Monthly Archives: January 2016

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on January 5, 2016
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Fresh Ears — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

                                January 5, 2106

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:13-31

Yesterday’s reading and discussion ended with the sentence “Remain open to hearing things new – hearing them with “fresh ears.” It got me wondering where the phrase fresh ears first appeared. In doing some research it seems that it comes from the Hebrew word “Abib” , which means “Fresh, Young Ears”. It refers to the “month of ear forming” or “growing green”, meaning new, or newly formed. It also refers to the first month of the Jewish calendar. If you look up the phrase on the internet, you will find that this term is really important in the music industry, and can also be an important concept in our every day lives. Why? Because it is hard to hear something with fresh ears – especially something we have heard over and over again, or something we have set upon with certain pre-conceived notions.

Take our two friends traveling on the road to the town of Emmaus. These two disciples were confused. They are disciples because they are followers of Jesus. They are sad because Jesus was killed, and they had hoped he was the long awaited Messiah. Although they had witnessed so many things with Jesus, and heard his teachings, they could not hear his teachings with “Fresh Ears”, meaning, if Jesus was the long awaited Messiah then how could he have been killed. So, on the day of his resurrection, Jesus came to open their ears so they could understand the scriptures with “Fresh Ears” – to teach them they needed to put away their pre-conceived notions about the Messiah, and about their faith.

We also need to struggle to hear the words of scripture with new, and fresh ears – and this can be hard when we have heard the scriptures for so many years. My friends, as you read the scriptures this new year, make it a point to hear them with “fresh ears” and to “remain open” to the Holy Spirit speaking in and through these words of Grace.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on January 4, 2016
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Remain Open — Rev. David J. Schreffler

                                                                    January 4, 2016

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?” John 3:1-10

When we approach reading the bible, there are several ways to take on this new journey. You can read it like a novel, reading chapter after chapter. This may be a first good try, and many will be enriched by reading the bible in this manner. What you will discover are words you have either heard in worship or in the every day vernacular. If you are a reader, this will seem the most comfortable. Another way to read is to take in just a few verses at a time – which will lead to chapter after chapter. It is a slower way to read, but allows you time to think more deeply about what you are reading.

The most important thing about reading the bible is this: “Remain Open”. Nicodemus is a good example for us to consider. He came to see Jesus and obviously he was afraid, because he came at night, under the protection of darkness. Now, that may not sound like he was open to this experience, but remember Nicodemus still went to see him. He wanted to hear more, so even though he went incognito, he still went. And Nicodemus wanted to learn even though he didn’t initially understand. He continued to ask questions, continued to seek knowledge, even when Jesus seems to belittle him: “You are Israel’s teacher and you do not understand these things?” And still, throughout the time that Jesus taught, Nicodemus must have remained open, because he was there to accompany Joseph of Arimathea when they asked for the body of Jesus after his crucifixion.

Remain open to hearing things new – hearing them with “Fresh Ears” – which is tomorrow’s topic.

Pastor Dave