Wandering Heart: Songs of Loudest Praise

 “Wandering Heart: Songs of Loudest Praise” was preached at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA on March 24, 2024. You can hear/watch this sermon here, starting at 42:15.

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Scripture text:
John 12:12-16

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As we gather here on this Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the joyous cries that filled the air on that remarkable day when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt. “Hosanna, Hosanna – blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna!” 

Our scripture text invites us to imagine ourselves in the crowd, witnessing this extraordinary event. During this Season of Lent, most of our imagining and witnessing has come through the eyes of Peter. But as Holy Week begins with the Triumphant Entry as found in the Gospel of John, Peter is no longer front and center, and so we imagine he is with the rest of the disciples when Jesus enters Jerusalem.

The disciples, including Peter, stood there in awe, surrounded by a sea of people shouting hosannas. Can you imagine the excitement? The confusion? They were witnessing something incredible, something that would be etched in their memories forever. The singing, the shouts of praise, the palm branches waving in the air, all of it was subversive, courageous, and contagious.

In that moment, the disciples might have wondered why the crowd was praising Jesus instead of Caesar. This was truly an act of great defiance. And we all know where it will lead: Jesus’ crucifixion. They also might have questioned their own role in this unfolding story. Remember all of the things Jesus has revealed to them up to this point! Things that have often left them with more questions than answers. 

But one thing was clear: they couldn't help but be caught up in the joyous celebration. The disciples, including Peter, were part of something bigger than themselves. They were witnessing a divine moment, a moment that would change the course of history.

As we head into Holy Week, we are invited to imagine where Peter might be in the parade. Look back at all the events that have led up to this point, specifically for Peter. 

Peter has experienced incredible moments of faith and trial. He has witnessed miracles and walked on water. He has professed his faith and stumbled along the way. 

Peter's journey began with an abundant catch, and a charge to drop everything and follow. He left his nets behind and embarked on a life-changing adventure with Jesus. Along the way, he witnessed the power and authority of his teacher. He saw the sick healed, the blind regain their sight, and the dead brought back to life. Peter clung to Jesus for rescue when he himself walked on water. He proclaimed his faith confidently, declaring Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

But Peter also faced moments of doubt and uncertainty. He questioned Jesus, wondering about the implications of his teachings. He even rebuked Jesus when he spoke of his impending suffering and death. Peter's journey was not without its challenges and moments of weakness.

And now, as Peter along with the other disciples stands among the crowds on this Palm Sunday, they are faced with a choice. Will they fully embrace the joy and celebration of this moment, or will theirs doubts and fears creep in once again? How will they respond to the singing and the courageous shouts of praise? 

And if we still are wandering with Peter this Lent, how about us? How will we respond to these shouts of praise?

Seven years ago, on a Palm Sunday, I was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. Yes, I will tell you about my ordi-versary every single year on Palm Sunday… because it was the most joyous Sunday of my life. Just like the disciples, I was in a crowd that day, amidst a sea of smiling faces and encouraging nods. I vividly remember the warmth I felt from the congregation, their hands raised in blessing, their voices echoing in the space as they said 'Amen' to the promises we made together. I remember looking into their eyes and seeing the joy and hope that mirrored my own. The songs of loudest praise filled my heart as I embarked on this sacred calling.

The same joy and excitement that flooded the city of Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday also filled my church the day of my ordination.

The feelings of Palm Sunday – the joy, the hope, the unity, and the love, serves to remind us of our collective journey as believers. We are all on this journey together, called to carry our crosses, to share in the joy and sorrow, the victory and defeat, the certainty and doubt, much like Peter, our flawed yet faithful disciple.  

Think about the journey our congregation has been on. We have faced difficult times, internal conflicts, and an identity crisis as a community of faith. We too are flawed yet faithful. But this year, we have found clarity and purpose. We are listening to who God is calling us to be, and we are living into that identity. You can feel the joy, optimism, and hope that radiates off our people and our community. You walk through the doors, and you feel like you have come home. This is a joyous place to be; a joyous community to be a part of!  Do you agree?!

As we wave our palms today, let us remember that it is good to celebrate. Like the crowds on that first Palm Sunday, we may face challenges and uncertainties in the days ahead. We sure have the last couple of years, and the truth is, our future will hold more. But in this moment, we can bask in the joy of praising our Lord, who rides into our lives with love, grace, and transformation. 

My friends, today we stand in the joyous shouts of Palm Sunday. We join the crowd in waving our palm branches and lifting our voices in praise. We celebrate the coming of our Lord, just as the crowds did on that day. We embrace the joy and excitement of this moment, knowing that we are part of something extraordinary.

As I said, we will face moments of uncertainty and struggle. We may find ourselves questioning our faith, wondering if we can truly continue on this journey. We might even question whether we feel like we belong to this community or whether we still feel God’s presence in our lives. 

The truth is; on my most difficult and challenging moments of ministry, I try to remember the joy I felt the day of my ordination and find gratitude for this odd yet wondrous calling.

In those moments of hardship and struggle, we must remember the joyous cries of Palm Sunday. We must remember the Hosannas and the songs of loudest praise! We must remember that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of a divine story – God’s story – a story of redemption and love.

In this story, we are called to be participants, not spectators. Because when Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem, knowing it would lead to his suffering and death, he did it for us! For us! 

So as we journey through this Holy Week, we can hold on to the joy and celebration of Palm Sunday. We can carry it with us, knowing that even in the face of trials and hardships, there is hope. There is a Savior who walks with us, who understands our doubts and fears, and who offers us grace and forgiveness. This Savior was willing to die for us… and he did. He died for us. And to show just how much he truly loves us, he did the one thing no one else could. He defeated death, rose to new life, and promised the same for us. And that is why we shout with joy, not just on Easter Sunday, but every Sunday. Including this Palm Sunday. 

So, my friends, wave your palms high, sing your hosannas loud, and let your praise be contagious. Let us walk this journey of Holy Week with open hearts and minds, fully embracing the joy, the pain, and the hope it brings. 

And whatever hardships we face beyond Holy Week, as individuals or as a community of faith, we remember our most joyous of moments together and find gratitude for how God is still working through us. 

May our shouts of praise and the waving of palms on this Palm Sunday be a reminder to all of us the joy and hope we have in Jesus Christ. And may we carry that hope with us throughout this Holy Week and beyond.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna!”

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Wandering Heart: Praise the Mount

 “Wandering Heart: Praise the Mount” was preached at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA on March 3, 2024. You can hear/watch this sermon here, starting at 40:00.

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Scripture texts:
Psalm 19
Matthew 16:13-20

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Today I invite you to join me on a journey. A journey that requires not your feet, but your heart, your mind, and your spirit. I invite you to close your eyes and step back in time, back into the pages of the Gospel of Matthew.

Picture this. You are walking along the dusty roads of Caesarea Philippi, surrounded by the rustic beauty of the ancient town. The air is warm and dry, filled with the scent of fig trees and the distant murmur of conversation. You are not alone. You are walking with a group of people, but there is one who stands out from the rest. A man of humble grace yet commanding presence. His name is Jesus.

You have left everything behind to follow this man. You've seen miracles happen before your eyes and heard wisdom from his lips that has stirred your soul. And now, as you walk along these roads, Jesus turns to you, his eyes meeting yours with a depth of love and sincerity.

The world around you seems to fade away, as if you two are the only ones standing there. He wants to hear from you, just you. And so he asks, "But who do you say that I am?"

This is not a question for the masses, nor even a smaller group. It is a question for you. Jesus is asking you for your answer. Who do you say that Jesus is?

Let that question echo in your mind, let it resonate in your heart. Who do you say that he is? Not what others say, not what you've heard or read. But your own answer, your own revelation.

As we open our eyes and come back to the present, carry the thought with us throughout the sermon today. Remember, Jesus is asking you, right here, right now, "But who do you say that I am?"

When Jesus asks Peter this same question, we encounter a moment of profound revelation. When Jesus asks Peter, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter responds with a conviction born not of human wisdom, but of divine revelation. Peter boldly declares, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16)

This response, my friends, is not just an answer. It is a declaration of faith, a testament of belief, a rock-solid conviction that is unshakeable and unbreakable. It is the very essence of the faith that we uphold as followers of Christ. Peter boldly declares to Jesus, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

In our hymn we’ve been exploring this Lenten Season, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” the lyrics at the end of verse 1 into the beginning of verse 2 sing, “Praise the Mount, I’m fixed upon it / Mount of God redeeming love / Here I raise my Ebenezer / Here by thy great help I’m come” 

Today we are praising the mount! We are bolding declaring our more inner truths that God have revealed to us! We raise our Ebenezer for the great things that God has done! 

In the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel sets up a stone to commemorate the Israelites' victory over the Philistines. He names it Ebenezer, saying "Thus far the LORD has helped us." The term Ebenezer, in Hebrew, translates to "Stone of Help". For Samuel, this stone served as a tangible reminder of God's divine intervention and faithfulness.

And here we see, Peter, echoing a similar sentiment. His declaration is his Ebenezer. It is the bedrock of his faith, his personal acknowledgment of the divine identity of Jesus. Despite his future doubts, despite his resistance to change, despite his imminent denials, this moment stands out as a beacon of his faith.

Peter is praising the mount, declaring his faith in who Jesus is. The two establish a symbolic Ebenezer, with Jesus in turn renaming Simon Peter to Peter. Peter’s name now means “rock”, perhaps because of his unshakable and unbreakable declaration. And whether Jesus meant Peter is now the rock on which the church is built or whether Jesus just meant that time and place in the rock, this moment is laid out as a foundation to the Way and the Church that Jesus and his followers will build. 

We know Peter was not perfect. His faith wavered in the face of the storm, he resisted the path that Jesus had to take, he even denied knowing Jesus three times during his crucifixion and death. But, this moment of confession, this moment of revelation, stands as a testament to his faith.

Peter's faith – his conviction in that moment – was so profound, so unshakeable and unbreakable, that Jesus named him to be the rock. This was not because Peter was without fault, but because at his core, he knew who Jesus was.  

Our faith is not defined by our perfections, but by our divine revealed truths. Despite our doubts, despite our shortcomings, it is our faith and our convictions, our personal Ebenezers, that define our relationship with Christ. 

But what exactly is a conviction within the context of faith?

A conviction is a firmly held belief or opinion that we hold in our hearts. It is a divine truth that has been revealed to us by God. It transcends human reasoning and understanding, anchoring us in our faith even amid waves of doubt and uncertainty. You can think of conviction as a rock, unshakeable and unbreakable beliefs because God has made them known to us.  

I would like to share a personal story that beautifully illustrates this concept. This story involves a deeply held conviction of a woman of faith, someone very close to my heart - my mom.

Growing up, my family and I were part of the Lutheran church in North Dakota. However, when we moved to Colorado, the landscape of our community changed. The only Lutheran Church in our new town, a thriving community with a vibrant youth program, belonged to a branch of Lutheranism that did not endorse women as leaders within the church.

Upon moving, we received multiple invitations to join this local Lutheran Church. To many on the outside, it seemed logical for us to join this community because we were, after all, Lutherans. Yet, my mother held a conviction, a divine truth that had been revealed to her through her relationship with Jesus. She firmly believed, with every fiber of her being, that women were also called to be leaders within the church. This conviction was so profound, so unshakeable and unbreakable, that we never stepped foot inside that Lutheran Church.

Instead, we joined the Presbyterian Church in our town. This church, belonging to the Presbyterian Church (USA) branch, mirrored my mother's conviction. And the rest is history, including my ordination as a PC(USA) pastor. I believe, with every fiber of my being, my mom’s rock-solid belief that women were also called to be leaders within the church became the foundation that people like me are also called to be leaders in the church.

Much like Peter, who stood firm in his belief of Jesus as the Messiah, my mother stood firm in her belief that God had revealed to her and my family and many others.

We are all called to reflect on and share the divine truths revealed to us by God. They may not always align with the world's expectations or follow the easiest path, but they are the pillars of our faith, the rocks upon which our spiritual journeys are built.

However, it is crucial to understand that our faith journey is not about having convictions about every single aspect in our faith. Faith is not a puzzle to be solved, where every piece perfectly fits together without any gaps. Rather, faith is more like a tapestry, woven with threads of convictions, questions, doubts, and revelations. It's perfectly normal, and indeed, healthy to have questions and uncertainties.

As we journey together in faith, it is essential to recognize that our rock-solid beliefs, our answers to Jesus's profound question, "But who do you say that I am?", will not always align. Do you think everyone whispered in their hearts the same answer when we imagined together earlier? Of course not! Our tapestries of faith are woven together different.  Each of us, through our unique experiences and relationships with God, will have different responses. That is the beauty of our faith community - our diversity in faith and revealed truths. It is this diversity that enriches our understanding of God, of faith, and of each other.

Yet, amidst this diversity, there are moments when our convictions converge, creating pillars of shared belief that ground us as a community. We might call these core values. In our congregation, we have identified rock-solid convictions that we collectively uphold, revealed to us through our communal journey with God.

The first of these is that we strive to see Christ in each person, practicing expansive welcome and steadfast love. This conviction challenges us to look beyond our differences, to see the image of God in each other, and to extend love and welcome to all.

Our second core value is our commitment to center our life around joyful and grateful worship of God. This revealed truth reminds us that our faith is not a burden but a joy, a reason for celebration and gratitude.

The third is our aspiration to continually grow in our faith. This Ebenezer pushes us to never become complacent in our faith journey, but to always seek to deepen our understanding of God and the living word.

The fourth conviction is our determination to use our gifts to fulfill God's call. We know with certainty that God has blessed each of us with unique talents and abilities, and we must use these gifts in service of God's plan.

Our fifth and final core value is our commitment to serve God by serving our neighbors near and far. This rock-solid belief calls us to look beyond our own needs and to see the needs of others, to extend the hand of service in love and humility.

In our congregation, we have five core values that bind us together. These are our collective convictions, our shared Ebenezers. They are the rocks upon which we build our community of faith, our church.

Life is a winding road filled with doubt and uncertainty, hardships and challenges. We know this as individuals, and we as members and friends of First Presbyterian know this as a community. We must cling to what rock-solid convictions, what has been revealed to us by God. For it is in these beliefs that we find our strength, our courage, and our faith. It is in these revelations that we find our answer to Jesus' question, “But who do you say that I am?”

When life overwhelms us with its choices and possibilities, we must return to the core of our faith. We hold fast to our what God has revealed to us, to the love and grace of God that binds us together as a community.

“Praise the Mount, I’m fixed upon it / Mount of thy redeeming love.” 

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Amen. 

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When God Speaks Directly to Us

“When God Speaks Directly to Us” was preached at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA on February 11, 2024. You can hear/watch this sermon here, starting at 30:07.

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Scripture texts:
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Mark 9:2-9

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Let us pray. Loving God, we stand in awe of your glory and your grace. As we dive into your Word today, may our hearts be open and our minds receptive to your message. Amen.

As we gather here today, on the Sunday before we move into the Season of Lent, we are reminded of a significant event in the life of Jesus: the Transfiguration.

The Transfiguration, as described in Mark's Gospel, is a profound and transformative moment in the ministry of Jesus. It occurs shortly after Peter's confession that Jesus is the Messiah, or the holy prophet that was promised to God’s people. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where he is transfigured before them. His clothes become dazzling white, and Elijah and Moses appear, speaking with Jesus. The dazzling white clothes symbolize his divine glory, and the presence of Elijah and Moses represents the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Jesus.

But this transfiguration is not merely a physical change in Jesus' appearance; it is a revelation of his divine glory. The disciples see Jesus in his true nature, radiating with the brilliance of God's presence. It is a glimpse of the kingdom of God breaking into the present reality, a moment when the earthly veil is lifted, and the disciples catch a glimpse of the heavenly realm. It is a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, and it serves as a bridge between his earthly ministry and his impending journey to the cross.

Can you imagine what Peter, James, and John were doing – let alone thinking?! – as Jesus was transformed before them? No really, think about it! The man you call teacher is now shining with a blinding white light, two notable figures who you thought were long dead appear, and while you are asking about whether you should be setting up tents for your dazzling teacher and his two dead companions, a voice breaks forth from the heavens. What would you be thinking? What would it have been like for you to be a witness to the transfiguration?

And while that thought may be too strange for us imagine, what the disciples must have been thinking, this was not just a spectacle for the disciples to witness!

When the voice break forth from the heavens, it is God speaking directly to the disciples. God says, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" (Mark 9:7). This direct communication from God to the disciples is a significant departure from a previous miraculous event in which God spoke only to Jesus during his baptism (Mark 1:11). God is publicly affirming Jesus' identity as the beloved Son and commanding the disciples to listen to Him. There is no way the disciples left that moment unchanged! God spoke directly to them!!

To believe Jesus was the only one who experienced a transformation during the Transfiguration ignores another one of God’s holy miracles. In fact, the real transformation does not occur during the Transfiguration, after all Jesus as the Word was in the beginning “and the Word was with God, and the Word was God […] And the Word became flesh and lived among us.” Jesus is already God and the Son of God before and after the Transfiguration, like Jesus was in the beginning of creation and like Jesus continues to be as Christ reigns over us with God and the Spirit as our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. The real transformation happens to the disciples, when they finally see that Jesus is not merely a teacher or a prophet, but the very embodiment of God’s love and grace.

The Transfiguration was a unique and transformative moment in the disciples' journey with Jesus. As they witnessed Jesus' divine radiance, they were given a glimpse of his true nature and the magnitude of his mission. This experience was not only meant to strengthen their faith but also to prepare them for the challenges that lay ahead, including Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. By witnessing the transfiguration and hearing God's command, the disciples are being equipped to carry on Jesus' ministry, even in the face of opposition and uncertainty. The disciples are given the same strength echoed in Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who is against us?”

God's direct address to the disciples lifts up the significance of their role as followers of Christ. They were being entrusted with a sacred task, to listen to Jesus and carry his message to the world. This command was not given lightly. It was an invitation to be transformed by the words and teachings of Jesus, to follow him as his disciples, and to become his ambassadors of love and reconciliation.

This is not the only story in Scripture where a person, after communing directly with God, leaves transformed.

The transfiguration story also echoes the Old Testament account of Moses' encounter with God.  In the Exodus narrative, God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and commanded him to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3:7-10). God's direct communication with Moses left him transformed and empowered him to lead the people out of bondage and into the promised land.

Or think of the prophet Isaiah, who heard God's call to speak up for justice and liberation (Isaiah 61:1-4). Isaiah listened to God's voice and became a voice for the voiceless, proclaiming good news to the oppressed and binding up the brokenhearted.

Another example is found in the story of Saul, who encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Saul, a persecutor of Christians, was blinded by a divine light and heard the voice of Jesus saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4). Through this encounter, Saul's life was radically transformed. He became the apostle Paul, a faithful follower of Christ, spreading the message of grace and salvation to the Gentiles.

Furthermore, when asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39). These commandments encapsulate the essence of Jesus' teachings. They call us to a radical transformation of our hearts and our relationships, to love unconditionally and seek justice for all.

Throughout scripture, we see that when followers of God listen and respond to God’s divine voice, transformation occurs. They understood that God speaking to them was not meant for them alone, but for the sake of God’s kingdom. Their willingness to listen and respond to God's call brought about profound transformation, not just unto themselves but transformation for the world.

In the context of the transfiguration, we can draw a parallel between the disciples' experience and our own journey as followers of Christ. Just as God spoke to the disciples, affirming Jesus' identity and calling them to listen to him, God continues to speak to us today. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God invites us to listen attentively to Christ and to discern how we are called to respond to the needs of the world around us.

When God speaks to us, it is not merely for our own spiritual growth or personal satisfaction. God's voice is a call to action, a summons to participate in the work of justice, liberation, and reconciliation.

Listening to God's voice requires openness, humility, and a willingness to be transformed. It demands that we set aside our own agendas and desires, and instead align ourselves with God's purposes. It may lead us to uncomfortable places, to confront our own biases and prejudices, and to step out of our comfort zones. But when we respond faithfully to God's call, we become ambassadors of love and reconciliation in the world. We are embodying the love of Christ in our words and actions, revealing the light of God’s glory in the darkness of our world.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul reminds us that God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. God’s voice, God’s command, is a light that shines in the darkness, illuminating our path and guiding our steps. This light is not meant to be hidden but to shine forth in our lives, transforming us and our world.

When God speaks to us, it is not simply an invitation to hear; it is a call to transformation. It is a call to participate in the unfolding of God's Kingdom on earth. It is a call that invites us to listen, to obey, and to act. Like the disciples, Moses, Isaiah, Paul, and countless others throughout history, we are called to be transformed by the words and teachings of Jesus, to be his ambassadors of love and reconciliation.

As we head into the season of Lent, we remember the words spoken by God on the mountaintop: "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" May these words echo in our hearts as we seek to follow Jesus, allowing his transformative love and grace to shine through us. May we be vessels of his light in a world longing for hope, peace, and redemption. Amen.

Now, let us close with prayer:

Gracious God, thank you for speaking directly to us through your Son, Jesus Christ. Open our ears to hear your voice and our hearts to obey your commands. Transform us by your grace and empower us to be faithful witnesses of your love and truth. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Anonymous. Transfiguration, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=58833 [retrieved March 4, 2024]. Original source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/anthonylibrarian/2665222854/in/photolist-54vXUb-Gast7i-pibA31-nMPLFp-DiYbvY-7GRRnF-9F94G-7WzSMB-3Hbtvf-Gvcg2B-b5E7Ep-eMMjqD-7ytjdu-5X6jJ5-e826Cp-2dQDQh4-2aq5JCn-7Ujm4n-2b87HTG-yTMDCi-9MbhF4-c1DP6q-21pybAu-pz6yLj-84jv2e-26vvkjL-q6Ln1-21rFuTa-56DMRo-Nq7YYE-DGKvLC-ZEcpHw-E263Bm-EU52A7-ZkJBWf-96X1i3-cZHVJm-dLkAPY-8mgMdp-ZEcoWS-AwdWn3-eAWtec-fxmadC-6RGkTR-8n7MFZ-dzpGg-e76zfu-uR52G-5fHgNe-ZkJBMC.

How Does a Weary World Rejoice? We Root Ourselves in Ritual

“How Does a Weary World Rejoice? We Root Ourselves in Ritual” was preached at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA on December 31, 2023. You can hear/watch this sermon here, starting at 37:10.

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Scripture texts:
Luke 1:21-38

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Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year! It has been just 7 days from when we gathered by candlelight to celebrate the birth of Christ, God’s Son, our Savior. Throughout December, we’ve been making room to welcome Christ into our hearts but honoring all that are hearts are already carrying. Weariness or joy, amazement or hope – there is a space for all of it this Christmas. How does a weary world rejoice? We sing and we pray; we witness and watch in awe; we rejoice together, we cry together; we hope with intensity.  

But we don’t just do this only for Advent and Christmas, right? Or at least, we shouldn’t. 

Every Sunday we come to this place with our hearts full of joys and hurts to rejoice in a weary world. Every Sunday we come to make meaning of our lives and find strength for the journey. Every Sunday we come to worship with our siblings in Christ knowing we are not alone. Every Sunday we raise our voices in glory by singing familiar and beloved songs. Every Sunday we recite liturgy and prayers to give words to our hopes and fears. Every Sunday we come to hear God speak to us through Scripture and Word. Every Sunday we are making room for Christ to be known in our lives so that we can make Christ known in the lives of others. Every Sunday we are rooting ourselves in rituals because rituals can provide order and meaning in a weary world that often feels beyond our control. 

In our scripture reading today, we find a young family at the heart of a weary world narrative. Here, Mary and Joseph are new parents to the Christ child, journeying into the unknown of parenthood.

Eight days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph circumcise their child and give him the name Jesus, as was commanded to them. They return to the temple in Jerusalem to enact the sacred birth rituals of their culture and tradition. In the midst of their observance, the unexpected occurs. A man named Simeon, guided by the Spirit, enters the temple to proclaim Jesus as the “light of revelation.” Following him, a prophet named Anna approaches, praising God and speaking about Jesus to everyone longing for redemption.

In this story, we see the power of ritual in marking a sacred turning point. Even though Mary and Joseph might have been weary of what lay ahead, these sacred rituals and those who bore witness to them offered encouragement and strength for their journey.

But what do these ancient rituals mean for a 21st-century congregation? Well, rituals are not confined to the pages of scripture or the walls of ancient temples. They live with us in our daily routines, in our shared celebrations, and in the ways we grieve. Rituals provide structure to celebrations, losses, and transitions. Rituals bring meaning to our lives, especially when our futures seem deeply uncertain. They can help us make sense of confusing, ambiguous, daunting, or difficult chapters in our lives. While we might not always associate rituals with joy, perhaps we can find joy in the meaningful ways we choose to mark and celebrate our lives.

In 2014, The Reverend Cecelia D. Armstrong delivered the eulogy at her father’s funeral. She spoke of her father as a great giant. Rev. Armstrong described him as one of those guys who just helped wherever he was needed. However, he did not just come and do things for you. He would show you how to do it yourself because he did not want to return and do the same task again. He was the epitome of the saying, “Give a person a fish and they will eat for a day. Teach a person to fish and they will never go hungry.” Rev. Armstrong said her dad believed in planting seeds that would grow in the very people who would be here long after he passed away.

Rituals are one of the ways we plant seeds in our lives and in the lives of the generations to come. 

Think about it.  Even the experience of burying a seed in dirt, a seemingly weary task, can produce something beautiful in time. Even in the most challenging times, rituals can comfort us, guiding us through the dirt so to speak, and help us bloom. Our rituals have the power to bring joy even in times of great weariness. They provide comfort, solace, and a sense of belonging. 

Right before Christmas, I asked on my Facebook page for church goers, both FPCA members and beyond, to share stories of attending church (or rooting themselves in ritual) following a significant life event. Consider the rituals in these stories. 

A friend of mine from North Dakota shared a story about the strength and resilience of her congregation when we returned to their church after a devastating fire. The ‘new’ building stood as a powerful testament to their faith and their resolve, a symbol of their commitment to their rituals, and a beacon of hope in a weary time.

A member of this church shared a story of worshipping on All Saints Day after his father’s death. While remember ‘I Sing a Song of the Saints of God’ with tears streaming down his face he was given powerful reminder of father’s place in the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us.” Despite his grief, he found solace in the rituals of our faith, in the hymns that reminded him of his father's place among the saints.

Or consider the experience of a woman who returned to church after her father's death. Growing up, she always sat between her parents at the church… and on that day following her father’s death, she said she could feel my dad sitting to her left, teasingly nudging me, which was our special way to say ’I’m glad you’re here with me’ To this day, she shared she still feels his presence to her left, and her Mom to her right. She felt the presence of her parents beside her, their rituals of sitting together in church bringing a sense of comfort and closeness. The rituals she shared with her parents continued to provide solace, even in their absence.

A couple from my previous congregation shared a story of returning to church after finding out they were expecting a child after years of battling infertility. The rituals of their faith gave them hope and patience during their struggles, and their return to church after receiving the good news was a joyful celebration of God's faithfulness.

Friends of mine who I used to serve with in a church in New Jersey shared a story that following their wedding, they returned to their church. Despite the challenges they faced as a LGBTQ+ couple in other churches, they found acceptance and love in a worshipping community. The rituals of their church not only recognized their union but celebrated it with joy and love.

Another member shared, on 9/11 all she wanted was to be with her girls and be at church. The service brought hope and comfort as we all grieved together knowing that God grieved with us. She also shared another story about the joy of bringing each of her girls to church for the first time after they arrived. The wait for each was long and filled with pain and disappointment which made the joy of their arrival that much stronger. It was a holy experience to share her joy with the people and the God who had seen me through it all. Here, the ritual of community, brought comfort in following 9/11 and joy following the arrival of her daughters. 

Finally, another member and friend shared her first time back in after her first child, a son, was born still. She remembers it coincided with Lent, and it felt comforting to find herself in a pew. She described that she never experienced a greater understanding or connection to the experience of sacrifice and loss together with the hope resurrection. She identified with Mary, Jesus’ mother, knowing she too lost her Son. It made it okay for her to just show up and weep.

These stories remind us of the power of rituals. Whether we are celebrating a new union, grieving a loss, or sharing the joy of a long-awaited blessing, our rituals ground us in our faith, connect us with our community, and give us a reason to rejoice.

The rituals we partake in, whether they are joyous or challenging, allow us to rejoice in the knowledge that we are a part of something greater, and that there is always hope for a weary world. In every seed we plant, in every ritual we partake in, there is an opportunity for the weary world to rejoice. 

Tonight, we will bid farewell to this year and step into the unknown of a new year. As we reflect on the power of rooting ourselves in ritual, we must consider the significance of this moment. It is not a mere coincidence that we gather here on the first Sunday after Christmas, on the eve of a new year.

The rituals we embrace in our faith, the songs we sing, the prayers we offer, the community we find solace in, all serve as anchors in our lives. They ground us, providing stability and meaning amidst the uncertainties of the world. And as we stand on the threshold of a new year, these rituals become even more vital.

In this weary world, where chaos and change often reign, our rituals offer us a sense of continuity and purpose. They remind us of the values we hold dear, the love we have for one another, and the faith that sustains us. They guide us in setting our priorities for the year ahead.

As we embark on this new year, we must prioritize the rituals that ground us in our faith. Let us commit to regular participation in worship, to engaging in prayer and meditation, to nurturing the connections we have with our church community. These rituals will be the foundation upon which we build our lives in the coming year.

In the weariness of the world, we can rejoice by rooting ourselves in the rituals that unite us, that connect us to God and to one another. We embrace this truth as we step into the new year, knowing that with each ritual, we bring light into the darkness and hope into the weariness. 

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen."

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How Does a Weary World Rejoice? We Find Joy in Connection

“How Does a Weary World Rejoice? We Find Joy in Connection” was preached at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA on December 10, 2023. You can hear/watch this sermon here, starting at 39:30.

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Scripture texts:
Isaiah 40:1-11
Luke 1:24-45

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Today, we gather in the spirit of the Advent season, on this the second Sunday. Our overarching theme this Advent is a question that resonates deeply within all of us: “How does a weary world rejoice?” It is our hope to answer that question as a community this Advent and Christmas and to provide encouragement and even instructions on how we, as part of this weary world, can rejoice.

So how do we answer that question today? How does a weary world rejoice? 

We find joy in connection.

There is immense power found in connection with others and the joy it can bring, particularly in times when the world around us feels heavy with weariness.

Luke 1:24-45 introduces us to Elizabeth and Mary, two women marked by divine intervention and interconnected by familial ties. Both are faced with pregnancies that defy human understanding: Elizabeth conceives in her old age, and Mary, a virgin, is chosen to bear the Christ child. Despite the societal and generational differences that exist between them, a shared experience unites them. This shared experience becomes a source of connectional joy and comfort, a beacon of light in their remarkable circumstances.

In this passage, we find Elizabeth secluded, pregnant in her old age after years of barrenness. We don’t know why she chose to hide herself away, but we can imagine the questions swirling in her mind. ‘Does the Lord know how old I am?’ ‘Why now, after all these years, am I blessed with a child?’ ‘Has all the years of being childless filled me with shame and weariness?’

On the other side, we have Mary, a young woman newly pregnant and not yet married. She, too, might have been asking herself, ‘Does the Lord know how young I am?’ ‘How can I rejoice in this unexpected pregnancy when I’m not married?’ ‘What am I to do?!’

While we don’t know how Elizabeth found out she was pregnant (after all, scripture tells us the angel visited Zechariah with the news and then made him mute), we do hear about the angel sharing the good news with Mary.

But Mary's initial reaction to the unexpected visit of the angel Gabriel was one of fear and confusion. She was troubled by the sudden announcement that she was highly favored and that the Lord was with her. In fact, Luke tells us that Mary's state of mind was even more troubled than Zechariah's. Luke employs the Greek verb e-ta-rax-they to describe Zechariah’s troubled state of mind. But Luke uses die-ta-rax-they, a stronger form of ta-rax-they, to describe Mary’s state of mind when she heard Gabriel’s initial announcement. E-ta-rax-they simply means “troubled,” but die-ta-rax-they means “greatly troubled.”

This was a significant moment for Mary, and she had every reason to be greatly troubled by this unexpected visitor and the grand but vague announcement. She was in a vulnerable position, being young, female, and poor in a society that valued age and power. The stakes were high for Mary, as one wrong move could have severe consequences for her personal and family reputation.

However, Mary's story stands out for the transformation she undergoes from her initial fear and trouble to a place of acceptance and affirmation of the angel's announcement. The angel, Gabriel, sought to reassure Mary and convince her to embrace her role in the mission. He made grand pronouncements about her favored status, the greatness of her son, and his eternal kingdom. These pronouncements should have brought great joy to Mary. But interestingly, they did not fully reassure her or alleviate her anxiety.

Mary still had questions and asked, "How will this be?" The angel's response, assuring her of the power of the Most High and the divine nature of her offspring, was strong. However, it still did not completely ease her doubts.

It is in the same announcement that Mary’s child will be the Son of God, the angel tells her that Elizabeth is also pregnant. It was the news of Elizabeth's miraculous conception that finally convinced Mary to accept the angel's announcement. The fact that her relative, someone she knew well, was also experiencing a similar situation gave her the reassurance and support she needed. Mary understood the importance of someone who would walk with her, share in her experience, and stand by her side during this uncertain journey.

And even more so, when Mary arrives at Elizabeth’s door, something miraculous happens. When Mary encounters Elizabeth, her relative and companion in unexpected motherhood, Elizabeth’s child leaps in her womb, and she is filled with the Holy Spirit. Then, Mary’s fear gives way to joy.

Mary and Elizabeth experience joy together. Their joy is shared! It is mutual! It is contagious! In that moment, joy bursts forth, not in isolation, but through connection.

The two share a joy that only grows and expands from their connection.

This shared joy between Mary and Elizabeth echoes the words of Brené Brown, who defines joy as “an intense feeling of deep spiritual connection, pleasure, and appreciation.” She tells us that joy is “characterized by a connection with others, or with God, nature, or the universe.”

Similarly, in the Greek language of the New Testament, the word for “happy” or “blessed” is ma-ka-rios, which suggests a state of good fortune or carefree living. Yet, this is not the joy we speak of today. The joy we seek is not dependent on wealth or ease, but rather, it is a joy born of connection. It is the Greek word for joy, chairó, that we hold in our hearts as we journey through Advent. This is a joy that can be found in hardship, in uncertainty, in weariness, because it is a joy that grows in relationship.

This is the joy we are invited to seek in this Advent season: joy rooted in connection; joy that grows in relationship; joy that can flourish even in a weary world.

The prophecy of Isaiah 40 echoes the sentiments from Luke as we encounter another expression of connectional joy. The prophet Isaiah speaks words of comfort to a weary people in exile, promising them that their suffering will end, that they will return home. These words are a balm, a soothing salve for a people wearied by oppression and loss. They offer comfort, yes, but more than that, they offer hope. And hope is a potent catalyst for joy.

Just as Isaiah’s words comforted the exiles, so too do we find comfort in our connections with one another. We find joy in the shared experiences, in the mutual support, in the simple and profound act of being there for each other. This is how a weary world rejoices.

We witness weariness every day, both in our present lives and in the lives of people across the world. We think of those who are lonely or isolated, those who grieve, those who are burdened by fear and uncertainty. We recognize that joy may feel elusive for many of us.

Yet, the stories of Elizabeth and Mary, of the comforted exiles in Isaiah, remind us that joy is not a solitary endeavor. It is not something we must muster on our own. Joy is not an isolated experience. Instead, joy is something we share, something we create together, something we find in connection. When we cannot find joy within ourselves, we can draw from the joy of others. In the sharing of our joy, we multiply it. Joy expands in a community.

For any of us, whenever facing difficult or unforeseen circumstances; when facing weariness - what matters most is having someone who will share in our experience, stand with us, and walk alongside us.

This is the essence of the incarnation, that God not only assures us of God’s care but also shares in our human experience and journeys with us in our everyday lives. Jesus Christ, the incarnate God, the Word made flesh, Emmanuel – “God with us” – promises to always share in our experience, to stand with us, and walk alongside us.

This Advent season: embrace and embody the incarnation. Embrace the incarnation, that God is with us, walking with us in our joys and struggles. And because of our faith in a God who does that for us; we must do the same for others. Embody the incarnation and promise to walk with others in shared joys and struggles, both yours and theirs. As followers of the incarnate Christ, lift up the relationships you create and foster as holy endeavors with the most beloved of people— every relationship; every person.

We are never alone in our struggles. We are part of a divine design, intricately connected with each other, with God, with the universe. Even in our weariness, we can find joy in these connections because the joy is always there. Yes, it is true. Joy is always there, waiting to be discovered in the connections we share with one another, with God, and with the world around us.

As we journey through this Advent season, may we be open to the joy that comes from connection. May we find comfort in the shared experiences of our community. May we hold joy for each other, just as Mary and Elizabeth did. And may this shared, connectional joy light our path, guiding us through the weariness of our world and into the hope and peace of the coming Christ.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Reformation: A Journey of Love

 “Reformation: A Journey of Love” was preached at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA on October 29, 2023. You can hear/watch this sermon here, starting at 47:38.

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Scripture texts:
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Matthew 22:34-46

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"We are imperfect people striving to live God's love in the way of Jesus Christ." 

This is our new mission statement. It’s a declaration of our unyielding commitment to not only follow the teachings of Christ, but to live them out in our everyday experiences and interactions. This statement, like mission statements for any body or organization, serves as a reminder and a guide, a compass to direct our actions and attitudes. 

Today, on the occasion of Reformation Sunday, we dive deeper into our new mission.

But first, Reformation Sunday is a poignant reminder of the fluidity and vitality inherent in our faith. It is a faith that has been molded, modified, and matured over centuries by the transformative power of God's love and our pursuit of living out this love in its purest form. On this day, we commemorate the "Reformed Church, Ever Reforming," celebrating our faith's capacity to evolve and adapt, acknowledging that our faith is not a fixed entity but a journey that grows and matures in response to the ever-changing context of our world.

Our scripture readings for today, Deuteronomy 34 and Matthew 22, speak to that. They provide us with a navigational map for our journey through this changing world. 

Deuteronomy narrates the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, marking a significant shift in the Israelites' journey from the wilderness to the Promised Land. This transition resonates with our own journey as a Church within a world that is in a state of constant flux. Like Joshua, we find ourselves leading a congregation that is different from those of the past, navigating a new landscape with its own unique challenges and opportunities yet unseen. We’ve had our own shift in leaders. You know this. Pastors, Elders, Deacons, and members have come to this ministry and Pastors, Elders, Deacons, and members have moved on from this ministry. Our church body is not the same as it once was. It’s similar, our essence is similar, but we are not the same. We have grown and matured just like the faith that we have. God is doing a new thing, and we as a congregation is living in response to that new thing by doing a new thing ourselves. 

Our other passage, Matthew 22:34-46, serves as the bedrock of our faith. In this passage, we witness Jesus concentrating the essence of the law into two fundamental commandments: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind," and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." These commandments are exactly that. They are commands. They must serve as our instructions from God in all times and seasons.

This passage from Matthew echoes the spirit of our new mission statement. As "imperfect people striving to live God's love in the way of Jesus Christ," we are encouraged to respond to change with love - a profound love for God and an equally profound love for our neighbors. As we navigate the issues of our time, no matter how complex or contentious, our response must always be anchored in these commandments of love. In light of racial injustice? We must respond with love for our neighbor. Climate change? We must love God’s creation! Economic disparities? We must lift each other up in love! 

Just as Jesus revolutionized the religious landscape of his day by emphasizing love, compassion, and inclusivity, we too are called to revolutionize our world in a similar manner. This is evident in the protestant Church's response to contemporary issues. For example, numerous churches including ours have expanded their embrace to welcome and affirm LGBTQ+ individuals, recognizing their belovedness as God's children. This is a demonstration of loving our neighbor as ourselves, extending the embrace of God's love to all, in full celebration of everyone’s identity. This is how we welcome the stranger, as scripture invites us to do. 

Our understanding of scripture, in line with the world we inhabit, evolves over time. A child reading Matthew 22 today will interpret it differently than an adult, and that same child, as an adult, will likely interpret it differently than adults do today. This evolving understanding is a testament to the dynamic and living nature of God's Word, which communicates to us across different generations and cultures.

This evolving comprehension of scripture should not be seen as a weakness; rather, it's a strength. It's an indication that our faith is vibrant and responsive, similar to how the Israelites under Joshua's leadership adapted to their new existence in the Promised Land. We, too, must adapt to our changing world, always guided by our love for God and our neighbor.

As we reflect on Reformation Sunday, we celebrate our Church's capacity to reform in response to the world around us. We pay tribute to those who blazed the trail, from Martin Luther, who sparked the Protestant Reformation with his Ninety-Five Theses, to modern-day reformers who continue to shape our Church's evolution. This includes you! You too are a reformer. Think about it. 

Our new mission statement invites us to live God's love in the way of Jesus Christ. This is an invitation to embody the teachings of Jesus, to love God, and to love our neighbors in every aspect of our lives. It's a call to action – to serve, to embrace, and to love, especially in the face of uncertainty or unfamiliarity.

In the same spirit, when we come across people, ideas, or situations that are new or foreign to us, we might not understand them immediately. But our response, guided by Jesus’ teaching and now even our own mission statement, should always be grounded in love. We are called to listen with open hearts, to learn with open minds, and to love without reservation, even when we don't fully understand.

We reform society, the church, the world – all of God’s kingdom – when we love. When we let God’s love through us be so tenacious that there is no avoiding, ignoring, or escaping it; this world will change for the better. Your love, my love – all of our love – all of us – will change this world for the better. 

Our journey is not a solitary one. We are part of a larger body of believers, each contributing to the growth and health of the whole. Our faith is not static but dynamic, continually growing and evolving as we engage with the world around us. It's a journey of transformation, of constantly becoming, as we live out God's love in the way of Jesus Christ. Our growth as individuals and as a community must be rooted in love, truth, and unity in Christ. 

And while the path ahead may be filled with challenges and uncertainties, we can take comfort in the unchanging nature of God's love. In the words of Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Despite the ever-changing nature of our world, God's love is our constant, providing a firm foundation upon which we can stand.

Our faith rooted in God’s love is a sanctuary in times of fear and uncertainty. It is a beacon guiding us forward. And in a world that is continually changing, God's presence and love remain our steadfast anchor.

May our love for God inspire us to love our neighbors, and may our love for our neighbors deepen our love for God.

"We are imperfect people striving to live God's love in the way of Jesus Christ." 

This statement – our statement – will guide us on our journey, reminding us that while the world around us may change, our call to love remains the same. May our love for God and our neighbors be the compass that guides us through the changing landscape of our times.

The Reformation was not a one-time event 500 years ago but a continual process. It is an ongoing journey of seeking, questioning, learning, and growing. It requires us to be open, receptive, and responsive to the Spirit's movement in our lives and in our world.

Just as the early disciples were called to spread the good news, we too are called to share God's love with the world. We are called to bring hope to the hopeless, comfort to the grieving, and light to those in darkness. We are called to serve, not out of obligation, but out of love.

The journey may not always be easy. There will be times when we feel lost or uncertain. There will be times when we are challenged and tested. But we must remember that God is with us every step of the way. Just as God guided the Israelites through the wilderness, so too does God guide us.

We are a church of reformers, a church of change. We are a church that is not afraid to question, to adapt, to grow. We are a church that is dedicated to serving God and serving our neighbors. We are a church that is guided by love.

As we face the future, let us hold on to the truth of Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Our path may not always be clear, and our steps may not always be steady. But with God's love as our compass, we can navigate the evolving world of our time with courage, wisdom, and faith. As we move forward, we will strive to live God's love in the way of Jesus Christ; imperfect people loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves.

"We are imperfect people striving to live God's love in the way of Jesus Christ." 

Amen.

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"For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, Forever"

“‘For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, Forever’” was preached at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA on August 27, 2023. You can hear/watch this sermon here, starting at 21:18.

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Scripture text:
1 Chronicles 29:10-13
Revelation 11:15-19
Luke 11:1-4

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Today, we conclude our journey through the Lord's Prayer, arriving at the final sentence, "For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, Forever. Amen." 

This line not found in Jesus's original prayer in Luke 11:1-4, nor is this line found in the Lord’s Prayer according to the Gospel of Matthew. It was added by the early church, and it’s our focus for today. 

Throughout our eight-week series, we have explored the Lord's Prayer line by line, allowing it to shape our understanding of prayer and deepen our connection with God. And at times throughout this series, we have delved into the depth of Albert Curry Winn's book, "A Christian Primer." 

With the Lord’s Prayer, Winn emphasizes the need for Christians to fully grasp the relevance of the prayer Jesus gave us 2000 years ago, not as mere recitations, but as an embodiment of our faith and trust in God. 

We continue that embodiment today as we explore our concluding line of the Lord’s Prayer.

But before we start diving into the prayer, we need to talk about why this sentence is part of our prayer, even though according to the two gospels where the Lord’s Prayer is found, this line is not. 

If any of you have a Catholic background, you might have realized the Catholic version of the Lord’s Prayer would have concluded last week with “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” similar to how the prayer concludes in both the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. But as Protestants, we conclude the prayer with an affirmation, “For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, Forever. Amen!”

According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus taught his disciples this prayer before his death and resurrection. In fact, he taught his disciples this prayer with the shadow of the cross falling across his face. He knew what was to come in the few short days ahead, so it would make sense for Jesus to end his prayer on a somber note: “Lead us not into temptation….”

But the early church lived through Jesus’ miraculous story. Despite the cross, despite the shadow of Gethsemane, despite the horror of Calvary, despite persecution and martyrdom, despite DEATH! – the resurrection triumphed over all. To make sure this cry of triumph was heard loud and clear by everyone, the early church took King David’s words as recorded in 1 Chronicles as their own. David was singing praises to God after the materials for the great Temple Solomon was going to build were assembled. On the verge of great change, like the start of the temple, David wanted all prayers of praise and thanksgiving to be given to God and for the world to be perfectly clear on this. It was only fitting that on the verge of another great change, like the start of the Christian church, the early followers of the Way would also want all of their prayers of praise and thanksgiving to be given to God and for all around to know exactly who they believed ruled over them. 

This addition to the prayer served as a doxology, a hymn of praise to God, that summarized the people’s faith. It was a way for the early church to assert their trust in God's eternal sovereignty, power, and glory in a time of great persecution and uncertainty. 

Unlike the six petitions before, this part of the prayer is an affirmation. This was their confession of faith. 

And it’s ours. 

When we conclude the Lord’s Prayer, we are praying that what we have asked of God is in fact already done. God answers our prayer as we pray it. 

The relevance of this final line in today's world cannot be overstated. We live in a time of uncertainty and challenge. We face personal struggles, societal issues, and global crises. Yet, just as the early church found solace in God's eternal reign, so can we. 

The conclusion to this prayer is a faithful and powerful “nevertheless”.

When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we are not praying, “Our Abba – all is right in your world. Therefore, “Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, forever” – Therefore, all praise and honor are yours, O God. No! We are not saying this at all!

It’s quite the opposite. 

When today’s leaders, like tyrants of the past, bring great harm upon the innocent. In any country that allows the death of countless children and the persecution of individuals based on their beliefs, gender, race, or orientation. In the creation of weapons capable of annihilating humanity, we still pray. Nevertheless, thine is the kingdom! 

When those in power today have the ability to displace and make refugees of the poor. In this century, millions are forced to flee their homes as refugees. And that’s just one example. The powerful continue to amass more power, ruthlessly enforcing their will, while the powerless grow weaker, struggling to fulfill their desires. And when the church attempts to engage in the power struggle, it is labeled as “too political”. And when the church inspired by God, aligns with the powerless, it might appear weak and foolish in the eyes of the world. But nevertheless, thine is the power!

And in our time, everything – everything – besides God is given splendor. The masses celebrate athletes, rock singers, and comedians, while the name of God is disrespected and dishonored as basic human rights are being debated and stripped across our country. Nevertheless, thine is the glory!

When we are praying the Lord’s Prayer, we are praying, “Our Abba – We are hungry, feed us. Our Abba – We are sinful, forgive us. Our Abba – We are facing evil, save us! – And even though we are hungry and sinful and experiencing evil, nevertheless, “Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, forever.”

Because we have faith that God will always – always!  - feed us, forgive us, and save us. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow! Always! 

Even though our futures are uncertain, nevertheless, our faith is in God. 

The final line of the Lord's Prayer stands as a beacon of hope in the midst of darkness. It reminds us to shift our focus from our individual needs and concerns to the grandeur of God's Kingdom. It calls us to expand our vision and recognize that our ultimate purpose lies in aligning our lives with God's eternal plan.

In a world where power structures crumble, where justice often seems distant, and where the pursuit of glory can lead to despair, this line of the prayer invites us to trust in God's unfailing authority. It is a reminder that true power resides not in human hands but in the hands of our loving Creator, who upholds justice, mercy, and love.

This prayer extends beyond the boundaries of time. It speaks to our present circumstances and resonates with the cries of our hearts. It teaches us to find peace and strength in knowing that God remains in control. God’s Kingdom is unshakeable, God’s power is limitless, God’s glory is everlasting. It is in God’s Kingdom that we find justice, in God’s power that we find strength, and in God’s glory that we find hope.

As we conclude our exploration of the Lord's Prayer, may we carry with us a renewed understanding of these profound words. We conclude by remembering these words are not empty recitations but an affirmation of our unwavering faith. Listen to Winn as he concludes his own reflection on the end of the Lord’s Prayer. 

Does the [Lord’s] prayer end with a great self-deception? Are we saying that what is obviously not true is true after all? Not exactly. The Hebrew prophets used a strange and wonderful grammar. They spoke of the certain future in the present tense. What God says will be, already is! The end of our prayer declares that in spite of those who presently exercise the rule and the power and the glory, in spite of the ecological crisis and the nuclear buildup and all else that threatens us, this is the world's future: God's name shall be hallowed, God's kingdom shall come, God's will shall be done! We cannot say how or when, but the promises of God stand sure. So we end our prayer by shouting in the grammar of the prophets, Tomorrow is here! As Don Shriver puts it, ‘When we add the doxology to the Lord's Prayer, along with the early church, we are leaping ahead, so to speak, to claim our places in the hallelujah chorus of the end-time.’

Why do we stand for the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ when Handel's Messiah is performed? Not just because a king of England stood long ago. Because that magnificent text from Revelation declares our wildest hopes to be present truth. And Handel found music that says, ‘Yes, it is true after all!’

Quiet, now. Can you hear it above the wails of the ambulances, fire engines, and police cars? Above the whine of jets carrying death on their wings, the throbbing of submarines carrying death into the depths of the sea, the crash of falling bombs, the roar of helicopters, the rattle of small arms? Above the strident debates in Congress and in the United Nations? Above the anodyne of rock music that numbs our eardrums to the uglier noises of life? Do you hear it?

The kingdoms of this world are become 

the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ; 

and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!

To which we say, ‘Amen!’ It is so. May it be so. And may we live now as though it were already so. Amen and amen.”

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Ascension, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=54351 [retrieved August 28, 2023]. Original source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/skip/111045024/.