“What now?”

Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8 (December 10, 2023)

For several summers, way back when I was a student, I had a job with the Public Works Department of the city. Most of the time I worked alone, driving a tractor, cutting grass. But sometimes I worked with others.

We were always in full public view. On the job site, there were times we had to pause and wait for something to arrive. A truck to come with a load of asphalt or gravel, for example.

Men at work.jpgWhen that happened, we were keenly aware of the need to keep doing something. Not just laze about, leaning on our shovels, putting in time. That would not be a good look for municipal taxpayers.

So “look busy,” we said to one another. There was almost always something we could do, some kind of work to be completed, or preparation to be made, while we waited for whatever was going to happen next.

And it got me thinking this week about the church, and what we might be doing together in this time of Advent waiting.

This year we’re asking a series of questions. Last week it was “How long?” How long must we wait? Of course there’s no easy answer to that. Soon, we’re told, but not yet. So don’t waste your energy in speculation. Instead, get on with your life of faith.

And what is that life of faith? What now are we meant to be doing? What now … in this Advent time of waiting?

Our scripture readings this morning offer some possibilities. I’d like to suggest three things. Three things we can be doing as we wait. Are you ready? Here they are.

Consider, first of all, these words from Isaiah: “Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.”

A great empire had laid siege to Jerusalem, overrun its defences, destroyed the house of God, and deported many of its citizens. But a voice from heaven gave instructions to God’s prophet: “Comfort my people.” Say to them, “Enough!” “God “will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom.”

“Comfort my people.” What a lovely message for those who suffer!

There is so much suffering in our world today. It is part of our shared human experience. And following the prophet Isaiah, we too may bring God’s comfort.

When we ask the question, “What now?” … could that be part of our agenda? To comfort the afflicted, to bind up the broken-hearted? Who do you know that’s broken-hearted?

The comfort in this passage is not “comfort” – as in sit in your easy chair, rest your feet, have a cup of whatever you fancy, and pamper yourself. This comfort is meant as healing medicine for those who are wounded.

I had a call from a friend this week who is grieving the untimely death of her adult son, her only child. What words of comfort can I give? Somehow, any words in that setting sound callous and trite. How can I show her that I care?

Emily Dickinson.jpgThe poet, Emily Dickenson, wrote:
“If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.”[1]

There is much suffering in the world. It seems overwhelming. What can we do about it?

I can’t provide housing for all those displaced refugees around the world. But I can pray for Lupuki Lukungu and the family we’re sponsoring as they wait to begin a new life here in Saskatoon.

I can’t help everyone in our society who finds life unaffordable. But I can contribute something to our local food bank, and encourage governments to be responsive and compassionate.

You probably can’t go to Israel or Gaza. But you can support the work of MCC, who have people on the ground ready to help.

We can’t fix all the post-Covid division. But we can listen better, and be a good neighbour, and try not be the cause of more of hostility and strife.

“Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.” A tender word from God’s people would surely be a welcome thing!

“What now?” What now as we wait? We can offer comfort. That’s one thing. Here’s the second: Let me suggest we also become bearers of Good News pointing to the presence of God!

“Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength … lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” Here is your God.

So where do you see God? I see plenty of darkness. Where can I see light?

I’ll tell you one sign that appeared to me. And I know I’m not the only one who saw it. Tuesday, 8:40 in the morning, I looked out the window, and there it was: The most beautiful, bright red sky. Sunrise.jpgThe sun was at such an angle that it lit up the clouds.

We live in the “land of living skies.” So a scene like this was not unusual. But it was glorious! It lasted for about 10 minutes, then faded. Can we find God in that very ordinary thing?

It’s a skill we can practice, actually!

A few years ago I carried around with me a little blue notebook. A book of Kingdom Sightings. Every time I saw or heard or experienced God’s presence throughout the day, I would make myself a note. At the end of the day I’d say “thank you, Lord!”

“Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God! With practice we can see more clearly. St. Bonaventure, who lived in the 13th century, “spoke of God as one “whose centre is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere.”[2]

Now stop and think about that. Centre everywhere, circumference stretching to infinity! God can be found in all things, everywhere, all the time. If we but open our eyes.

Where have you found God this week? Was it something big or something small? In the glory of creation? In an act of kindness? A word of hope? A quiet moment? A piece of music? A verse of scripture? Frost on the trees? Someone who held your hand?

God is everywhere present in this world that God has made. So instead of pointing at the darkness, and shaking our heads with discouragement … let’s lean into the light and live each day more and more within its goodness.

And let’s not be afraid to bear witness to that. Instead of complaining, let’s be ready to share a word of gratitude.

Advent is all about God’s coming: God’s coming to the world in Jesus. God’s coming at the end of all things to establish a reign of justice and peace. And listen now …

It’s also about the coming of God each and every day to be present among us with love and healing grace. In this season of Advent, we practice attentiveness as we wait.

“What now?” you ask? Let’s be people who bring comfort to the world. Let’s be bearers of God’s Good News. God is with us!

And finally, one more thing. This one from the Gospel of Mark. Let’s be people who live the way of Jesus – even before he arrives. Let’s prepare the way for him.

Our Gospel reading presents John the Baptizer. He prepares the way by calling people to repentance. And it tells us that “the whole Judean region and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him …” to be baptized in the Jordan river.

Kosovo - Christ.jpgAnd I think, really? The whole Judean region, and all the people of Jerusalem? Well that may be a bit of exaggeration. The point is there were a lot of people attracted to John and his message!

And that’s amazing to me! Because I think, here’s this wild man from the wilderness. He wears rough clothing and eats strange food. And from everything we read about him, he seems to have an abrasive personality.

Yet people came to him. In droves, they came! Why?

And all I can think of is this: Repentance is not the harsh, demanding, guilt-inducing thing we make it out to be. No, it’s not like that at all! Repentance is an opportunity. A chance for new beginning.

Repentance says we can turn our lives around. It doesn’t have to be more of the same old thing. A new way is possible.

When we think things will never change. John arrives to say, “Christ is coming with power to make all things new!” “I have baptized with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” The same Spirit that hovered over the waters at the beginning of time.

You think your life will never be any different. But it can be, and it will be! And that is such a hopeful thing!

God is coming. Even now, God is coming. And it can change your life. Point you in a new direction. Transform your heart and soul. Give fresh energy, a new vision. Take us all out of our self-centred ways. And give us love to live for God and neighbour. A new lease on life! That’s what repentance offers.

God is coming into the world. And we can live that new life God brings already, here and now. We can learn the way of Jesus. Inviting him to come and live within us, more and more, with every ruby-red sunrise.

“What now?” we asked at the beginning of our sermon. As we wait for God’s arrival, what now?

Here’s what I’m suggesting. Three things: That we be people who bring comfort to others. That we become bearers of God’s good news, pointing to God’s presence everywhere. And that we live Jesus’ way, even as we wait for his arrival.

Here are some things for you to ponder as we reflect on today’s question: “What now?”

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

  • Where have you seen God this week?
  • What hopeful change can you make in your life?
  • In what concrete and tangible way can you care for others?

 

[1] “I shall not live in vain.” https://dailypoetry.me/emily-dickinson/if-stop-heart-breaking/, Accessed December 9, 2023.

[2] Quoted by Richard Rohr, Center for Action and Contemplation, email meditation, November 13, 2016.

“How long?”

Isaiah 64:1-4; Mark 13:24-37  (December 3, 2023)

Something happened in our family this week. A joyful thing, but a little scary too. Our son, Adam, and his wife had been expecting twins. We knew that. We didn’t think they were coming quite this soon. Maybe sometime in the new year, we were told.

Babies have a habit of arriving on their own schedule. They’re not that predictable. And we’re not in charge of things either. So if you get a due date, please take it with a grain of salt.

These twins arrived early, and they are quite small. It’s amazing to see their tiny, perfectly formed, features. The important thing is they are healthy. And we are very thankful for that! We hope and pray it will continue to be so.

Candle blue streak.pngAdvent is about a coming, an arrival. But it’s not here yet. In this way, Advent is quite different from Christmas, which is full-blown joy and celebration: Christ is born. God is with us!

Advent is different. A time to look forward with anticipation. Not only to the coming of a child long ago, but also to the coming of Christ at the end of all things. Advent is about God’s coming to be with us. And the terrible long wait that is part of our Christian journey of faith.

During these next few Sundays, we’ll be asking some questions that arise from our reading of scripture. And this morning’s question is “How long?”

wooden pathway.jpg How long must we wait for God to be with us? How long must we wait for the reign of God to be established? How long have you been waiting? How long are you willing to wait?

Last week, on Eternity Sunday, we said that God is with us everywhere, all the time. Whether we see it or not. And that is true! With the church through the ages we confess that Jesus is Lord. And that nothing, not even death, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

But here’s the thing. I know this in my life, and maybe you do too: We don’t always see the lordship of Christ. It doesn’t always feel as though God is with us. Advent begins with emptiness and longing. Where is God, we want to know.

Thunder clouds.jpgThis morning we read the words of Isaiah arising from a nation in exile. This prophet pleads with God:  “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down.”

Come down from your dwelling place on high. Come and heal our brokenness here on earth. Come and make all things new. In this season of Advent, that is our prayer: That God would open the heavens and come down.

large building rubble.jpgIn our Gospel reading, we hear some of Jesus’ last words to his disciples. Mark chapter 13 begins with them admiring the stones of the Jerusalem temple. But Jesus says that earthly temple will come tumbling down.

 And it did. In the year 66, around the same time that the Gospel of Mark was being written, the Roman Army laid siege to Jerusalem. They sacked the city and destroyed the temple, the house of God.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aelia_Capitolina_(15522086868).jpg" width="243" height="75" />Mark 13 is known as the “little apocalypse.” Like all apocalyptic writing it uses powerful symbolic language to describe a situation of crisis. When Jerusalem was destroyed, it must have seemed like the end of the world. Jesus speaks of cosmic upheaval. The stars in heaven falling, the powers that hold the universe shaken.

Where is God in the presence of such things? When does it end? When will God’s reign finally be established? “How long must we wait?” the church asks in every generation. “How long?”

Waiting isn’t easy. A few days ago I was held up at a train crossing. It’s not unusual in our city. Don’t those trains seem to come through at the most inconvenient time?

I’d arranged with someone to meet them at a certain time and place. I was driving down Warman Road, coming toward the intersection at 33rd Street. Everything was going as it should. The light changed ahead of me. No problem. But then I saw it, coming around the corner, ever so slowly.

Railway Crossing.jpg The red lights at the crossing began to flash. The barriers came down. My heart sunk.

Four big diesel engines rumbled across in front of me. This train was going to be a long one. Despondent, I turned off the key, folded my arms, and began to wait.

I wish I could say that I waited patiently. But I did not. I knew this train would make me late. And we are so driven by schedules and deadlines. “What a waste,” I fumed. “How long will it be?”

When is the last time you had to wait? And what was it you were waiting for? And how did you wait? Patiently or impatiently? Angrily, anxiously, fearfully, calmly?

Waiting is part of our human lives. Waiting for a child to be born. Waiting for an appointment. Waiting to speak with a real live person, not just a recording on the other end of the line.

Waiting for test results. Waiting for treatment. Waiting for a parcel to arrive. Waiting for a visit, or a holiday. Or a day of release, a day of healing, a day of freedom.

Waiting for a promise to be kept. Waiting for prayer to be answered, all these years. Waiting for Jesus, for his presence, his peace, his comfort. His salvation.

There’s a song by the band U2 that riffs on the words of Psalm 40. It’s from their album titled “War,” and it goes like this:

U2 - Bono.jpg “I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He lifts me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay

“I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song

“How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long, how long, how long
How long to sing this song?”[1]

They’d sometimes end their concerts this way: One-by-one, the band would leave the stage as the audience continued to sing the refrain “How long to sing this song?”[2]

How long must we wait? I wish I could give you an answer.

In our reading from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says the time is near.  “When you see the branches of the fig tree become tender, and it puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near.” I love that image of a tree on the cusp of bearing fruit. In a dark winter world, it speaks of God’s new life coming to be!

Fig tree.jpgApocalyptic literature may sound frightening. But it’s intended to have the opposite effect. Not to frighten but to encourage. To give us hope and strength. To say that Jesus is Lord. Even if he seems very far away.

When those stars are falling, then “you will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with power and glory.” The fig tree will blossom and bear fruit. The world will be put right.

But now, listen to this: “About that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” So don’t bother with predictions. They’ll probably be wrong. Over the course of history, they mostly have been.

Some things are simply not ours to know. But take hope, nevertheless. Know that Christ is coming. Even in the darkest time he is near, very near. Near. But not yet. So we must wait.

Wooden Nativity.jpgAnd how should we wait? Well, don’t fall asleep, says Jesus. Stay alert. Be on the watch. God is God of the unexpected.

Isaiah pleaded that God would “Come with fire. Make the mountains quake and the nations tremble,” as in days of old.  But one starlit night, the Christ-child slipped into his earthly mother’s arms. And only a few lowly shepherds knew anything about it.

We think God acts in big, dramatic fashion. And that may be so. But God acts in small things too. Christmas is about things that almost went unnoticed. A tiny child was born. It will change the world.

“How long must we wait?” I can’t answer that question for you. I can only encourage you to wait and see how God might show up unexpectedly in your life. For none of us know when the master of the house will come.

Jesus on Cross.jpgJesus said the Son of Man is near, standing at the gate.  We should note that He gave these words to the disciples just before he was crucified and the world, as they knew it, fell apart. In that great darkness, they must have been terrified.

How long? Three days? Three years? Three thousand years? Jesus tells us to watch and be alert, trusting that even in the darkest of our days something is happening! In a world of impatience and instant almost everything, we are called to watch and wait.

“How long, how long, how long
How long to sing this song?”
And then, suddenly, it happens!

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

I invite you to take a few moments now and ponder these questions.

  • Can you remember a time when God was with you while you waited?
  • What are you waiting for now?

 

 

[1] https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/36798/, Accessed Dec. 3, 2023.

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40_(song)#Live_performances, Accessed Dec. 2, 2023.“How long?”

Isaiah 64:1-4; Mark 13:24-37  (December 3, 2023)

 

“A different kind of seeing”

Glasses on book.jpgEphesians 1:15-23  (November 26, 2023)

I wonder how many of us wear glasses? I was in my mid-twenties when I got mine. And that day still resonates in my memory.

It was a bright, sunny day. I walked out of the optometrist’s office, and stepped gingerly onto the street. These new lenses would take some getting used to. I took a look at things around me. And I was blown away!

Street and cars.jpgI couldn’t believe what I was seeing. There was so much detail: The sharpness of the lines. The features of leaves on trees. It was overwhelming!

Then it dawned on me: These things had been there all along. Yet I had not been seeing them. I had grown accustomed to a fuzzy world.

Now I realized, there was so much more. A richly coloured, finely detailed, textured, extravagant, beautiful world! It came as a great revelation.

There are many things we cannot see. (And not only because of impaired vision.) We cannot see into the lives of others, for example. The fear or pain or loneliness – or joy – they may be feeling. On this Eternity Sunday, we pause to acknowledge the mix of grief and gratitude that lives in many of us.

telescope - close up.jpgWe look through powerful lenses to observe tiny, microscopic details. We build sophisticated telescopes to capture signals from outer space. We are constantly discovering things we had not known about our wondrous universe.

And there are other things, our scripture reading tells us, that require a different kind of seeing. Realities that can only be perceived through the lens of faith.

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him …” Revelation! Like the kind I had when I got my new pair of glasses.

 “So that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive …” things you had not known. The wonders of God that may have been unclear.

Ephesians employs an unexpected turn of phrase when it talks about seeing with the “eyes of our heart.” We see the physical world with our eyes. Can we see spiritual things with our heart? “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” Not dark. But light, full of brightness.

boy sitting in rubble.jpgWhat are the common things we see around us? A world in crisis. Alienation, intolerance, violence. A world where war is raging in all its tragic darkness. Politics of protest and division. Economic disparity.

Here in our service this morning, we acknowledge death. But what are we missing? What else does God want us to see?

The reason I had to get glasses all those years ago was that I was myopic. Which means I was near-sighted. I can see objects up close. But farther away is more difficult.

I’m wondering if our collective sight might also suffer from a kind of “spiritual myopia.” We see things in the world around us, and that’s fine. But when we look for the presence of God, our vision becomes blurry.

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him.”

How can we become more aware of God’s presence in our lives? How can we gaze beyond the horizon of our earthly existence, to see the glory of the heavenly universe, the realm of God, present in our midst?

God is with us! Everywhere, all the time. Even if we do not see it. God comes to us in Jesus. He comes as light to shine in darkness. He opens the eyes of those who are blind. He draws back the curtain that keeps God hidden.

The apostle Paul writes, “For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT)

Jesus reveals the presence and character of God. He draws the curtain to show us what we had not seen. He shines the light, so we are not in darkness.

The writer of Ephesians prays that the eyes of our hearts be enlightened, so that “you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints.”

We may grieve the loss of our loved ones. But we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Christians have this hope that there is more to life than meets the eye. And that in the mystery and depth of God’s loving care, death is not the end, but a new beginning.

I remember a story someone shared with me, about their loved one who was near to death. They were sitting by her bedside, holding her hand, and speaking to her softly. All of a sudden, their mom sat up and looked toward the end of the bed. “I see Jesus,” she exclaimed.

There was nothing there, nothing to be seen with earthly eyes. But the eyes of the heart see differently.

The writer of Ephesians prays that we might also see “the immeasurable greatness of God’s power for us who believe.”

Stone rolled away.pngThere are two Greek words that lie behind our English translation. Two superlative adjectives that speak of the “immeasurable greatness” of God’s power: Hyper and Mega! As in hyper power, mega power that goes beyond and is greater than anything we can humanly imagine.

 “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.” This is resurrection power that brings new life. And not only in the world to come.

A few years ago, Jan Richardson, an artist, author and United Methodist minister, lost her husband. She speaks of hope through dark days of despair:

“hope,” she writes, “that raises us
from the dead—
not someday
but this day,
every day,
again and
again and
again.[1]

Ascension.jpgLife in the midst death, strength to go on, living and loving, even in the darkness – that is a powerful thing!

God raised Jesus from the dead, “and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.” Can you see the glory of God?

God raised him “above all rule and authority and power and dominion.” Above everything! All that is, or ever will be.

We often see rulers, wielding the sword, manipulating peoples lives, exploiting them for their own selfish ends. We see spiritual powers that are wreaking havoc in our world: pride, envy, greed, and fear …

Text Box: “Ascension,” John Singleton Copley  (1738–1815)Forces that seem so powerful and beyond our control. Powers and dominions that have their death-dealing way. We feel helpless in their long, dark shadow. But will they have the final victory?

With the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we see Jesus seated at the right hand of his heavenly Father. Which is to say, a place of authority. And we confess our faith, together with the church throughout the ages, that he is Lord. Jesus, not Caesar. Not guns or money. Not selfish ambition or anything else that stands in the way of God’s coming reign. Christ is Lord! He alone.

The day will come when God’s justice and peace will be established upon the earth. And every tear will be wiped from our eyes. And every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that he is Lord.

Death does not have the final Say. Not today or any day. The living Christ is with us. He walks beside us. He comforts us. He loves us. He gives his life to us.

On those days when we are full of sorrow and tempted to despair, there is a light that shines. A spark of hope that keeps us going. Can you see it?

Opthamologist.jpgSomeone has said that coming to church is like visiting the ophthalmologist. We come here to cure our spiritual myopia. We see through a different lens, the lens of faith. Here, in the presence of God, a whole new world comes into view.

A world where life is stronger than death, and right-relationship overcomes evil, and forgiveness heals the deep gashing wounds of our souls. And the love of God embraces us. So our world becomes a brighter place. Is that what you see?

I pray that God may open the eyes of our hearts. “So that we may know the hope to which he has called us. … And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power.”

Christ above the mountains.jpgAnd that we might see Jesus, risen from the dead, seated at God’s right hand “above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come.”

Christ. Above all things. Everywhere. All the time.

God is still at work in the world God loves, whether we see it or not. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is present and active in our midst. May it be so in you and me this day!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

 

[1] Jan Richardson, https://paintedprayerbook.com/2014/11/19/so-that-you-may-know-the-hope/#.VGzLvN7vZUM, Accessed Nov. 21, 2023.“A different kind of seeing”

Free Glasses Book photo and pictureEphesians 1:15-23  (November 26, 2023)

I wonder how many of us wear glasses? I was in my mid-twenties when I got mine. And that day still resonates in my memory.

It was a bright, sunny day. I walked out of the optometrist’s office, and stepped gingerly onto the street. These new lenses would take some getting used to. I took a look at things around me. And I was blown away!

Free Town Street photo and pictureI couldn’t believe what I was seeing. There was so much detail: The sharpness of the lines. The features of leaves on trees. It was overwhelming!

Then it dawned on me: These things had been there all along. Yet I had not been seeing them. I had grown accustomed to a fuzzy world.

Now I realized, there was so much more. A richly coloured, finely detailed, textured, extravagant, beautiful world! It came as a great revelation.

There are many things we cannot see. (And not only because of impaired vision.) We cannot see into the lives of others, for example. The fear or pain or loneliness – or joy – they may be feeling. On this Eternity Sunday, we pause to acknowledge the mix of grief and gratitude that lives in many of us.

Free Analysis Biochemistry photo and pictureWe look through powerful lenses to observe tiny, microscopic details. We build sophisticated telescopes to capture signals from outer space. We are constantly discovering things we had not known about our wondrous universe.

And there are other things, our scripture reading tells us, that require a different kind of seeing. Realities that can only be perceived through the lens of faith.

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him …” Revelation! Like the kind I had when I got my new pair of glasses.

 “So that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive …” things you had not known. The wonders of God that may have been unclear.

Ephesians employs an unexpected turn of phrase when it talks about seeing with the “eyes of our heart.” We see the physical world with our eyes. Can we see spiritual things with our heart? “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” Not dark. But light, full of brightness.

Free Palestine Gaza photo and pictureWhat are the common things we see around us? A world in crisis. Alienation, intolerance, violence. A world where war is raging in all its tragic darkness. Politics of protest and division. Economic disparity.

Here in our service this morning, we acknowledge death. But what are we missing? What else does God want us to see?

The reason I had to get glasses all those years ago was that I was myopic. Which means I was near-sighted. I can see objects up close. But farther away is more difficult.

I’m wondering if our collective sight might also suffer from a kind of “spiritual myopia.” We see things in the world around us, and that’s fine. But when we look for the presence of God, our vision becomes blurry.

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him.”

How can we become more aware of God’s presence in our lives? How can we gaze beyond the horizon of our earthly existence, to see the glory of the heavenly universe, the realm of God, present in our midst?

God is with us! Everywhere, all the time. Even if we do not see it. God comes to us in Jesus. He comes as light to shine in darkness. He opens the eyes of those who are blind. He draws back the curtain that keeps God hidden.

The apostle Paul writes, “For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT)

Jesus reveals the presence and character of God. He draws the curtain to show us what we had not seen. He shines the light, so we are not in darkness.

The writer of Ephesians prays that the eyes of our hearts be enlightened, so that “you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints.”

We may grieve the loss of our loved ones. But we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Christians have this hope that there is more to life than meets the eye. And that in the mystery and depth of God’s loving care, death is not the end, but a new beginning.

I remember a story someone shared with me, about their loved one who was near to death. They were sitting by her bedside, holding her hand, and speaking to her softly. All of a sudden, their mom sat up and looked toward the end of the bed. “I see Jesus,” she exclaimed.

There was nothing there, nothing to be seen with earthly eyes. But the eyes of the heart see differently.

The writer of Ephesians prays that we might also see “the immeasurable greatness of God’s power for us who believe.”

Free Empty Tomb Nazareth photo and pictureThere are two Greek words that lie behind our English translation. Two superlative adjectives that speak of the “immeasurable greatness” of God’s power: Hyper and Mega! As in hyper power, mega power that goes beyond and is greater than anything we can humanly imagine.

 “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.” This is resurrection power that brings new life. And not only in the world to come.

A few years ago, Jan Richardson, an artist, author and United Methodist minister, lost her husband. She speaks of hope through dark days of despair:

“hope,” she writes, “that raises us
from the dead—
not someday
but this day,
every day,
again and
again and
again.[1]

A painting of a person in the sky

Description automatically generatedLife in the midst death, strength to go on, living and loving, even in the darkness – that is a powerful thing!

God raised Jesus from the dead, “and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.” Can you see the glory of God?

God raised him “above all rule and authority and power and dominion.” Above everything! All that is, or ever will be.

We often see rulers, wielding the sword, manipulating peoples lives, exploiting them for their own selfish ends. We see spiritual powers that are wreaking havoc in our world: pride, envy, greed, and fear …

Text Box: “Ascension,” John Singleton Copley  (1738–1815)Forces that seem so powerful and beyond our control. Powers and dominions that have their death-dealing way. We feel helpless in their long, dark shadow. But will they have the final victory?

With the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we see Jesus seated at the right hand of his heavenly Father. Which is to say, a place of authority. And we confess our faith, together with the church throughout the ages, that he is Lord. Jesus, not Caesar. Not guns or money. Not selfish ambition or anything else that stands in the way of God’s coming reign. Christ is Lord! He alone.

The day will come when God’s justice and peace will be established upon the earth. And every tear will be wiped from our eyes. And every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that he is Lord.

Death does not have the final Say. Not today or any day. The living Christ is with us. He walks beside us. He comforts us. He loves us. He gives his life to us.

On those days when we are full of sorrow and tempted to despair, there is a light that shines. A spark of hope that keeps us going. Can you see it?

Free Eye Care Eye Consult photo and pictureSomeone has said that coming to church is like visiting the ophthalmologist. We come here to cure our spiritual myopia. We see through a different lens, the lens of faith. Here, in the presence of God, a whole new world comes into view.

A world where life is stronger than death, and right-relationship overcomes evil, and forgiveness heals the deep gashing wounds of our souls. And the love of God embraces us. So our world becomes a brighter place. Is that what you see?

I pray that God may open the eyes of our hearts. “So that we may know the hope to which he has called us. … And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power.”

Free Rio Rio De Janeiro photo and pictureAnd that we might see Jesus, risen from the dead, seated at God’s right hand “above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come.”

Christ. Above all things. Everywhere. All the time.

God is still at work in the world God loves, whether we see it or not. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is present and active in our midst. May it be so in you and me this day!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

 

[1] Jan Richardson, https://paintedprayerbook.com/2014/11/19/so-that-you-may-know-the-hope/#.VGzLvN7vZUM, Accessed Nov. 21, 2023.“A different kind of seeing”

Free Glasses Book photo and pictureEphesians 1:15-23 (November 26, 2023)

I wonder how many of us wear glasses? I was in my mid-twenties when I got mine. And that day still resonates in my memory.

It was a bright, sunny day. I walked out of the optometrist’s office, and stepped gingerly onto the street. These new lenses would take some getting used to. I took a look at things around me. And I was blown away!

Free Town Street photo and pictureI couldn’t believe what I was seeing. There was so much detail: The sharpness of the lines. The features of leaves on trees. It was overwhelming!

Then it dawned on me: These things had been there all along. Yet I had not been seeing them. I had grown accustomed to a fuzzy world.

Now I realized, there was so much more. A richly coloured, finely detailed, textured, extravagant, beautiful world! It came as a great revelation.

There are many things we cannot see. (And not only because of impaired vision.) We cannot see into the lives of others, for example. The fear or pain or loneliness – or joy – they may be feeling. On this Eternity Sunday, we pause to acknowledge the mix of grief and gratitude that lives in many of us.

Free Analysis Biochemistry photo and pictureWe look through powerful lenses to observe tiny, microscopic details. We build sophisticated telescopes to capture signals from outer space. We are constantly discovering things we had not known about our wondrous universe.

And there are other things, our scripture reading tells us, that require a different kind of seeing. Realities that can only be perceived through the lens of faith.

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him …” Revelation! Like the kind I had when I got my new pair of glasses.

“So that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive …” things you had not known. The wonders of God that may have been unclear.

Ephesians employs an unexpected turn of phrase when it talks about seeing with the “eyes of our heart.” We see the physical world with our eyes. Can we see spiritual things with our heart? “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” Not dark. But light, full of brightness.

Free Palestine Gaza photo and pictureWhat are the common things we see around us? A world in crisis. Alienation, intolerance, violence. A world where war is raging in all its tragic darkness. Politics of protest and division. Economic disparity.

Here in our service this morning, we acknowledge death. But what are we missing? What else does God want us to see?

The reason I had to get glasses all those years ago was that I was myopic. Which means I was near-sighted. I can see objects up close. But farther away is more difficult.

I’m wondering if our collective sight might also suffer from a kind of “spiritual myopia.” We see things in the world around us, and that’s fine. But when we look for the presence of God, our vision becomes blurry.

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him.”

How can we become more aware of God’s presence in our lives? How can we gaze beyond the horizon of our earthly existence, to see the glory of the heavenly universe, the realm of God, present in our midst?

God is with us! Everywhere, all the time. Even if we do not see it. God comes to us in Jesus. He comes as light to shine in darkness. He opens the eyes of those who are blind. He draws back the curtain that keeps God hidden.

The apostle Paul writes, “For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT)

Jesus reveals the presence and character of God. He draws the curtain to show us what we had not seen. He shines the light, so we are not in darkness.

The writer of Ephesians prays that the eyes of our hearts be enlightened, so that “you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints.”

We may grieve the loss of our loved ones. But we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Christians have this hope that there is more to life than meets the eye. And that in the mystery and depth of God’s loving care, death is not the end, but a new beginning.

I remember a story someone shared with me, about their loved one who was near to death. They were sitting by her bedside, holding her hand, and speaking to her softly. All of a sudden, their mom sat up and looked toward the end of the bed. “I see Jesus,” she exclaimed.

There was nothing there, nothing to be seen with earthly eyes. But the eyes of the heart see differently.

The writer of Ephesians prays that we might also see “the immeasurable greatness of God’s power for us who believe.”

Free Empty Tomb Nazareth photo and pictureThere are two Greek words that lie behind our English translation. Two superlative adjectives that speak of the “immeasurable greatness” of God’s power: Hyper and Mega! As in hyper power, mega power that goes beyond and is greater than anything we can humanly imagine.

“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.” This is resurrection power that brings new life. And not only in the world to come.

A few years ago, Jan Richardson, an artist, author and United Methodist minister, lost her husband. She speaks of hope through dark days of despair:

“hope,” she writes, “that raises us
from the dead—
not someday
but this day,
every day,
again and
again and
again.[1]

A painting of a person in the sky

Description automatically generatedLife in the midst death, strength to go on, living and loving, even in the darkness – that is a powerful thing!

God raised Jesus from the dead, “and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.” Can you see the glory of God?

God raised him “above all rule and authority and power and dominion.” Above everything! All that is, or ever will be.

We often see rulers, wielding the sword, manipulating peoples lives, exploiting them for their own selfish ends. We see spiritual powers that are wreaking havoc in our world: pride, envy, greed, and fear …

Text Box: “Ascension,” John Singleton Copley  (1738–1815)Forces that seem so powerful and beyond our control. Powers and dominions that have their death-dealing way. We feel helpless in their long, dark shadow. But will they have the final victory?

With the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we see Jesus seated at the right hand of his heavenly Father. Which is to say, a place of authority. And we confess our faith, together with the church throughout the ages, that he is Lord. Jesus, not Caesar. Not guns or money. Not selfish ambition or anything else that stands in the way of God’s coming reign. Christ is Lord! He alone.

The day will come when God’s justice and peace will be established upon the earth. And every tear will be wiped from our eyes. And every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that he is Lord.

Death does not have the final Say. Not today or any day. The living Christ is with us. He walks beside us. He comforts us. He loves us. He gives his life to us.

On those days when we are full of sorrow and tempted to despair, there is a light that shines. A spark of hope that keeps us going. Can you see it?

Free Eye Care Eye Consult photo and pictureSomeone has said that coming to church is like visiting the ophthalmologist. We come here to cure our spiritual myopia. We see through a different lens, the lens of faith. Here, in the presence of God, a whole new world comes into view.

A world where life is stronger than death, and right-relationship overcomes evil, and forgiveness heals the deep gashing wounds of our souls. And the love of God embraces us. So our world becomes a brighter place. Is that what you see?

I pray that God may open the eyes of our hearts. “So that we may know the hope to which he has called us. … And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power.”

Free Rio Rio De Janeiro photo and pictureAnd that we might see Jesus, risen from the dead, seated at God’s right hand “above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come.”

Christ. Above all things. Everywhere. All the time.

God is still at work in the world God loves, whether we see it or not. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is present and active in our midst. May it be so in you and me this day!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

 

[1] Jan Richardson, https://paintedprayerbook.com/2014/11/19/so-that-you-may-know-the-hope/#.VGzLvN7vZUM, Accessed Nov. 21, 2023.