When Eli asked what the Lord said it seems that Samuel was hesitant to tell him afraid of what Eli might do hearing God’s punishment for the acts of his adult children. Despite his fear, Samuel spoke the truth. As a prophet of God he was called to do so many more times; even to the king. That is a lesson we may need to learn as well. It is not always easy to speak the truth. In fact it takes courage especially when it endangers our lives.
Read MoreWhen this story was composed – during the Babylonian captivity – the Israelites were not interested in how the world came about. They were questioning their whole lives, their faith, and their God. Their lives were in chaos.
Read MoreWhile we have not been forcefully removed from our homes, nor are we threatened by foreign powers, our lives often seem so fragile. We are bombarded by concerns, worries, and doubts. Our lives are not what we wish them to be. These past nine months have certainly been trying. Yet, through it all God has been present in our lives.
Read MoreThey were the beauty of God’s crown and his royal diadem not because of their wealth, position, power, or ability. They were people who struggled. They had doubts, fears, and worries and were often confused and lost. But they are God’s glory because God held them in his hand.
Read MoreThat [first Christmas] celebration was not filled with gifts, friends, family, or feast. Instead it was darkness, fear, and curiosity, giving way to wonder. “Let us go and see this thing that has taken place.”
Read MoreThus Luke’s message may be that God is present in all of our lives. It does not matter who you are or how old you are, God calls you to God’s kingdom and gives you a task to do.
Read MoreWe also struggle to make sense of a world turned upside- down because of the Covid-19 virus. While governments try to decide how to save lives others complain about their rights. In a world where people think it is alright to send death threats because things did not go the way they wanted, we hear Jesus echoing Isaiah’s words. Words of comfort, but also words of action. We are called, as God’s people not to act out of selfish desires but in order to help others.
Read MoreGod did not make the Israelites return to the promised land free and easy. In fact, as last week’s text from Isaiah showed, it was hard work and struggle. What God is offering here is to change the rules of the game. God is promising a new way to salvation.
Read MoreEvery generation of God’s people have had their own questions and struggles and darkness.
Read MoreWhile judgment is based on feeding the hungry, giving the thirsty a drink, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, taking care of the sick, and visiting those in prison, salvation is much deeper. Jesus is telling us that performing these acts should be second nature to us
Read MoreThe meaning of our parable for today seems obvious. God gives each of us talents (yes our word “talent” comes from the Greek word talanton the name of the Greek coin) and we are to do something with them.
Read MoreIt seems that Matthew was worried that many Christians were wandering off and not attending to the community, to worship, and answering the call of God. Matthew wanted his readers to see that being a Christian was not a one time once-a-week thing but entailed their whole life.
Read MoreIt was in those struggles about family, life, health, and faith where you were blessed by God. Think about it. It was not to the powerful or the rich that Jesus came but to those who society left behind, tax collectors and sinners.
Read MoreEach year, when we read these texts on Reformation I always seem to focus on how the Jews in our gospel are able to say that they had never been in bondage. Note these are those who are following Jesus. Could they not see how their own lives did not live up to God’s expectation? Were they so used to the way things were that they had no desire to reform their lives? That is what today is about reforming our lives around Go
Read MoreWhile we may argue over the amount of taxes and who should pay, we accept that principle [“No taxation without representation]. But that is not the question that we need to answer here. That question is, “What is God’s?”
Read MoreTogether these two parables are reminding Christians that they are invited to a banquet of great joy in the kingdom of God. That invitation also calls them to a new life. A life of repentance. We all know that a look at our lives will show that we are not worthy of the invitation. We are those who have been invited last.
Read MoreThat difficult work of sharing love to a world in great need of it but who often refuses it because something else is desired -- that is where our love song comes in.
Read MoreWe do not always answer God’s call or do his will. Often we answer our own will and convince ourselves that it is God’s. Other times we just do the opposite because that is what we desire.
Read MoreWhat we are reminded of here is that when God calls people into his kingdom he calls them to work. The second point that Jesus makes here is that there is always room for others to work and so he invites everyone who is willing to come in and work in the kingdom.
Read MoreThe question is, “have you forgiven those who have sinned against you?” Look carefully at your own words and deeds, it seems that your forgiveness may depend on how you have (or have not) forgiven others.
Read More