The Foundation

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33:22

Jesus says, “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20

REFLECTION:
Our world changes so rapidly now, I think it gives people an emotional version of whiplash.

With a 24-hour news cycle, in which cable news channels have to make every new story sound like it is 'breaking news,' we slip into a sensationalized, hyper-vigilant mode where it truly feels like the world is "going to hell in a handbasket."

However, I just don't believe this is true. We have access to more information now, so we know more than we ever used to about the terrible things that happen in the world. And the terrible things that happen are the only things that are sensational enough to draw big headlines and catch our attention. So, when that's all we hear, we end up feeling like those stories are telling the whole story.

It would be like if you had a child in your life who occasionally would act out and do naughty things. If you ignored that child every time they were playing quietly in their room, but only paid attention to the moments when the child was acting out, you would eventually end up with the assumption that he was just a "bad child." But I've never met a "bad child." I've met children who want attention. I've met children who want love and affirmation. I've met children who don't have the best role models in their life. But I've never met a "bad child."

This is what the information age has done to us. We are so constantly bombarded with information that there is too much to take in, so we wait until something extreme enough to catch our attention happens; and that means we are literally ONLY paying attention to the world when things are terrible.

As a pastor, I can tell you there are a MILLION beautiful moments in every day. There are a million moments where everyday people are doing incredible things for their friends, neighbors, and people they have never met. There are calls, prayers, tears, laughter, meals being brought, hugs, and so much more we never see because it just isn't sensational enough to capture our attention. In fact there is something beautiful about this...those things happen SO MUCH, every day, that they are in a sense "routine." They don't capture our attention because they are there all the time in the background.

God's steadfast love is like that. No matter what changes, there is Love. There is always Love. God is Love. That is like the foundation on which our lives are built. And sure, a board here or a board there may need to be taken down, or parts of the structure may need to be re-built from time to time. But the foundation is solid. It is love. Steadfast love that stands no matter what changes.

May your day be built on that; God's foundation of love for you, and for all people. And may we have the courage to build on that foundation with a million humble acts of love and service to others. Those things won't capture headlines, but they are closer to the "truth" than any headline will ever be.

PRAYER:
God, we are humbled and in awe that you care for us by name. We respond with praise and rejoicing. As we feel this peace, may we also respond with love for ourselves and for each other. Forever in your care, we say Amen.*

*Prayer taken from the Moravian Daily Texts

The Story Behind the Story

The word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. Psalm 33:4

Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17

REFLECTION:
This morning, as my daughter was getting ready for school, she had a few extra minutes to snuggle before she headed out for the bus. We sat on the couch together and watched a YouTube video entitled "5 theories about the Harry Potter books that are too good not to be true."

The video explained connections that only make sense once you have read all the books; connections that deepen your understanding of the story, and reveal how elements of the early books actually point to a much richer and more complex story line.

As she hopped on the bus just now, and I looked at the daily texts for today, I was struck by the thought that the life of Jesus challenges us to see the whole arc of God's salvation narrative in a similarly deep way.

On the surface, it seems as though Jesus has a lack of regard for the traditions and laws. In the Gospels, we hear how the Scribes and the Pharisees were frustrated with Jesus, and in many ways frightened by him, because of this surface reading. They were convinced that he was a threat, acting in ways that abolished the law and the prophets.

However, as Jesus challenges them (and us) to recognize, his actions and life are NOT inconsistent with the deeper and more complex story line of God's action in the world. The more detailed laws associated with the original covenant, are, in fact, fulfilled in Christ. We learn that, indeed, "...God IS love" (1 John 4:8), and that "...the one who loves another has fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8).

Lastly, we learn that the WAY of love is how we are called to walk in the fullness of the law as well;
"Bear one another's burdens, an in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2)

Today, as we walk through whatever the day holds, my prayer is that we be given the vision to see the deeper narrative beneath the surface reading. God is love. Love fulfills the laws. And our call is simple; to help bear one another's burdens.

May we be given the insight, and the courage, and the strength, to live in that deeper story today.

PRAYER:
Unchanging God, thank you for wanting to be in relationship with us. As we see you in history, and in our lives, we gain new insights. May our faith be strengthened as we see clearly your desire to bring us closer to you, and to each other, in love. Amen.*

*Prayer taken from the Moravian Daily Texts

We Have Made Mistakes...

In his love and mercy the Lord redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9

You were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25

REFLECTION:
For several days, the themes of the daily readings have pointed me toward humility. Today's passages are no different, reminding us that like sheep who get lost 6 inches at a time as they search out new grass, we wander. But we are sought out, carried, and welcomed home.

Today, I am going to let the words of a song I heard yesterday be our devotion. This song is by a group named "The Oh Hellos." The song is simply titled "I Have Made Mistakes."

Here is the YouTube link to listen to the song, and I'll post the lyrics below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czFgKa7YcIQ

As you listen and read along, be comforted by the fact that you are loved and valued beyond every mistake. Indeed, with God nothing is a waste. Period.

LYRICS:
I have made mistakes, I continue to make them
The promises I've made, I continue to break them
And all the doubts I've faced, I continue to face them
But nothing is a waste if you learn from it

And the sun, it does not cause us to grow
It is the rain that will strengthen your soul
And it will make you whole

We have lived in fear, and our fear has betrayed us
But we will overcome the apathy that has made us
Because we are not alone in the dark with our demons
And we have made mistakes
But we've learned from them

And the sun, it does not cause us to grow
It is the rain that will strengthen your soul
And it will make you whole

And oh my heart, how can I face you now?
When we both know how badly I have let you down
And I am afraid of all that I've built
Fading away

The Opposite of What You'd Think

(Image: The Prodigal Son)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Jesus told the story, “The son said: I will get up and go to my father.” Luke 15:18

REFLECTION:
In just a week, it will be Ash Wednesday; the day those in liturgical traditions mark as the beginning of Lent, the 40 days before Easter. Ash Wednesday is a day of humility, in which we name in a more intentional and detailed way our failures and weaknesses.

At first glance, this may seem like an odd thing for a group of people to do together. Our entire world is built on accentuating your strengths; being better than others. And yet, when we come together in the Christian community, we are healthiest when we are grounded in a realistic awareness of our imperfections.

I say "realistic awareness" to point out that this balance is often hard to achieve. Many times, Christians have erred on the side of condemnation of others. Many people who are not in our churches on Sunday morning have the impression that Christianity is all "fire and brimstone preaching," in which people are convinced how worthless they are. This is a twisted version of Christianity, because it lacks the context of honest, realistic awareness of imperfections. That raw honesty about our own short-comings can, when grounded appropriately, be a foundation for lasting community because it deconstructs the egos we so often use to beat each other up.

The snippet from Psalm 51 above points to an interesting truth. At first glance, you might read just that verse and think it is another version of "being a Christian means being a GOOD person." We are people with CLEAN hearts and RIGHT spirits.

Except, that verse has to be read in context. Psalm 51 is what we will read in a week on Ash Wednesday, and it is often attributed to King David, purportedly written just after his twin sins of adultery and murder. It is David asking God to give him a divine heart transplant, because left to his own devices, he has made a complete mess of things.

This is exactly the opposite of what you would think; but humility is the greatest Christian virtue, and it isn't "achieved" but given through struggle. The second reading above reminds us of one of Jesus' parables that sends the same message; the only thing the Prodigal Son does "right" is decide to return to his Father with his tail tucked between his legs, and even this is born of desperation and hunger. Yet, it is the most faithful thing he does, and the thing the rest of us can seek to imitate.

So, ironically, the most faithful thing we can "DO" in our faith is reach out to God. Sometimes, this is born out of desperation, confusion, or pain. That's OK. If you find yourself reaching for God in any way, your faith is as great as the "holiest" saints...

So my prayer for all of us today is that we reach out...to God through prayer and silence...and to others, trusting that the gifts of God almost always come wrapped in people.

PRAYER:
God, give us the courage to reach out to you...when we feel strong, when we feel weak, and when we don't know the next step. Help us to trust that you will give us a heart that beats for You and Your world. Amen.

Preparing For Guests

Once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish. Isaiah 29:14 (NIV)

The angel spoke of John: He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Luke 1:16–17

REFLECTION:
I remember the flurry of activity in our house before guests would come. It meant cleaning, tidying, taking out the trash, scrubbing the tub, washing the towels. We wanted to be prepared.

One thing is very clear in both the Old and New Testaments; in order to be prepared for God's coming, humility is needed.

In some ways, these are polar opposite reactions. When preparing the house for guests, at least part of the thought is what they might think about us. So, we clean in order that they may be presented with a clean and tidy environment, which reflects positively on us. When preparing for God's presence in my life, the best hospitality is a heart uncluttered by my "accomplishments" or works.

God knows us in our weakest moments. And what's more stunning...God loves us in those moments, too. Like we feel with a child or a best friend, there is literally no amount of putting on appearances that is necessary because of the love we feel even for the real, raw, unfiltered version of that person.

So, today, may God turn our hearts toward Love. May we be filled with a wonder at God's majesty that doesn't require we prove our own wisdom. May we be prepared to receive God's Love wherever it shows up, even if it shows up in our weakest, most "unprepared" moments.

PRAYER:
Almighty God, all power and wonder are yours. Only on our knees, in full humility, are our eyes opened to your ways, and do we gain true wisdom. Our humble, thankful hearts we offer. Amen.*

*Prayer taken from the Moravian Daily Texts

Awe-some

Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name. Isaiah 40:26

Paul wrote: In him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible. Colossians 1:16

REFLECTION:
What is that makes you feel a genuine sense of "awe?"
When have you stood before something, and felt the enormity of the world, or God's love, and recognized how small you are in comparison?

For some, it is a beautiful sunset.
For some, it is a stunning natural wonder, like Machu Picchu or the Grand Canyon.
For some, it is being present at the birth of a child.
There's so much more.

As I begin this day, I begin with a sense of awe; at the grandeur of God's creation; at the enormity of God's love; at the breath that fills my lungs.

May God give us all a sense of gratitude today...for the blessings we notice, and those we often take for granted. May we lift up our eyes and see...the sun; the birds enjoying an early spring day; the fog that settles on the beautiful Kettle Moraine ridge; the little feet that patter into our bedrooms to wake us; the presence of a partner; the quiet strength of an animal companion...whatever your blessings are today, may God give you the space and the time for a deep breath to appreciate the wonder of creation.

A day began in this kind of gratitude is a blessed day, indeed.

PRAYER:
God of mystery and beyond our understanding, continue to speak to us. Although we cannot fully know your ways, help us to see your presence and your desires for us. May we live our lives in grateful praise of your great love. Amen.*

*Prayer taken from the Moravian Daily Texts

Uncommon Wisdom

 
When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:9-10

REFLECTION:
The longer I live, and the more I study the Bible, the more I become convinced that the timeless messages there put us in direct conflict with the prevailing "wisdom" of our time.

This is nothing new, of course...the wisdom of the Bible challenges and changes people of every time. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow; and people are people, wherever they go, and whenever they live. We live in this tension just as previous generations have; there's the "common wisdom" that guides human activities, and then there is the divine wisdom that reminds us of what a healthy life looks like.

One piece of "common" wisdom is: get the most out of something that you can. If you are a manager, squeeze every second of productivity out of your workers that you can. If you are worker, squeeze every second of productivity out of your day as you can, to please your boss and move ahead of your colleagues. If you own a company, keep looking for efficiencies and corners to cut in order to squeeze out every penny of profit possible. If you are a farmer, harvest every last item, pick every last grape in order to squeeze out every penny of profit possible. 

Except, this wisdom is not leading us to a healthy life, either individually or collectively. Individually, we even let this way of thinking guide our decisions with our time both inside and outside the workplace. We fill every last moment with volunteering, kids activities, you name it. If we are vacation, many of us schedule every last second of it with sight-seeing. How often have you heard someone say, or said yourself, "I need a vacation from my vacation!"

Read the passage above again. The instruction is clear; don't squeeze every last penny of profit out of your field or vineyard. Leave some for those who are in need who will sneak in in the middle of the night to glean some to survive.

This seems counter-productive, but we have to wrestle with the fact that this is a COMMAND from God. It IS counter-productive. Maybe productivity isn't the highest good.

While this certainly has implications socially, I am choosing to sit with this wisdom as I contemplate my days, and how I spend my time. Is productivity the highest good? Absolutely not. God wants our wholeness. God wants us to be who we have been created to be, as we discussed yesterday in church. If this is true (and it is), I was not created to be a producer and a consumer.

So, who were you created to be? What makes you tick? What do you LOVE doing? That might be the Spirit of God, nudging you to do more of that thing and less of others. Don't glean the entire field or pick every grape! Take time for rest, and for the things that make you who God created you to be.

PRAYER:
God, give us the courage to say "no" to some things in order to say "yes" to who you created us to be. Help us to take time today for rest, for prayer, and for spending time in silence. Help us to hear your voice through all the other noise. Amen.