You are Salt and Light

The Gospel according to Matthew, the 5th chapter

Jesus said: 13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Completing God’s Law

17-18 “Don’t suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures—either God’s Law or the Prophets. I’m not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God’s Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s Law will be alive and working.

19-20 “Trivialize even the smallest item in God’s Law and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering the kingdom.  The Message Bible

At the Luther exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts this fall, I noticed 4 hourglasses filled with sand. When I asked what they were for, the guide told us “That’s so that the preacher doesn’t preach too long. After the first one is empty, the second one is tipped over and so on. OK I said. How long is each timer? 15 minutes was the reply. Four 15 minute timers.”  You can do the math. But don’t worry, I’m not going to preach for an hour.

Shorter sermons may be why the designers of the Revised Common Lectionary – that is the group that chooses the readings for each week -- decided to  divide the reading of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount into four parts.

Last week we heard what’s called the “Beatitudes” or “Blessings.” Jesus blesses those that society doesn’t usually call blessed – those who mourn and those who are meek; those who are poor in spirit and those who seek righteousness; those who are persecuted and those who are vulnerable. We learn that Jesus gives us surprising blessings even when – or maybe especially when – we are feeling the least powerful. You are blessed.

You are blessed. That’s a great message, but Jesus is just getting started.  Jesus then tells his disciples: you are salt and you are light. Notice that he doesn’t say: “One day you will be salt” or “Someday you will be light.” No, Jesus calls his followers – and that includes me and you -- the salt of the earth and the light of the world – already.

So what does it mean to be “salt of the earth?”  This past Friday, by Governor Dayton’s command, the flags were flown at half staff in honor of four chaplains who, when their ship was bombed gave up their life jackets to save others. And then they held hands, sang hymns and went down with the ship.  One was Methodist, one was Catholic, one was Jewish and one was Baptist. But they were all “salt of the earth”.

But our actions don’t have to be that amazing or courageous to be “salt of the earth.” After all, just a little bit of salt transforms a bland meal and, in the same way, even small actions can enhance the world around you.

Jesus said, “You are light.” Again, Jesus calls you light rather than promises that you will one day be light.  You are already light.  Light can do two things: Light shines on the path for others showing them – and us -- the path, and, light exposes injustice and evil that lies hidden in darkness. Being light doesn’t have to be dramatic or a flashy big action. Shining even one little light into a dark room changes it. It makes a difference. And it’s something that you and I can do. In fact, you may already be doing it without really acknowledging that this is what you were doing.

For example, maybe you were salt and light this past week or so: by … saying a prayer… helping a neighbor….doing your work faithfully, helping a friend with homework… volunteering… smiling and saying a kind word…serving a meal at a funeral or marching for the sake of your neighbor.  You don’t all have to do the same thing – and it doesn’t have to be a big thing. Remember… it just takes a little salt to make a huge difference. With Jesus, faithful actions – no matter how small – can change the world.

Jesus calls you Salt and Light. And that is what you are. So Jesus challenges us to live into who we are. Jesus says, “Don’t hide your light under a bushel basket.”  It does no good there. As disciples, followers of Jesus, as baptized children of God, you and I are called as a people and as individuals to let your light SHINE.  

The people of Pelican Rapids did just that. They were salt of the earth for Yusuf, when he came as a refugee 20 years ago or so. Yusuf and his family – his mom and dad and six brothers and sisters – fled the war in Somalia made it to a refuge camp in Kenya where they were screened and vetted again and again by the United Nations. They were there for four years – waiting and hoping and praying for a new life somewhere – anywhere. While they were in the refugee camp – receiving scant rations and minimal health care – five of his brothers and sisters died.

Finally, the day came when they received notice – they were accepted by the United States. Again they were screened. After passing all of the screenings, they were able to fly to New York City. They were met by someone from Lutheran Social Services – LSS - and were taken to a hotel for the night. They unpacked their bags. They thought they were in their new home! But the next day, they discovered they weren’t home yet. They got on another plane and flew to Fargo, N.D. They were met by another Lutheran Social Service member. Yusuf said he remembered looking out onto the prairie land – and wondering, “Is this home?” But no, it turned out that they were then put on a bus and traveled to Pelican Rapids.

At Pelican Rapids, they were met by a group of people who said, “Welcome home.” Yusuf and his family were the first immigrants from Somalia that had come to Pelican Rapids and the people welcomed them in, as neighbors.  The next day, Yusuf started school in the sixth grade, not knowing more than five words of English. But the people of Pelican Rapids were salt and light to Yusuf and his family and helped them overcome barriers of language and culture. For example, when they did not have money for soccer team uniforms, a church opened its doors and they cooked a traditional meal as a fundraiser– and the whole neighborhood came.

Now Yusuf works for LSS seeking to be salt and light – and to help other people and congregations to be salt and light to new neighbors, just as the people of Pelican Rapids had been for him.

Perhaps you saw the story of the little 4 year old girl from Somalia that got caught in the travel ban. Four years ago, her mother received the call – just as Yusuf’s family had – that she and her daughters could go to the United States. She too had been waiting for four years. But the baby was born too soon – and so there were no papers for her. Her mother made the incredibly hard decision to leave her baby with a friend and to take her two daughters and go. As a mother, I can’t imagine having to make that choice. But after 4 years in a refugee camp in which the health and wellbeing of her daughters were at stake – remember Yusuf lost five of his six siblings during his stay in the refugee camp – perhaps the choice wasn’t so hard. She chose life for her older daughters and hope for her baby.

The media reported that the mother contacted Senators Al Franken & Amy Klobuchar and asked him to work on her behalf. What they did not report is that this mother wasn’t acting alone. She had the support of people from LSS acting as salt and light to support her and encourage her and help her.

Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” It is so easy to hide our light – and think “someone else” will be that light. But in big ways and small we CAN make a difference. We can be salt – for the hungry neighbors as we share food with through Near Foodshelf or for a hungry person by giving them an emergency packet. We can be light as we share the light in the darkness for those who are immigrants – and join LSS in asking our legislators to make fair and humane immigration laws.  We can be light as we welcome the stranger into our midst – remembering that it is Jesus we welcome whether the name is Husef or Mary or something else.  For regardless of the name,

Jesus reminds us that in serving our neighbor – in being Salt and Light for the neighbor, we are serving him.

Our challenge is to dare to let our light shine before others, to dare to “Go public” with this.  

Let us pray: Jesus, help us to be Salt – to bring out the God flavors of the world, to enhance the lives of our neighbors. And Jesus, teach us to be light, to bring out the God-colors in the world. Help us to dare to go public with this - sharing that God is not a secret to be kept but instead a joy to share. Amen.

What are you looking for?

The Gospel of John, the first chapter.

35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed ). 42 He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter ). 

Sometimes a question can change your life…

    Will you take the job? Will you marry me?

Jesus asks, “What are you looking for?” It’s not a complicated question. And most of the time… it won’t change your life.

You’ve probably been asked it – or a version of it -- a thousand times by salespeople. “What are you looking for? Or…Can I help you find something? Or… what is it that you want? And then they may try to direct you to buy another item or two or three. It happens every time I go in a certain store where I like to buy hiking socks. I just want to buy a pair of socks. But there’s a very eager salesman who offers up half the store before I leave.

What are you looking for? There’s a lot of sales folks who will try to tell you what you “need.” But while they may offer up a lot of tantalizing “stuff,” you know that you can’t buy what you are really looking for. Still… it’s easy to get distracted by all of the stuff that someone will sell you – to make you better looking, better feeling, and better than your neighbor.

But Jesus isn’t selling anything. He notices a couple of people following after him, turns around and asks them, “What are you looking for?”

What are you looking for? Or, translated another way, “what are you seeking?” What do you long for?

David Lose, one of the theologians that I love to read, suggests that we as a congregation ask that question, “What are you looking for?” “What do you long for?” Is it hope and possibility despite the overwhelming fear and despair portrayed on social media? Or is it an opportunity to make a difference? Sabbath rest in a too-busy world? Real relationships? Community?

Lose then suggests that rather than become overwhelmed with the many needs in the congregation and community, to “choose one thing to focus on in the coming year. One deep need to meet, one purpose around which to organize our efforts, one hallmark of our community to lift up that others may see who we are and what we offer and come have that need met.”

What are you looking for? I’ve been asked that question a lot lately as I’ve been talking with local service organizations. In keeping with our practice of good stewardship, in November we voted to give the first fruits of the Dorff’s generous memorial gift to an outside organization. While there are many worthy and wonderful organizations, the council opted to narrow our choices. So when asked, “What are you looking for?” I could tell them that we are looking to partner with an organization that is local, service oriented, participatory and with whom we could establish an on-going relationship.

It’s been exciting to see how many people and organizations that there are seeking to do good in our neighborhood – and that they are eager to partner with us! I don’t know about you but it’s easy for me to focus on all of the problems in the world – and in our neighborhood — but as we have been reaching out to our neighborhood, we are discovering a lot of great people doing good work! And… they would love us to partner with them.

Some of the organizations may be familiar – like NEAR Foodshelf. We’ve been supporting them financially and with volunteers for years. But hunger continues to be a problem in our neighborhood.

Plymouth Christian Youth Center is another organization that’s been around for a long time – but they continue to meet a need helping kids in North Minneapolis and they continue to need help to do it.

Other organizations are comparatively new.

Avenues for Homeless Youth in Brooklyn Park. They provide a safe place for 21 homeless youth from our neighborhood every night.

Clare House was built last year in Robbinsdale. Homeless men with Aids are given a safe place to live and to receive their medication, allowing them the opportunity to live productive lives.

Kidpack –Wildfire churches have invited us to join them in putting together backpacks of food to feed hungry kids on the weekends.

Lutheran Social Services – they have lots of programs in our neighborhood and the whole city.

At our annual meeting as we choose which of these organizations to support with an extra gift, we’ll be asking ourselves: What are we looking for?

Is this the one thing that we can focus on in the next year? Is this the way that we can meet a deep need? Is this how we can develop relationships and be a real presence in our community?

Or maybe it’s by deepening our own relationship with Christ and with one another. We will begin again with LifeGroups in a couple of weeks and Vicar James will also be beginning a new program for growing faith and life.

John’s former disciples answered Jesus’ question, “What are you looking for,” by asking a question of their own: “where are you staying?” It sounds like an odd response. But they aren’t just asking who was putting Jesus up for the night. The question is richer than the translation implies. They are not only asking, “where are you abiding, staying, dwelling? But also… Can we be with you? Their desire in following Jesus is not just to learn from a rabbi, a teacher. Their desire is to be with Jesus. They are yearning for – and seeking--- relationship…with Jesus.

And so are we. And we would love others to know Jesus too.

Pastor Deb Stehlin from the Synod office said that too often congregations seeking to grow and reach out to their neighborhoods ask: “What if we had a drum set” or “What if we had a huge Sunday school” or “What if we were the way we used to be…” She suggested instead of asking those “what if” questions, we should ask: “What is God doing in our neighborhood? And how can we be a part of it?”

That’s seeking relationship. With Jesus.

The Good News is that Jesus wants relationship too! Jesus says to his followers then – and now: Come and See.

Come and See. Jesus is inviting you to an abundant life, a life with him. And it’s not just for us. It’s an open invitation. We are not only invited but encouraged as part of Christ’s body to be one who invites too. “Come and See.” How hard is that to say? Let’s try it:

“Come and See.”

It’s not asking someone for money. It’s not demanding ideological purity or meeting some standard of belief. It’s an invitation to a possibility. For we aren’t the only ones that are seeking, yearning for wholeness, needing relationship, and wanting meaning in our lives.

What are you looking for? Maybe you don’t know. But that’s ok too. Because there is a bit of a mystery to the way that God works in our world. Neither you nor I have to have all the answers.

Still… Jesus is calling… “Come and See.” And Jesus’ call can transform, sustain and renew your life. In Jesus’ name Amen.

The Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:13-17

The Baptism of Jesus

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved,[a] with whom I am well pleased.”

Peace and Grace to you from God the Father, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!

So there was once a small town, and in the springtime it would rain a lot. After one such rainstorm, two brothers, little Billy and little Tommy went outside, and as kids do, were jumping in puddles. It was then that little Billy noticed that there was a pot hole that had filled with water, and seeing an opportunity, tripped his brother into it. Now, the boy's mother had seen the whole thing, and running outside she asked Billy “just what was he thinking?” “But mom,” responded Billy “we were just playing church! See? I baptize him in the name of the Father, and the Son, and in the (Make motion with hands) hole he goes! (Holy Ghost, Hole he goes).

Dear friends in Christ, we are in the season of Epiphany, the season of “A-HA!” moments in which we come to understand God and Jesus a little bit better as they are revealed to us through scripture. Today we are talking about the baptism of our Lord Jesus, what it means as a part of Jesus' ministry, and what it means for all of us today. Now, this story is depicted in three of the four Gospels,  Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and is an important part of the story of Jesus. Today we are looking at Matthew's Gospel, and one of the things that is different about this story than the others is that Matthew emphasizes the kingly nature of Jesus. Last week, our Gospel lesson was about the how the Wise men came to worship Jesus as the King of the Jews and the Messiah. So, this week, with the baptism of Jesus, you can think of this as his coronation, or when he becomes a king and starts his ministry. So, let's dive in to this story.

Now, Matthew's Gospel sets up this chapter by describing John the Baptizer. He tells the people around him, including the religious leaders, of someone who is coming who he, John, is not even worthy to carry his sandals. And then Jesus arrives, as asks John to baptize him. Now, if we look at verse fourteen (14) it says that John WOULD HAVE prevented Jesus, if he could, saying that Jesus was the one who needed to baptize him. Imagine the CEO or president of the company telling an intern on his first day “I want to do your job.” That is the sort of thought that was going through John's head. John recognizes Jesus as the one who he spoke of. This is the one whom he was unworthy to carry his sandals.

So, we have a case of a human telling God what God's place is. Let me put this another way; imagine a first time pet owner holding his new cat over the litter box and telling it “this is your place! This is where you should go!” For those of you who have had cats or other pets before, you know what that child is going to do (throw hands over shoulders). But in this case, Jesus has a good reason to go where he is going. He tells John “let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” And John relented. You see, Jesus came with a purpose. He knew that this was part of the plan. And so Jesus was baptized.

Then, as Jesus was coming up out of the water, the heavens opened up, and the Spirit of the Lord descended like a dove. A light shone on Jesus, and a voice spoke, saying “This is my Son, the Beloved, with Him I am well pleased.” I think at this point that John the Baptist was happy that he listened to Jesus and went through with the baptism. As he stood in awe and wonder of the sign that he was witnesses, he was probably trying hard, just like the others around him, to understand what God was doing at this point. So there are many celebrations and milestones in the human life; such as graduation, marriage, birthdays, and so on. What John the Baptist and the other on lookers were watching was one of these great events. It is here that Jesus is named and claimed as a child of God. A while ago, I had a friend of mine who when he was surprised he would exclaim “Jesus H. Christ!” and I would gently remind him not to use the Lord's name in vain. One time, however, I told him that Christ isn't actually Jesus's last name. You see, the title Christ comes from the Greek word Khristos, which means “anointed”.  In the old days, two types of people that were anointed were the kings and the priests. Jesus fills both roles, and with his baptism, he could now begin his work as the Messiah. After he came out of the water, the Spirit of God descended, and a voice from Heaven affirmed that this was the Son of God.  This is the starting point for all that Jesus would go on to do.

So, now we must ask ourselves, what does this mean for us? We know that in the words of the great commission, Jesus has told us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And remember that I am with you to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20) but what does baptism mean for us? In a letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul writes that because we share in baptism with Jesus, our sinful self, the fallen and broken parts of us, is dead in buried with Christ. And because we share this baptism, just as God raised Jesus, God will also raise us to new life. Because we have been united with Jesus the Christ in life, we will certainly be united with him in death. (Romans 6:1-6).  Baptism is a gateway which opens us to the presence of the Holy Spirit. Today (During the 10:30 service, during this service) we will be able to witness this great miracle with the baptism of Ruby. During this time, parents, sponsors, and all of us as a congregation will make baptismal promises for the life of the child. These promises are commitments that we are making and that God is making for a whole lifetime. Now, I'm not saying that baptism will make a person's life easy. When Jesus was baptized, it began his ministry, a ministry that ended just over three years later with a crucifixion. Jesus knew this would happen, but he did it anyways for you, and me, and all of us. And it's because of His love that we are able to be a part of the life and afterlife in faith. This life on earth will not be easy. But I do believe that when we stand united as a congregation, as a family of faith, when we combine our talents and abilities, we will have the ability to create a more trustworthy world. We will be able to be the hands and feet of God. And we will be able to be good news to a hurting and broken world. And it all starts here, at this fount.

Now, one last thing that I'd like to talk to you about can be seen in the last verse of today's Gospel reading. This is where the voice from heaven says “This is my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Now, there's some debate among scholars as to who this message was for. Was it to Jesus, affirming that he was the Son of God? Was it meant for John, letting him know that he had done the right thing and spoken truly? Or was it for the on-lookers, letting them know that God was now on earth, and that His ministry had begun? Perhaps this message was for all who were there, and also for all who now hear the message today. Dear friends in Christ, I would like to take a moment today to remember our own baptisms. For many of us, we won't remember it happening because our baptisms happened when we were infants. For others, it may be a more recent memory. Regardless, I would like you to now take a finger like this (hold up hand) and make the sign of the cross on your forehead. Dearly beloved, you are a child of God, sealed by the holy Spirit, and marked by the Cross of Christ forever. And for that we can turn and say: “Thanks be to God.” Amen.

Merry Christmas!

Dear Friends in Christ, grace and peace to you from God the Father, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!

So, just before Christmas break, a college professor gave his students a test. It was only four questions, but it was still a challenge for some of them. One of his students came in unprepared, and while he got through the first three questions, the professor knew that he was stumped on the last one. With one minute remaining in class the student wrote “only God knows, Merry Christmas.” on the final answer. The when the professor graded the paper and handed it back to the student, the student saw that the professor wrote “God gets %100, but you only get %75.” You see, for all we might think that we know, there is still more that we can learn or discover, especially about God and Jesus. And it is the surprise and the unknowing that is a part of the divine mystery. You might be able to imagine the response from the friends and family of Mary when she broke the news to them. Then try explaining that not only is the there a child to be expected, but THE child, who God has promised throughout history, who going to be born of a virgin. And now the day has come. A day on which we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. And as we reflect on this day, very much in the words of Christmas Carol “what child is this?” we ponder who Jesus is. It is because of this day that cathedrals have been built, great novels have been written, and even wars have temporarily ceased. So, trying to say what this day means in one sermon is too big of a challenge even for me. If you want to know what this day Jesus mean for all of us, you'll have to come back next week. And the next, and the next.

So, looking at our Gospel text for the day, we notice that there is there is a suspicious lack of certain “Christmas” elements. I think it's fair to say that we are most familiar with Christmas story as viewed by the gospels of Matthew and Luke, which give us historical details, telling us all about shepherds and angels and Mary and Joseph and wise men and hillsides and mangers and the Christ Child, Bethlehem. But here in the first chapter of John, we find one of the most important accounts of Christmas. John presents to us the story of Christmas without ever mentioning Bethlehem, without ever mentioning Mary, without ever mentioning Joseph, without ever mentioning an inn or a manger or shepherds or angels or any of those things. But really, this is the story behind the scenes. This is the story that couldn't be seen if you were on the hillside and heard the angels with their proclamation. This is the story that you couldn't know if you stood by the manger and looked at the child and His father and mother, you would have to have a revelation from God to know this element of the story. It is the reality of Christmas not seen historically but seen theologically, that is, in light of everything else that happens in the bible. And it answers the question: who is this child born in Bethlehem? John's gospel takes us into the very mind of God. He takes us into eternity. We leave time and we go out of the world for this for a while, to find out the real message of Christmas. But it is a perspective that we must have if we are to understand at all.

So, I would like to give you a special peek behind the veil at how I usually do sermon writing. I can't just sit down and start typing. I have to take the time to read the gospel lesson, look at the original Greek for interesting words, and then I have to read what others write about the bible topic I'm speaking on. So, please bear with me a moment, there were things I found out about the text that I find interesting, and I want to share something with you all. There is a special way that this text was written, and has what we call “Chiastic Structure”. If that sounds like a fancy term, don't worry, I'll explain it. Take either your fingers or arm and make an “X” shape like this: (Make X shape). Congratulations! You have just learned the Greek letter Chi. So, if you look at the shape of the letter, you'll see that it starts out broadly, but then crosses over in the center. How this relates to the text is that  with John's writing, there are similar words or phrases at the beginning and end, and other similarities that match up throughout the text, going towards the center. If you were to take this text, you take the top (place one hand up) and the bottom (place other hand down) and go like this (move hands together to meet in the middle) and find the big point of the text. It works really well when preaching, because you know what the main point to focus on. Add a couple of stories and bad jokes, and hey, I've got a sermon. So, just so you know, I'm getting to the main point, but I have to go though the rest to make this point stand out.

So, you'll notice that the reading begins and ends with God. John echoes the words of Genesis, saying that In the beginning, here's what God did. And we see in John's text that Jesus was with God when God created the heavens and the earth. Now, we like to think of Jesus's starting point when He was born in the manger in Bethlehem, but what we read here is that Jesus was so much more involved before he was born on earth. We also read that it is because Jesus is close to God's heart that we are able to know God, because Jesus has made God known to us. These verses are important because we find that Jesus was not created, and is beyond eternity. He was there in the beginning with God, and he knew God while He was on Earth, and then He was with God again after He ascended into heaven.

Alright, now look at verses 3 and 17. Both of these verse talk about what Jesus has done, saying that all creation, all the plants, animals, and people, came into being because of God and Jesus. It also tells us that while the Law was given through Moses, Grace and Truth came to us through Jesus. So, while God spoke with Abraham, Jacob, and Moses, we know that because Jesus, who knew God, knew how to better tell of God's blessings. There have been many prophets throughout history who have spoken the truth into a broken and hurting world, but now God has come to speak so that the world might really know God. The main blessing that is received is mentioned, saying that we would receive grace upon grace. What we know now is that these would be later described as eternal life.

Continuing the story, we hear about the world that Jesus was coming into. Looking at 9-10 and 14, we see that Jesus, the light of the world, was coming to dwell in the world with us, as one of us. It's a good thing that Jesus did not come as a lion, a tree, or something else. It would have been so much harder to understand God in any of these forms. But Jesus came to us as a person, fully human while still being fully God. But even being a person was difficult. Our passage tells us that even though Jesus came into His own word, the world did not know him. While still coming into what was his own, his own people did not accept him. Now, there are several ways that this can be interpreted. Looking at verse 13, there are three ways, being born of blood, which means how people are born into a family or clan, born of the will of the flesh, which are code words for being entered into a church family, like how the Jews used circumcision, and finally by being born of the will of Man. This means adoption into a family. However, none of these can achieve the family that Jesus sought for all humans. Those who are “born of God” goes beyond any race, or gender, or age, but includes everyone. Jesus faced divisions in his day, just like we do now. But what this is saying is that Jesus came to create a family of believers.

Okay, at this point I have to say thank you. I've been working towards this point, and you all have been very patient. Here's the point of this Christmas story: Look at verse 12. To all who receive him, to all who believe his name, he gives the power to become the children of God. The center of this Chiasm, this X that I was talking about earlier, is that God came down to earth so that we may become Children of God, and experience the fullness of life. That is why we celebrate Christmas this, and every year, is because God so love us, so loved a broken and hurting world, that God would come down as one of us to be with us, to help us know God, and ultimately to make us part of the family of God. I love the story of the nativity, and when I think about the birth of Christ, it's usually my go-to when I want to tell the story. But there is so much more going on behind the scenes that we sometimes miss in all of the Christmas decoration and preparation. John's gospel reminds us that while the birth story of Jesus is beautiful, there is so much more happening because of what God is doing in the world. God coming down in flesh is incredible, but what is even more so is the idea that God did it for you. And for you, and you, and you, and heck, even for me.

This has been an interesting year for me as I have lived and changed throughout the past few months. There have been many events that have made this past year stand out, but I think the ones that I remember most stem from being in this church. Never before have I been so openly welcomed by a church. You brought me in, and have been teaching me, leading me, guiding me, and even help correct me when I stumble. And as I participate in this family of God, I've come to a conclusion that this is a congregation that doesn't just keep “Christ in Christmas”, but one that keeps Christ in December 24, March 15th, and September 28. Do you know why those days are important? Because they're days. Regular, average days is when and how we can and do show that we are a family of God, open to the needs of our neighbors. It's every gift we give, expecting nothing back. It's every kindness we do, each simple little act. And so it's good that we remember that just as soon as we've discovered, the things we do in life will always end up touching others. I have learn that love changes people. It was first Christ's love that came down for us, to make us children of God, and that love has spread out, just like how one candle lights another. Christmas is a reminder of that love, and helps to spread it to others. And for that, we can turn and say “Thanks be to God.” Amen. Merry Christmas!

Come to the Manger

We got going later than we expected. Car trouble. Need I say more? When we finally got going, rush hour traffic heading north had long since ended and I was excited and a little nervous about my first trip to the boundary waters. It was pitch dark by the time we got to the road hugging the north shore. But suddenly, brilliant colors danced across the sky – yellows and greens, reds and blues. Northern lights. I had never seen them before. The sight was so brilliant - jaw dropping – amazing. We pulled off the road to a gas station so we could get out of the car. Overcome with excitement, I told some people, other travelers, who were there about the lights. They looked up – but saw nothing- the stations lights were too bright. They were from the south and looked at us as if we were maybe a bit crazy. Undeterred, we took off down the road again, pulled off in a wide spot on the shoulder and marveled at the lights dancing across the sky. It was a Holy moment.

For those of you who have had the good fortune to see Northern Lights, you know the awe-inspiring delight they can bring. But as beautiful as they are, I imagine that they are nothing compared to what the shepherds saw on the hills outside of Bethlehem. They not only saw bright lights, they saw angels.

They were terrified.

Even though Renaissance painters portray them reclining on pastures playing a lute, in real life, shepherds were known to be a bit rougher – more like the bandits that they protected their sheep from than a whimsical Renaissance man. They were the outsiders – they slept outside, they smelled like the sheep they tended and they did not go to temple.

Seeing an angel – a messenger of God – shining more brightly than anything that they had ever seen before – naturally made them think they were in trouble. Big trouble.

But the angel surprises them saying, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." And then…another surprise – the angel invites them to the manger.

While all of this awe-inspiring glory was happening on the hillside… the savior was being born in a very un-awe-inspiring stable. Mary and Joseph had traveled a long way – between 70 to 90 miles, depending on the route. Tradition has it that Mary rode on a donkey – the Bible doesn’t say. But whether she rode a donkey or they walked, I imagine that it was a long and exhausting trip. It probably took a couple of weeks – she was 9 months pregnant after all – and that would explain why, when they arrived in Bethlehem, the rooms were all taken. Without a cell phone – or really any phone, fax or mail, Joseph couldn’t exactly call ahead to make a reservation. It must have been disheartening. But then… a space was found – a very humble space… but Mary probably didn’t much care at that point. Childbirth has a way of focusing one’s attention to the task at hand.

Mary and Joseph were practical people – they were peasants after all – and not too proud. And so… when Jesus was born in the stable, the nearby manger probably looked sturdy enough to be a handy substitute for a crib. And so Mary laid the little vulnerable baby in the manger just as the angels declared --even though that baby was born to be the Savior of the world.

The shepherds came – and, like the shepherds, you are invited too. Come to the manger. Come to see Jesus.

For Jesus, God’s Son, was born as a vulnerable little baby just like you and like me so that he could embody God’s great love.… for you… and for you…. And for you…. And for me…

And for John.

I recently met John – and before we could sit down his story tumbled out of his lips. John has had a tough rough life. His dad was in organized crime. But when he asked John to be part of it, he ran away – at age 11. He joined the army, fought in wars, took on shrapnel and watched his friends die. He came home to discover his daughter was being abused. He shot the man and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. 30 years is a long time – and in that time he became even tougher – watching his back all the time. He was a tough guy. As he told me the story… I was thinking… I wouldn’t mess with him. And yet…God did. For while John was busy being tough and showing everyone else just how tough he was, God sent some messengers to him…most people would call them Christians or church people, not angels… but the message was the same. They brought Good News of great joy that Jesus Christ came for him, to be his Savior. He didn’t have to fight and be the tough guy any more – and he wasn’t alone anymore either. He now belonged to the community of Christ.

John found help and community in the church when he was behind bars. But when John got out of prison, he wondered… would the church still welcome him, still help him? And so, when he saw the church doors, he came on in – and he was welcomed.

Tonight, whether you, like John, are seeking help and community, or, like the shepherds, are full of joy and amazement or, like Joseph and Mary, are exhausted from the journey, or some mixture of these things or even if you feel something else all-together… one thing is true: God’s love is for you. As the angel declared to the shepherds, this is “good news of great joy for all the people.” All the people – not just the shepherds and not just the people of the day – this good news is for all people – then and now. And this is why tonight we come to the manger to celebrate God’s gift of love, Jesus. Because Jesus, God’s gift of love, Jesus, the Savior, was sent for all people, including outsider shepherds, peasants like Mary and Joseph, converted Christians like John, lifelong Christians like me and for you –whatever your path has been.

A favorite writer of mine, Madeleine L'Engle, said it well in her poem, “First Coming”

God did not wait till the world was ready,
Till ...nations were at peace.
God came when the heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.

God did not wait for the perfect time.
God came when the need was deep and great.
God dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine.

God did not wait till hearts were pure.
In joy God came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame
God came, the Light that would not go out.
God came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.

We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
God came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!

So come. Come to the manger. And as you come – sing songs of joy - for this is “good news of great joy for all the people.”

In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Pamela Stalheim Lane
December 24, 2016

Discipleship Starts with Showing Up

The Gospel according to Luke the 23rd chapter.

33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 [Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" 38 There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43 He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

Today’s Gospel lesson feels a bit out of place. After all, it’s Christ the King Sunday – should be a celebration, right? But instead we get the passion story of Jesus, King of the Jews, on a cross. But it’s not a mistake.

In Luke, “Jesus is King” is proclaimed by surprising sources. The Romans placed the inscription “This is the King of the Jews” over Jesus head – not as a statement of faith – but as a warning and a mockery. One bandit also mocks Jesus saying, “IF you are the King of the Jews, save yourself – and us!”

And Jesus does. Jesus saves. But not by calling down fire from heaven, or using supernatural powers to free himself and the bandits. Instead, Jesus prays for his enemies, forgives those who have persecuted him and, in response to the bandit who somehow knows that Jesus is not only innocent but also is indeed the Son of God, Jesus says, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

Today. Throughout Luke’s Gospel, we hear the proclamation of the saving act of God. The angels declared to the shepherds, “ to you is born this day, TODAY, in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” And throughout the Gospel Jesus proclaims health, healing, hope and salvation to lepers, blind, crippled men and women not for some future time… but “today”.

And so, the story of Jesus praying, forgiving and saving is current – the message is for TODAY.

The challenge for us is Luther’s question: “What does this mean?”

Well… as Woody Allen once said, “eighty percent of life is showing up.”

In today’s Gospel, Luke shares that as the leaders are scoffing and the soldiers are casting lots for Jesus’ clothing, “the people stood by, watching.” Later, after Jesus’ death, Luke also reports that not only did the people mourn, “But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.” Certainly they felt pretty helpless. There was nothing that they could “do” to stop the crucifixion… but while the disciples went into hiding, these ordinary people showed up. And because they did – they knew where to find Jesus after the resurrection.

Showing up may be the first step in discipleship.

Showing up isn’t always easy. When I agreed to be a police chaplain, Police Chief Franzen warned me – it’s never convenient. It’s often an interruption. But it is deeply appreciated by the families and the officers when a chaplain comes. He’s right. It’s rarely convenient – especially when it happens in the wee hours of the morning. But when I answer a police call, I am a physical reminder that Christ is present. I bring the Word of God. I pray. But mostly – it’s just about showing up.

Just showing up. It doesn’t seem like much. But when Philando Castile died, people gathered at Luther Seminary and at a church in St. Paul to pray, to light candles, to be present together. It didn’t “do” anything – but somehow it was important to just “show up.”

The week after the police officers were shot in Dallas, Texas, I had a routine Police Chaplain meeting scheduled. It was a busy week – but I was glad I went because I was the only chaplain who showed up. Police officers are pretty tough crew and don’t like to let anything under their skin – that’s their training. So they didn’t share too much about the fact that other police officers had been targeted. They just shook their heads and complained of their frustration at not being able to hire good cops. 100 applicants for 2 positions… and they were only able to hire one. Again – I didn’t do anything remarkable – but it was important to just “show up” and listen.

Pastor Morrie Wee - the former pastor at Advent Lutheran – has just returned from a year in Germany as an exchange pastor. He reminded me of the story of Nikolas church in Leipzig – another story of people just showing up.

Leipzig is in Eastern Germany. During the cold war, the city suffered – as all Eastern Germany cities did – from the repression of freedom, the spying by the “Stasi” the military police who encouraged and paid neighbors to spy on and rat on neighbors and the suppression of Christianity. Professed Christians did not get good jobs and Christian youth were not allowed to attend universities. Not surprisingly, the percentage of Christians dropped to being only about 14% of the population.

Despite this, a group gathered at Nikolai church for prayer for peace every Sunday night. They prayed and lit candles. At one point the group dwindled to 5 people – and three of them were pastors. At that point, one of them said, “What’s the point?! This is useless.” But another said, “No, this is what we should do. I’m going to continue – even if I’m all alone.” So they kept praying. They kept showing up. They did this for years.

Then one day, in 1986, when the peace movement was getting active, the government declared that people could no longer gather together. But… they did not extend this prohibition to going church.

Word spread that people were welcome at Nikolai church at the peace prayers. People came. Prayers for peace continued, more candles were lit, and the peace activists met in the back pew as prayers filled the sanctuary. At first the atheist leaders did not feel at all threatened by people lighting candles. They assumed there was no power in prayer. When they figured out what people were doing, they tried to infiltrate the church – they sent their officers to sit in all the pews. But the people came anyway – and lit candles and prayed. The numbers grew. Night after night the numbers kept multiplying until the numbers were so large that it equaled the population of the city. The leaders finally told their soldiers to shoot at any disturbance. But the soldiers recognized their neighbors – and did not shoot. The leaders called it a miracle. And they don’t use that word lightly. But it started with disciples, followers of Jesus, just showing up, praying, and lighting a candle.

Today German Christians are again gathering for prayer and lighting candles. This time it is in reaction to an anti-migrant, anti-Muslim group that is promoting hate speech. Every time that the hate group marches – the Christian peace group marches, peacefully, holding candles – just so that the world, through the media, can see that there is another voice, another option than hate.

It began as just showing up so that another way other than hate and exclusion could be offered. But now this group is inviting people of good will to take a simple action: “light a candle and put it in your window every Sunday evening as a sign of humanity in our country.”

This invitation reminded me of our baptismal charge, “Let your light so shine that others may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.” It also made me wonder: maybe this sign of peace and love for all of humanity doesn’t have to be limited to Germany. There is too much hatred and exclusion in our country. Churches should not have graffiti sprayed on them because they have black or gay parishioners, black mothers should not fear for their sons every night and police should not be targeted when they are doing their jobs protecting the people; God’s children should be able to live together in peace. And so…tonight, there will be a light in my window and I will say a prayer of peace and care for all people in our country and around the world. I invite you to do the same.

After all, if a little prayer and five candles could be the beginning of the end of the Wall in Berlin – what could happen now if we light a candle and join our prayers to others for Christ’s love and forgiveness and blessing for all of humanity?

I’m glad you showed up today because you never know what impact “just showing up” can have. After all, your showing up allows you to hear again the Good News of Jesus. Your showing up bears witness to the truth. Your showing up encourages your neighbor in the next pew who may be hurting. And, finally, showing up allows you to receive Christ’s blessing.

Faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: May Jesus Christ our King bless you and keep you and encourage you to show up to bear witness as shining lights proclaiming the love of Christ. In Jesus’ name.

Set Free to Live a Life of Love

John 8:31-36
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”

Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

“Are you free?”

If I hadn’t just read this scripture, my initial response would be similar to the Jewish followers of Jesus, “Of course I’m free!”

But… this week, my life intersected with a number of people who don’t seem free at all.

On Tuesday at the Robbinsdale Chamber gathering, I heard the story of homeless youth in our community. There is a shelter in Brooklyn Park – and they don’t have enough beds for youth under age 21. Each of these homeless youth has their own story – but they all yearn to be free.

On Wednesday night before classes, a young man, Patrick stopped by the church. He asked to use the phone. A volunteer pointed out the phone in the library. He apparently called a friend – who came by looking for him. The friend told us – Patrick is in a whole lot of trouble, can you help me find him? We searched. No Patrick. At our Adult class, Life Groups, we prayed for Patrick – that the right people would find him. The next day, we found drug syringes in the bathroom. Patrick – those drugs will not set you free.

Thursday I went to a class for pastors at Central Lutheran downtown and enjoyed a fabulous lunch. It was too much food – so I wrapped up half of the sandwich and the cookie for another time. As I went to get my coat, I saw a woman, sitting by the door with two bags of supplies from Central’s foodshelf. She greeted me and when I greeted her she poured out her story – and asked for a ride. I maybe could have helped her. But from my work downtown with homeless people – I knew that it probably was more than just a ride that she needed. So – probably more to appease my guilt than to help her - I gave her the other half of my lunch. It soothed my conscience a bit - but it didn’t set her free.

There were more stories – this week, last week. A woman suffering from depression, a man suffering from addiction, a woman with anxiety, an elderly man feeling lonely and isolated, a young adult over-loaded with debt. None of these problems can be solved by simply “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” or by applying more drugs or money.

Were any of these people free? Judging from their stories, it’s easy to see that none of these people are free. But they aren’t the only ones.

When Jesus says, “the truth will make you free” Jesus is speaking about a freedom that moves beyond our political, economic, or financial situations. For when Jesus says, “everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin,” Jesus is talking about your soul, your spirit.

Sin isn’t a word that’s used much in public discourse today. That’s not because people are so much better behaved now than in Jesus’ day. But when Jesus talks about “sin” – he’s not just talking about breaking commandments or rules. Instead of picking one greatest commandment, Jesus told his followers two: love God and love the neighbor as yourself. So “sin” is anything that gets in the way of love.

What gets in the way of love? We do – or at least our reputation does. And that’s the Reformation that the church needs today in order to BE Christ’s body.

Somehow, we as “the church” have gotten the reputation of being the place where you have to act as if you’ve got it all together. Somehow we as “the church” are seen as judgmental, as “holier than thou.”

Jesus did not come for those that are “holier than thou.” Jesus came for sinners – for people that fall short, for people who are broken, for people who are hurting, for people who have suffered from addictions, for people who have been bullied, for people who have felt lonely, for people who are in need of love and care. People like you and me and the neighbor outside our doors who doesn’t think that he would belong.

I used to work downtown Minneapolis. Suburban churches would come and bring food – and then stay for the meal. One day a church group of working professionals came straight from work -- some of them were still dressed in suits and ties. But the “regulars” were not real impressed with the fine clothes. One kind of tough-looking man, John, had a bit of a chip on his shoulder and he accepted his plate in silence – refusing to look at the well-dressed do-gooders. But one of the men, Jim, noticed him – and stopped at his table. Jim said to him, “I like your pendant. It matches mine.” Jim reached under his dress shirt to pull out his AA pendant. John, surprised, pulled out the chair next to him and said, “Have a seat, brother.”

The church – Christ’s body – is a bunch of broken people. Luckily I don’t have to look far. For we are all broken people – it doesn’t matter how or in what way. We are all “sinners” in need of Jesus. And Jesus, because of Jesus’ great love for us – all of us broken people - came to set us free – warts and all.

That’s what Jesus does. Jesus Christ frees us FROM our sin – that is everything that would keep us from living a life of love and frees us FOR living our lives in love. From sin. For love. And since Jesus does it, you can count on it. As Jesus says, “if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

The question then, is how do we live into this relationship with Christ? How do we learn to live into a life based on love and not fear, kindness and not hate, graciousness and not judgment?

Jesus said, “Meno.” It’s a Greek word that looks rather ordinary in today’s Gospel. It’s translated as: “Continue.” But “Meno” is a beautiful word that also means remain, live into, abide. So what Jesus is saying is: “Continue/ Remain/ Abide/ Live into my Word.

Live into my Word by reading Scriptures. That is why we are gathered together today to hear God’s word. That is why today, in keeping their baptismal promises, parents placed in Rylee and Lydia’s hands the Word of God so that they too can read and learn and know God’s love.

But that’s not all. The Word of God is more than Scripture, it’s more than the words written on the page.

The Word of God – is Jesus. As we read In the Gospel of John, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word WAS God.” So the Word of God is Jesus.

And, as we gather in community to ponder the Word of God in scripture and what Jesus, the Word of God, is speaking to us, we also hear the Word of God preached through words – and shown through deeds. The Word of God is proclaimed as we gather for a meal of bread and wine and as we gather(ed) for a breakfast served through acts of love and kindness. For the Word of God is ACTIVE and needs to not only be heard but also to be lived out by you and me. For we are Christ’s broken body. We are Christ’s hands and feet and we are called to live out Christ in words and acts of love.

Sometimes we will fail. Sometimes we will try to look like we have it all together. Sometimes I would like to pretend that I have it all together. But I don’t – and neither do you.

But the good news is that even when we think we have made a mess of it all, Jesus says, “You are forgiven – and free by God’s grace.” That’s the Good News. Christ comes again to forgive us, heal us and set us free. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Pastor Pamela Stalheim Lane
Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church
October 30, 2016

Right with Jesus

Jesus often told stories to illustrate his points. Today’s Gospel is a story that Jesus tells to some of the religious leaders who were so “puffed up” about how good they were. They were like balloons full of hot air.

They are like the first man in the story. As this man prays, he tells the truth about himself. He does do what is right. He fulfills all the commandments – except the most important. He was so busy “doing” that he forgot the first commandment, what Jesus calls the GREATEST commandment:“love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Jesus tells his disciples and us - God doesn’t want empty rituals. God yearns for your heart.

Rob Bell tells a story in the video, “Sunday.” He says, “What if I was to bring flowers home for my wife. I got just the right flowers, the right colors and surprised her with them. What do you think would be her response? She would be happy – right?

“But what if he responded to her ‘Well of course I got you flowers. I’m your husband. I’m just doing my duty. Or… ‘it was nothing - they were cheap. I wasn’t really thinking of you at all. I just picked them up so they didn’t rot in the store.’ Or… what if he said, ‘I thought you needed them.’

Would she even want them?

His wife wants his heart – not just a show. And that’s what God wants. God wants our heart.

In Jesus’ story, the second man is a tax collector. He is despised by other people – and rightly so. Like the Pharisee, he tells the truth about himself – and it isn’t pretty. He is not a nice man. He has broken all sorts of commandments – when he begins to pray, this man is not in right relationship with God. But this man turns back to God, acknowledging that he can’t do it on his own and that he needs God’s love and mercy.

God answers his prayer. The first man went away still feeling self-righteous. But Jesus said, this man, the one who asked for mercy because he knew he was a loser. He needed help and so he begged God for help. Jesus said, he is “justified.”

“Justified” is kind of a churchy word. Martin Luther uses it a lot. What it means is “being made right” with God – by God. The first man thought he was “righteous” by his deeds, his actions. The second man was “made right” that is “justified” by God’s action.

Because of God, the second man is “justified.” And so are you. At the beginning of the worship, you and I did what the tax collector did: we confessed. We confess that we can’t do it on our own. We need God. And, because God is gracious and merciful and answers our prayer, we are “justified.”

But being “justified” is not the end of the story. Being “justified” doesn’t mean that we can do whatever we want and just ask forgiveness afterwards. It’s not a “get out of jail free card.” Being “justified” means being right with God – and that means that we are in relationship with God – in an on-going way. That means that God is in on and helping us with all of our choices, including the choices about what to do with the time, skills, talents, and all of the resources that we call our own.

Remember, it all belongs to God. But God gives us the freedom to choose how we use these gifts.

The first man in the story had basically said, “Got it. I’ll do good things with the gifts you’ve entrusted to me. I’m good.” The first man didn’t think he needed God’s help.

The second man, the tax collector, said, “I’m not so good. HELP!”

We don’t get to hear any more about him – but if the story were to continue, we would discover, that, like Zacchaeus, that tax collector is changed. It doesn’t mean that he will be perfect. But that man is now in relationship with God. He asked God to be merciful – and when God answers that prayer God doesn’t just come into your heart and scrub it up like a janitor and then LEAVE. No, God stays. God takes up residence.

You see, God wants to be a part of your life.

God loves you and claims you as God’s beloved child – no matter your age or race or ethnicity or how much money you have or don’t have. God wants your heart – but not just your heart. God wants you –all of you. God wants to help you live into an on-going relationship so that, as Rob Bell says, your heart can beat to the same beat as God, so that we want begin to want what God wants for us and for the world. This is what relationship with God is all about.

So how do we live into this relationship with God?

Do you know the story of Old Turtle and the Broken Truth? It’s a wonderful children’s story – it’s a fable – but like Jesus’ stories, can speak to people regardless of our ages.

In that story, the truth came to earth – but on the way, it was broken into two.

One half of the truth, the part that they received, was that they were the beloved people of God. The people rejoiced in this good message of love. But… after a while… they became a bit… well… arrogant. They thought that they were “better than” anyone else because, after all, they were the beloved. And because each one of them thought that they were the beloved… they thought that meant that others were not.

Their world became full of greed, privilege and self-righteousness – kind of like the first man in Jesus’ story.

In the story of the Old Turtle and the Broken Truth, a young girl went off to find out what was missing – where they had gone wrong. She discovered the other half of the truth: not only was she beloved but that all the other people were beloved too!

God made us his beloved – not so that we would run off into the desert or to a mountaintop to be in relationship with God by ourselves - but to be in community. This is why Jesus, when asked about the greatest commandment, was quick to give the second greatest commandment as well: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He later told his disciples, “love one another as I have loved you.”

This commandment is harder than the first. It’s one thing to love God. After all, God is gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

It’s harder to love our neighbor. In this election season it is getting increasingly difficult to love our neighbor – those who are so crazy and ill-advised, and to vote for… “fill in the candidate.” Simply listening to the news can fill us with anger, fear and anxiety.

What is a Christian to do?

It’s really tempting to shut off the media for the next 16 days. But that would be like the early Christians who, hearing they were beloved, ran off to the desert to be in communion with God alone.

You are God’s beloved. God wants your heart because God loves you, forgives you when you fail to be the person who God made you to be and walks with you. And God has made you for community, to love one another just as Jesus loves you.

A pastor friend of mine, Bonnie, sent me a message with three pieces of advice that another pastor gave to his friends regarding the election:

Basically

1. Vote for the person you find most worthy;

2 Speak no evil of the person you voted against;

3) Be kind to those who vote on the other side.

This was the advice of John Wesley, the co-founder of the Methodist church, in 1774.

It’s good advice. It reminds us that we are to not only love God – but also our neighbor – even when they disagree with us.

God forgives us when we fail – and “justifies” us, makes us right with God. Shouldn’t we do the same for our neighbor?

Joyful Generosity: It takes practice!

The Gospel according to Luke, the 19th chapter

[Jesus] entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7 All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.”8 Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9 Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

Zacchaeus. We probably all remember him from the children’s song as the wee little man who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. It’s a great children’s story because Jesus calls out to a short person who climbed a tree because they couldn't see. Kids – and those of us who aren’t so very tall – can relate.

But the story of Zacchaeus has something to say to older people too. After all – besides being short – there were other reasons that Zacchaeus ended up climbing a tree. He was rich and he was a tax collector – a chief tax collector. No one liked him. They thought of him as a cheat – and a traitor. They called him a “sinner.” There was no way anyone was going to “make room” for him. So Zacchaeus knew he had to get creative if he wanted to see Jesus. And so – even though it was very unseemly for a grown man to show his ankles– he climbed a tree to see Jesus.

The surprising thing – for Zacchaeus and the townspeople– is that Jesus saw him. And then, Jesus called him and invited him, “Come on down – I’m going to your house.”

This was a huge surprise because when Jesus called Zacchaeus out of that tree, suddenly Zacchaeus wasn’t an outsider anymore. Instead, he was being welcomed back into community – despite the objections of others. As Jesus explained, “the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” The lost means people like Zacchaeus, people who find themselves as outsiders, who worry that they don’t “fit in” or who don’t dare hope that they are included,

You see… when Jesus said he wanted to go to Zacchaeus’ table, it was because Jesus wanted Zacchaeus’ heart.

And he got it. Hearing that Jesus wanted to come to HIS house, Zacchaeus’ heart melted. And that is why Zacchaeus responded by giving half of his possessions away to the poor – and promising to repay 4x the amount to anyone that he had cheated. That’s far more than the law required. But Zacchaeus wasn’t interested in doing the law – Zacchaeus had just received the best gift ever – being generously welcomed into Jesus presence. And Zacchaeus responded with JOY – Joy that overflowed into joyful generosity.

Just as Jesus called Zacchaeus, Jesus has called us each by name. Zacchaeus responded with joy and generosity.

What about us? We want to be generous. We want to be joyful. Now, some people have an experience, like Zacchaeus in which their life is transformed by Jesus’ call. Other people seem naturally generous – almost as if it was part of their DNA. But for others of us, it takes practice.

….

A musician once asked a taxi driver “How do I get to Carnegie Hall. He replied: Practice, practice practice!

In the same way, joyful generosity doesn’t come automatically.

It isn’t always easy. We can get caught up in the demands and challenges of our daily lives. Sometimes with good reason.

For example, Cami Walker at age 33 found herself diagnosed with a debilitating disease. She could barely get out of bed each morning. She was in pain – and depressed every day. A friend visited her and said, you are feeding this disease with your self-pity. “I have a prescription for you. Give away 29 gifts in 29 days. You will feel better. “ At first Cami resented the idea – what kind of a friend would talk to her like that when she was in such pain? What kind of “prescription” was giving things away? But nothing seemed to take away her pain. So one day she said to herself, what have I to lose? She began giving away something – not necessarily something big – but something every day. It was transformative. The act of giving something away – even something simple like sending a card to a friend or giving food to the food shelf made a difference – for HER.

She found it so life-changing that she wrote the book, 29 Gifts: How a month of Giving Can Change Your Life.

Jennifer read the book and decided to try it. She was in a bad place herself. She lost her job. Finances were tight. She didn’t have money for a fitness center so every day she would go to the park. One day while she was at the park she got a phone call from a friend who needed to talk. She sat down on a park bench. It was colder than she thought - but with nowhere else to go, she ended up just sitting there, shivering for an hour.

When she got off the phone, she said to herself, “Hot chocolate!” That’s what I need to warm me up inside and out. So she headed to the nearest coffee shop. It was a bit of a splurge for her but when it came she just held onto it, savoring the smell and the warmth of the cup in her hands. It was perfect. She headed back outside – but as she did, she noticed a homeless woman sitting with a too-light weight sweater tucked around her, trying to stay warm.

Jennifer writes, “Without thinking, I immediately walked over to her. “Would you like some hot chocolate?” and held out the cup. Her eyes got big with surprise, “Oh yes! Thank you!”

Jennifer said, “I handed her the cup and then, as I walked down the street, suddenly, I wasn’t so cold anymore. It was as if the giving of something so small and simple, yet completely delightfully received, had literally warmed my soul. And to top it off, I couldn’t stop smiling…the giving had just felt so good.” “Then it hit me. I hadn’t thought twice about giving her that hot chocolate, even though I had been craving it for myself for about an hour…I realized that as I had been giving each day in the spirit of the 29 Gifts, it had become second nature. I am so grateful.

Jennifer had developed a habit of giving – and it filled her with joy!

God has blessed us with so many gifts – and we have the opportunity to share those gifts, to “give back.”

This past week at the Ronald McDonald house, some people were able to give of their time and talents, making, preparing and serving the meal, and some people were able to provide the funds for the meal and the program. That makes us feel good too!

Not all of our opportunities to give back are “hands on.” But because people like you have a habit of giving your time and talent and financial donations, our choir is able to sing praises to God, the order of service is printed on your bulletin, there is heat in the building and an elevator so that all can come. It is because of your giving that we are able to host and train an intern pastor. It is because of your giving that we are able to take part in the ministry of the ELCA giving 10% of our budget to the ministries of the Synod and the ELCA. This month you’ll find a different insert each week with stories from the ELCA entitled “where does our money go.” But that’s just a piece of it. Together, we are able to make a difference by putting our contributions together.

Joyful Generosity. It’s good for our soul. It’s living our life in response to the love of Jesus. And… for most of us, it takes practice. But the good news is that God is not only patient, but continues to bless us and lead us, walking beside us every day. Thanks be to God!

Pastor Pam Stalheim Lane
Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church
October 16, 2016

An Attitude of Gratitude

Luke 17:11-19        New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus[a] was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers[b] approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus’[c] feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18 Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”

Dear Friends in Christ, Grace and Peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!

So, one day, a large dog walks into a butcher shop carrying a purse in its mouth. He puts the purse down and sits in front of the meat case. "What is it, boy?" the butcher jokingly asks. "Want to buy some meat?" "Woof!" barks the dog. "Hmm," says the butcher. "What kind? Hamburger, bacon, steak ..." "Woof!" interrupts the dog. "And how much steak? A pound, two pounds, three pounds..." "Woof!" So the amazed butcher wraps up the meat and finds the money in the dog's purse.

As the dog leaves he decides to follow. The dog enters an apartment house, climbs to the third floor and begins scratching at a door. With that, the door swings open and an angry man starts shouting at the dog. "Stop!" yells the butcher. "He's the most intelligent animal I've ever seen!" "Intelligent?" says  the man. "This is the third time this week he's forgotten his key."
He wasn't thankful.

Today's Gospel is found only in Luke, and is the story of Jesus' healing of ten lepers. In some ways it is a story for every one of us. We may not have the disease of leprosy, yet we all have the disease of sin and its effects. We all fall short of God's intention for us. We are a people of unclean hearts and minds and lips, just as lepers were people of unclean bodies. 

To begin, I briefly want to explain what sort of situation the ten lepers were in. As we all know, leprosy was a dreaded disease in Jesus' day, mostly because it was not clearly understood. What we know nowadays is that their leprosy was not necessarily what we would call “Hansen's disease,” which is the terrible wasting disease that we think of as leprosy. Biblical leprosy included skin diseases such as ringworm, some types of mold, and other infectious skin diseases. But because medical knowledge back then was not what it seemed, it was very easy for all of these diseases, both treatable and more fatal, to all be lumped under one category. And this was a problem for those who caught any of them, because by the laws of of Moses, they were to be declared “unclean” and “socially unfit.”

For many, being called a Leper was a death sentence. It was assumed they were being punished for something they'd done wrong. So they were banished – not to be associated with, but avoided, lest they spread their contamination – and, get this, their condemnation – to others. 

So, back to our story: The ten lepers approached Jesus as he was traveling through the countryside between Samaria and Galilee. They stood the required distance away – as lepers had to do – but instead of crying out “unclean!” they cried out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." The word they used for Master, Teacher, is one used by disciples. They seemed to recognize in Jesus not only one who could perform miracles and had the power to heal them, but also one who would command their allegiance, There was no offer of payment, for being lepers they probably didn't have much to give. But what they did do was place their faith in the One who could help them.

He told the lepers, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." This is significant in two ways: One, he treated the lepers the same way he treated everyone else. In other words, he didn't criticize them or question whether or not they were worthy of his time and attention. The only prerequisite to receiving God's grace and love is your need of him. This is precisely what Jesus had told the Pharisees in Matthew's gospel, saying:

"Those who are healthy have no need for a physician,
but those who are sick do…
I came not to call the righteous,
but sinners to repentance." (Matthew 9:12)

Secondly, Jesus telling the lepers to go and see the priest is significant because Jesus did not seek to circumvent the authority of the church. If it was the priest's responsibility to declare an individual unclean in the first place, it was up to the priest to determine whether or not the individual had been healed. This meant that the lepers would be able to rejoin society and their families. 

So, as the ten went on their way to the temple they became clean. But one of them, who was a Samaritan, seeing that he was clean, did four things: 1. He turned back to Jesus, 2. He praised God, 3. He prostrated himself, that is he knelt before Jesus, and 4. Thanked Jesus. Now a curious question arises from Jesus, as He asks where are the other nine? Weren't they on their way to go do what he told them to do? But more interestingly, Jesus highlights two of the four things that the Samaritan did, being that he turned, and gave praise to God. Now a little bit about the Samaritans, they were on the out-and-out of society at that time, and were not allowed to even set foot in the temple. But what sets him apart in this case is that he took the time to turn back to God and thank Him for what he has done. 

Earlier, I had said that this is story for all of us, and now I'd like ask for your help with some audience participation. In many ways this story is the story of Faith-Lilac Way's core values. I'd like to invite you take out the Lilac insert in your bulletins, and  read the first value with me:
“Our identity as a welcoming community. Because God unconditionally welcomes each of us, we seek to do the same to all who come to us.”

While you still have that out, let's also read the final value together:
“The celebration of our relationships with God and with each other.”

Having come from a place of love and acceptance, we are able to, just as the Samaritan did, turn and give thanks for what God has done for us. But sometimes we get caught up the day-to-day rules of life, just as the other nine did, that even in happy times, we're rushing off without thanking the God who made it all possible. In the words of Martin Luther, "God does not need our work and has not commanded us to do anything for Him but to thanks and praise Him." We CAN give thanks and praise God for so many gracious gifts to us. We SHOULD offer our sacrifice of thanks and praise for what God has given us. And some of the ways that we can give thanks and praise to God is shown here on this purple sheet. Today, especially, we will be gathering to think how we can give thanks and praise for the resources we have been given, and how we can be good stewards of what we have. So, as you go on your way today, I invite you to remember what God has done for us, and give thanks. The Good News is that Jesus has died for us, bringing us from death to life so we in turn can and say:
“thanks be to God.” Amen

James Anderson
October 9, 2016

Faith is a GIFT: A life of faith is a life worth living

The lessons for today all have one thing in common: Faith. The prophet Habakkuk proclaims God’s word that “The righteous shall live by Faith”. The disciples beg Jesus to “Increase our Faith!” And in his letter to Timothy, Paul reminds him of his faith, a faith passed down to him from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice.

So today, the day in which four of our young people are AFFIRMING their Faith, I want to explore three questions of Faith:

1) Where does it come from?

2) How much do I need?

3) And, finally, if “the righteous shall live by faith, what does a life of faith look like?”

Let’s begin with the easiest one: Where does Faith come from? Paul reminds Timothy that his faith was “passed down” from his mother and grandmother. So if faith is “passed down,” who passed it to you?

Who first told you about Jesus? What it your mom or dad? A grandma or grandpa? A godparent? Someone else in your family? Or was it someone at church? A Sunday School teacher? A pastor? Or was it someone surprising – a neighbor, a friend, a teacher? Maybe it was more than one person. Or maybe you don’t remember who FIRST told you about Jesus. Can you think of one or two or more people who have told you about Jesus?

Yesterday I asked the Confirmands what they remembered about their baptism. None of them remembered a thing! It’s not surprising – all of them were just a few months old when they were baptized. This is because we believe that faith is a gift from GOD. So we baptize people at any age because we believe that the promises of Jesus are for everyone! Young and Old, rich and poor, skin colors and heritages of every variety are invited into God’s kingdom. All are welcome and INVITED to receive the gift of faith.

‘It’s God’s Gift – and it’s free. Faith was given to you so that you will know that:

God loves you and wants a relationship with YOU and is with you ALWAYS.

So what about the next question, “How much do You or I need?” If it’s a free gift, why wouldn’t we, like the disciples, want Jesus to give us as much faith as possible?

To put the Gospel story into context, the disciples have been traveling with Jesus and listening to Jesus teach about the life of faith. In the verse right before our Gospel, Jesus is preaching forgiveness and mercy…even to their enemies – and they were living under Roman occupation. That sounds really hard. The disciples realize that this is a good teaching – but a hard one and so they beg Jesus: increase our faith!

It sounds like a worthy request: Increase our Faith. But instead, Jesus seems to scold them, telling them that if they had the smallest bit of faith – even the “size of a mustard seed” they could command the mulberry tree to move – and it would!

To be clear, Jesus isn’t interested in transplanting mulberry trees into the sea. Instead, he is seeking to teach his disciples about faith.

Faith isn’t quantifiable. You can’t measure it like your blood pressure or weigh it on a scale or compare your faith to someone else’s. It’s not a competition.

It is a gift. And it was given to you so that you will know that:

God loves you and wants a relationship with YOU and is with you ALWAYS.

So what does this mean? It means that you do not need to be afraid when times are hard, as they were in the time of the prophet Habakkuk. You do not need to worry about whether you will have “enough” faith, like the disciples in the Gospel. Faith is not something that you measure – nor is it something that you can set on the shelf and admire. Jesus is not giving out cool “faith awards” that need to be dusted.

Faith doesn’t get dusty. Instead, faith is a way of life.

In our Gospel, Jesus gives a really hard and confusing example about the life of faith. It’s confusing for us because it is based on the culture of the first century. To put it in our context, it’s like when you go to a restaurant, you don’t invite the waiter to sit down and eat with you. And they don’t expect it! Instead, the waiter or waitress does their job and then, after they have done their job they can go in the break room and eat. When they serve you they are simply doing their job.

In that same way, we as Christians, as people of faith, are called to a life of faith – it’s our job. It’s our life. It is who God calls us to be. It’s who we are. Don’t expect to get an award for it. Instead, this is the life to which God has called YOU. It isn’t always glamorous. But it is a life worth living.

It’s a life worth living because it is a life with Christ. Remember, Faith is a gift, a gift from God. So if you have the presence of Christ with you always, you always have access to all the faith you will every need.

The real question is: How do you and you and I live out the faith that God has given us? If “the righteous shall live by faith, what does a life of faith look like?”

It starts with our baptism. This is when God makes public the promises that God loves you and wants a relationship with YOU and is with you ALWAYS. These are God’s promises to you.

But God is not the only one making promises.

Since our Confirmands don’t remember their baptism – and we don’t expect them to, they were only infants – I want to remind them and all of us what it is that their parents and godparents and the people of God in this congregation promised to do to support them in their Christian faith.

1) Live with them among God’s faithful people;

2) Bring them to the word of God and the holy supper;

3) Teach them the Lord’s prayer, the Creed and the 10 Commandments;

4) Place in their hands the holy scriptures;

These are 4 of the 5 promises that your parents made with the help of your Godparents and the whole congregation. They kept these promises – well done! But.. they and you are not done.

Parents and Godparents: I have to inform you: There is no expiration date on the promises that you made to GOD for your child. You are NOT DONE. Living a life of faith means that parents and Godparents and their children regardless of how old they are will continue to:

1) Live among God’s faithful people – in other words, be a part of Christian community;

2) Come to worship to hear the word of God and receive the holy supper; You still need to be fed with God’s word and with Christ’s body and blood.

3) Remember and continue to grow in faith as you continue to study what the Lord’s prayer, the Creed and the 10 Commandments are teaching you about living a Christian life TODAY;

4) You placed the scriptures in your child’s hands and so now they and you can READ the scriptures so that you will continue to read and hear God’s Word and wrestle with what it means for your life.

Finally, the fifth promise. This is a promise for a lifetime for your parents, for Godparents, for the congregation, and for our confirmands and they affirm their faith. Listen:

5) Nurture them in faith and prayer so that they may learn to trust God, proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace. That is the life of faith.

This is the life that we have promised to lead.

Trust God. Proclaim Christ by your daily words and actions. Remember the person or persons who first told you about Jesus? This is what they were doing – they proclaimed Christ. Care for others. That’s what Jesus taught us – to love one another. Take care of God’s world. Work for justice and peace. This is a life of faith. This is a life worth living. And it is a Gift from God. Amen.

Pastor Pamela Stalheim Lane
Faith-Lilac Way
October 2, 2016