36th Day of Lent- Tuesday in Holy Week- Luke 15:20- Trust

 

When the younger son asked for his share of his inheritance, it would have been an insult to his father.  It's like saying, "You're already dead to me.  We're no longer going to be in a relationship.  You've died."  But there was  something deeper between these two, deeper than a relationship broken over money.  There was love- the love of a father for a son, and a son for a father.  The love was there, even though it was covered up by the hurt caused by the son's request for his inheritance and the poor decisions that followed.

The son, in the midst of his pain, still knew of his father's love.  Even if his motive was just to survive and rebuild his life, he still knew he could go back.  It would not be easy, but the door was still open. 

God never closes the door on us.  More than that, as the author suggests, God's love is like a magnet that pulls us back.  God's Spirit is always at work, not forcing us to return, but giving us that opportunity over and over again.  How fortunate we are that we have such a loving God, a love made abundantly clear on the cross.  As Jesus said, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."  He will draw all people.  Even a disobedient son who once considered him dead.  Even us.  Thanks be to God.

The 35th Day of Lent- Monday in Holy Week- Luke 15:14- Bottom

The younger son in this story had lost himself.  Whether it was his lack of maturity, greed, or some combination of other things, this son was not himself.

Have you ever known someone who lost himself or herself? I have.  It's a frightening and disturbing thing, especially when it is someone you know and love.  Who is this person?  What has he or she become?  This is not the person I once knew.  The place that I've seen it happen is with alcohol or other drugs, but there are other ways people can lose themselves. Something else takes control, changing the person into someone entirely different.

This happened to the younger son.  Surely he knew better than to waste his portion of the inheritance in the way that he did. He couldn't control his impulsive actions.   But, and here's the grace in this story, "he came to himself."  He did hit bottom and "came to himself."  Sadly, not everyone who hits bottom finds himself again.  And many need help- medical, spiritual, and psychological, to find their way back to their true self.  But it can happen.  I've seen it, and it is a miracle of God.

So there is hope for those you know and love who may have lost themselves.  If you feel like you have lost your true self, there is hope for you as well.  God is still present at the bottom.  Perhaps it is that very bottom that God uses to help one find their true self.  It happened for this younger brother.  It can happen for you and those you love as well.  Is there someone you know who you believe has lost their true self?  Pray for that person today, that God will make it possible for them to find themselves once again.    

Palm Sunday- Luke 15:13- Waste

The prodigal son is not the first person, nor will he be the last, to squander his money on useless and unnecessary things.  I recently watched a documentary titled, "Broke," about young, professional athletes who are given millions of dollars in their contracts, and end up broke three years later.  How can that happen, we wonder?  If they would simply put a portion in some conservative investment that is safe, they'd be set for life.  But, in many cases, that's not the way people, especially young people, think.  Perhaps, as the author suggests, it is due to a not yet fully developed prefrontal cortex in the brain.  Perhaps it is also the sin of greed.  In any case, poor decisions are made without regard to consequences.

What makes this story even sadder is that the young man is squandering the gift from his father, the undeserved inheritance.  It's one thing to waste money you've somehow earned.  That's not good, but one could argue you can do what you please with what is yours.  It's another thing to squander a pure, undeserved gift from someone else.  That's truly a waste.

We are given a great, undeserved gift of God's grace through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  This week that great drama is once again brought before us in the events of Holy Week.  What will we do with this undeserved inheritance?  Will we waste it like the younger son, or make better choices and seek to live the life God would have us live?  I suspect we all have some of the prodigal one within us.  We've all made choices we'd like to take back.  But today we have the opportunity to make new and better choices.  Let us choose to be good stewards of the grace of God given to us through the Passion of His Son.

The 34th Day of Lent- Luke 15:12- Insult

I've always felt it was odd for the younger brother to ask for his share of the inheritance from his father.  Who does that?  Who asks for an advance on his inheritance?  It takes a lot of nerve to do that, but, as we see in the story, the younger brother was very impulsive and not very good at keeping appropriate boundaries.

It's also odd that the father grants his request.  When I get insulted, I get angry and perhaps argumentative.  Not this father.  He knows his son and decides that the best thing to do is to give him his share of the inheritance and let him go do with it what he wills.

There must have been great pain in the father's heart- both because of the insult from his son and because the relationship was, for all practical purposes, dead.  The son was cutting himself off from the father, and they very likely may never see each other again.

Today's devotion reminds us of what sin is and does.  Martin Luther defined sin as curving in upon oneself.  That's what the son does, curves in on himself and brashly asks for his inheritance.  And then sin breaks hearts, especially the heart of God. It's a sobering thought to think of the many ways over the course of my life I've broken God's heart.  Thankfully, this parable does not end here.  But it is a reminder of the serious effects that sin has on one another and on the One who made us and loves us.     

33rd Day of Lent- Luke 15:29- Rivalry

In an earlier parable, "The Workers in the Vineyard," the question of fairness came up.  It doesn't seem fair that the workers who start late in the day are paid the same, a day's wage, as those that started at the beginning of the day.  And yet the owner did what he promised, it's just that he was more than generous to those who worked less hours.

In this parable, the question of fairness again arises, but now from the viewpoint of the older brother.  "It's not fair" that the  younger, disobedient brother gets a party when he returns home, but the faithful, obedient older brother never has had a party.  Sibling rivalry indeed, and perhaps for good reason, from a human point of view!

A party wasn't necessary for the older brother.  He was cared for and had much to celebrate every day.  He still had his portion of the inheritance, plenty of food, shelter, and daily work.  The younger brother lost all of that when he went away.  Through his actions, he was as good as dead to the father and the family.  But he wasn't dead.  In the midst of his departure, at his lowest point, he turned around and came back.  The older brother had everything he ever needed.  The younger one lost it all.  Rather than judge his younger brother, the older brother, too, learns he should welcome him back, simply thankful that the one thought to be dead, has returned to the family.

It's so easy to fall into that judgmental attitude.  That's what had happened with the scribes and the Pharisees.  They felt they were morally superior to others.  But Jesus brings a new understanding.  Every person is valued in God's eyes and welcome in the family, regardless of what may have taken place in the past.  Those of us who are blessed to be in God's daily care, ought be especially grateful when others join or return to the household of God. 

32nd Day of Lent- Luke 15:11-32- The Parable of the Lost Son- Luke 15:11-32- Analogy

For the final nine days of Lent, and then on Easter Sunday, we will be looking at our last parable in this series, The Parable of the Lost Son.  It is the third of the "lost" parables in Luke 15, and is the most personal and intimate.  The lost one is not a sheep, or a coin, as important as those items may be to the owner, but a son.  This is one's flesh and blood, one a parent has poured his or her life into. If you've ever felt like you've "lost" a son or daughter, either literally or figuratively, then you will feel the emotion of this parable.

It should also be mentioned as we begin the study of this parable that there is a second son, the older brother, who faithfully stays with his father at home.  In the previous two parables (the lost sheep and the lost coin), the parables conclude with the lost item found and calling the neighbors and friends to celebrate.  In this parable, the reaction of the older brother and comments by his father, introduce another dimension to how we understand God's grace.

For today, let us focus on the personal, the love for a parent and child.  If you are a parent, pray for your children this day, regardless of their age.  Be grateful for their presence in your lives and all they mean to you.  If a relationship is strained or broken, pray God might find a way to bring healing in God's time and way.  And then pray for your own parents, or, if they have left this life, give thanks for all they did and meant to you.  Finally, pray for your siblings and be grateful for the role they have played in your life.  This parable begins with family relationships, "There was a man who had two sons."  Let us be grateful for our families and for God who cares for us like a loving parent. 

31st Day of Lent- Luke 15:9- Celebration

 

As we finish this parable, I am again reminded of God's searching love that reaches down to the individual heart.  The author mentions a youth group canoe trip.  I've been on many in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Minnesota.  In fact, it was on one such  trip that I had my faith in God strengthened greatly. I think I was in the 10th grade and the first night we were laying out on the flat rocks along the shore after dark, looking up at the stars in heaven.  The youth pastor read from
 Psalm 8, " When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars that you have established;
     what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
    mortals that you care for them? "
It was then that it struck me.  God, the creator of the vast universe, actually cares for me.  God, in Christ, came  to earth for me.  That still amazes me every day.  The parable concludes, "Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."  There must have been great joy in heaven that night as I was laying on those rocks.  There is a celebration every time a lost one is found- or in many cases- found again.  Thanks be to God that God did not stay apart from us in heaven, but has come down seeking each one of us.

30th Day of Lent-Luke 15:8- Sweeping

To be honest, until I read today's devotion, I had never thought about the "sweeping" work of Jesus Christ.  So, once again, I'm grateful for the author, Dean Nadasdy, to focus on this one word today.  There have been many times I have used a broom, or broom handle, to reach under an appliance or bed to reach for something I could not get to, or use a sweeping motion to see if what I've been looking for might have fallen underneath.  There have also been many times, especially when sweeping out the garage, that I've swept thing up that I had long ago given up for lost.  And, of course, brooms don't sweep by themselves.  It takes effort on our part to make them work and do what they're intended to do.

This can all be related to a loving God who is busy sweeping God's world, both cleaning things up and finding things that are lost.  Today's devotion reminds me that we have a loving, active, working God who goes to great measure to find the lost.  God's work is "sweeping" indeed, "sweeping" in the breadth and effort God has done to draw all people back to God.  Next time I pick up a broom to do some sweeping around the house (admittedly a rare occurrence!), I'll now remember God's "sweeping" work on my behalf, and on behalf of all of us.  Given that new insight, perhaps doing a little sweeping around the house is not such a bad thing after all!

29th Day of Lent- Luke 15:8- Dark

If this parable were updated to today's technology, the woman would pull out her cell phone and tap on the flashlight app to look for the lost coin.  No need to mess with oil in a lamp- but you still better be sure the battery is charged!  The point is the same, the light shines in the dark corners to hopefully reveal the lost coin.

1 John 1:8 says, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."  We all have dark corners within ourselves, actions and attitudes that simply don't measure up to what we know God would want. In the light of God, those areas are revealed and found out.  But the verse above continues, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  In being found by God's light, we are not punished or condemned.  Quite the opposite, we are forgiven and cleansed!  The lost one is reunited with God and a relationship again established.


If the woman is similar to God in this parable, then God is actively looking for us, carrying a lamp or flashlight, shining it in the dark corners until we are located.  How grateful I am that God seeks us out, not afraid of the dark, until we are found and brought into the light.

The 5th Sunday in Lent- Luke 15:8-10- The Parable of the Lost Coin- Value

Today we begin the second of the three "lost" parables in Luke 15, the parable of the lost coin.  I can relate to this one pretty easily.  How many times have I lost something valuable and important to me, and, almost in a panic, looked everywhere I could think of until it was found.  Lost keys come to mind.  My cell phone.  Where did I put my wallet?  How about that missing credit card I used to buy something online?  Where could they have gone?  Like the woman in the parable I rack my brain and re-trace my steps until, usually, I'm able to find the lost item.  It was in my other coat pocket.  I thought I brought it home, but I left it at church.  O, that's right, I put it in the glove compartment in my car.  No matter where I found it, it's always a great sense of relief when the lost item is found!

Today's devotion reminds us that someone who is lost is of great value to God.  The lost one has in some way been detached from God.  How or in  exactly what way is less important than the fact that they are disconnected.  And so, like the woman who has lost the valuable coin, God goes looking until the lost one is found.  What a great message of hope.  We are all of great value to God.  When we go astray and find ourselves lost, God goes out and looks for us until we are found. There's no judgment here,  just rejoicing.  The lost has been found. Praise God!

Lord, if I'm in any way feeling lost and disconnected from you today, find me and bring me home.  Amen

28th Day of Lent- Luke 15:7- You Lost Me

The statistics are sobering.  59% of young adults 18 - 30 have stopped attending church after being regular attenders.  For many, the old pattern of finding a mate in your early 20's, having children, returning to church- simply no longer holds true.  It's a different world for our young adults, and a good place to start is acknowledging that reality.

To some extent, those of us who make up the "99" who are the church today, need to acknowledge that we haven't always done the best job of listening and responding to this demographic.  Perhaps we have been overly slow to change.  On the other hand, each new generation has to also find their own way and form their own communities, not necessarily dependent on the patterns that have been before them.

There is reason for hope.  As a soon to turn 60 year old, I can only be who I am.  To a 20 or 30 year old, 60 seems really old.  I get that.  I can't manufacture activities or a community that will meet their needs.  They need to do that, and they are.  Across our church denomination there are many new forms of "church" arising that are being led by and meeting the needs of young people.  They may not be gathered around an altar in front of pews, but perhaps in a coffee shop or around tables and a meal in someone's home.  These are ministries that are formed around the same fundamentals that I grew up with, God's Word, the sacraments, and service; but in new settings.  And, some young adults are, in fact, finding their way to more traditional churches like ours, finding ways to learn and serve, and finding meaning for their lives in their participation.

The Shepherd, the Holy Spirit of God, is at work seeking those who have wandered and are searching.  I can do my part in being a faithful witness to God, open to new ideas and ways.  But it's the Spirit of God that draws people in and creates new ways for Christians, young and old, to be in community.  That's the way it's always been, and will continue to be for generations to come.    

27th Day of Lent- Luke 15:6- Joy

There are some things that are just better done with others.  Rejoicing is one of them. 
There are times, such as when I'm writing this devotion or working on my sermon, I need to be alone to concentrate and think. But it's hard to rejoice alone.  Joy doesn't so much require deep thought as it does others with which to celebrate.

The shepherd, of course, felt joy deep within when he found the lost sheep.  What a relief!  The searching is over!  The lost one is safe!  But to really celebrate, he needed others who could rejoice with him.  So he brings the lost sheep home, he calls together his neighbors and friends, and they share the joy together.

In Christian community we share lots of different feelings and experiences.  I hope one we feel often is joy.  God, through the power of the Spirit, has found us.  God has brought us back to the flock.  God is bringing others.  Call your neighbors!  Tell your friends!  The lost have been found.  That's reason to celebrate!

26th Day of Lent- Luke 15:5- Shoulders

Today's devotion reminded me of the famous Christian poem "Footprints in the Sand."  To summarize, a person had a dream about their life and saw two sets of footprints in the sand along the beach.  One belonged to the person, one belonged to the Lord.  The person understood this to mean that God walked beside him/her throughout life.  Then the poem continues:

"But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
There is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why in times when I
needed you the most, you should leave me.
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious
child. I love you, and I would never,
never leave you during your times of
trial and suffering.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."

In the parable of the lost sheep, when the sheep is found, the shepherd carries the lost one on his shoulders.  There the sheep is  safe from all danger. In much the same way, God also carries us when we lose our way and then are found.  As the author points out, we are carried on those very shame shoulders that once carried the cross.  What a humbling and powerful thought.  What love is expressed when Jesus carries us.  In whatever challenges you may be faced with at this time, remember that the Lord will carry you through if you give that burden to him and allow him to carry you. 

25th Day of Lent- Luke 15:4- One

As I've said in other places, parables often contain a surprise.  For example, it's surprising that the Samaritan helps the injured man by the road, and not the priest or Levite.  It's surprising that the owner of the vineyard pays a full day's wage to the workers that start last and only work a couple hours.  In this parable, I find it surprising that the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to go and find the one.  Isn't that a bit reckless?  Who's watching the ninety-nine?  Do you risk losing the whole flock to wild beasts or other peril, just to find the single sheep that is lost?

Well, in this parable, the answer is yes.  The one matters.  Perhaps the shepherd had a way to provide for the safety of the ninety-nine.  They were together, in one flock.  But there was one that was lost, very much in danger, and the one needs to be found and brought back to the flock.  The shepherd leaves his flock to find that one lost one.

Sometimes I wonder, do churches spend too much time caring for the ninety-nine, and too little time searching for the lost one?  If I'm honest, I have to admit that as a pastor over the years, most of my time has been spent caring for the ninety-nine. Most (not all) church members prefer to be involved with things that care for members of the flock.  It's risky, takes time, and pulls us out of our comfort zone as we search for the one that is lost.  This devotion is an important reminder that the one matters, especially to God.  Who is the one that you know that has wandered from the flock?  What can you do to bring them back?  That one matters to God and the angels of heaven. 

24th Day of Lent- Luke 15:1-7- The Parable of the Lost Sheep- Pharisees

Today we begin the eighth parable (or grouping of parables) in our Lenten devotional study.  This is the first of three parables in Luke 15 that all have a similar theme- welcoming back the lost one.  Jesus tells these parables in response to the grumbling of the Pharisees and the scribes who are saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." 

The legalism of the scribes and Pharisees is well documented.  There was an "us" vs. "them" mentality, the righteous vs. the unrighteous.  Jesus, through his love and acceptance, was attracting those who many considered the unrighteous, the tax collectors and sinners.  This was challenging the established system, suggesting that all people are God's children and that everyone, regardless of background, is in need of God's grace.

Legalism, of course, continues in varying forms to this day.  Within all religions there are those who feel the need to maintain order through the rules, and those who would much prefer to simply be led by the Spirit.  I suppose the truth lies somewhere in the middle, with enough guidelines to maintain reasonable order, but always being open to new possibilities directed by the Spirit.

As we have seen with all the parables, they really are written for each of us.  For legalism can be found in our hearts as well.  In what ways do  I have an "us" vs. "them" mentality?  What rules do I harbor in my heart that keep certain people out of my life?  Who might cross my path today, that I might welcome rather than exclude?  The Pharisees grumbled.  Jesus welcomed.  May we be more like Jesus today.   

23rd Day of Lent- Matthew 20:15- Generosity

God is the great giver.  From creating us and all that exists, to sustaining life through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat;  to calling Abraham to be the Father of a great nation, to bringing forth God's Son through Mary, to giving his Son for the sins of the world on the cross, God is always giving.  "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son..." John 3:16

Since God is a giver, and we are created in the "image of God," (Genesis 1:27) it follows that we are created to be givers as well.  That is the key to the abundant life God wants for us.  And yet, our sinful selves often tell us to do the opposite, to guard what we have for ourselves.  The conflict between selfishness (and perceived security) and generosity is always at work within us.

So today we are reminded again of the generosity of the owner of the vineyard.  He did nothing wrong in the way he chose to pay his workers.  He simply chose to be especially generous to those who worked only a few hours in the vineyard.  To whom might we share a little extra generosity with today?  Is there a random act of kindness that you might do?  Is there some extra time or a few extra dollars you might give, for no other reason than you choose to be generous.  God is our model.  Let's not allow the sinful self to rule the day, but let's choose to be generous, as God has been generous with us. 

4th Sunday in Lent- Matthew 20:15- Grace

One of my favorite contemporary Christian songs is "Your Grace is Enough" by Chris Tomlin.  You can listen to it here.  Much like the classic hymn, "Amazing Grace," the song is a song of praise for God reaching down to us in love in Christ.  And that's all we really need.  God's grace is enough to save us and guide us throughout our life on this earth.

The surprise in this parable is that the owner of the vineyard is so generous with his money to those who work fewer hours in the vineyard.  Who really does that, pay a full day's wage to a worker hired for a couple hours late in the day?  But that's precisely the point.  God is amazingly generous with God's grace, providing it freely to all people, regardless of what one has or has not done in the past. 

How God distributes God's grace is up to God.  God is the owner, and can do so in accordance with God's will.  All I know is that "God's grace is enough for me."  Whatever measure of grace God has granted me, it's enough.  In fact, it's more than enough.  Thanks be to God!

22nd Day of Lent- Matthew 20:13-14- Fairness

It's not fair!  Every parent has heard that cry from one or more of their children.  Part of the challenge of parenting is to try and maintain some level of fairness among siblings, which, of course, is an impossible task.  Sometimes parents simply have to say, "I know it's not fair, but that's the way it is.  Now go and clean your room!"

From the worker's perspective, it doesn't seem fair that those who only work an hour or two late in the day, are paid the same amount, a full day's wage, as those who were first hired and worked all day.  But, the master of the vineyard did fulfill his agreement.  He paid the first hired what they agreed to.  It's just that he paid the same to the ones hired later, and that seems unfair.

This parable is a reminder that it's the Master who makes the decisions, and not the workers.  The Master is the owner, and the Master can do what the Master chooses.  Do we really want the Master to remit wages on the basis of what we think we deserve?  In Romans 6:23 Paul writes, "The wages of sin is death."  Since we all sin, that's the wage we all deserve.  But God has gone way beyond fairness in making it possible for all to live in a right relationship with God.  "But God proves his love for us in that while we were  sinners Christ died for us.  Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God." (Romans 5: 8-9)

Thankfully, God is not fair- God is more than fair.  God moves beyond the human boundaries of fairness, to make it possible for all to be saved through Him.  That's not just fairness, that's love.

"Lord, thank You that You are more than just fair."  Amen 

21st Day of Lent- Matthew 20:3-5- Demand

With today's devotion we have passed the halfway point in the 40 day season of Lent.  One question to ask yourself is, "How is it going for me?"  Have I been able to give some spiritual focus to this season, in the midst of a world that does not do so?  Have I been able to do a little extra for a community full of so many needs?  These are questions to  to ask as we  continue our Lenten journey for the next 20 days.

Today's devotion focuses on the need for workers in the vineyard.  I particularly like the author's insight that the need for more workers throughout the day echoes the words of Jesus to the disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few," which then continues, "therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest." (Matthew 9:37-38) This, or course, is a verse about mission.  From its earliest beginnings, the Christian community has been a missionary church, understanding the good news of God's love is to be shared with others.

It's a big world we live in.  China has the world's largest population, at 1.4 billion.  India is next, at 1.3 billion.  The U.S., which is third, is small in comparison, at 325 million.  That's a big vineyard.  That's a lot of grapes!  What can one worker possibly accomplish in such a big place?  Well, it starts with one person, but one who is not working alone.  Together, in word and deed, we share the good news of God's love in a world broken in many ways.  We do our part, however big or small, while others do the same.  We all participate in the work, understanding the harvest is the Lord's. We trust God, through the work of God's laborers, will bring in the fruit.  There's lots of mission work to be done, so go out into the vineyard today, and do God's work!

20th Day of Lent- Matthew 20:11-12- Tenure

In the Christian community, specifically the local congregation, it's not uncommon to have four, and sometimes even five generations of people worshiping and interacting together. From the newborn infant to the elder saint in his or her nineties, we are one community united in the gospel.  Age doesn't matter.  What matters is the common faith we hold and that together we grow in that faith as we learn from one another.  There are very few other places where such interaction takes place across the generations.  What a blessing!

In the Body of Christ, not only do we have a variety of gifts, we have a variety of "tenures."  And it is not simply based on age.  Some come to faith early in life, some later.  Some are life-long members of a congregation, others are brand new to the community.  This variety of tenure is also a blessing and keeps the church vibrant.

Since we all enter God's kingdom by God's grace alone, none of us can claim to be "owed" something more from God. And since we all need forgiveness every day, none of us is more deserving than another, regardless of age. That seems to be the point of this parable.  How long we are in the Kingdom is secondary.  What matters is that, by the grace of God, we are called to be workers in the vineyard, the Kingdom of God.  To quote this morning's prayer, "Lord, unite us as we serve in Your name, veterans and newcomers alike." Amen   

19th Day of Lent- The Parable pf the Workers in the Vineyard- Matthew 20:1-16- Vocation

Today we begin a new parable, the seventh in our devotions, the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.  The author is correct when he writes, "Martin Luther saw ordinary work as sacred."  Luther was reacting against a common two-tiered assumption of his day, that there were the sacred religious callings, like priests and Bishops, and then there were the common, every day tasks that everyone else did.  This understanding still hangs on today.  It is assumed that pastors are "called" into the ministry, while parishioners have "jobs" of one sort or another.  In another quote of Luther he writes, "A cobbler, a smith, a farmer, each has the work and office of his trade, and yet they are all alike consecrated priests and bishops, and every one by means of his own work or office must benefit and serve every other, that in this way many kinds of work may be done for the bodily and spiritual welfare of the community, even as all the members of the body serve one another." (from, "An Open Letter to the Christian Nobility)  For Luther, and for us, all our work is sacred in so far as it serves God and the community.

In this parable, all the laborers were "called and sent" by the master.  In what sense to you think of what you do as a calling from God?  What have you been sent to do?  Whatever it is you are now doing, think of it as your vocation, your calling, your way to serve God and the community.  And if you are restless or unhappy in that calling, perhaps God is preparing you for something new yet to come.  In any case, who you are and what you do is holy to God.  Thanks be to God for the many vocations to which people are called and which make possible life in community!  

18th Day of Lent- Luke 10:36-37 - Imitation

It's interesting that the Parable of the Good Samaritan concludes with words that focus on the actions of the Samaritan.  When Jesus asks the lawyer "Which of the three was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" he answers, "The one who showed him mercy."  He showed he was a neighbor by  his acts of mercy.  And then Jesus concludes, "Go and do likewise."  "Go" and "do" are both verbs, words that command us to move and take action.

 There are many people I admire, but will never be able to imitate, if by that I mean, "be just like them."  We're each our own unique person, with certain gifts and abilities, placed in specific situations, for this season of life. I cannot be someone I am not, although sometimes I have tried to go down that path.  But while I can't be another person, I can imitate the actions and values of those I admire.  I think that's the lesson of this parable.  As the Samaritan showed extravagant mercy without boundaries, so should I "go and do likewise."

As the author points out, we now have One whose boundless acts of love and mercy exceed even that of the Good Samaritan.  It is Jesus himself who has shown us mercy, so we might be merciful to others.  And more than that, by the gift of his Spirit, he empowers us to do so.  As you enter into this day, may you be aware of the opportunities for you to be a neighbor to those around you.  And may you be that neighbor  through the acts of mercy you share.      

17th Day of Lent- Luke 10:34-35- Extravagance

The priest and the Levite who passed by the injured man on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho were probably in a hurry and on there way to something important.  But what about the Samaritan?  He probably was on his way to something important as well.  After all, isn't that why we have roads?  They are designed to take us some place we need to be.  Chances are you wouldn't be on the road unless you had some place to go for some important reason.

The Samaritan does indeed show extravagant mercy by giving the innkeeper two denarii, (about two days wages for a field laborer at that time) instructing him to take care of the man.  He even goes beyond that by promising to pay the innkeeper back for whatever he might spend in further assisting the injured man.  In the Utah legislature ( and probably in other state legislatures as well), any proposed bill has to have attached to it a "fiscal note" outlining what this will cost the taxpayer. As parishioner and friend Dave Allen pointed out when we were up at the capital a couple weeks ago, in the story of the Good Samaritan, there is no fiscal note attached.  The Samaritan simply gives what he has to help the man in need.

But what is truly extravagant to me is not the money given, but the time.  The Samaritan had surely some place to be.  That's why he was on the road!  But, unlike the priest and Levite, he took time to stop and help this man.  More than that, he took the time to place him on his own animal, probably a donkey, and take him to an inn to stay.  He stayed overnight with him, before giving the innkeeper the denarii to help pay for his needed care.  He took a full day out of his life to care for this injured man, and promised to stop by and check on him on his way back as well.  He was extravagant with his money, but I'm amazed at how extravagant he was with his time.

 There are many ways we can help others in need in the world.  Giving money is one important and necessary way.  But giving time truly makes an impact.  It shows a level of concern and compassion that  giving money alone cannot do.  Giving time takes caring to a deeper level.  In what ways do you give of your time to help others in need?  

3rd Sunday in Lent- Luke 10:33- Compassion

So much of the Christian faith has to do with the heart.  In the well known "covenant of the heart" Jeremiah writes, "I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts." (Jeremiah 31:33)  For the priest and the Levite who passed by, the Jewish law remained external, on the outside, it did not move them within to love the neighbor in need.  Ironically, it is the Samaritan, who did not follow the law in the same way, who was moved with compassion for the wounded one.

Some people are blessed with the gift of mercy.  They are naturally inclined to be people of compassion.  You find them in the helping professions such as nurses, doctors, and social workers.  They may serve as Stephen Ministers in local congregations, or volunteer in some way at a local hospital.

For others compassion comes less naturally.  Not everyone is "wired" the same way.  But compassion is certainly something that we can learn and grow into in new ways.  God can work on our hearts and provide for us opportunities to be compassionate.  There is so much need around us.  It is as close as our family and friends, in the church we attend, in the community we live, and the greater world that we all share.  The world needs compassion.  Let's ask God, through the power of the Spirit, to fill us with compassionate hearts today.

16th Day of Lent- Luke 10:32- Passersby

My daily "to do" list is usually pretty long.  Between responsibilities in the congregation,  responsibilities at home, and taking some time for myself, there's not much left of the day .  As a result, I have to admit, I'm not crazy about interruptions.  By definition, an interruption is unscheduled.  You can't tap "interruption" into the calendar on your phone.  You can't enter a time when that will occur.  They disrupt the scheduled life.

The priest and the Levite were undoubtedly men with scheduled lives and important responsibilities on their calendars.  It's hard to imagine neither would stop to help this wounded man, but then again, we've all heard of occasions when many people do pass by someone that is hurt and in need of help.  Getting involved is a risk and interruption many choose not to take.

Today's devotion reminds me that life does not run on my schedule.  Interruptions do occur, and it is often in these very interruptions that I am needed most.  The sermon can wait, life will go on without the council report, someone else can proof the bulletin- this person needs me now.  For a scheduled person, it can be hard to set aside the "to do" list full of important responsibilities.  But it may well be that it is in the interruption that God is most present.

Note:  While writing this devotion, Melissa "interrupted me" to come upstairs and see the moon setting over the mountains.  I'm glad she did, for it reminded me of the amazing God of all creation!

 

15th Day of Lent- Luke 10:31- Chance

One of the things I appreciate about these daily devotions is that the author slows us down as we look at the parables.  Today he points us to a phrase I typically would rush right past when reading, "by chance."  "Now by chance a priest was going down that road ...."  At one level, the phrase simply serves to set up the irony of the story.  A priest happens to be going by, then a Levite, (another religious man from the tribe of Levi), and neither of these supposedly righteous men stop to help.  Then comes the Samaritan, hated by the Jews, who is the one to stop and help.  How ironic that these three happen to be on that road, and that the one most despised is the one who helps.

On a deeper level it makes us think about why certain things take place at certain moments in our lives.  Luck?  Misfortune?  Coincidence?  God directed?  I personally don't believe that God controls every action and event in my life.  God has given me free will after all, and I make hundreds of choices every day, as do you.  Some may be good, others bad, but they are my choices.  At the same time, I do believe that God is present and active in my life.  I've had countless "God incidences" where, for reasons I cannot fully explain, I believe the guiding hand of God has placed me for a reason.  A non-believer might call it chance, but I see it as God's guidance for a particular purpose.

Whether you agree with that or not, I think the author's final point cannot be questioned.  "Not debatable, though, is the truth that when an opportunity comes to show compassion, we are meant to take it."  How true.  In what ways will you show compassion today? 

14th Day of Lent- Luke 10:30- Violence

We hear about acts of violence every day in our world.  Is the world more violent than ever, or, is it that we now have instant access to when violence occurs, pictures and all, through modern communications?  Probably a combination of the two.  People have access to more violent weapons, and then violent acts get posted on the internet, which brings displays of acts of violence to our phones, tablets, and computers.  Violent acts may be on the other side of the world, in some far off place we would never go, carried out by a few, and yet, it feels like it is right in our own homes.  There is a psychological impact, if nothing else, that nearly everyone feels.

What can we do about this?  Well, start by finding something else to do rather than watching a constant news feed which includes acts of violence.  One can be informed by the news without becoming obsessed with it.  Prayer, I think, is a good, healthy response when we learn of acts of violence taking place.  We bring it to God, with hearts of compassion, and pray for those affected or responding to difficult situations.  Of course, if violence hits close to home, an even more personal response is appropriate as we care for those in need.

Violence, of course, plays a major part in the Christian faith.  Like the victim in the parable, Jesus is stripped, beaten, and crucified on the cross.  That's a hard thing to think about.  But, in this case, it is an act of obedience and love.  He does that for us, so that the violence within and without may be forgiven.  More than that, through faith we are then transformed to be people of love, to show all the world that violence is not God's will, but rather,  we have been made to love one another.  May we seek to be examples of love this day, showing those around us there is a better way than the majority of things we see on the news.   

13th Day of Lent Luke 10:25-37- The Parable of the Good Samaritan- Neighbors

Many years ago at family camp week at Luther Point Bible Camp in Grantsburg, WI., we were asked to think about a theme Bible verse for our lives.  Is there a verse or two that best fits for you and your understanding of the Christian faith?  Well, as you can imagine, there could be many.  But for me, the verse in today's lesson, Luke 10:27, came to mind.  The lawyer answered, "You shall love the Lord with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."  Loving God and loving neighbor provides both the vertical dimension in life, the spiritual,  and the horizontal, the human.

The lawyer, of course, wanted to narrow the definition of neighbor, to his personal understanding of that.  For example, the non-Jew may not be a neighbor.  Or maybe someone who is handicapped or sick or does not attend the synagogue.  But Jesus, in telling the parable of the Good Samaritan, does just the opposite.  There are no limits on the definition of neighbor.  Everyone is the neighbor, and all should be treated with compassion, especially when there is someone in need.  Jesus demonstrated this in both the way he treated people and by laying down his life for all.  Who is your neighbor?  Is there anyone excluded?  Let us all ask God to give us inclusive hearts, so we can truly say all people are our neighbors and live accordingly.     

12th Day of Lent Matthew 13:44-46- Precious Me

The author of our devotions gave me a new insight this morning.  Typically we understand ourselves as the ones who ought be willing to give everything for the precious treasure and pearl of the kingdom of heaven.  But what if the one who finds the treasure and the priceless pearl is not us, but God?  What if, in God's eyes, we are the treasure and the pearl, and our loving and seeking God gives all to find us? What an insight into the character of God and our worth in the Father's eyes!

If you ever feel worthless, like nobody cares, of little value, wondering what's the point of what can be a difficult life, remember these little parables. God loves you and gives everything for you.    As the author so wonderfully writes, "Jesus finds us.  He seeks us out, the way one looks for a lost treasure or the perfect pearl.  He sells all for us.  As he lays down his life for us, He confirms our worth.  We are worth everything to Him!"  There's nothing more to add to that than a resounding Amen!

11th Day of Lent The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Priceless Pearl, Matthew 13:44-46 - Precious Lord

In today's devotion, which begins another set of parables, the author makes reference to the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer and his well known painting, "The Girl with the Pearl Earring."  You can look at this painting by clicking here.  I'm certainly no art critic, but apparently this pearl became the focal point of this painting and became the defining point of his work.

What would people say is the defining point in your life?  When they think of you, what do they see as important?   Your spouse?  Your family?  Your house?  Your job?  Your personality?  Your looks?  Your talents?  Your church involvement?  Your faith?  What is the "pearl" that people see?

In the parable of the priceless pearl, the merchant found one pearl so precious, he went and sold all he had and bought it.  For Christians, the priceless pearl is the kingdom of God, received by faith in Jesus Christ.  Hopefully, in my words and actions, that is what people see when they look at my life.  If so, thanks be to God.  I don't expect I'll ever be in a painting, certainly nothing like the girl in Vermeer's work, but there is still a "pearl" to be seen.    What "pearl" is most precious to you?

2nd Sunday in Lent Matthew 13:30- Until

Parables often have a surprising, unexpected twist.  In the Parable of the Good Samaritan it is surprising that it is the Samaritan, from a group of people in conflict with the Jews, who helps the man beaten and injured by the side of the road.  One would have expected the priest or Levite to have stopped.   In today's parable, it is surprising that the Master lets the weeds remain and grow with the wheat.  Who does that?  Aren't fields and gardens to be weeded regularly, so that the desired plants can grow to their full potential?  Isn't a weedy garden a sign of neglect and ultimate failure when it comes time to harvest?  Apparently not, in this case.

This parable is not intended to be instruction in how to become a master gardener.  It speaks to me about tolerance and being non-judgmental.  It speaks to me about being compassionate and loving towards all those around me.  Who am I to judge who is "wheat" and who is "weed?"  A judgmental attitude damages the whole field.  Both weeds and wheat are potentially harmed.  God alone is the final authority who determines what is wheat for the barn and weeds for the fire.

Until that day, and while I am given the gift of life, my witness is to be one of love, tolerance, and respect for all people.  Truthfully, I'm both weed and wheat, sinner and saint, just like everyone else.  So, I'll leave the judging to God.    I'm good with that.  I never much liked weeding anyway!