No Ordinary Teacher

Last week I gave a sermon entitled, "No Ordinary Man" as part of a sermon series called the Story.  The sermon focused on three points of Jesus Christ which I would like to share with you.  The first is, Jesus was no ordinary teacher.  

Most of the faithful Jewish people were accustomed to going to the temple and listening to their rabbis read from the Book of Law.  Imagine coming to church on Sunday morning and having me stand in front of you and read, from the book of Leviticus, detailed instructions for what you can eat and what you can wear and what kind of haircut you can get!  

Jesus didn't teach that way.  Jesus was informative and challenging and mesmerizing.  He told stories or parables with a heavenly message that communicated truth in ways that reading the book of law could never convey.  And people came flocking from all over to hear him – by the thousands.  

One of his teaching moments takes place on the side of a mountain.  We find his words recorded in the gospel of Matthew chapters 5-6-7.  We know this as the Sermon on the Mount.  Thousands of people came to hear this incredible teacher and they crowd in close sitting on the side of this large hill which formed a natural amphitheater near the Sea of Galilee.  

In those days there were no microphones, but the people had no problems hearing him – the acoustics of that amphitheater were perfect.  Who would know these acoustics better than the one who had created this mountainside? 

Now, the thing about Jesus’ teachings was that they were what we might call counter-cultural.  They went against the societal belief  of the people.  After all, who in their right mind would teach that being poor is a blessing? Yet, Jesus taught…
    Blessed are the poor.  

Who would teach that those who mourn or found themselves being persecuted would find blessing?  Yet Jesus taught… 
    Blessed are those who mourn…
    Blessed are the meek…
    Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. 

No one wants to mourn.  No one wants to find themselves oppressed or persecuted.  Jesus even taught…
    Blessed are the pure in heart – Come on!  Purity is for prudes. 

But what Jesus is really doing in this teaching is giving the people a glimpse – a vision – of God’s kingdom and how God’s kingdom is different than the world itself.  He is saying that character is more important than possessions and circumstances and position and prestige.  

Jesus looks around the hillside and sees the people sitting, held in rapt attention;             
    In the faces of the people he sees hunger, fright, uncertainty;            
        he sees the people needing something more than more than what the world was giving them. 

And the kingdom of God that Jesus described to them was not that of the world; but, that of a new garden – a restored version of the garden we learned about in Genesis - The Garden of Eden.  A garden where God will once again come down and walk and talk and dwell with those who believe him.  

One of the lessons Jesus was trying to get across to the people was that they understand that to be part of God’s nation, they had to live differently than those who lived only to an earthly nation.  The people heard this wondrous teaching of Jesus, and they saw him living what he taught and they wondered.  

How does Jesus' teachings help you to live differently?   

God’s Grace Is Sufficient

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. – II Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

Grace is the unmerited, unconditional, unending love of God.  It is through God’s grace that we receive the gift of forgiveness, salvation and eternal life.  Grace is pardon for sin and peace for tomorrow.  This wondrous gift means that we don’t need to get it all right, in order to be all right.  Likewise, it does not mean we need to know all the right answers in order to live the questions. 

We must understand however, grace is not magic, nor does it whisk us off into some fantasy land or Disney world.  Grace does not cure all our cancers, it does not turn our kids into the perfect children, it does not guarantee a life of happiness and success.  In fact, grace most often shows up in our lives when all is at its darkest.  We all experience those moments when we question our own worth, when we ask if it is worth it, when we are weary and set upon.  It is God’s grace that can help us through those moments that we may become stronger in our faith.

Patrick

Where Is God?

O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen?  Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save?  Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble?  Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.  So the law becomes slack and justice never prevails.  The wicked surround the righteous – therefore judgment comes forth perverted.  – Habakkuk 1:1-4 (NRSV)

The question, “Why doesn't God put an end to all suffering, if God is good and loving, and all-powerful?” is asked many times over.  As pastor, I have been asked by a weeping mother whose daughter was in the hospital, “She’s been a good girl – I don’t understand why this is happening.  How can this be?”  In light of the Sandy Hook shooting many postings on Facebook demanded, “Where was your God in this?”  Following Hurricane Sandy, the same was wondered.  Time and time again we want to know where God is, why God allows this to happen, how can good people suffer – especially those who follow Christ. 

When God gave to us the gift of Jesus Christ – Christ did not promise us there would be no more pain, no more trouble, no more loss or sorrow.  What he did promise is that he would be with us to the ends of the age.  While God could stop all accidents and disease and suffering from happening, God’s way of working in our lives is less direct than that.  God guides us through scripture and church and the people around us, through the doctors and medicine and science and faith that help and sustain us. 

There is no easy direct answer to the ultimate question we pose, but perhaps we can find God’s presence through our faith, be comforted by this and know that God is with us to the very end.  Perhaps our questions can be turned from, “Why do bad things happen in a world supposedly ruled over by a good God?” to “How is it good things happen in a world of chaos and violence?”

Lord, give me strength to see me through the trials of my day.  Let me be reassured in your presence even and especially in the midst of troubled times.  Patrick Schultz

Sharing the Christmas Spirit

Early last week I was on the doorstep of Hedberg Library (in Janesville) before 9:00 am waiting for it to open that I might check out the book Stanley Weintraub wrote, “Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Service”.  Sunday's sermon was going to include the story of peace in the midst of this war and the singing of the well-known hymn, Silent Night by the opposing soldiers.   

As I waited, I said hello to a young man sitting on the bench by the library doors.  He said hi and then came over to introduce himself.  His name was Charles; I noticed he had some difficulty in talking, his hands and arms moved in jerky motions, but he had a nice smile and seemed pleased I had noticed him.  

After he had introduced himself he reached into his pocket and pulled out a picture of Jesus Christ.  He told me about the church he goes to – the one on the hill.  He told me of how nice it is and how nice the people are.  I mentioned briefly that we will be celebrating Jesus’ birthday soon and he replied, “I know!” (very excitedly).  It was a pleasant chat and I enjoyed getting to know him just a little bit.  As he went inside the library I heard one of the ladies behind the library desk say, “Good morning Charles.  How can I help you today?”  Obviously a regular visitor.  It’s wonderful, the opportunities we have, to get to know someone when we say hi.

Memories

What memories are we making and keeping? 

It is so tempting to keep hold of the memories which can keep us awake at night or in a constant state of stressful tension...





The disagreement I had with my friend;
    A comment one of the church members made to me; 
        The next door neighbor who slighted me;  
            The disappointing situation at work;  
                My daughter never calls me;  
                    My recent diagnosis…
                        our list goes on and on. 

But those are the memories that can weigh us down.  Make our shoulders slump in weariness and cause creases in our faces – worry lines.  They make us tired and we feel like we are carrying a burden that grows heavier by the day.  If we keep hold of these memories, we’ll find that we run the risk of growing bitter and angry, sad and depressed.  One day we’ll wake up, perhaps towards the end of our time here, and realize that we have wasted much of the time God has given us. 

Instead I propose that we work hard to build and keep the kind of memories that will make us smile and maybe laugh to ourselves.  You know those memories.  They cross your mind when you are washing the dishes, warm soapy water running over your hands – and you smile.  You are walking down the grocery aisle and you remember a special moment as the overhead speakers’ pipe out a particular song.  You are driving around a curvy, country road and cresting a hill you see a familiar homestead that brings back wondrous memories. 

A name of a dear friend is brought up in conversation and you remember how that person cared for you at just the right moment, in just the right way. You recall, perhaps with a tear in your eye – a happy tear as my daughter calls them – playing with your children as they were growing up, seeing them off to school for the first time, or reading stories to your grandchildren.


Memories are a gift from God, not to be wasted nor squandered on that which weighs us down, but cherished and prized, as are all gifts from God. 

As Christmas approaches, we recall the most precious gift of all that God has given – his son Jesus.  Let these fond memories of our friends, our family, our special times and most especially Christ’s birth lift us up.  

Driving on Patience Street

I am not always a patient person.  I often times struggle with having to wait.  I know patience is a virtue – but it seems to be a virtue I am lacking at times.  These last couple of weeks I have found myself in lengthy waits that taxed my patience.  The first was two weeks ago at the hospital with Brenda and Gracie.  Brenda had some tests being done and I was in charge of Gracie.  As Gracie and I were on one of many explorations down the hallway an elderly woman sitting in a chair commented on Gracie’s energy.  I said, yes – sometimes she has too much! 

The lady responded by saying, ‘no such thing’.  She had a face wrinkled by time - creased by the years she had seen.  I enjoyed speaking with her - and listening to what she had to tell me.  She shred the story of her daughter who passed away at a young age (in her very early teens) because of an illness that left her very lethargic.  Her husband reminded her many times of the blessings they received while she was with them.  His focus was not on what the daughter wasn't, but what she was and the joy she brought to both mom and dad.  I was humbled and reminded of our blessing with Gracie’s health and exuberance.  Before I had an opportunity to thank the elderly lady, she got up out of her chair to lead another couple to their next doctor’s appointment. 

This last week I spent several afternoons at the DMV trying to get a title for my Saturn VUE.  I was there two separate days for approximately 2-3 hours all together.  I was waiting on a fax from Chase Manhattan in Texas showing I had paid the vehicle off in 2005.  When I recognized I was growing impatient I took a moment to pray for each DMV staff person, one at a time.  I imagine they deal quite a lot with impatient people.  I also began to read a book I had brought about Old Testament stories, written by Dr. Ellsworth Kalas (one of my preaching professors in Seminary).  As I was reading, a gentleman stopped to talk with me, recognizing the book and thinking he recognized me.  He said I looked exactly like a missionary back from England who would be at their church for the next six months.  I had a wonderful conversation with him and learned a bit about his church.  I appreciate his stopping and talking with me. 

So, hopefully I am learning to be more patient and seeking blessings when I am forced to wait and don’t want to! 

Helping Hands

Earlier this week we had an early evening visitor – a man making a journey to the east coast.  He had been in the Appleton area of Wisconsin for some time.  He was a victim in 9/11 and for various reasons moved to Wisconsin following that.  As he was journeying back to the east coast he needed some help – in this case he needed gas to make it to his next stop.  I went to the gas station with him and filled up his car.  We had a pleasant talk, both at the church and while standing at the pumps.  At this time he has no real home.  He has no work.  And he suffers from both physical and emotional problems stemming from 9/11.  As I lay in bed that night, remembering the experiences he shared with me, I thought to myself how fortunate I am.  Here I’m in a warm bed, of a nice home, with family close by.  My health is pretty good.  My finances are in good shape.  I’m involved in serving the Lord through serving this church and community.  I have it pretty good! 

I appreciate this opportunity to be reminded of my blessings and will pray for this man and others who struggle in life or experience catastrophic changes.  And in the meantime, I am proud to be a part of a church that wants to serve the community and beyond in mission and ministry.  Folks – let’s never lose sight of the many ways we can help those in need.

A recent wedding

Last Friday I was privileged to preside over a wedding with Jim Fielder and Deb Christman.  They were married in our sanctuary at 4:00pm.  I had been meeting with them for several months and have enjoyed getting to know them.  

I am so often am renewed in my own marriage through the development, meetings, discussions, and leading of weddings.  I am reminded of my own vows when I speak the vows over other couples.  I am reminded of the work that goes into a marriage – a wedding is but one day, a marriage is for a life time.  

For those of us who are married – would that we all could all enjoy this type of process once a year to serve as a reminder of our own vows, our own commitment to own marriage.  My prayers and blessings are with this young at heart couple who are starting a new life together.  May God bless you and keep you. 

Heavenly God, Creator of all that is good and sustainer of life; we come before you giving thanks for the beauty of this day, and the gift of love you have blessed us with. 

We ask you, who have brought together this couple, in faith and in trust, to bless and to hold close Jim and Deb, all the days of their lives.  Let nothing come between them, but keep them for ever loving and for ever true.

Keep them from illness, from poverty and from trouble that would hurt them; but for the trials that come before them, guide them and draw them closer to you.

Grant them throughout all their days, the perfect love which many waters cannot quench and which is stronger than death itself; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray.  Amen.

Argyle Socks

A funny thing happened the other day.  I was getting dressed and reached into my sock drawer and in doing so noticed a blue colored argyle sock that I didn't recall seeing before.  I pulled the pair out and said to myself, these must have come with the last batch of dress socks I bought, and I've just never worn them before.  Cool!  I have a new pair of socks to wear! 

I put them on and proudly wore them to the church.  Later that afternoon I went to the YMCA for my workout.  I got changed in the changing room and noticed as I was taking my socks off that they weren't really new.  They were just inside out. 

I don't know why this struck me as funny but I thought to myself if I'm ever looking for a pick-me up,  a boost, which new socks can sometimes provide, just turn my old socks inside out and it will look like I've got new ones! 

Prayer

I like prayer.  Now, that’s a pretty straightforward and simple statement, but it’s true.  Prayer for me doesn’t need to be highly ritualized, although it can be.  Prayer doesn’t need to be a solemn event, although it could be.  Prayer doesn’t need to include tears, but sometimes

it does. 

Prayer is the time I set aside to talk with God.  Sometimes I talk directly to God; sometimes I talk to Jesus; and sometimes I seek out the Holy Spirit.  Being a Triune God – three Gods in One – I know the prayer gets to the right spot no matter what. 

I sometimes laugh in my prayers.  I occasionally tell God a joke – I start out with, ‘Stop me if you’ve heard this one’.  I share with God the events of my life – the good and the bad. 

I like prayer.  It draws me closer to God and refreshes me.