WALKING AND FEELING NO  SHAME

Do you see the man picking up a rock?  He juggled it, as if to see how it felt in his hand.  Does he collect rocks?  No.  He wanted to be ready.  A woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus and the law says to stone her.  The teachers of the law and the Pharisees were waiting to see what Jesus would say.  The man juggled the rock again. 

The teacher of the law was full of himself.  He had an honored seat at last night’s banquet and was wearing his newest robe.  No one would miss him, as he walked down the streets.  “I might just feel a prayer coming on.  I will offer a most wonderful prayer outside the marketplace,” he thought.  His morning was going as planned.  He even hoped his prayer would be a comfort to the homeless widow. 

There he sat.  Over by the door.  A change box all ready and a hidden bag for his profit.  A religious holiday always made for a heavy pouch of money.  Of course, those foreign coins could not be used to pay the temple tax.  Those coins had the images of evil spirits.  Or foreign gods.  Was he cheating people?  Taking advantage of them?  He shook the idea out of his head.  This is strictly business and, if they don’t like the fee he charges for exchanging their coins, they can go somewhere else.  Giggling, oh right.  There is no other place for exchanging coins. 

Three examples of people walking with no shame.  They are not breaking the law.  The law says to stone the woman.  The law says it is perfectly legal to assist the widow and charge exorbitant fees, until she has nothing left except her home.  Even that can legally be taken from her.  So many people are coming into town to attend Passover.  They are coming from other areas, and the money changer is providing a service.  He is not doing anything illegal. 

Three examples of people walking with no shame. 

… and he dropped his rock.  There would be no stoning today.

… and a widow is homeless.  But, the teacher of the law feels no guilt.

… and coin after coin is exchanged, with the profit going into that hidden bag.  After all, business is business.

Some people walk through life and do not consider their actions shameful.  Others try to hide and walk in the shadows, as they plot against Jesus.

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:  John 8:3-11, Mark 12:40, Matthew 21:12-13

A CROWD WALKS TO THE MOUNTAINSIDE

Can you see Jesus?  For a change, he is not walking.  He is sitting on the mountainside, waiting for the disciples.  He is looking at the growing crowd.  He sees the people as they look at him.  Each person has come to hear him, in the hopes that a hole in their soul can be filled.  Many have brought a loved one or a friend to be healed.

Can you see the people?  There are so many.  So many of God's children are searching.  They know there is more to life, but nothing has helped.  The teachers of the law.  False prophets.  False teachers.  The people have listened to them.  They thought each brought hope.  But each had made promises they could not fulfill.  They have, once again, come to hear a man.  Once again, they prayed, “God, send us a savior.  Send us the truth.”  Would this Jesus be the one they are waiting for?  Is he the one?

Can you see the disciples? They are making their way to sit with Jesus.  The crowds are large, but Jesus seems so calm.  As the disciples sit down, so do the people.  It is as if they know something special is going to happen.  The sound of no one moving, no one talking, no one even whispering, fills the air.  Jesus begins speaking to the disciples.

Picture Jesus again.  Was he wondering if the disciples would understand?  He knew his words could confuse them.  As he looked at the crowd, were all eyes focused on him?  Did he see hope growing as they heard: Blessed are … our Father will reward you …forgive others … do not worry … do not judge others … recognize false prophets by their deeds … build on a strong foundation.

“… and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Jesus finished.  Can you picture the time between when Jesus spoke these last words and when he stood up?  The disciples would not stand before Jesus, but they did not know if he was done or just taking a breath.  The crowd would be waiting for him to continue.  They were not going to stand up and then have to sit down again.  There was a gap, like when you go to a concert and wonder if they are really done or if they went off the stage to build the expectation of another song.

Finally, Jesus stood up and walked down the mountainside.

As Jesus walked, he encountered those who feel no shame for their actions.

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When you look at someone, you see if their hair is combed, what clothes they are wearing, and what color their eyes are.  When Jesus looks at people, he sees the real person.

One more time, use your imagination.  Put yourself in Jesus' place.  Now look at the people.  Look past the haircuts and $1,000 sneakers.  Look behind the fake smile and see the pain.  Ignore a woman’s tattered dress and hear the prayers for her children.  Hear the worry when the man says “everything is good” and see the man who is afraid he will lose his job.  Have compassion for the child whose legs will not hold them up.  What would that be like?  What if you could see the real person and know their story?  Would it be overwhelming to realize so many are lost, hurting, seeking, needing your help?  Would that be a burden?  Or would it be an opportunity to lift that person up, as you told them about the way to eternal life?

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED: Matthew 5:1-2, Matthew 5:3-7:27, Luke 6:17-49, Matthew 7:28-29, Luke 7:1, and John 14:6

 

JESUS CONTINUES WALKING

In 1966 through 1969, a radio crime fighter, Chickenman, was “everywhere, He’s everywhere.”  The two-minute episodes started on a Chicago radio station and spread to over 1,500 stations.  “He’s everywhere.  He’s everywhere.”  The same could be said about Jesus.  “He’s everywhere.  He’s everywhere.”  Maybe not everywhere yet, but he was walking through Galilee and teaching in the synagogues.

If you were a radio news reporter, what questions would you ask Jesus?  You had heard about him going throughout Galilee and the station manager is demanding something for the evening news.  Imagination time …

“Jesus, may I ask you some questions?”

Peter stepped in front of me, trying to block me from talking to Jesus.  Jesus looked at Peter and shook his head.  “It is alright, Peter.  I will talk to the reporter.”

“Oh, thank you so much.  It seems you appeared out of nowhere.  There was one reference to you being in the temple when you were 12, but nothing between then and now.”

“I guess you could say I was growing up.  Getting a bit wiser in understanding God and man.  I worked as a carpenter, but knew it was time to deliver the message that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  So, here I am.”

It was hard to ask questions, because the people found out Jesus was in town and we were now surrounded.  “When you spoke in the first synagogue, did anyone know you?  I understand you also healed every disease and sickness among the people.”

“I can answer that,” shouted a man in the crowd.  I turned toward the man, as he continued, “We had never heard of this man, but his words were spreading fast.  We heard about the healings and brought our son, who had seizures.  Jesus healed him!  You better believe we told anyone in Jerusalem who would listen.”

Another voice called loudly, “We have come a long way to hear this Jesus speak.  Everyone in Syria has heard of him.  We want to know about the good news he is proclaiming.”

Turning toward Jesus, with a final question, I realized he was no longer there.  I had plenty for my new segment, but I sure wanted a final quote from the man himself.  I looked over to the right and saw him.  Jesus had walked up the mountainside and was sitting down.  There would be no more questions today.

There is a big difference between Chickenman and Jesus.  Today, no one knows who Chickenman was and his popularity only lasted a few years.  Jesus, on the other hand, became known around the world.  His message is as true today as it was the first time he stopped walking and spoke to a few people in Galilee.

Sometimes Jesus sat down and allowed the crowds to walk to him.

Scriptures referenced:   Matthew 4:23-25 and Luke 2:41-50, 52

 JESUS BEGINS WALKING

I will love to talk with Mary, Jesus’ mother.  I want to know what he was like as a child.  Did Jesus exhibit the normal characteristics of a two year old?  Did he throw a toy or refuse to eat his peas?  Did he organize Olympic Games for the boys?  How old was he when he went to work in his father’s carpenter shop?  So many questions.  And not one answer.  

Would you join me as I picture one scene with Mary and Jesus?

Jesus and Mary are standing outside their home.  Jesus is touching his mother’s arm and speaking softly.  Mary is looking up at him; her eyes glistening with almost tears.  She had told herself, “I will not cry.”  As hard as she tried, the tears were ready to spill out.  She willed them back.  “I will not send my son off with tears.  I want to send him off with a smile.  I want to send him off with love and a prayer.”  

The day had started early and the day Mary dreaded was going to begin.  His favorite foods were prepared.  He would soon be eating breakfast.  She could hear him moving around, but could not understand why he was not packing anything.  “I am only going to take the clothes I wear.  Don’t worry.  It will be fine.  Yes, mother.  I will take the staff father made.  It is strong and comfortable in my hand.  He instructed me, but my father’s skills were much better than the son’s.  Or at least this son’s.”

Jesus ate his breakfast as Mary hovered over him.  It was as if Mary was trying to prevent him from finishing his breakfast.  She kept looking at the door.  Willing it to be so solid that it would not open.  It would not allow him to leave.  BUT, she knew the door could not hold him back.  She knew that no amount of adding food to his plate would keep him here.  All these years, she knew he would leave.  It is the natural progression of life.  Ever since she saw him, in the temple courts, listening to the teachers and asking them questions, she knew he was not going to be a carpenter, safe in his shop. And deep in her heart she felt fear.  

Jesus stood up and said, “Thank you for the breakfast.  You are the best cook in all of Galilee!  It is time for me to go.  I must ….”

“I know son.  I pray your journey will be safe, that you will find companions to walk with you, that many will be saved when they hear you preach, and thatJHWH will guide your every step.”

Jesus and Mary are standing outside their home.  Jesus is touching his mother’s arm and speaking softly. With a kiss on her forehead, Jesus tells his mother goodbye.  He reminds her, “I will see you at the wedding.  It will not be so long until I see you again.”

Jesus turns and walks away.  

And a mother’s tears will no longer be held back.  

CANCELLING PLANS

I do not want to cancel a long planned get away!  

Every two years, Half Century of Progress happens in Rantoul, Illinois.  Old farming equipment arrives, on semi flat beds that cost more than the farms the equipment was used on.  Farmers, old and young,  spend four days examining old tractors and buying another cap, with a John Deere or an International Harvester tractor embroidered on it.  1950’s combines are hauled hundreds of miles to have the chance to shell corn one more time.  Our friends join us in Rantoul and, while the men tractor look,  the women revisit a favorite store and discover new cemeteries.

Our rooms were reserved as soon as the dates were announced.  They bring hundreds of golf carts in  and one of them already had Bill’s name on it.  Yes, this show is much too large to walk.  Plans were in place and we were looking forward to the show, but, even more importantly, the time with friends.  Plans … There is only one problem with plans.  They may have to be cancelled.

My knee is bone on bone and the pain is increasing.  But, the show is only a few weeks away.  Surely, I can wait that long.  Time with friends.  Old tractors.  Surely, I can hang in there a bit longer.  Our friend said she and I could hang out at the hotel while the men went to the show.  Time with friends.  Old tractors.  Surely, I can …. But, the doctor took one look at an updated x-ray, put a tiny amount of pressure on my knee (Thankfully a tiny amount!), and said, “Mary, you need to get this done.  I will be back in the office July 23 and we can schedule your surgery a few days after that.”

And, just like that, my mind went from planning to cancelling to planning.  The second planning?  What do I need for the surgery and recovery? 

What do I need?  Actually, I have exactly what I need:  peace with this decision.  That is saying a lot, because I do not have a good history with surgery and anesthesia.  Making the scriptures personal is where I find my peace.

Lord, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. My heart has plans, but you establish my steps and your purpose prevails. This is the time for my surgery.  

God, you are the God of hope.  Fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in you, so I may overflow with hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.  In prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, I will turn my anxiety over to you.  And, when I make known to you my concerns, your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and my faith in Christ Jesus, will guard my heart and my mind. I will go into surgery with peace and no fear.

This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen

SCRIPTURES:  Ecclesiastes 3:1, Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 19:21, Romans 15:13, and Philippians 4:6-7 

 WATCHING PAINT DRY

Bill went for his walk.  I had put a coat of paint on an outside lamp that was way past needing it.  I know the can said to wait hours for the second coat, but come on.  This is a solar powered lamp and a second coat can go on a whole lot sooner than that.  I decided to wait 30 minutes.  I just heard all the painters and crafters do a great big gasp of horror.  I had my iPad so 30 minutes would pass in no time.  There was only one problem.  I had put on vinyl gloves to keep my hands paint free.  The gloves were not paint free and if I took them off, I would never get them back on.  Go get another pair, you suggest.  By the time I did that, it would be time to paint.  The only solution was to sit and wait.  30 minutes is not so long.  I can do this….

Then a gentle breeze passed by and I thanked God.  Quickly, paint drying became a blessing.  I could not use my iPad.  I was by myself.  I was not in front of the computer.  I could not turn on the TV.  What I could do is, for a change, sit with no distractions.  Except for one:  God’s world.

Thank you God for a view of open spaces where I can see the clouds.  Thank you for a tree that gives me shade.  Thank you for the sun that gives me warmth.  Thank you for the rain and the sun that makes crops grow and green grass under our feet. 

Thank you God for mountains, deserts, rivers, and streams.  Thank you for creating a world so vast, breathtaking, and ever changing, while you never change.

Thank you God for the flowers that brighten our lives and feed the bees and birds.  Thank you for the sounds of the world around us … the ocean waves, a gentle rain, the quiet of snow falling, the power of thunder and lightening.

Thank you for making me realize that you have given me so much more than I deserve.  I give you my pains and problems.  You give me white roses.  I give you my concerns and fears.  You give me a gentle breeze.

Thank you,

Amen

 A BIT OF AN ADVANTAGE

9 feet 9 inches —- is TALL.  Can you imagine being that tall?  You would need a special house.  A tall sink so you could bend over and brush your teeth.  An extra, extra long bed.  Tall and wider doors.  Tables and chairs would have to be special ordered.

Can you imagine walking around wearing a coat of bronze weighing 125 pounds, a bronze helmet, and bronze greaves?  Don’t stop there.  You are also going to carry a javelin.  His poor shield bearer went ahead of him.

Goliath was that tall and was thought to be a descendant of the Anakims.  He must have thought a lot of himself because he told the ranks of Israel, “Choose a man and have him come down to me.  If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.”  He sounds like a bully who has gotten his way because of his size.  One on one seems like he would have a bit of an advantage.

Enter a young man that had to stand up to his brothers and figured he could stand up to a big guy with an attitude.  I guess no one saw the secret weapon David carried with him.  They saw a sling and a few stones.  They saw a young man putting himself in danger.  What could he do with a staff and a sling?  Were they ever in for a surprise!!

From this point, we all know the story of David and Goliath.  Goliath gets mouthy.  David takes him down with a measly slingshot, cuts off his head, and becomes the local hero.  

BUT what about the secret weapon David had?  Everyone watching saw a stone fly out of a slingshot.  They failed to see the Almighty God being in charge of the situation.  They had quickly forgotten what David said to Goliath:  This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands.  ….. the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel …. for the battle is the LORD’s and he will give all of you into our hands.

Goliath thought he had a bit of an advantage, BUT David had a much larger advantage.  AND SO DO WE!  Often we fail to use this advantage.  We fail to use the advantage of having a Lord who will deliver us from our enemies.  

So take your slingshot in hand and face your enemy, BUT turn the battle over to God.  For the battle is the LORD’s and he will give your enemy into your hands.

Taken from I Samuel 17