February 18, 2022 – “A Tempest in a Teapot” (2 Samuel 6:16-20)

“As the ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Saulʼs daughter Michal looked out the window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him. They brought the ark of the Lord and put it in its place in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it. Then David offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before the Lord. When David finished offering the burnt sacrifices and peace offerings, he pronounced a blessing over the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. He then handed out to each member of the entire assembly of Israel, both men and women, a portion of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. Then all the people went home. When David went home to pronounce a blessing on his own house, Michal, Saulʼs daughter, came out to meet him. She said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself this day! He has exposed himself today before his servantsʼ slave girls the way a vulgar fool might do!” 2 Samuel 6:16-20

“A Tempest in a Teapot”

The expression probably derives from the writing of Cicero, in De Legibus, circa 52BC. The translation of the phrase “Excitabat fluctus in simpulo” is often written as “He was stirring up billows in a ladle”. Interesting enough, other cultures have versions of the phrase in their own languages. The translation of the Netherlands version is ‘a storm in a glass of water’, and the Hungarian ‘a tempest in a potty’. The Duke of Ormond’s letters to the Earl of Arlington, 1678, include this:

“Our skirmish … is but a storm in a cream bowl.”

In the Connecticut Gazette dated Wednesday, August 30, 1820, an article includes—“A person once came running almost out of breath to the Lord Chancellor, saying, “My Lord, I bring you tidings of calamity to the nation…a rebellion has broken out”–“Where, where?” “In the Isle of man.” “In the Isle of Man!” repeated the vociferous Chancellor. “A tempest in a tea-pot.”

When the Ark of the Lord is finally brought to Jerusalem, David begins to dance like a whirling dervish. And it is embarrassing, at least to some — he looks like a “tempest in a tea-pot”. But if the Lord leads you to dancing, then why not dance with all your strength. Lutherans are not known for their expressive forms of worship, yet there are moments where we just cannot help ourselves. And it is ok for us to really feel the spirit in worship — and to let out the occasional “Amen” or even raise our hands to G-d during a song. No, we do not want to cause a “tempest in a tea-pot” — but if you feel the spirit during worship, let others know the Lord is speaking to you.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, when the spirit moves me, help me to feel free to express my love and devotion to you, no matter how embarrassing. Amen.

Pastor Dave

February 17, 2022 – “Hold Your Horses” (Luke 19:28-40)

“After Jesus had said this, he continued on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. Now when he approached Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, telling them, “Go to the village ahead of you. When you enter it, you will find a colt tied there that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ʻWhy are you untying it?ʼ just say, ʻThe Lord needs it.ʼ” So those who were sent ahead found it exactly as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt, and had Jesus get on it. As he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” But some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if they keep silent, the very stones will cry out!” Luke 19:28-40

“Hold Your Horses”

The literal meaning of this phrase comes from the 1600’s — it is reported by some accounts that when someone broke a law they would trample them with horses. The person in charge would shout out “Hold your horses” while the law breaker was tied onto a piece of wood and placed upon the ground. Then the horses would come and trample him. This sounds just a little apocryphal. However, in Book 23 of the Iliad, Homer writes “Hold your horses!” when referring to Antilochus driving like a maniac in a chariot race. Another reference comes from the fact that during the noise of battle, a Roman soldier would hold his horses so they might now run away in fright. After the invention of gunpowder, the Chinese would have to hold their horses because of the noise. So, you get to choose which of these you might want to refer to when impressing your family at the Thanksgiving table.

As Jesus is approaching Jerusalem for his Triumphal Entry, what we refer to on Palm Sunday, he tells his disciples they will find a colt that has been set aside, seemingly by the Lord, for his use. As he enters Jerusalem, his disciples begin to shout — which makes me think Jesus may have had to hold onto his colt as he rode through the streets of Jerusalem.

Of course, hold your horses today is used when we are asking someone to slow down, whether it is while on a hike, or driving in traffic, or even just getting ready for school in the morning. Too often we tell Jesus to “hold the horses” when it comes to responding to our faith. And you know what — Jesus will. G-d will continue to nag us and prod us when it comes to a relationship with Jesus. G-d has all the time in the world — but we do not. So while we might be telling G-d to “hold your horses, Lord, I am not sure you should be calling me”, well, the Lord will just wait, patiently, until we are ready.

Let us pray

Lord Jesus, when you seek our time and energy, too often we tell you to “hold your horses, Lord”. Help us to remember that you are eternal, but our lives are finite. Give us the faith and the time to say “Yes, Lord” when you call us. Amen.

Pastor Dave