought order out of chaos – which is what he still does today in the world and in our lives.

The Trinity also teaches us about community and relationship. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect communion, so too are we called to live in unity with one another. We are created for relationships - with God and with our fellow human beings. We are called to love one another, to bear one another's burdens, and to seek reconciliation and peace. That’s why Jesus said we can’t separate – loving God and loving our neighbour.

 

Trinity Sunday is a time for us to embrace the mystery of God's nature and his majesty and greatness as did Isaiah who saw the presence of God that shook the pivots of the temple.  God wants to shake the pivots of our world, our churches and our lives by his amazing love. It is a day to reaffirm our faith in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and to recommit ourselves to following their example of love, unity, and service.

The Trinity has puzzled theologians for centuries, and that’s okay if it confuses us because God is beyond our full comprehension. Sometimes the best things for us are kept as mystery. It’s actually comforting that we can’t confine God into a neat little box with a perfect explanation.  But that doesn't mean we can't experience the fulness of God's love and live in relationship with God.

The Trinity is our understanding of God's love – a love that is not only singular but relational, a love that flows within itself, a love that eternally gives and receives. God loves each of us individually but he also loves us as a fellowship because we are all created in his image. The Father, the creator and source of all. The Son, Jesus Christ, who embodies God's love in human form. The Holy Spirit, the comforter, the guide, the ever-present reality of God in our lives.  Three distinct persons, yet one God, bound by a love that goes, as St. Paul says, beyond our understanding and definition.

The mystery of the Trinity is to be lived in our own relationships.  We are called to love one another as God loves us – with a love that is creative, sacrificial, and ever-present. We are called to be creators, building bridges of understanding and compassion in a world sadly divided. Remember what Jesus said after his resurrection - we are witnesses of God’s love and reconciliation through repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are called to be like Christ, offering love and forgiveness even and especially when it's difficult.

Just like the mystery of the Trinity, our love should be just as much a mystery to the world around us as we love our enemies – as we forgive those who hurt us – as we turn the other cheek – as we go and do likewise as the Good Samaritan. We are called to be open to the Holy Spirit, allowing God's guidance to shape our actions and words. The Trinity reminds us that we are not meant to live in isolation.  We are created for relationship – with God and with each other.

So, on this Trinity Sunday, let us move beyond simply pondering the mystery.  Let us embrace the love that flows from the Father, through the Son, and by the Holy Spirit. As much as people will question why we place such importance on the Holy Trinity when the word Trinity doesn’t even appear in the Bible – the Trinity is essential to know and to understand God’s love for us. Why? Because everything God does for us extends from his Holy Name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We begin – in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We receive forgiveness - – in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We are baptised - – in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We go forth from here empowered by the Holy Trinity, to share the love of God with all we meet.

Sermon 19th May 2024 – Pentecost Sunday Text Acts 2 – set on fire

 Sermon 19^th May 2024 – Pentecost Sunday

Text Acts 2 – set on fire

 

When someone is going really well we might say – they’re on fire. We gather today on a day of fire!  It is now 50 days since Jesus rose victoriously from the grave and we now have the coming of the promised – power from on high. The Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples, igniting the fire of faith that would forever change the church and the world. The same disciples that a mere 50 days ago were locked away fearing for their lives,  huddled together after the loss of Jesus, were filled with fear and uncertainty.  But Jesus, before his ascension, had promised a Comforter, a Helper, an advocate – the Holy Spirit.

And on that day of Pentecost, that promise became a roaring fire to ignite their faith.

 

The Book of Acts tells us a mighty wind filled the room, and tongues of fire rested upon each disciple.  They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages – a miraculous gift that shattered the language barrier and symbolized the unity that comes through the Gospel of God's message. Even though each heard in their own language they each heard the same message. And that’s because there is only ONE Gospel message. The Gospel message of John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Which is what happened on that Easter morning. A language barrier that had previously divided the people at Babel because of their sinfulness and disrespect of God has been broken down.

 

But Pentecost wasn't just about speaking in tongues which it often has the focus of.  It was about empowerment.  Remember, Jesus had called this promise the ‘power from on high”. The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and gave them courage, wisdom, and strength and above all faith in Jesus. Luther wrote about the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian - that without the Holy Spirit I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him. St Paul said the same – no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. Peter, once a man who sank in the waters because of fear of the wind and the waves – who denied Christ three times, now stands boldly before a crowd preaching the Gospel with newfound conviction.  Thousands were converted that day and the foundation of the Church is laid. He will go on preaching in the marketplace no longer afraid even though he was threatened with imprisonment. I must obey God rather than man.

The difference? The power of the Holy Spirit.

 

The fire of Pentecost is not a one off historical event confined to the past.  It is a living, eternal flame that burns brightly even today and is available to you in all your doubts and fears.. The Holy Spirit is still present, still offering His gifts to empower us. But there are somethings we learn about the Holy Spirit by the disciples example.

 

Prayer: Just as the disciples waited in prayer, we too seek the Holy Spirit in prayer. Have you prayed for the gift of the Holy Spirit – especially when faced with a challenging task ahead of you. We pray that the Holy Spirit would open our hearts to Him and invite Him into our lives.

 

Openness: we must also be open to the ways the Spirit may work in you. What is the saying – be careful what you pray for.

It may be in ways we don’t expect – ways that are out of our comfort zone.  The gifts of the Spirit are diverse – some may preach, some may teach, some may offer comfort or service. Be willing to be used by Him as the Spirit gives gifts as he determines.

 

Action: The fire of the Spirit is not meant to be contained. It compels us to share the Good News, to live lives that reflect Christ's love.  What did Jesus say - “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. That’s why the angels told the disciples last week not to just stand there looking up into the clouds. The Holy Spirit is truly needed today as the world is filled with fear, uncertainty, and division.

 

All the issues facing the disciples before the Holy Spirit came upon them. But the fire of Pentecost reminds us that we are not alone in God’s work.  The Holy Spirit is with us (often called the Paraclete – called beside us), empowering us to be witnesses, to bring light to the darkness, and to build God's Kingdom here on earth, urging us to go forth with courage, compassion, and the fire of faith burning brightly in our hearts. Pentecost reminds us that the power of the Holy Spirit is to transform lives – beginning with ours and bring about change in the world. And we see that happen in the book of Acts as churches begin to spring up everywhere and lives are changed forever.  And so, just as the disciples were empowered to spread the message of Jesus, we too are called to be bold witnesses for Christ in our own time and place.  The same Spirit that filled the disciples on that first Pentecost fills us today, guiding us, empowering us, and equipping us for the work God has called us to do.

 

Pentecost also serves as a reminder of the unity and diversity within the body of Christ.  On that day, people from all over the world heard the disciples preaching in their own languages, a miraculous sign of God's inclusive love for all people.

But they also maintained their diversity. Regardless of race, ethnicity, or background, we are all united in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we often sing – one church, one faith, one Lord. As we reflect on the significance of Pentecost, let us be inspired to be faithful and ready to proclaim the gospel to a world in need of hope and unity.  May we seek to bring God's love and grace, sharing the message of Jesus Christ with boldness and humility through the power from on high – God’s Holy Spirit.

Sermon 12th May 2024 – The Ascension Text Ephesians 1:15-23 – Ascending, not leaving

 Sermon 12^th May 2024 – The Ascension

Text Ephesians 1:15-23 – Ascending, not leaving

Leaving home is never an easy reality for parents watching their child take that next step in life. But we realise it is a necessary step in their maturity even though we would love them to stay at home. That step in life is seen as leaving home when in fact it is entering adulthood. This is what you have been preparing them for with their education at school and at home.

Likewise, it would not have been easy for the disciples to watch Jesus ascend into heaven as to them it appears that he is leaving them. But we read in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians today that this was a necessary part of Jesus’ mission to us where he says:

God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

In order for Jesus to sit at the right hand of God he had to depart his earthly life. But he promised he would not leave us alone but would send to us power from on high being the Holy Spirit who would come at Pentecost. The Ascension of Jesus was necessary for Jesus to enter into to heaven to sit at God’s right hand and rule the earth so that the Holy Spirit would come. A power from on high that would come upon God’s children to the extent that Jesus says Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

But we can see how difficult it was for his disciples to understand this. We read that they were focused on the wrong thing. After Jesus ascended, his disciples remained there, standing in place, looking, and gazing up into heaven.

Two angels had to come and ask them, “Why do you stand looking up toward heaven?” and urged them on their way back to Jerusalem. It’s very similar to the angels’ message to the women at Jesus’ grave on that Resurrection morning; “Why do you look for the living among the dead? Are we guilty sometimes of just waiting for Jesus to return rather than going out there and being witnesses of what we have received?

By ascending we are urged to take up Christ’s call to receive the power of the Holy Spirit and become witnesses of Christ’s love and saving power to the very ends of the earth. As disciples of Jesus, we lead lives full of meaning and importance even if it is not recognized or acknowledged by the world around us where we live. We are Christ’s Body here on earth and bring the love of God in Jesus to all people, wherever we go, in every moment of every day: in the grocery store, in traffic, at home, at work, while tucking a child into bed, hugging an old friend, visiting the sick, laughing with a neighbor, or comforting one who suffers.  Jesus is present in all of it.

With the power of the Holy Spirit we can even step boldly into an unknown future with God by our side. The power of the Holy Spirit that comes because of the Ascension of Jesus is a powerful presence of God.

But the true power of the Holy Spirit is the faith that he brings to us to believe that Jesus truly is reigning in this world as Paul says:

God has given Jesus the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Even though we cannot see him or the authority he has this is part of the mystery of our power as Jesus explained to Doubting Thomas:

Thomas said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Ascension is not about Jesus leaving but a transferal of power and authority that is given to us by the power that comes from on high. And we need to understand this power we have so we don’t become like the disciples that were just standing there looking up into the clouds. We are called be Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Jerusalem, in our homes and churches Judea – in our work, sport, neighbourhood and Samaria – to those who have hurt us – loving our enemies.

The world needs us more than ever to be the presence of Jesus. It’s so easy to feel defeated. What can we do with the increase in crime, terrorism, violence in the world. No one listens to the church anymore. That may be true. Maybe the world doesn’t listen to us but that doesn’t mean our work is not necessary.

Jesus is at the right hand of God and he has empowered us – empowered the church – to be his healing presence in the world to bring about justice. To bring about hope. To bring about love and peace. There will be a time when we will look to the clouds but that day will be very evident. It’s not now. Our time is here where God has placed us. That was Peter’s mistake at the Transfiguration when he wanted to stay on the mountain-top but Jesus led them back down the mountain. But one day – maybe in our time – maybe not – we will hear those words from the book of Revelation:

“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.

When that happens there will be vindication for those who have been ridiculed or persecuted because they have put their faith in Jesus. Jesus himself says: “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.  At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

But we don’t have to wait to rejoice – our redemption is now. Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. How sweet that day will be when our Lord returns in the clouds to bring us home.