Scripture: Psalm 19
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims its maker’s handiwork. One day tells its tale to another, and one night imparts knowledge to another. Although they have no words or language, and their voices are not heard, their sound has gone out into all lands, and their message to the ends of the world, where God has pitched a tent for the sun. It comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; it rejoices like a champion to run its course. It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of it again; nothing is hidden from its burning heat. The teaching of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the simple. The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean and endures forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. By them also is your servant enlightened, and in keeping them there is great reward. Who can detect one’s own offenses? Cleanse me from my secret faults. Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion over me; then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
A Note to You:
Last week we looked at stories in which isolation and withdrawal from others made the situation at hand all the more trying. When the path gets rocky, sometimes we turn inward and away from the help and engagement of others.
Sadly, as pastor, I have seen some of the most active and engaged persons at church disconnect in an instant once they are the ones who are in need of help. This phenomenon has bothered me, and I’ve given it some thought.
Something, somewhere along the line caused a fissure in the fabric of the community. Somewhere a weed was sown in the garden that has crowded out all of the other plants. Perhaps it is rooted in a misunderstanding of community that lacks mutuality.
Christian community, as Jesus imagines it in the gospels, involves both giving and receiving. "Give and take" needs to be mutually shared among all within the community. Sure, there will be times when we give more than we take and visa versa. But even in the most abundant times - or their dreadful opposite - there needs to be some of the other to balance our participation. If not, the church will either become your favorite hobby or club (where we do stuff for others) or just a place for a hand-out (where you go for relief). Over time, neither of these poles will give you the experience of authentic Christian community. You will miss the fullness of God's invitation at the communion rail - for you.
For you! When you open your hand to receive the communion bread, you hear the phrase, “the body of Christ given for you.” The life of Jesus - the grace, forgiveness, compassion, hope - is for you. So is the life of Christian community, the Body of Christ. Through Jesus’ design, the community is given "for you" in your time of trouble, when you hurt, in those most when you feel alone. In all your brokenness, shame, and powerlessness, God gives the community "for you." Take and eat. Receive the blessing. Praise God with a thankful heart.
AND.
Through Jesus’ design, the community is given "for you" so that you might share your life, time, talents, and treasure. You have something to share that is of value, which is needed for the mutual care and consolation of the whole. Even if your pockets are empty, you can give something of great worth. God give the community "for you" as an opportunity to be generous. Take and eat. Share your blessing. Praise God with a thankful heart.
In your receiving and giving, you will find a balance emerge. You will also be actively engaging in an act of repentance - a turning toward God. God’s dream for all people involves creation as a giant community in which right relationships and shalom flourish. When you engage in the giving/receiving of community, you will find that suddenly the world becomes bigger and new possibilities emerge. The direction of God’s dream of a mutual community moves outward to include more. Strangers become neighbors, neighbors become friends, and friends become family.
This week, you will read stories about and be asked to consider the following focal statement:
When the path gets rocky, you might attempt to control things. Jesus invites you to turn to God by letting go of your illusion of control.
Thank you for opening your emails, breathing, reading, reflecting, praying, and making a plan to connect with others during this coming week.
In Christ,
Walt
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