Monthly Archives: September 2015

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on September 3, 2015
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The Division that Divides — Rev. David J. Schreffler

image      September 3, 2015

“Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.” Mark 11:8-11

“So Jesus came into Jerusalem. He came at once as an Intruder and a King. There were men along the streets who owed to Him the straightness of their limbs, the sight of their eyes, the clear, sane reason of their brains. They made the old streets ring with shouts of welcome. There were other men who He had disappointed and defeated. He had trampled on their traditions, contradicted their doctrines, spoiled their trade. With muttered curses they saw Him go by in His triumph. What a confusion! The city was divided against itself. But through it all Jesus…went on His way, claiming it all for His own. And so He claims our hearts.” Sermons For The Principal Festivals and Fasts Of The Church Year, 1895 Phillips Brooks (1835 – 1893) “For All The Saints” volume II (p. 478-479)

We must remember that, for as much as the triumphal entry for Jesus was a victory, of sorts, it was also a defeat for many. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem marks the beginning of the end of his earthly ministry. And, it also marks the beginning of more trouble for the Jews of Jerusalem, and the surrounding territories. It is the beginning of the great division: those “for” Jesus against those who are “against” him, and “hate” him; those “comforted” by Jesus against those “angered” by him; the women who followed and stayed by his side, and the men who followed him but abandoned and escaped into hiding; and finally the Temple Curtain, which was torn in two when he died on the cross.

And yet, Jesus rode through the town as the people divided themselves — some on one side of the street, some on the other — some on one side of the issue, some on the other. Nothing would stop Jesus on the way to the cross.

People still divide themselves when it comes to faith, Jesus, and the bible. Some say the bible is the “inerrant” word of G*d, others say it is the “inspired” word of G*d. Some say Jesus was the long expected Messiah, others say he was just a prophet and are awaiting the true Messiah. Some say faith is “being doers of the word”, others say faith means “we do not have to do anything to earn G*d’s grace”. My suggestion is we stop dividing ourselves and remember that Jesus rode into Jerusalem for all of the people — those who shouted “Hosanna” and those who shouted “Crucify Him”.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on September 2, 2015
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The Good We Do Comes From G*d — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

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September 2, 2015

“You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.”
James 1:19-22

“Why do I find James — at least in this instance — so attractive? Because it reminds us of two incredibly important things: 1) faithfulness does not need to be heroic; 2) Sunday is not the most important day of the Christian week. As to the first, notice the startling claim James makes in the opening verse of this passage: “every generous act of giving…comes from above.” Every generous act of giving. Not some generous acts. Not only Christian acts of giving (whatever those might be). But all generous acts of giving. And to that we might add all acts of mercy, or advocacy, or support, or friendship. All we do that is good comes from God. Which means that faithfulness is available to all of us: in our homes, places of work or volunteering, our schools and communities and more. Wherever you find yourself — or, more to the point, wherever our people find themselves — God is at work for the health of this world God loves so much.” David Lose (Dear Working Preacher blog)

James says be “doers of the word”. What does that mean to you? Could it mean instead of writing an article admonishing others for not serving people in a soup kitchen, you should first serve in a soup kitchen and then write about your experience? Could it mean instead of serving on multiple committees decrying injustice and poverty, you should work on the streets of a city or town seeking ways to help people who are out of work, or in abusive situations? The word of Jesus is one of love, mercy and grace. Jesus says we are to love G*d and love our neighbor. That needs to be translated into action — loving G*d and loving our neighbor are verb inspired — they both require a doing.

 

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All we do that is good comes from G*d. When we live this way, when we do “good”, it is G*d working through us. When we remember who initiates the good, it takes our ego out of the equation, and puts Jesus squarely in the sum of all things good.

Pastor Dave