Lord help us hold the tension today where hope and despair run parallel. Help us grieve with those who approach gravesides and celebrate with all who receive news of relief and joy. Give us courage to be in the waiting; the tension of uncertainty and the anticipation that you might do something – say something – or reveal something we didn’t expect, today.
We live in a world of violence. Violence that condemns others, and a violence against our own selves. It doesn’t come from weapons we make; this comes from what it is deep within our hearts. Many of our hearts are broken.
Help us hold the tension of Maundy Thursday, where hope and despair run parallel. Allow us courage enough to come to the table, and humility enough to stay with you and with each other. Thank you for inviting us to stumble in with dirty, tired feet; hopes and dreams; unanswered questions; denial; masks and even love. There will be tension, so help us hold steady and not run away from you, today.
Amen.
Carpet in Guatemala. Semana Santa, 2017.
If you are looking for ways to experience a Maundy Thursday service tonight, here is a link: https://live.franklinfumc.org
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle. – Exodus 13:17
Sometimes the way we go doesn’t make sense at all, but it is God’s provision. And perhaps a grace in helping us become who God created us to be.
I still remember quite well what it felt like to be a young adult in my early twenties trying to figure out the road and way ahead. There were seasons when I could not see well, if at all. There were curves I didn’t expect or know how to navigate. On more than one occasion I found myself in the ditch! And there were glimpses of signposts every now and then that were enough to keep me moving ahead, one step at a time. It was not very pretty. Definitely not smooth. I have the healed over scars to make sure I never forget from where I’ve come. They have become beauty marks.
God has a way of taking us by the road that not only saves us from disasters we cannot see; the journey shapes us for a future that only God can vision.
The Israelites were on the wilderness road a very long time. They started out prepared for war, but the real battle seemed to be the one of surrender, trust and learning to be a community that follows God together. They received miracles, like manna and quail for food. They walked in circles and got sick and tired of the journey. They cried out for water and God provided. They failed and God restored them. When they followed God revealed more to them. They became a holy nation. Not perfect, but an identified people of God with a story of redemption. We are still telling the story!
What about you? Take a moment to look back to where you started. Maybe you will also see how the road by which you’ve come, somehow helped shape you and grow you into the person God created you to be. What safeguards kept you out of danger? What challenges reminded you of God’s faithfulness? What impossible things became possible, even though you didn’t see it unfolding?
I do wonder… as a community of faith, if we too can look back and see how God has shaped us as the body of Christ? How has that journey prepared us to be a reflection of God in the world right now? Is it possible that in this very moment, we also are being led by a road that helps assure we keep moving forward into the kingdom of God?
Whether you are looking back on the road you’ve traveled or wondering about the time to come, rest assured: there is so much more ahead! The same God who walked with you all this time will guide and prepare you for what is to come. You are not journeying alone.
The disciples walked through this week, what we call “Holy Week”, with Jesus…at least up to a certain point. It didn’t make sense. How could a journey to a shameful death ever make sense…
Prayer God, thank you for never leaving us on the journey alone. Thank you for guiding us by the road that will prepare us for your future. We trust you completely because you are faithful in all generations! Amen.
Farther Along. Leslie Jordon, Chris and Morgane Stapleton
God of heaven, God of earth God of all we know and all we cannot fathom: Draw us in at midday Give us pause in whatever we are doing To say “thank you!” To say, “help!” To say, “glory!” for all you reveal and do with our broken, messy, beautiful, courageous lives. Where pain is so great words will not come bring peace to the silence. Where joy is so strong that we move ahead too fast bring wisdom to trust your timing. Where grief is overflowing offer comfort in just the way it is needed. Wherever you find us, in the middle of this day Lord God of heaven, remind the whole world of your presence. Set our feet on solid ground and shine your Light on the path before us. We ask because you are so faithful to give and we have no good apart from you. Thank you, Lord, for holding your world with grace and love. Amen.
No waiting for you You were here long before me I see you created space for me to come Rest by your water and listen for your voice Always welcoming me. Thank you for softening my steps in the snow For slowing me down long enough to ponder the Grace you are offering; It is as if you love me. Perhaps you knew I would arrive this morning Cold and desperate to breathe in your air To hold the sights and sounds of you near my heart Snow covering the trees, my faithful companions.
This is the prayer I offer – this very spot of life God’s creative love poured out in the fog Lingering above the river Tree limbs bend in dance to touch the rising steam Birds laughing for the joy of Presence. More than my words will ever say Deeper than my soul can see Stronger than my heart can beat. Be at Peace Be loved. Know that God is near. Holy One, who knows us better than we know ourselves: …thank you for this gift. Amen.
I can hear the ice falling and it is comforting from my warm, safe place as the night nears end. Countless other situations could make the sound land differently on these ears. But tonight…a worn copy of Wendell Berry poetry, a refreshment of note and preparations for snow make it all just fine.
A fleeting memory returns of an ice storm in the early 90’s. It came quickly and harshly, sending many of us into emergency activation. I was living far out in the country and serving as the Director of EMS at the time; I had to go in. It wasn’t optional. The ice came faster than anyone imagined and by the time we activated our Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the trees had already started falling.
Feeling successful upon making it out of the long drive down our hill, I pulled onto the country road certain that my years of driving on snowy Kentucky roads would carry me confidently to the EOC where I could fulfill my duties. Until I came upon a big tree across the road. Bigger than me, bigger than my truck could cross and perhaps just “bigger” because it was dark and late and scary. And very cold! I got out and looked around. I knew the other way would be no different. I was the only human out in the middle of an ice storm, and I couldn’t imagine how I was going to do this.
And then I heard a sound, a motor. A single headlight was shining in the distance; the sound of an engine coming from the darkness, getting louder and closer. And there it was. A man on a 4-wheeler, with a chain saw. I couldn’t believe it! He was bundled up in camouflage. I had no idea who he was or how he knew to come. I am certain he could not have had any idea how desperate I was to get to my duty station. I explained that I was on my way to run the EMS response from our Emergency Operations Center and that I had to get through. He didn’t say much – maybe not even a word. He just started the chainsaw and started cutting.
I don’t know how long it took; I only know that within a very short time, he cleared a path and I drove through without incident until I arrived at the EOC. We were all there for several days. A blur of sorts, like most disasters tend to be.
It was many weeks later when a few neighbors got together to “get to know one another” that I discovered who the camo covered angel was that cut me a path during the ice storm . It was a neighbor, of course. He was 3rd or 4th generation of a family that lived in this special part of our community for many years. I’m sure he thought nothing of helping someone that night. That’s what neighbors in the country tend to do. For me, the stranger in camouflage was sent by God to give me aid. I had the chance to say, “thank you” and we all sat around sharing our stories from the legendary ice storm, complete with power outages and lots of people helping one another.
The pandemic has changed the way I reflect on every “disaster” I ever worked as a Paramedic. For eleven months we have been navigating our way through this event. We have become nimble and innovative. Isolation has wearied those who are vulnerable or sick. Too much togetherness in some cases has challenged the best of relationships. And way too much time has passed since we’ve seen people we love.
Of all the things we’ve learned in these last many months, our shared need to “love and be loved” sure seems consistently important. Before this Valentine’s Day reaches end, or the ice and snow lead all of us into yet one more shared adventure…be assured: you are loved.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear… – I John 4:18
God, please help us to not be so afraid to love each other. Give us courageous spirits and humble hearts. We ask your blessings and provision for the many people who risk their lives to protect, help and care for everyone during this storm. Send them aid in whatever way is needed. Thank you for always showing up when we need you! Amen.
Do not be afraid; you are loved.
Surprised by Franklin FirstKids ministry of our church! A great campaign of love they are spreading throughout the community.
May the blessing of the LORD fall upon you May the grace of God open the way of your steps As barriers fall, give thanks and grow courage; When the unexpected arrives, trust that The LORD remains near. Look upon the people you love with peace Give attention to that which your spirit desires; …even the impossible. Offer blessing wherever you go Pray for what appears as an enemy Watch. Like the bird and the river, Fly unencumbered and flow. May the blessing of the LORD fall upon you. Amen
In moments or seasons of difficulty it can be hard to find words in prayer. Anger or tears are sometimes our deepest expressions of what is in our hearts. God is the one who created us with both of these – the anger of emotion that lets us know something we care deeply about is at risk. The tears that are literally our bodies expressing deep joy and deep sorrow.
Many of us are praying for people we love who are grieving recent loss, struggling with illness, being courageous in healing, and some humbly preparing for death. Words tend to fade. Silence comes. Tears, anger, hope and love sit in every situation we hold in our hearts. Someone else sits there too. The resurrected Christ. Yes…the resurrected Christ. By the bedsides, in the surgery rooms, at the caskets, in your living rooms and parking lots; at the desk of your virtual classroom; walking down the street. Christ is there.
If you need words to pray for the people you love, I offer this familiar Psalm as a way to give words to your heart. Fill in the blanks with the names of your people. Write in the situations, even “enemies” that war in this moment. Name before the one who created us, all of your heart. God meets you right here.
The LORD is ______’s shepherd, _____ will not want. The LORD makes _______ lie down in green pastures, He leads ______ beside still waters, He restores _______’s soul. The LORD guides _______ in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. God is present with her/him; the LORD is shining light on ______’s path for this day. Even though ______ walks through the valley of the shadow of death, _______ will fear no evil, for the LORD is with her/him. The rod and staff of the resurrected Christ, comfort and guide __________.
The LORD prepares a table today for ________ in the presence of enemies (like cancer, death, betrayal, grief, addictions, illness; despair) The LORD anoints ______’s head with oil, providing a special blessing upon her/him. The cup of _______ overflows with God’s love and presence. Care and hospitality and grace are abundant. Mercy stands guard at _______’s door. Surely goodness and love will follow _______ all the days of her/his life, And ________ will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Amen. Psalm 23
We are not alone. We are with one another in spirit and in prayer. The resurrected Christ is also there.
Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. – Genesis 17:19
Abraham has just received a word from God that is more than he can comprehend. In their old ages of 90 and 100, Abraham and Sarah are going to have a son. There is going to be a birth! All Abraham can say, is something like: “what about Ishmael…can’t he be blessed?” Ishmael is the son born out of impatience; trying to take care of what Abraham and Sarah had expected God to do. When Sarah did not conceive a child within the timing she and Abraham expected it should happen, they sought other means.
It is not necessary for us to manufacture or create ahead of God. The LORD’s timing and way is not like ours. It is not limited to what makes sense. God does not work under the parameters of age or status or education or even economics, as we understand these things on earth. God has greater purposes than we can see and invites us into that holy unfolding.
What I love about this moment in Abraham’s life is that he wants the best for his family, and he asks for it, as perhaps any faithful father and husband would do. The LORD does not ignore his desire or plea. God meets him exactly there (yes, Ishmael will also receive a blessing), and God still invites Abraham into what is being fulfilled. A promise…an everlasting covenant. It is more than Abraham can comprehend but it is exactly what God is bringing to fruition. Abraham’s lack of confidence that this could actually happen is not a hindrance for the Creator of the universe.
When Paul writes to the early church in Ephesus he offers a benediction that also speaks of this way of God. The prayer ends like this: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21
It may seem that something God promises is impossible. And with human parameters, it may indeed be. But God is not limited by the things of this earth!
Lord, help us to follow you instead of trying to guide or manufacture your promises into being. Our intention is humble obedience and we are grateful for your constant presence as we walk through this life. We trust you and we love you. We yield ourselves into your hands with joy; for you are faithful and your mercies endure forever. Amen.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the man who sows to please the Spirit will reap eternal life. – Galatians 5:7-8
This teaching of Paul to the people in Galatia provides an unchanging principle about the way God created the order of our lives: we reap what we sow. In the whole letter to the Galatians Paul is urging them to focus in certain ways. The people have been distracted by other things and teachings. Confusion, doubt and even lies have settled in where they don’t belong. It is wreaking havoc in their lives and in their community of faith. These verses jump out for me today.
I wonder what we are sowing in our lives right now. If we think of our lives as a garden, the question would be: what seeds are we planting? What will our families be eating when harvest times comes? Will it be food that gives our bodies and minds strength for the time ahead? Will the labor of weeding, tending and harvesting bring peace at the end of the day? Or will our work bring doubt, despair and destruction? I wonder.
I can point to specific moments and even seasons when I was sowing seeds that didn’t help my life at all. It may have been too much marijuana to escape the struggle of my teenage years or long periods of neglecting health; or buying into the lure of distracting priorities. Ughh….we all have those times!
I can also point to moments and seasons where I asked God to help me realign what I knew wasn’t working. And in those moments God always led me back to sowing the seeds that would feed me well. I love this line from Psalm 40:2. I have been pulled thousands of times from the slimy pit!
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Today is the observed national holiday to remember Martin Luther King, Jr. I didn’t know Dr. King personally. I was alive but really young when he was assassinated. I do know of the seeds he planted because we still read, listen and even apply much of what he taught. Dr. King planted a garden from which we still feast. It was a garden of peace and justice. It was a dream that he shared with the people of our nation, and ultimately, the world. A dream God gave him to share at a specific time in our nation’s history. A dream of which the prophets of old, also spoke.
As I read Paul’s letter to the Galatians today it begs me to ask myself: what seeds am I sowing with my life? It’s an adult question. Our lives have lasting impact. From within our homes and wherever we walk; there is a trail we are always leaving for others. Perhaps this is the practice of today…to recognize that we do reap what we sow. Whether we are working or resting or marching or studying or speaking or playing: whatever we sow, we reap. I do wonder if we are brave enough to ask ourselves:
What seeds are we sowing in our families? What are we sowing in our work and in the way we work? What are we sowing in our relationships with friends and others we love? What are we sowing in our rest and recreation? What kind of community and nation are our seeds growing? What dreams are being dreamed in us?
Paul believed our actions yield results that shape our lives. His prayer was that our lives would be shaped for eternity. Jesus also prayed that for us. I am praying it for us too.
Lord Christ, have mercy on us. Pull us from the slimy pit and set our feet on solid ground. Where we are distracted, please have mercy and realign our steps. Where we are sowing seeds that bring destruction, we humbly and boldly ask you to free us from those chains. Remind us that you gave your life for our freedom and salvation, not for shame and condemnation. Where we are sowing the seeds of the Spirit in our lives, give us strength for the labor of love needed to continue with that work. And by your grace, merciful God, please don’t stop dreaming your dreams in us. We need your dreams in our spirits and minds right now. Give us courage to live into what you reveal as your kingdom is fulfilled on earth. We love you and we trust you completely. Thank you for not giving up on us. Amen.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9
Moses has died. The LORD gives Joshua his marching orders. He will lead the people across the Jordan River and into their next long season – the “promised land”. Joshua will have to be focused, he will need to meditate on the spiritual teachings and ways of God. He will have to lead with complete trust that the LORD will be with him. It’s going to take a lot of courage to take these next steps.
Walking into a new year when a lot of uncertainty remains can be disconcerting. The plans we make at the beginning of the year look different after you have lived through nearly 10 months of a pandemic. Travel….hmm; family reunions? Weddings? Fiestas? Workshops? Conferences? Vaccination lines…
So maybe our planning is more fluid and our hope is placed on what we know will not change in 2021. Where we have asked the God of heaven to guide and lead us with wisdom, we can anticipate that divine presence. Where we open our hands and let go of what we “want” and invite the Lord to give us what we need, we can trust God to provide. Risky? Perhaps. Trustworthy? Without question. Adventurous? Absolutely. It’s time to walk into our Mondays.
Prayer Lord we are all walking into rooms and situations today where we need strength, courage and hope. We need you. Please go before us and stay with us. Guide us in moments of discernment. Free us to be joyful along the way and to trust you.
In the exam rooms and surgeries; Lord, bring peace and healing. In the U.S. Congress; Lord, bring order and wisdom. In the recovery rooms of AA and so many others; Lord, have mercy. In the offices of leaders making plans and decisions; Lord, let your light provide guidance and clear steps. In our homes and all the places we come and go today; Lord, reveal your presence already there. In shelters, alleys and all rooms where desperation is eroding the dignity of another; Lord, send your people with compassion, hope and unconditional love. In hearts full of grief and sadness; Lord, bring your hope. In spirits where joy is strong and hope persists; Lord, overflow the blessings for your world. Fill us up and rise us up for we have no good apart from you; Lord, with you ALL things are possible.
Life in the Deep End 