John

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one about whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is really greater than me because he existed before me.’ 31 Even I didn’t recognize him, but I came baptizing with water so that he might be made known to Israel.” 32 John testified, “I saw the Spirit coming down from heaven like a dove, and it rested on him. 33 Even I didn’t recognize him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit coming down and resting is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and testified that this one is God’s Son.” (John 1:29-34, CEB)

John witnessed to who Jesus was not because he completely knew Jesus and everything he could/would do but because John trusted God and knew God’s promises were true. So when God said when you see the spirit descend on this one, that is the Christ. John believed it.

Do you believe it?

Does your life show you believe it?

Blinded to see

2 When they heard him address them in Aramaic, they became even more quiet. 3 Paul continued, “I’m a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia but raised in this city. Under Gamaliel’s instruction, I was trained in the strict interpretation of our ancestral Law. I am passionately loyal to God, just like you who are gathered here today. 4 I harassed those who followed this Way to their death, arresting and delivering both men and women into prison. 5 The high priest and the whole Jerusalem Council can testify about me. I received letters from them, addressed to our associates in Damascus, then went there to bring those who were arrested to Jerusalem so they could be punished. 6 “During that journey, about noon, as I approached Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven encircled me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice asking me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?’ 8 I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are harassing,’ he replied. 9 My traveling companions saw the light, but they didn’t hear the voice of the one who spoke to me. 10 I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ ‘Get up,’ the Lord replied, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told everything you have been appointed to do.’ 11 I couldn’t see because of the brightness of that light, so my companions led me by the hand into Damascus. 12 “There was a certain man named Ananias. According to the standards of the Law, he was a pious man who enjoyed the respect of all the Jews living there. 13 He came and stood beside me. ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ he said. Instantly, I regained my sight and I could see him. 14 He said, ‘The God of our ancestors has selected you to know his will, to see the righteous one, and to hear his voice. 15 You will be his witness to everyone concerning what you have seen and heard. 16 What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins as you call on his name.’ (Acts 22:2-16, CEB)

Saul was persecuting the followers of Jesus. He was having them arrested, out in jail and possibly killed. He didn’t know the work he was doing against God until he was blinded and had to wait for a disciple to help him gain his sight back. Then he knew what God needed him to do and he followed after God.

Has God made it clear to you your path? Are you following Jesus or your own God?

Let God blind you and then help you to see.

Faith

So what are we going to say? Are we going to find that Abraham is our ancestor on the basis of genealogy? 2 Because if Abraham was made righteous because of his actions, he would have had a reason to brag, but not in front of God. 3 What does the scripture say? Abraham had faith in God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. 4 Workers’ salaries aren’t credited to them on the basis of an employer’s grace but rather on the basis of what they deserve. 5 But faith is credited as righteousness to those who don’t work, because they have faith in God who makes the ungodly righteous. 6 In the same way, David also pronounces a blessing on the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from actions: 7 Happy are those whose actions outside the Law are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Happy are those whose sin isn’t counted against them by the Lord. 9 Is this state of happiness only for the circumcised or is it also for those who aren’t circumcised? We say, “Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.” 10 So how was it credited? When he was circumcised, or when he wasn’t circumcised? In fact, it was credited while he still wasn’t circumcised, not after he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that comes from the faith he had while he still wasn’t circumcised. It happened this way so that Abraham could be the ancestor of all those people who aren’t circumcised, who have faith in God, and so are counted as righteous. 12 He could also be the ancestor of those circumcised people, who aren’t only circumcised but who also walk in the path of faith, like our ancestor Abraham did while he wasn’t circumcised. (Romans 4:1-12, CEB)

If you have faith it will be credited to you as righteousness.

But what if you faulter in your faith, is righteousness lost? Is it possible to lose grace? This reading sounds like it is dependent on us and yes it also sounds like it is not, so which is it?

Grace is an unmerited gift. We can’t earn it, it is freely given without sign or action. Abraham was not circumcised when he was made righteous by faith. And we do not need the sign of baptism to receive grace.

We are made right by the faithfulness of Christ to follow the plan for us. Your salvation, your righteousness is based on God alone, creating and loving you.

Yout trust is good but doesn’t do anything that God has not already done for you.

Share the grace you were freely given.

Dove?

4 John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. 5 Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins. 6 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He announced, “One stronger than I am is coming after me. I’m not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 About that time, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 While he was coming up out of the water, Jesus saw heaven splitting open and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him. 11 And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.” (Mark 1:4-11, CEB)

I remember about 10 years ago I heard a sermon by Leonard Sweet entitled trash cans to treasure chests. In the sermon Leonard Sweet talked about how a dove isn’t an actual scientific classification for a type of bird, it it a pretty word we gave to a white pigeon. And pigeons are trash birds. They dig through the garbage to get their next meal. Isn’t it interesting that we say the Holy Spirit is a Dove and a Dove is a trash bird.

You see God cam take that which the world thinks should be discarded or is dirty or unworthy and make is beautiful. God turns a trash bird into the symbol of God’s Spirit and takes us and makes us God’s children. God takes trash cans and makes them treasure chests!

Know you are a treasure chest of God’s most precious creation. And share the love you have with the world.

What do you fish for?

One day Jesus was standing beside Lake Gennesaret when the crowd pressed in around him to hear God’s word. 2 Jesus saw two boats sitting by the lake. The fishermen had gone ashore and were washing their nets. 3 Jesus boarded one of the boats, the one that belonged to Simon, then asked him to row out a little distance from the shore. Jesus sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.4 When he finished speaking to the crowds, he said to Simon, “Row out farther, into the deep water, and drop your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon replied, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and caught nothing. But because you say so, I’ll drop the nets.” 6 So they dropped the nets and their catch was so huge that their nets were splitting. 7 They signaled for their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They filled both boats so full that they were about to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw the catch, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Leave me, Lord, for I’m a sinner!” 9 Peter and those with him were overcome with amazement because of the number of fish they caught. 10 James and John, Zebedee’s sons, were Simon’s partners and they were amazed too. Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you will be fishing for people.” 11 As soon as they brought the boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus. (Luke 5:1-11, CEB)

What kind of bait do you use when you fish for people? Bacon or coffee would work well for me. But Peter, James and John didn’t use bait, they used nets. Which means we are dragging people in?

Well no. We are following Jesus direction and casting the news even when we’ve tried it already and are tired from trying. We are casting Jesus love and grace through our lives and showing the world the love we have been given and is available for them.

So cast a net and fish for people. Live a life that shows Jesus to the world

Be Jesus

11 Command these things. Teach them. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Instead, set an example for the believers through your speech, behavior, love, faith, and by being sexually pure. 13 Until I arrive, pay attention to public reading, preaching, and teaching. 14 Don’t neglect the spiritual gift in you that was given through prophecy when the elders laid hands on you.15 Practice these things, and live by them so that your progress will be visible to all. 16 Focus on working on your own development and on what you teach. If you do this, you will save yourself and those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:11-16, CEB)

Back in March I started a new call as the campus pastor at Texas A&M for the ELCA. The young adults I work with live these verses. They preach the gospek with their lives and actions in the world. They are an example for the disciples we all should be.

Live your life to share the good news of Christ always!

Go!

10 In Damascus there was a certain disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He answered, “Yes, Lord.” 11 The Lord instructed him, “Go to Judas’ house on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias enter and put his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 Ananias countered, “Lord, I have heard many reports about this man. People say he has done horrible things to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 He’s here with authority from the chief priests to arrest everyone who calls on your name.” 15 The Lord replied, “Go! This man is the agent I have chosen to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 Ananias went to the house. He placed his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord sent me—Jesus, who appeared to you on the way as you were coming here. He sent me so that you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly, flakes fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.19 After eating, he regained his strength. (Acts 9:10-19a, CEB)

Sometimes God calls us to do things we don’t want to.

God told Ananias to go and see Saul who Ananias knew was persecuting the followers of the way. So why would Ananias go to someone who could have him imprisoned or put to death?

Sometimes God calls us to go and do things we don’t want to. But doing it will be the best thing we can do. Sometimes God calls us to do things that will help us grow and move forward God’s love in the world.

We may not understand, but God’s plan is always the best plan.

What has God called you to do that you didn’t want to do?

Epiphany

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. 2 They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him. 4 He gathered all the chief priests and the legal experts and asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They said, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote: 6 You, Bethlehem, land of Judah, by no means are you least among the rulers of Judah, because from you will come one who governs, who will shepherd my people Israel.” 7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and found out from them the time when the star had first appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search carefully for the child. When you’ve found him, report to me so that I too may go and honor him.” 9When they heard the king, they went; and look, the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stood over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. 11 They entered the house and saw the child with Mary his mother. Falling to their knees, they honored him. Then they opened their treasure chests and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Because they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route. (Matthew 2:1-12, CEB)

Epiphany is the day the Magi from the east visit Jesus at a home in Bethlehem. This is not the night of his birth with the shepherds but years later. We actually know it is 2 years later by the time that Herrod orders the young boys killed, 2 years and younger. So Jesus is probably 2 when the Magi visit.

And we don’t know how many magi there were, we only know they brought three gifts. We don’t know the quantity of each gift either.

We lump this story into the birth and do the story and our understanding a misjustice.

Know the Magi didn’t visit the manger and that Herrod used their visit to slaughter innocent babies out of fear.

Epiphany is the end of the Christmas season (the 12 days of Christmas) and the beginning of Christ’s revelation to the the world. Not only will the nation of Israel have their messiah but all of the world has a savior!

God’s Children

27 “But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on the cheek, offer the other one as well. If someone takes your coat, don’t withhold your shirt either. 30 Give to everyone who asks and don’t demand your things back from those who take them. 31 Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you. (Luke 6:27-31, CEB)

How does the world know we are Christians?

The old hymn says, “By our love.” They will know we are Christians by our love.

We won’t prove to the world we are God’s Children by sharing them or making them fear God or telling them they are going to hell. They will know it by love.

Show the world love as God loves you. Undeserved and for everyone. God loved us when we couldn’t be close to God and we need to love like that.

Can the world see you are a child of God?

Can the world see you love?

Warning

11 Brothers and sisters, don’t say evil things about each other. Whoever insults or criticizes a brother or sister insults and criticizes the Law. If you find fault with the Law, you are not a doer of the Law but a judge over it. 12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, and he is able to save and to destroy. But you who judge your neighbor, who are you? 13 Pay attention, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such-and-such a town. We will stay there a year, buying and selling, and making a profit.” 14 You don’t really know about tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for only a short while before it vanishes. 15 Here’s what you ought to say: “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast and brag, and all such boasting is evil. 17 It is a sin when someone knows the right thing to do and doesn’t do it. (James 4:11-17, CEB)

It is sin when we know the right thing to do and don’t do it.

We should love our siblings and not insult them. As we approached the election this past November there was all kinds of slander going around from all sides. We are all guilty of this. And who are we to judge another? Only God can truly judge. We should love as God loves us. Accepting us when we are unlovable.

Let us also not say we will be doing in days ahead. We know not when our life will end so we should only plan for what the Lord had planned. Let us live the life the Lord has given and share that love we have received in everything we do.