The Spirit Groans-- sermon from July 26

This sermon was about how the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf when we don't have words to express.  The word "groans" is used in some translations, while the Passion Translation puts it this way: "emotional sighs too deep for words".    There are times when words don't come.  It's perfectly fine to not have words.  In our silence, there is understanding and communication. 

Even sometimes when we are with others, there are no words.  There can be understanding and communication in the silence.

Below is the transcript of the sermon, the YouTube link to the service, and the SoundCloud audio link. 

After preaching the sermon, I was reminded of a contemporary song as I re-read the words "no matter the challenge, no matter the loss".  I will post that song too.

Maybe there is something here that encourages you.

Rev. Deb

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“The Spirit Groans” 

Romans 8:26-39 (CEB)

July 26, 2020 (8^th Sunday after Pentecost)

St. Elmo UMC (FB Live)

Romans 8: 26-39 (CEB)

26 In the same way, the Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don’t know what we should pray, but the Spirit himself pleads our case with unexpressed groans. 27 The one who searches hearts knows how the Spirit thinks, because he pleads for the saints, consistent with God’s will. 28 We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 We know this because God knew them in advance, and he decided in advance that they would be conformed to the image of his Son. That way his Son would be the first of many brothers and sisters. 30 Those who God decided in advance would be conformed to his Son, he also called. Those whom he called, he also made righteous. Those whom he made righteous, he also glorified.  31 So what are we going to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He didn’t spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. Won’t he also freely give us all things with him?  33 Who will bring a charge against God’s elect people? It is God who acquits them. 34 Who is going to convict them? It is Christ Jesus who died, even more, who was raised, and who also is at God’s right side. It is Christ Jesus who also pleads our case for us.

35 Who will separate us from Christ’s love? Will we be separated by trouble, or distress, or harassment, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

We are being put to death all day long for your sake.
    We are treated like sheep for slaughter.

37 But in all these things we win a sweeping victory through the one who loved us. 38 I’m convinced that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus our Lord: not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers 39 or height or depth, or any other thing that is created.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS IS THE WORD OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Spirit groans.  The title for today’s message comes from the first verse in today’s passage, verse 26 which states that when we don’t have words or don’t know how to pray, the Spirit prays on our behalf with wordless or unexpressed groans.

We do not have to have words when we pray.  We can simply sit with our joy, our pain, whatever the situation may be.  Words are not wrong, but we don’t have to conjure them up.  The Spirit fills in the spaces for us.  With groans.  Unexpressed and wordless groans.

In the Passion Translation, it is stated thus in verse 26 for the word “groans”: ‘emotional sighs too deep for words.’

In the Greek, the word for groans or groanings is “stenagmos” This word is only found 2x in the Scriptures, with the other instance being found in Acts 7:34, where the story of God speaking to Moses is relayed by Stephen to the Sanhedrin. “I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt.  I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free.  Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.” (NIV)

What we recognize from this is that both people and the Holy Spirit groan with unexpressed words, emotional sighs too deep for words and that when we do so, God hears us and responds.

As we look into this passage, it can encourage us as we read these words: NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM GOD’S LOVE IN CHRIST JESUS (verse 38).

These words come after verse 35 that asks the question: “Who will separate us from Christ’s love?”

In between the question and the answer are the following situations in verse 35:

**Trouble, distress, harassment, famine, nakedness, danger, sword**

In other versions you will read hardship for trouble and persecution for harassment.

In The Message, verse 35 reads this way: “Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us?  There is no way!  Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture.”

Have you experienced any of the situations mentioned in any of the versions read for verse 35?  If not, what situation would you list?

We are still facing the challenges of a world-wide pandemic.  We are still working to root out racism.  We are working to create brave spaces where we can talk about these things, along with mental health and our spiritual growth.  We face challenges of grief, kids going back to school, physical healing, etc.

What IS your challenge (or challenges)?

Whatever the challenge or situation may be, it still can NOT keep you from God’s love in Christ Jesus.  Let that soak in for a moment. 

No matter the challenge, no matter the loss, we are NOT separated from God’s love. 

Does that bring you hope?  Peace?  Comfort? 

Going back to the first part of the passage--during our challenging situations, when we don’t have the words to say, remember that the Spirit intercedes for us and groans, sighs on our behalf.

That, too, can bring hope, peace, and comfort as we recognize that we don’t have to have all the answers.  That we can rest in the mystery of unknowing and trust God.

I have a small booklet entitled “Listening to the Groans: A Spirituality for Ministry and Mission” written by Trevor Hudson with Stephen Bryant.  Trevor Hudson is a teacher, retreat leader, and pastor from South Africa.  In this booklet he challenges us to listen to the groans of creation, the world, those within ourselves, within our communities.  As we listen with intention, we can become agents of healing.

“As we listen to these groans we are led to a deeper faithfulness, both in our personal discipleship and in our life together as God’s people.  When we listen to the groans, we begin to have a much clearer understanding of how we can participate in God’s wonderful dream for the mending of our broken world.” (17-18)

Just as the Spirit hears our wordless prayers and intercedes for us, Hudson tells us that “it is often when we come to the end of words that true ministry begins.  This is the moment when we begin to listen to the groans.  Sometimes, we will need to listen very carefully.  The groans of those who suffer deeply can often be disguised.” (23)

We all have the opportunity to listen deeply to others.  Whether we call someone up, set up a free ZOOM, do a FB video chat, text, send a note or a card, or meet outdoors for a socially distanced coffee or meal—we can engage in deep listening to another and offer that space of grace.

Hudson exhorts us in this listening: “It is crucial that, in our life together, we listen deeply to each other’s stories of pain and grief.  In this way we become for each other what Christ was for the world: the place and the means where the pain of our land can be focused and concentrated and held in God’s healing presence.  And in this way we participate in God’s overarching purpose of bringing healing to the world.” (31)

Who do you need to call, to write?  Who can you reach out to?  Has the Spirit placed anyone on your heart or mind? 

Maybe you yourself need someone to listen to you.  Will you be vulnerable and courageous enough to let someone know? 

Though we don’t see each other face to face on a weekly basis, we ARE a faith community.  We gather virtually each week to worship.  Some gather in other ways. 

How are we helping each other grow as disciples of Christ? 

How are we listening deeply to the needs of one another?

How are we reminding one another that God’s love can not be taken away from us?

How are we being the body of Christ?

While we may not have answers to these questions or to the many challenges we face daily, remember that the Spirit intercedes for us with deep sighs and groans.

May we attempt to listen deeply to know how we are to respond as followers of Christ who seek to grow.

Amen.

LINKS:

YouTube Service:

SoundCloud Audio


Flawless by MercyMe:

Completely Known-- sermon from July 19

I enjoy preaching the Psalms.

I especially enjoy being able to preach a Psalm that is meaningful to me.

Psalm 139 is one of those Psalms.

I used the New Living Translation for this one.

Below you will find links to the entire service, the SoundCloud audio, a reading of The Runaway Bunny (mentioned and read in the sermon).

Maybe there is something to encourage you along your faith journey.

Peace,

Rev. Deb
‐------------------------------------------------------------------

“Completely Known” 

Psalm 139 (NLT)

July 19, 2020 (7^th Sunday after Pentecost)

St. Elmo UMC (FB Live)

Psalm 139 (NLT)

¹ O Lord, you have examined my heart
    and know everything about me.
² You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
³ You see me when I travel
    and when I rest at home.
    You know everything I do.
⁴ You know what I am going to say
    even before I say it, Lord.
⁵ You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too great for me to understand!

⁷ I can never escape from your Spirit!
    I can never get away from your presence!
⁸ If I go up to heaven, you are there;
    if I go down to the grave, you are there.
⁹ If I ride the wings of the morning,
    if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
    and your strength will support me.
¹¹ I could ask the darkness to hide me
    and the light around me to become night-
¹²     but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
    Darkness and light are the same to you.

¹³ You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
¹⁵ You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
¹⁶ You saw me before I was born.
    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
    before a single day had passed.

¹⁷ How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!
¹⁸ I can’t even count them;
    they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
    you are still with me!

¹⁹ O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!
    Get out of my life, you murderers!
²⁰ They blaspheme you;
    your enemies misuse your name.
²¹ O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?
    Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?
²² Yes, I hate them with total hatred,
    for your enemies are my enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ Point out anything in me that offends you,
    and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

‐------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS IS THE WORD OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

‐------------------------------------------------------------------

Completely known.  As I read through Psalm 139, this is what comes to my mind.  I am completely known by the One who created me. 

Being “completely known”—how does that feel?

Do those words strike fear?  Bring comfort?  Or a little bit of both?  It may depend on who completely knows us, right?

Who CAN completely know us when we don’t really completely know ourselves?

What does it mean to be completely known?

How does it feel to be completely known?

Today’s Scripture gives us an idea of what it means and how it feels to be completely known, doesn’t it?  What can we glean from it?

Let’s take a closer look.

Verse 1 acknowledges that our hearts have been examined.  Our inner most part is known.

Verses 2 and 3 let us know that we are known regardless of what we are doing or where we are. 

Verse 7 acknowledges that we might desire or attempt to flee and hide.  “Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I flee from your Presence?” (NIV)  To run, to flee, to hide--that is natural.  Yet the One who created us, knows us well.  We are not able to hide.

Verses 8-11 let us know that we cannot go beyond the presence of the One who created us,  that not even the darkness will hide us.  There is NOWHERE we can go that we are not known.

Because of one’s past in life or even in the church, that might be a rough road right there.  Hearing that you aren’t able to hide from the One who created you could be a scary thing.  I recognize that.  However, I invite you to allow the possibility that the One who knows you best and who created you seeks you out because of love.  We are not able to hide from our Creator because our Creator loves us, not because of any other reason.  With that reminder, maybe there is comfort in recognizing that you can be exactly who you are, as you have been created to be and that you have no reason to hide.  You are loved.  You are beloved.  If you have hidden and/or are hiding, you are loved.  You are beloved.

Verse 13 reminds us that we have been created and knit together.  That is known.

In verse 14, there is recognition of being fearfully and wonderfully made.  “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!”

We could spend a lifetime on that 1 verse.  How many of us truly thank the Creator for our weirdness, our uniqueness, our complexity?  It takes a lifetime to understand that our uniqueness is truly a gift and there is only one of us.  That the things we think are weird, odd, complex, etc. are a part of us, a part of our DNA.  There are things we can change and make better.  Always.  We can separate those things from our uniqueness.  It’s something to think about.  What about you is truly a unique gift, that without YOU we would be missing a piece of the puzzle?!?!  Think about it.  Let’s learn to celebrate our uniqueness rather than wishing it away.

I want to share a children’s story with you this morning.  When I first learned about this story, it was introduced to me by Evelyn Laycock, a Lay Speaker and teacher in our Holston Conference.  She taught a class I took and introduced this book, connecting it with Psalm 139. 

The reading time is short: about 3 minutes.  The book is by Margaret Wise Brown.

As you listen to this story, where do you find yourself in it?

[After reading the story, show a heart and read it…]

[heart inside book reads: I love you because I created you.  I knit you together in your mother’s womb.  You are mine forever.  You are beautiful to me.  Love, God.”]

Recognizing that any analogy has its stretching point, there is something to be gleaned from this story.  Think about how this story connects with today’s Scripture of Psalm 139.

Personally—there are many times I’ve run—from God and others.  I didn’t want to be seen.  I didn’t feel lovable.  I didn’t understand that the Creator created me, knows me, and loves me.  Often—loves me anyway.  I am still learning to accept the creator’s love.

The final verses in today’s passage are this:

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ Point out anything in me that offends you,
    and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

In closing today, as our prayer time, I want to share three Psalm Prayers with you.  Two are from The Upper Room Worshipbook, numbers 350 and 351.  The last one is written by Jerry Webber, who is at Chapelwood UMC in Houston, TX.  I invite you to join me in a spirit of prayer as you hear these prayers.  Let us pray.

Psalm 139 Psalm Prayers from the Upper Room Worshipbook

350

Loving and tender Creator,

     you knit us into being.  You truly know us.

     You forever love us.

Praise to you at morning’s light.

Praise from heavenly heights,

     praise all our days.

Wonderful is your love.  Amen.

Adap. by Larry Peacock

351

O Creator God,

     we thank you that though we may run, we cannot hide from you.

      There is nowhere we can go that you are not with us.

We praise you for the power of your presence

      every moment of the day and of the night.

We place our lives into your safekeeping.

     In the name of Christ we pray.  Amen.

Adapt. by Jo Hoover

Jerry Webber's Psalm Prayer from Sometimes an Unknown Path: “A psalm for wherever the journey leads”

O Lord of light, You shine the searchlight of Your love into my life;

     You illumine my life with Your brightness;

     You know everything there is to know about where I go,

                           what I do,

                           and who I am.

Sometimes I walk a well-trod path,

       and sometimes I venture out where there is no trail to follow.

Wherever I am, You find me,

       in order to guide my steps.

Though my journey may seem frightening to me,

      it is not unknown to You.

Even when I don’t know my way,

      I am not lost to You.

You are in front of me and You are behind me,

      surrounding me with love wherever I go.

Your strength and peace are constant companions,

     as if You laid a hand on my shoulders Yourself,

     as if You were closer to me than my next breath.

I can’t go anywhere to be away from You.

     I can’t shake Your encompassing Spirit.

Whether I go to the heights or the depths,

     to the east or to the west,

    You are still present to me.

I may soar with the eagles or be in the deepest agony,

     and even then Your hands hold me fearlessly;

You embrace me in determined love.

Amen.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LINKS:

YouTube Service:

SoundCloud Audio Link

The Runaway Bunny

No Condemnation-- sermon from this past Sunday

This past week's message was "No Condemnation" from Romans 8:1-11.  Early in the week I started hearing "no condemnation" messages and messages of grace to me and in general.  As you will read/hear in the sermon, there is a big message of grace and no condemnation that I share that was applicable to my life last week as we had the celebration of life and burial for Janice. 

Below is the written message from Sunday, the YouTube link and the SoundCloud link. There is so much more that I could say and share, yet it isn't coming out at this time.

Peace,

Rev. Deb

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“No Condemnation” 

Romans 8:1-11 (CEB)

July 12, 2020 (6^th Sunday after Pentecost)

St. Elmo UMC (FB Live)

Romans 8:1-11 (CEB)

¹So now there isn’t any condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. ² The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. ³ God has done what was impossible for the Law, since it was weak because of selfishness. God condemned sin in the body by sending his own Son to deal with sin in the same body as humans, who are controlled by sin. ⁴ He did this so that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us. Now the way we live is based on the Spirit, not based on selfishness. ⁵ People whose lives are based on selfishness think about selfish things, but people whose lives are based on the Spirit think about things that are related to the Spirit. ⁶ The attitude that comes from selfishness leads to death, but the attitude that comes from the Spirit leads to life and peace. ⁷ So the attitude that comes from selfishness is hostile to God. It doesn’t submit to God’s Law, because it can’t. ⁸ People who are self-centered aren’t able to please God.

⁹ But you aren’t self-centered. Instead you are in the Spirit, if in fact God’s Spirit lives in you. If anyone doesn’t have the Spirit of Christ, they don’t belong to him. ¹⁰ If Christ is in you, the Spirit is your life because of God’s righteousness, but the body is dead because of sin. ¹¹ If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your human bodies also, through his Spirit that lives in you.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS IS THE WORD OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NO CONDEMNATION.

Those words have been echoing in my mind all week.  You have probably heard me say this before, but every sermon during this pandemic has found a way to be a part of me, to live through me, whether before I preach them, during, after, or all of the above.  

This week, I’ve been hearing the words “no condemnation” in a variety of settings, some spoken to me and at others times just thinking about situations.  I’ll share some with you so you too can start thinking about all the times in which there is no condemnation.

*Not being able to give my all this week.  NO CONDEMNATION.

*Someone wearing a mask.  NO CONDEMNATION.

*Someone not wearing a mask.  NO CONDEMNATION.

*Anyone expressing a differing idea.  NO CONDEMNATION.

*Anyone experiencing grief.  NO CONDEMNATION. (especially grateful for this one.)

Get the idea?  What about you?  What situations have gone through your life in which you have thought or said to someone else OR wish it was said to you?  NO CONDEMNATION.

I will give you two more short ones:

Riding my bicycle the other day, one came to mind.  I thought how much I really still miss riding a motorcycle, how the “M” is still on my license, how I have one picked out.  What a perfect opportunity for “NO CONDEMNATION”.  Though I realize all the pushback is really not condemnation, but rather concern. I thought I would try.

A more serious one now.

We tend to be more loving, forgiving, and gracious to others.  However, when it comes to ourselves, we hold onto things that would otherwise have been let go for others.  Why is it so difficult for us to say these words for ourselves?  NO CONDEMNATION. 

I invite you to say it with me this morning.  You can say it outloud where you are or you can type it or both.  Ready?  NO CONDEMNATION.

How did that feel?  How does it feel to know there is truly no condemnation?

When we read today’s passage, some of what we see in it are these things: we see that there is no condemnation because of Christ. That because of Christ we are set free from sin and death.  That with the attitude of the Spirit we will have life and peace.

All these things are possible because of grace.  Grace manifested in love, forgiveness, humility, and many other things. 

Grace.

What does that look like?  What does that feel like?

Allow me to share a personal story.

I have experienced ‘no condemnation’ and this grace at several life-changing times in my life.  They have become spiritual markers, if you will.

The story I want to share with you this morning, is the one that is closest to me right now.

Years ago I received a call from someone.  They asked me if I still wanted reconciliation.  If I did, meet them at Panera for lunch.  I did want reconciliation with this person.  This was huge.  We got together and what she offered was pure grace and no condemnation.  She offered a beginning from that moment forward.  No past. It was a gift of grace that led to Ooltewah Owl football games, trips to Maryville, TN to visit someone together, a trip to a funeral in Toccoa, a trip to Chicago for a wedding, visits at the RV campsite, shared Thanksgivings, Christmases, and more.  You see, this person was Riley’s first wife Janice.  She had every reason to never accept me, forgive me, to extend me grace.  She easily could have kept “condemnation” on her heart, mind, and soul.  But, she didn’t.  Because of the grace in her, the love of Christ in her, she followed up on a request I had made and through God’s grace, there was NO CONDEMNATION.

That is what it looks like.  Healing.  Wholeness.  Forgiveness.  Restored relationship.

What does it feel like?  Freedom.  Pure freedom.  From that first day of learning we were going to be moving forward, there was freedom. 

Because of God’s grace, this story of “no condemnation” may sound odd to some.  That’s okay.  When I needed backup for certain situations, she was there for me and I was there for her.  I know that God healed our relationship for the good of us, the good of our families, and for the glory of God. 

I am eternally grateful for Janice and her willingness to extend God’s grace to me because she knew grace in her life.

This and other situations in my life have allowed me to extend grace extensively to others, offering “no condemnation”.

What about you?  How will you receive the gift of grace and “no condemnation” and pass it along to others?

 The Grace of God by Nathan Good

She makes herself look strong outside
When she’s falling apart within
She picks herself up and carries on
After falling down again
Can’t admit it’s all uphill
Trying to carry it alone
Life holds no pleasures now
All she can do is moan

She’s gonna need the grace of God
To carry her through
The grace of God
To hold her too
She can try, she can stumble
God only wants the humble
But His love can carry her through
By the grace of God

He had it all made for him
But he lost it to his pride
He could have had the world my friend
But now he wishes he’d died
He struggles along uphill
Trying to carry it all alone

Life holds no pleasures now
All he can do is groan

He’s gonna need the grace of God
To carry him through
The grace of God
To hold him too
He can try, he can stumble
God only wants the humble
But His love can carry him through
By the grace of God

We all go through this from time to time
We’d rather struggle along
Feeding our pride
Than admit that we’re wrong
Accept why Jesus died

We're gonna need the grace of God
To carry us through
The grace of God
To hold us too
We can try, we can stumble
God only wants the humble
But His love can carry us through
By the grace of God

May there be life, peace, and freedom as we remember that there is NO CONDEMNATION because of the grace and love of Christ Jesus.

Amen.

Will you pray with me?

---------------------------------------------------------

LINKS:

YouTube Service:

SoundCloud Link-- NO CONDEMNATION (Scripture, sermon, prayer)

The Wisdom of Rest--first sermon in 2nd year at St. Elmo UMC

I took some time in the beginning of this sermon to do two things: 

(1) show what it will be like to wear a mask in church.  I will be wearing a mask, but will be taking it off to preach.  I didn't fully explain that I was doing that with my Elmo mask, but sometimes visuals take care of themselves.  At other times they do not.

(2) I took some time to remember that this was the beginning of my 2nd year at St. Elmo and I compared the two first Sundays.  One was a jam-packed room and the other was empty.  Yet, not. Even with no people, the Holy Spirit has continued to show up and work in and through me as I offer myself in service.

It has always been my hope and desire that I don't simply preach a "word", but that I am listening to what I am saying.  As I open the bread of life for others, I am opening it for myself too.

Throughout this pandemic season, especially, I have been living, really living out the words of the messages that have been coming through the Holy Spirit.  They have been healing and transforming for me, though not easy at times.

Why do I share this at the beginning?  

Because I preached this sermon and recorded it during the week on Wednesday, July 1.  I have been recording during the week so that we can get all our technology together for the services.  This is what many of us have been doing during the pandemic.

As if rest wasn't a needed word already, as if there wasn't some burn out and tiredness, on July 2nd around 8 p.m., my friend who had been in hospice care, left this physical world to be in the eternal kingdom.  No more suffering. No more pain.  No more valley of suck.  No more cancer.  (I am attempting to watch my language here, as cancer can get me riled up, especially after four rounds of it.)

She was not only a friend.  She was family.  She was my husband's first wife.  I will probably write a separate post at some point, but suffice it to say, that our world shut down Thursday night when we found out.  Anything other than family and taking care of top priority needs stopped.  

Are you worn out?  Burned out?  Do you need rest?  My body did and still does.  I am having to live into the unforced rhythms of grace during this time.

I don't know what you are going through in addition to the ongoing pandemic, the protests, summer almost being over and thinking about fall schedules, etc. (yes, I know, teachers are going to slap me silly for that one, but I have a college kid who is supposed to go off to NYC this fall, so it is on my mind).  Whatever you are going through, may there be a word of comfort and/or encouragement for you here.

To the sheep that allow me to serve them through the faith community of St. Elmo UMC whether in person, online, via FB, YouTube, or Blogger--- thank you.  It is an honor and a privilege to walk with you, to share life with you.  You allow me to live authentically and open, and to lead from the place where God has created me to lead.

I am humbled yet so grateful to be at St. Elmo UMC where I boldly serve, accept, love, and teach, 

Rev. Deb

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“The Wisdom of Rest” 

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (MSG)

July 5, 2020 (5^th Sunday after Pentecost)

St. Elmo UMC (FB Live)

Before I start into today’s topic, I first want to acknowledge that today is the beginning of my 2^nd year here at St. Elmo United Methodist Church.  Wow!  There are some major differences as I stand here before you today, however.  One, there is no “you”.  The seats are empty.  It echoes tremendously in here without you all.  Without you there is no laughter, no crying (other than my own).  There is no feedback, other than what is typed into the comment sections on YouTube and FaceBook, which by the way, feel free to do!

As I begin year 2 here, I don’t think I will ever forget my first day in the pulpit last summer, standing before 130 faces, excited as all get out to be in my dream appointment, yet trying to remember all that was going on during the service.  As my mouth became dry and I realized my water was on the first pew, the words that came out were unforgettable for me and likely for many—I told Keith that he could take the prayer time because “I needed a drink.”  I quickly added….. “of water”.  Oh, my word. 

I want to thank you all for a great first year here and I’m looking forward to continuing our mission and ministry together, as we listen to the Holy Spirit and grow together.

I chose to use The Message for today’s reading primarily for the last two verses.  I really like how it states the need for rest.  As I read and reflected on the rest of the passage, I decided that instead of starting with one version and later sharing that portion in The Message, I would share the entire passage in The Message.  Sometimes we need to hear things differently in order for it to reach us.

Hear today’s passage:

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (MSG)

^16-19“How can I account for this generation? The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents, ‘We wanted to skip rope, and you were always too tired; we wanted to talk, but you were always too busy.’ John came fasting and they called him crazy. I came feasting and they called me a lush, a friend of the riffraff. Opinion polls don’t count for much, do they? The proof of the pudding is in the eating.”

^25-26 Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.”

²⁷ Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. “The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I’m not keeping it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.

^28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THIS IS THE WORD OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesus is with the disciples here speaking and teaching to the people.  In verse 15 that precedes this passage, Jesus says, “Are you listening to me? Really listening?”

That is ‘cause for a pause’ before we even dive into today’s message.

*What does it mean to listen, to really listen to Jesus?

*How are we listening to Jesus?

*What are we doing with what we hear?  In other words, how are we responding?

After Jesus asks the people if they are really listening to him, he calls them spoiled children, giving several examples.  He reminds them that some called John crazy, while others called him a lush, friend of the riffraff.  Jesus tells them that opinion polls don’t matter, but that the proof is in the pudding. 

What do you notice about Jesus here?  What can you tell about his identity and security in who and whose he is? 

Do you notice someone that isn’t swayed by others?  Do you see someone who is willing to be called names and hang out with those whom he is drawn to, for the sake of love?  You may word it differently.  I see someone who heard and realized that he was beloved from God, that God was well pleased with him (these words were spoken several times over him) and that Jesus lived into his identity and calling with boldness.

Here at St. Elmo United Methodist Church, we say we are a church that ‘boldly serves, accepts, loves, and teaches.’  We are.  I fully agree with that statement.  In doing so, we are following Christ’s leadership.

This past week, a statement given to me caused me to humbly reflect on how I respond to our S.A.L.T.—it was “where I boldly serve, accept, love, and teach.”

Think on that for a moment.  This faith community is made up of each of you.  Each of you is doing your part in mission and ministry, based on the gifts the Holy Spirit has given you.  Try out this statement for yourself.  Repeat after me: “where I boldly serve, accept, love, and teach.”

Taking it down to the personal level does something.  It is humbling.  Yet, also convicting.  It causes us to pause and listen.  Maybe, just maybe, Jesus has something to say.

I encourage you to spend some time listening and reflecting on what that might be for you and how that might be used for the faith community and in the overall kingdom.

Moving on to the next section in today’s passage, Jesus abruptly breaks into prayer.  Jesus is in the middle of teaching and preaching and then abruptly breaks into prayer.  Don’t you wonder how people responded to this different rabbi?  He wasn’t like any of the other rabbis they were used to.  That just makes me chuckle.  I am SO glad I have such a great example to follow!

Jesus prayed a prayer of gratitude for making things plain for ordinary folks, stating that God likes to work that way. 

Then, Jesus goes back into teaching mode, speaking tenderly: “The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I’m not keeping it to myself; I’m ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen.”

Jesus wants people to know that if they are willing to listen, he is willing to share.

Then, he says this: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Woah.  I imagine you could have heard a pin drop. Jesus has spoken into the core of their being, into the core of our being.

In more familiar versions you might recall these words, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gently and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

As you listen, REALLY listen to these words of Jesus, how do you respond?  What do you notice in your heart, mind, and soul?

Words from The Message: ‘Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to take a real rest.’

Who needs a real rest?  Anybody?  Is anyone tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Burned out on other things?

If you need rest, for any reason, from anything, it is being offered today.

Hear these words again: “Come to me.  Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”

Jesus modeled by example how to rest, how to take time apart.  He took time apart from his work, from his teaching and spent time resting, listening, praying.  He showed us unforced rhythms of grace. 

Sabbath rest.  You may have heard the phrase, the term.  What IS Sabbath to you?  My day of Sabbath rest is primarily Friday.  When it cannot be Friday, I take it at other times.  However, Sabbath rest is not just about a day.  As we look at Jesus’ example, we will see that he took breaks along the way.  He stopped what he was doing to rest, to pray, to listen, to allow his body to catch up with his soul.  He stopped to take care of others.  He stopped for other reasons.  He was able to do so because he listened.  Listening is a key to resting, to living into any practice.

Ruth Haley Barton, in her book Sacred Rhythms: Arranging our Lives for Spiritual Transformation, says this about Sabbath rest: “Sabbath keeping is more than just taking a day of rest; […] it is a way of arranging our life in order to honor the rhythm of things—work and rest, fruitfulness and dormancy, giving and receiving, being and doing, activism and surrender.” (134)

Walter Brueggemann has written a book entitled Sabbath as resistance: Saying NO to the CULTURE OF NOW.  In it he addresses how Sabbath rest allows us to resist anxiety, coercion, exclusivism, and multitasking.  He shows how rest helps us become intentional in being present and focused, allowing healing and wholeness.

Terry Hershey has a book, “The Power of Pause: Becoming More by Doing Less” in which he has 52 short writings for reflection.  In the introduction “Letting Our Souls Catch Up”, he notes: “The sacred necessity of stillness is an invitation to savor the pleasure of slowness and the moments of stillness or even silence, letting them work their magic.” (xix)  He says, “To sit still is a spiritual endeavor.  To sit still is to practice Sabbath, which means, literally, to quit.  To stop.  To take a break.  To make uncluttered time.  To waste time with God.” (xx)

I don’t know what you’re going through.  I don’t know what fills your heart, mind, and soul.  I do know that we’ve been given a gift of space and time through this different and difficult time of pandemic to slow down, to listen, to do things differently, to allow our bodies to catch up with our souls.  It has been a time in which we can listen, really listen to what Jesus might have to say to us individually and as a faith community. 

It is a time for healing and wholeness.

I desire to live into the unforced rhythms of grace that Jesus offers us, learning to live freely and lightly.

My plan is to continue walking with Jesus to learn how that works so I can live, love, and lead like Jesus.

I invite you to join me on the journey.

Will you pray with me?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LINKS:

YouTube Service:

SOUNDCLOUD AUDIO OF SERMON