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But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Canterbury Christian School
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II Corinthians 11:19-31
Sexagesima
February 12, 2012
“Boasting Before God”
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “boast”? To brag? To crow? To swagger? To “talk big”? To boast is the world’s way – and unfortunately it is the way of all too many people!
It brings to the mind of many, of course, the famous U.S. boxer, who at the height of his career 45 years ago now, boasted: “I am the greatest! I'm the greatest thing that ever lived.”
It brings to mind the Chief Commissioner of the U.S. Patent Office, who in 1899 (113 years ago) – in a statement revealing more about himself than about God’s world in which we live – reportedly proclaimed that most, if not all, of the inventions of mankind had already been discovered.
Then there was the proclamation of John Lennon (of Beatles fame), who in 1966 at the height of their popularity, also boasted: “Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn’t argue about that. I’m right, and I will be proved right. We’re more popular than Jesus Christ now. I don’t know which will go first. Rock ‘n’ roll or Christianity.”
Boasting also brings to mind the pompous figure from France -- Napoleon Bonaparte -- who went against the sage advice of his counselor exactly 200 years ago and led a 500,000 soldier “Grand Armee” invasion into Russia on June 24, 1812.
Boasting has always led the world into trouble – and lots of it! The boastings of pompous men and pompous women have an uncanny way of getting themselves – and many others – into disasters!
It was boasting the Apostle Paul had to address with the Corinthian Church of his day! Not boasting on their part, necessarily, but boasting on the part of others who had infiltrated the Church at Corinth. They spared nothing in praise of themselves. They endlessly extolled themselves to the Corinthians through extravagant speeches! They said the Corinthians needed to become Jews before they could qualify as Christians!
St. Paul called them “deceivers” and the servants of Satan! He termed them fools, with whom the Corinthians had become slavishly enamored. He knew the young and impressionable converts had already begun to unfavorably compare him to these critics who undercut his ministry while he was away. For ye suffer fools gladly, he writes, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
This text before us this morning has been labeled “The Fool’s Speech.” Why? Because in it the aged Apostle describes his ministry in terms that could not possibly be equaled by the false apostles. He engages in ad hominem argumentation (Latin for “against the man”) – answering fools “according to their folly” (Proverbs 16:5). There was the danger, of course, that some Corinthians might not understand that St. Paul was simply “playing a part.” But even if they thought he might actually be a “fool,” and not just a play-actor, he solicited their indulgence as he himself engaged in a “little boasting.”
We should note up front that he does not boast about his knowledge. He does not boast about his speaking skills. He does not boast regarding the office given to him by the Almighty. He does not even boast about his wisdom or his leadership or any other human abilities. What he brings forth in his boasting has to do with how much suffering he endured for the sake of Jesus Christ!
And here we discover the “genius” – and the irony – of his “boastfulness.” He boasts of things normally considered shameful or frail. He boasts of his human weaknesses. He boasts of his defeats! Thus his boasts are an imitation -- a parody -- of the boasting of his opponents!
Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft…
We are all given to boasting, in our own particular ways. Sometimes it is flagrant. Sometimes more subtle. Usually it is involuntary, for we do not even need to “try” to boast. It just comes forth so easily. This is natural for the sons of Adam and for the daughters of Eve. We all know how to “crow,” as it were, from birth!
Boasting leads to presumption. I am often reminded of what is written in the Book of Proverbs: Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth (Proverbs 27:1).
As we together approach Lent, we are once again given an opportunity to pull away from such a predictable scene. During Lent, we are trained to put away boasting, to put away self-promotion, to put away bluster, to put away show, to put away sham!
How is it done? By observing the quiet, humble, and profound example of our Lord walking into the wilderness by the Spirit to meet the Devil face to face – where boasting has no merit.
During Lent we remember that boasting is such folly! During Lent we remember the outcome of boasting is such folly!
How ironic it is! Young boxers who once upon a time could dance in the ring like butterflies and sting opponents like bees, whose bodies could take such terrific poundings – also grow old and frail… and then suffer from Parkinson’s Syndrome... and then need help to even stand up or sit down or walk. And then die!
How ironic! 113 years later, the U.S. Patent Office is processing inventions relating to nanotechnology and fields of study we can barely pronounce – as jets fly overhead, as satellites circle this earth and as drivers outside watch and listen to their GPS systems!
How ironic! John Lennon has now been gone for 32 years! So, too, now is his fellow-musician, George Harrison! And young people today have no idea whom you are talking about when you mention the name “Beatles”! They look at you in bewilderment with a blank stare!
And how ironic! Napoleon Bonaparte, who entered Russia with one-half a million troops, returned in humiliation with only 27,000 (1/20th of the Grand Armee at the start)! France, the world leader of its day -- lost its power, its prestige, and its pride!
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is not man’s boasting that guides this world. It is God’s purposes which guide this world. Boasting blinds mortals to the truth of God. It is humility that opens our eyes to see it.
If we must boast – then let us boast of our weaknesses before the Almighty! For they are so many! And they are so real! And each one clearly tells us whom we really are. World without end. Amen.
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I Corinthians 9:24-27
Septuagesima
February 5, 2012
“Endurance”
This morning, let’s talk about endurance. E N D U R A N C E. The Almighty has dispensed many wonderful gifts to mankind, but one of the most valuable of them all is the gift of endurance.
Almost 100 years ago, on December 7, 1914, Ernest Shackleton and his crew of 28 valiant men aboard the ship Endurance entered floating ice off the coast of Antarctica. Why? To be the first group ever to cross the continent on foot. But, alas, it was a goal they would not even start.
The Endurance sailed through the ice for almost five weeks until it could go no further and became trapped. Despite the best efforts of the crew, the Endurance remained lodged in the ice for the next nine months.
The thick ice pressed in on their ship, threatening to crush it to splinters. The crew finally had to abandon ship – from then on to live on the ice. One month later, the ship sank, leaving the crew exposed, with minimal food and three small boats. The men survived for the next six months, killing seals, penguins, and ultimately their sled-dogs for food.
It was then they spotted land on the horizon. The ice broke just enough to allow them to put their boats in the water and sail through some of the roughest waters on earth. Seven days later they landed on inhospitable Elephant Island. Far from regular shipping lanes, Shackleton knew chances of a rescue from there were next to nil. So they set sail for the populated island of South Georgia -- 800 miles away.
They sailed for 17 days, navigating by stars, fighting through stormy seas in freezing weather, finally reaching South Georgia Island! The weather and their own frail condition forced them to land on the uninhabited side of the island. They were forced to cross the island by foot -- traversing 22 miles of glacier covered mountains to reach the whaling port of Stromness -- 17 months after they had originally set out. Remarkably, all 28 men survived the ordeal. They possessed endurance!
We cannot be too thin-skinned in life when things do not go “our way” – since God is writing the story! We, too, must have endurance!
Whenever we are reminded of the human obstacles we face in life – whenever it seems impossible to overcome what stands before us – we should remember the valiant voyage of Ernest Shackleton and his incredible crew… and their appropriately-named ship, the Endurance.
But my dear brothers and sisters in Christ – the challenges you and I face as Christians in the Year of our Lord 2012 are spiritual – they are deeper and more entrenched against us. And the Apostle Paul tells us about them in the four verses read together this morning. They require an even greater brand of endurance than that possessed by Shackleton and his valiant men!
I am often reminded of Abraham Lincoln’s insightful and eloquently articulated observation: “The times are dark, the spirits of ruin are abroad in all their power, and the mercy of God alone can save us.”
The aged and weathered Apostle reminds us in our lesson that we – by virtue of our adoption into the Family of God – have become targets, and are now enrolled into a life-and-death contest. This is not to be melodramatic, but frank. This is not to be exaggerated, but truthful. The race of which he speaks is not a fun, frolicking, fair-weathered sprint across some soft tufts of green grass before a friendly and cheering stadium-filled crowd. Far from it!
It is more like a wrestling match! No holds barred! And our competition is not against others! In a very real sense, it is against ourselves! Against our fallen natures! Against the principalities of darkness that would work us over and take us down! Against the evil one that would “sift” us – as he would have sifted St. Peter, of old, were it not for Christ’s help and protection – shaking us… agitating us… turning us inside out and upside down, if possible, until we might let go of the faith or until it was ripped from our hearts and being.
We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Therefore work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Make your calling and election sure. But to do this we need endurance!
You have heard of the second-century “no nonsense” Church Father, Tertullian. Hear what he had to say in his writing entitled, To the Martyrs, penned in the midst of persecutions, imprisonments, and suffering:
“Your master, Jesus Christ, has anointed you with his Spirit and has brought you to this training ground. He determined long before the day of the contest to take you from a softer way of life to a harsher regimen, that your strength may increase. Athletes are set apart for more rigid training to apply themselves to the building up of their physical strength. They are kept from lavish living, from more tempting dishes, from more pleasurable drinks. They are urged on, they are subjected to more tortuous toils, they are worn out. The more strenuously they have exerted themselves, the greater is their hope of victory.”
Every last one of us has need for endurance! Through struggles which come at us in various shapes and sizes and forms: employment struggles, financial struggles, struggles in human relationships, health struggles, emotional struggles, mental struggles, spiritual struggles. What is your level of endurance?
Every last one of us has need for endurance! Not just the kind shared by Shackleton and his crew. Not just like St. Paul, of old. But from God’s throne on high by His Holy Spirit through the example and life of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Even this morning, as the shadows of Lent approach, we can see Christ humbly and quietly – devotedly – preparing for His struggle of 40-days in the wilderness face-to-face with the devil.
Therefore let us also run the race that is set before us. Let us also compete in order to obtain the incorruptible crown of life! Let us also strive to obtain the mastery! And let us by God’s grace also endure!
World without end. Amen.
St. John 3:1-8
Epiphany IV
January 29, 2012
Baptism -- Augusto Thoren McQueen Cowden
“Born of Water and the Spirit”
The conversation between our Lord and Nicodemus read together this morning is like none other! We can be most grateful that it was recorded in the Bible, for without it you and I would be “in the dark” regarding God’s purposes for us. There is nothing else like it in all of the Holy Bible!
Nicodemus was a “ruler of the Jews.” This means he was a member of the Court of Seventy Elders – known as the Sanhedrin, the highest religious body in the land. They had sent a delegation out to the Jordan River to hear and evaluate John the Baptizer. They had specific questions in mind regarding his baptism.
The fact that Nicodemus came to Jesus by night has been interpreted by many as a cowardly and fearful act. But truth be known, it was probably a very generous and respectful gesture on his part toward our Lord whose grueling daily schedule was obviously “filled to the brim.” A quiet evening conversation would certainly have been less prone to distractions and interruptions! Understood symbolically, Nicodemus – though a sincere and godly man -- was one who was walking in darkness! But he sought the light. And he found the light and new life through Jesus’ instruction and teaching!
Jesus told him something he had never heard before – something many people of our own day have never heard before! Something they will never hear unless we tell them! Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
This immediately prompted a follow-up question on the part of Nicodemus, which can be summarized by one single word: How? How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
And then comes what is perhaps our Lord’s most famous statement of all! Verily, verily (or truly, truly), I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
The historic view of Christ’s Church has always been that this a reference to baptism and what God’s Holy Spirit does through baptism. Except a man be born again through baptism… except a man be born again by passing through the sacred waters which cleanse of sin – he will never enter the kingdom of God!
Much of Christendom has lost this reference point in today’s theological landscape. But the Early Church did not lose it!
We have the case of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch – and can easily picture them both in the water with the chariot in the background. The elegance of the Scriptural record is profound. The culmination of the episode is this: And he baptized him.
We also have the case of the Philippian jailer who – in the middle of the night – was baptized along with his household!
We should not be surprised at this! For on the Day of Pentecost, when the crowd was pricked in their hearts at the preaching of St. Peter, they asked him: What shall we do? Peter’s reply was straightforward and unequivocal: Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
St. Peter, later in the First Epistle bearing his name, wrote the famous words (certainly famous for their simplicity in stating what we would not expect): …baptism doth also now save us…
Some are even shocked when reading the account of St. Paul’s conversion. After he was met by our Lord on the road to Damascus, he was blind and went without food for three days. Ananias was sent to him with the words: And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Even our Lord was baptized – he who had no need of it – as a powerful example to us of the importance of this sacred act of faith!
And so it is most fitting this morning that on the faith of his loving parents, Gus has received baptism – just as practiced by the Apostles and Early Church, of old. And just as taught by our Lord in His famous explanation to Nicodemus one quiet and sacred evening.
May the good beginning Gus has received this holy day be followed up faithfully in the weeks ahead – that vows taken this morning on his behalf be not made in vain! Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
This is the word of the Lord. Amen.
Romans 12:16-21Epiphany III
January 22, 2012
“Honor Lasts a Lifetime”
Let’s talk about honor this morning. H – O – N – O - R.
If honor be your clothing, the suit will last a lifetime; but if clothing be your honor, it will soon be worn threadbare. These words were spoken by the Scottish preacher and theologian, William Arnot, approximately 150 years ago.
Honor lasts a lifetime. Indeed, honor lasts beyond – into eternity!
And then there is the famous summary: Four things a man must learn to do if he would keep his record true.
to think without confusion clearly
to hold his honor high and dearly
to love his fellow-men sincerely
to trust in Jesus Christ securely
to hold his honor high and dearly
to love his fellow-men sincerely
to trust in Jesus Christ securely
Four things a man must learn to do if he would keep his record true.
What is honor? Honor is a good name. Honor is a good reputation. Honor is a good standing – before men, but even more so before the Almighty.
St. Paul defines the pathway of the honorable man… the honorable woman… the honorable child… the honorable young person… in the short Epistle Lesson before us this morning.
But we cannot really understand this lesson if we do not understand the first-century Church in Rome to which St. Paul sent this famous epistle! What was unique about the Church at Rome?
Well, for one thing, it was made up of both Jews and Gentiles, who often did not get along – both different in their backgrounds… both different in their outlooks… both different in their priorities – but what they could not see – both equals as Christians in the same Faith before the same Lord.
The aged Apostle wrote to tell them not to be conceited and think they were being wise. Do not be haughty, he tells them! Live in harmony with one another. Remember to associate with the lowly and with the unattractive people in this sad and sorry world.
Resist the temptation to “get even” with others. Choose rather to be a peacemaker. Live peaceably with all men, he commands. After all, in His “manifesto” – the Sermon on the Mount – Jesus taught all of His followers: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. You see, God’s children have instincts toward peace. God’s children walk the King’s Highway -- and find ways to make peace!
Do not give place to the desire for revenge! For that belongs to the LORD God alone, we are told! Perhaps one of the best novels of all time underscoring this truth is the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas, the famous French novelist. It is gem and a masterpiece – and most enjoyable to read!
St. Paul commands: If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. Here he is quite possibly referencing the life of the Old Testament prophet Elisha – when Syrian troops surrounded Dothan with evil intent. At Elisha’s request, God blinded them!
And after he led them into the heart of the capital city, Samaria, he then asked God to open the eyes of the blinded troops – which He did. And when they discovered they were surrounded and vulnerable in the capital city of their enemies, King Ahab asked Elisha if he should kill them all. He replied, “No. Feed them and give them drink.” Which he did. Then after releasing them, we are told some of the most penetrating words of the Bible: the Syrians “came no more into the land of Israel.” It is quite an episode and one we do not want to soon forget.
The reference to “burning coals” on one’s head is a reference to conversion – burning… purging… purifying…that which is corrupt --or at least to a sense of shame which leads to a change in one’s behavior!
The last verse of our lesson commands us not to be overcome by evil – but to overcome evil with good! Do what is honest in the sight of all men. In the vernacular, we would say: do what is honorable in the sight of all men!
If honor be your clothing, the suit will last a lifetime; but if clothing be your honor, it will soon be worn threadbare. Hold your honor high and dearly!
The way of honor cannot be stated more clearly. Those who have strength must protect the weak. Those who have influence must protect those who have none! Those who have “power” must protect justice for those who are powerless.
It was on this very day 39-years ago that a very dishonorable event scarred the face and soul and spirit and moral standing of America! Roe v. Wade opened the floodgates to abortion-on-demand in America – and in a very real sense to abortions around the world, we might add -- with catastrophic consequences which have yet to end. For since that fateful day, over 50-million unborn children (defenseless, innocent, voiceless and trusting) have been slaughtered in the “land of the free” and the “home of the brave.”
If there is a small silver lining of sorts, it would be that the plaintiff in the landmark case – Norma McCorvey – has since become a Christian and repudiated her role in this unmitigated disaster, seeking and receiving the forgiveness of the Giver of life.
How important is honor to you and me? To children? To young people? To seniors? Our land is swirling in the vortex of dishonor!
If honor be our clothing, the suit will last a lifetime; but if clothing be our honor, it will soon be worn threadbare. Let us hold our honor high and dearly! And while we are still in the Epiphany Season, let us remember the wise men, of old, were noble and honorable!
Let us follow their good example and as directed by St. Paul, do what is honorable in the sight of all men! World without end. Amen.
Romans 12:6-16
Epiphany II
January 15, 2012
“Water Is Thicker Than Blood”
There is a saying that has been with us, it would seem, from the beginning of time! Blood is thicker than water. What does it mean? It reminds us that the bonds of family and the ties of common ancestry are stronger than the bonds of unrelated and scattered people, strangers! When the chips are down, as it were, “relatives” watch out for each other. And this is acceptable, for kinfolk are commanded to watch out for each other. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel, wrote St. Paul to Timothy in the First Epistle bearing his name.
But there is another saying that has also endured the weathering effects of time. It has been with us, it would seem, from the very first days of the Early Church! What is it? Water is thicker than blood. What does it mean? It reminds us that the waters of baptism – through which a Christian is spiritually washed and by which a Christian receives a new birth unto righteousness and is initiated into the Life of Jesus Christ – is the means by which we enter God’s Family. Even before hard times come, God’s Family is commanded to watch out one for another.
Do you remember the words of our Lord when one approached Him as he taught those assembled, notifying Him that His mother and kinfolk needed to see Him and talk with Him? He answered and said… Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. (St. Matthew 12:48-50). Water is thicker than blood!
As special as is our commitment to blood relatives, the Ancient of Days has graciously adopted us into a more excellent circle – His Own Family! Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (St. John 1:13).
And this “bloodless” bond to Him supersedes all others! Jesus taught us that His claims on us are so thorough, His claims on us are so complete, and His claims on us are so all-encompassing, they might very well result in dividing us from blood relatives! He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me (St. Matthew 10:37). Water is thicker than blood!
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:26).
It was not some genealogical blood-line history the Magi, of old, followed. They followed light to the King of Light Himself!
It was not some sanguine, family relations reunion the Wise Men of old pursued. They pursued the Water of Life on the other side of the desert – in a strange land led by a strange star! Water is thicker than blood!
The Epistle Lesson before us this morning tells us a great deal about this Family of God into which we have been adopted. What we hold in common is not blood. What we hold in common is not natural descent. What we hold in common is not human genetics. What we hold in common is Faith and forgiveness and humility and obedience and love and service. Jews and Gentiles. Bond and free! What we hold in common is the water of our baptism! And that water is thicker than blood!
Our Heavenly Father has ably equipped His Family with spiritual gifts of His Own choosing and given them from the goodness of His Own Heart and distributed them by grace through His abundant wisdom. Why? That His Household might be “self-sufficient,” well-maintained and preserved from the frightening self-destruction which marks the bloodline of Adam and Eve! Seven spiritual gifts have been distributed among us as listed in this morning’s Epistle Lesson.
First, there is the gift of prophecy. The heart of this gift is not so much fore-telling as it is forth-telling! Prophets set forth the Word of God! That is what they love to do! And they will not be denied! When called upon, they always set forth God’s true and lively Revealed Word.
False prophets do just the very opposite! They mislead God’s people away from the Word of the Father through high-sounding, but bogus, man-centered philosophies not found in any of the pages of the Sacred Scriptures! Like the serpent of old, they beguile God’s people into reaching out and taking what He has specifically prohibited.
Second, there is the gift of ministry, or service. The term is very general. And those with the gift of ministry serve their Heavenly Father by rendering help and assistance to others in His Family. They are not self-centered, but others-centered! They find ways, with His help, to relieve the needs of their siblings in God’s Family.
Third, there is the gift of teaching. Teachers in God’s Family have the responsibility of shining the light of the Father’s Word into the dark recesses of our lives. They are to instruct and guide others in the Father’s counsel. St. James reminds us that not many should be teachers, for those who teach will be judged by the Father with greater strictness and greater severity.
Fourth, the gift of exhortation. Those with the gift of exhortation come alongside others to encourage them. They serve as advocates. It was Origen, the great third-century theologian from Alexandria, Egypt who explained those with the gift of exhortation offer comfort to the afflicted. They bring hope to the despairing soul.
Fifth, we behold those with the gift of giving, or perhaps more accurately, the gift of sharing. Those with this gift find satisfaction in sharing of their time, sharing of their knowledge, sharing of their skills and sharing of their resources for the benefit of others in God’s Family! The emphasis of this gift is upon “community.” John Chrysostom, one of my favorite Church Fathers – who ministered at Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) during the very turbulent and difficult days of the fourth century – wrote this regarding the gift of giving: “For it is not just with money that Paul wants us to help those in need but with words, deeds, in person and in every way.”
Sixth, we are told of the gift of ruling. The word employed means “to lead.” Those possessing this gift are entrusted with authority in God’s Household to manage and care for the welfare of His Family. And they are to perform this function, we are instructed, with diligence – earnestness with a business-like dispatch! Those with the gift of ruling follow the age-old formula. Plan your work. And then work your plan. I Chronicles chapter twelve reminds us the men of Issachar in their day had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do! They were leaders!
Seventh, we read of the gift of mercy. This gift is to be exercised, we are told, with cheerfulness! Those with the gift of mercy have insight to recognize very real difficulties and deficiencies in God’s Family. And then through grace and discretion and persistence and creativity and mercy, they are quietly addressed and met.
There are many needs in the Family of God! But there are also many great and wonderful spiritual gifts from the Father as well! And I bring you a question today – What is your gift? And how do you employ it for the benefit of your Heavenly Father?
The Scriptures remind us that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Flesh and blood will inherit only the grave and there be reduced to the dust from which they were first formed.
Jesus taught Nicodemus: Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God… Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
My dear ones, God’s Family is not related by blood that perishes. God’s Family is related through water – the sacramental water of Baptism that will endure for eternity. And let us always remember the profound observation and enduring truth that water is, indeed, thicker than blood.
World without end. Amen.
Romans 12:1-5
Epiphany I
January 8, 2012
“Seeing What We Are Prepared to See”
We only see what we are prepared to see. This sounds so strange, but it is so true! And we ignore it to our own harm. We only see what we are prepared to see!
This is in fact a Biblical axiom that is clearly taught in the Bible – and is especially evident in the lives of the Wise Men of old – who found the Christ Child by the leading of a unique and mysterious star in the sky! How could it be?
We should all find it most interesting that this very same star was available to all other people when it appeared – and, indeed, many others saw the very same star as did the noble Magi! – but they were not prepared in heart and soul and mind to really see it… to comprehend it… to understand it. So we only see what we are prepared to see.
Jesus used this language often! To His disciples He asked: Having eyes, see ye not? In other words, “Can you not see it?”
It has been said that millions of people saw millions of apples fall from millions of trees from time immemorial. But when in the Year of our Lord 1666 Sir Isaac Newton (an Anglican) watched an apple fall, what did he see? He saw gravity! Why? Considered by many to be the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived – and a Christian -- he was prepared to see it. We see what we are prepared to see! And only what we are prepared to see!
You may remember it was Elisha who prayed to the LORD for a young man with whom he was surrounded by Syrian troops in the city of Dothan. He prayed that God would open the young man’s eyes: LORD, open his eyes. And I quote: …and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
We only see what we are prepared to see.
This is a “double edged sword,” as they say! For it is exciting to think of the glorious things to be seen all around us – if we only have eyes of faith to see them! But quite frankly, it is also most frightening to think of all the glorious splendor which surrounds us at all times, but to which we are blind – because we so often do not have eyes to see!
I am often reminded of an incident in the life of the famous 19th century clergymen, Henry Ward Beecher. One day after church, a member of the congregation greeted him at the door with the proud announcement, “Dr. Beecher, you may be interested to know that I counted a dozen grammatical errors in your sermon this morning.”
Dr. Beecher humbly replied, “I wouldn’t be surprised if I made two dozen such errors.”
But another worshipper that very same morning left the very same service saying, “Today I found God.” How could it be? What was the difference? They could only see what they were prepared to see! And it is true for us, as well. We only see what we are prepared to see!
So we should stop and ask ourselves as we continue into a brand new year: What is it that we are prepared to see in life? Just what is it that our eyes and our hearts and our souls and our minds can detect going on around us?
The Jungfrau (yewng frau) is the name of a jagged peak in the Swiss Alps. It towers over 13,600 feet in height and is emblematic – to see the Jungfrau is to see the Swiss Alps.
But it is so treacherous to climb that a single misstep can lead to sure destruction. So mountain guides must constantly remind climbers to keep their full attention on the heights they are ascending. Full focus must be given to each and every step.
In the cold, clear, crisp air that surrounds the mountain and its climbers, distant avalanches – which are not infrequent – sound as though they are near, very near, in fact right on top of them! And novice climbers, unfocused climbers, inattentive climbers, will instantly turn to look and in a split second lose their balance or their footing -- and plunge to a fateful end.
It is such counsel that God gives us this morning through the worn and weathered – but ever so faithful – testimony of St. Paul.
I beseech you, he writes. I [beg] you by the mercies of God – by the unmerited favor He has set before us – not to be distracted like the novice climbers on Jungfrau! Be not conformed to this world! Do not be distracted by the fallen worldlings of our day! They are lost and they are perishing -- and we must not perish with them!
On the contrary, he writes, be transformed! The word he uses gave us the English word metamorphosis: describing how a caterpillar is changed – converted, transformed – into a butterfly! Be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds! Why? That ye may prove (or confirm as priceless) what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
When William Wilberforce (the British Member of Parliament who labored for 26 long years to end the slave trade in his country) grew discouraged, he visited John Newton (former slave trader who was “haunted” by 20,000 ghosts of former slaves he had mistreated).
Wilberforce contemplated a life of withdrawal and solitude. It was then that John Newton delivered to him his sage counsel: William, you must live in the world, but not be of the world! With this counsel, Wilberforce returned to the conflict with renewed focus and saw the Slave Trade Act of 1807 pass, thereby ending slavery in his homeland.
So you see, we are to not to be conformed to this world – we are not to be of this world -- for if we are conformed to this world, then that is all we will see in life! And that is to be blind! John Newton wrote the lyrics to Amazing Grace: I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see. See ye not?
We are to be transformed through Christian grace… through Bible reading and prayer and public worship and Christian service – so that we may see the brighter and more wholesome aspects of life and travel the more worthy pathways which God sets before us!
We only see what we are prepared to see! What are you prepared to see and what am I prepared to see as this New Year unfolds before our very eyes? And more importantly, what are we preparing ourselves to see?
So it was in the beginning, so has it always been, and so shall it ever be. World without end. Amen!
Philippians 2:9-13
The Circumcision of Christ
January 1, 2012
“Work Out Your Own Salvation”
Last Sunday, we celebrated the humble birth of our Lord. Not only did He stoop down and take our flesh upon him – but He subjected Himself to austerity and deprivation from the very start. You and I can easily picture Him asleep in a manger of hay. Or to express it in modern parlance, we can see Him sleeping in the feedbox of a donkey.
Seven days later, according to the sacred Scriptures, He was circumcised. This means He was entered by Mary and Joseph into the covenant of faith, since circumcision was the sign of the covenant. Just as baptism is the sign of the covenant today. At that time, He was also formally named. And what name was given to Him? The name Jesus – Jehovah is salvation – just as had been foretold by the angel Gabriel.
This celebration, strange as it may seem to “on-the-go” Americans rushing here, there, and everywhere – is recorded as being celebrated as far back as A.D. 567. And it is clear that even then, it was already a long-established practice in the Church.
Incidentally, many have asked why God’s Law required circumcision specifically on the eighth day? Modern medicine, interestingly enough, has determined that the ability of blood to coagulate is greatest on the eighth day! We are correct in concluding that God “knows what He is doing” – even if fallen man and his critics may doubt Him!
In the Epistle Lesson before us this morning, we are told that God has taken His Son from His lowly entry into this world and highly exalted Him – giving Him a name which is now above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow before Him and every tongue should confess that He is Lord and Master to the glory of God the Father.
The implication is that this bending of the knee will take place by everyone and that this confession of Christ as Lord will be given by everyone. If not in this life willingly from the heart, then certainly in deep sorrow and embarrassment at the final judgment!
How much better it is to do these simple things here and now while we have time and strength and opportunity to give our humble offering! “Life on earth twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
We should pause and point out this explains to a large degree exactly why we do what we do here at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Along with the historic Church, we willingly bend the knee before Christ from the heart every time we pray. And we all together confess Him as Lord willingly with our tongues when we recite the Creed – from the Latin credo, I believe! I believe… in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God; Begotten of his Father before all worlds!
Then based upon all of this, we are given a clear command: Wherefore, my beloved… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. This, without doubt, is one of the great verses in all of the Bible! … work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
It does not say: Work for your own salvation with fear and trembling! It says: Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling! All of our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, wrote the Prophet Isaiah! For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Work out the implications of your salvation. Apply the faith! Wear the faith! Live the faith! Work the faith! … work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
And it does not say: Work out the salvation of others with fear and trembling! We can all so easily see the many great faults of others! But we are told to look upon our own faults and address them! It says: Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling! It is fine to help others, but our calling is not to micromanage the faith and the affairs of others. God gives each of us the full-time responsibility to manage and improve our own lives! Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling!
William Ernest Henley, the famous English poet who died over 100-years ago, was not entirely incorrect when he wrote in his poem, Invictus (which means “undefeated”), the two controversial lines:
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul…
For the Almighty certainly has delegated an immense task to us in these holy words… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
The phrase “fear and trembling” is worth our consideration. The gravity of our task is so immense and so important as to evoke in us “fear and trembling.” Marius Victorinus, Church father from the fourth century whose conversion to Christianity was such a catalyst in the conversion of St. Augustine, says the “fear” is to be spoken of our souls and the “trembling” is to be spoken of our bodies. In other words, we cannot take lightly what has been delegated to us in these words … work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Certainly the inspiring life story of 11th-century Thomas Becket speaks of this “fear and trembling.” For after he became Archbishop of Canterbury – a political appointment of Henry II, his “one time” friend – he was converted and took so seriously his duties, his faithfulness eventually led to his assassination by four knights at the behest of Henry II when he shouted to them: “Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?”
Then instantly, as if to prevent us from discouragement, we are told:
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
So here we have the big picture. The ancient of Days puts it in our hearts to develop our walk with Him. He even furnishes us the reminders and the grace (ability) to do what we should – whether it be reading the Bible, praying, loving our neighbors, developing our spiritual gifts and sacred callings, working for the preservation of freedom in our republic – but we must do our part!
While the world is filled this day with New Year resolutions, let ours be this! To work out the implications of our own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
So it was in the beginning. So has it always been. And so shall it ever be. This is the Word of the Lord. World without end. Amen.
Hebrews 1:1-12
Christmas Day
December 25, 2011
“What Did He Say?”
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake…unto the fathers…Hath in these last days spoken… by his Son.
I am often reminded of the little girl, who hearing these words read in Church, gently tugged at her father’s sleeve. He looked at her and leaned his ear down to her. It was then that she whispered: What did He say? What did God say?
Only a child can place such a profound passage onto an understandable platform! Only a child can focus on such a weighty and reflective matter and unlock its meaning with a simple question! What did God say? She did not doubt His words. She only wanted to understand!
God’s first words spoken, of course, were Let there be light. Such simple and understandable words! Then came more: Let there be a firmament. That is, let there be three-dimensional space!
Let there be land and plants. Let there be luminaries in the heavens. Let there be fish and birds. Let there be land animals. Let there be man made in My Image.
But we must remember mankind is fallen, and oh-so-proficient at making simple things complex. Confusing things simple! For all too many, these words of the Creator are not adequate – not sophisticated enough -- for the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve!
I am reminded of an episode in the Gospel accounts when God spake understandable words from Heaven. Some who were present that day thought it “thundered.” And others present that day said, “No. it was the voice of an angel.” God spake, but few understood! Man is “morally challenged” and has serious trouble with his moral hearing.
David tells us this voice can still be heard – by those who wish to hear and learn! The heavens declare [shout forth] the glory of God: and the firmament showeth His handiwork!
What did He say? He said, for those who will listen, I am sovereign. I am omnipotent… omniscient… omnipresent. Hear me and live!
But fallen mankind trusts the words of men more than the words of God! And thereby he loses his way! St. Paul had to remind young Timothy: O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
In time, God spake again, however. This time His voice was recorded in a written form. Through the 66 Books of the Bible! Through prophets, priests, poets, kings, chroniclers, evangelists, apostles, men, women and children. A delightful and thrilling medium it is through which God’s infallible, inerrant, and inspired voice may be heard!
It is available to all of us 24x7, as they say! Any time we wish, we may pick up the Bible and hear His Voice… any day, any place, any mood in which we may find ourselves!
What did He say? Most do not know! – because they have never read it! Oh, they can talk about it! They can criticize it! But they have never read it! You see, fallen man has no time to read the Bible! Mankind is “on the run” and way too busy! They do not have time for the voice of God! They do have time for many other things – but not to hear the voice of God.
One Christmas, I asked a former congregation to consider reading the Bible each day of the new year in a manner that would allow them to complete the entire reading in 365 days! One dear retired military man did – and told me it changed his life! And this became his practice until the day he died!
In due time, God spake yet once again! If His first speaking was through His “general revelation,” and His second speaking through His “special revelation,” then His final speaking came through His only-begotten Son.
Through Jesus Christ, He has spoken to us “stereophonically” with perfect clarity. What He spake comes to us with perfect resolution.
What did He say?
There is a world-renowned memorial in London at Trafalgar Square. It was constructed following the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Admiral Horatio Nelson is honored there, for he was responsible for this very famous naval victory which finally repelled French naval power and preserved Britain from destruction. A huge column, with an 18-foot tall statue of Nelson at the summit is the centerpiece of the Square. At the base of the column are renowned lions designed by a man named Landseer.
But also at the base of the tower are huge cameo portraits of Lord Nelson up close. For though the statue is 18-feet tall, it is so high up (170-feet in the air) that no one can make out who it is! They must look at the images below to know who is above!
In the same way, Jesus Christ came to show us the Father. He came to speak to us in a language understandable by all – even a child.
What did He say? He said we can trust the Father. He is sovereign. He is all-powerful. He is all-knowing. He is everywhere present. He is perfect. He said He loves those made in His Image. He knows what is best for them. We will be held accountable by Him. And He is forgiving.
See His Son in the manger this Christmas morning. See His humility. Understand His trust. See His respectful obedience! Know His perfect pattern for mankind.
And let us take care to hear His Voice. For He has spoken to us! World without end.
Amen.
Titus 2:11-15