April 4, 2023 – “Following G-d Half-Heartedly”

“They rose early in the morning and went up to the heights of the hill country, saying, “Here we are. We will go up to the place that the Lord has promised, for we have sinned.” But Moses said, “Why do you continue to transgress the command of the Lord? That will not succeed. Do not go up, for the Lord is not with you; do not let yourselves be struck down before your enemies. For the Amalekites and the Canaanites will confront you there, and you shall fall by the sword; because you have turned back from following the Lord, the Lord will not be with you.” But they presumed to go up to the heights of the hill country, even though the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and Moses, had not left the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and defeated them, pursuing them as far as Hormah.” Numbers 14:40-45

When we follow G-d’s command reluctantly and give a half-hearted response to G-d’s calling, is it no wonder that we often find little success? The people Israel, after learning that they have once again incurred G-d’s wrath, they decide to invade the land hoping to avoid G-d’s wrath rather than trusting that the Lord will provide. Even though they are warned to avoid this course of action, they decide to launch an attack and are soundly defeated.

We are reminded that we should heed G-d’s calling – even if we are fearful – we need to trust in the Lord. Discernment is often a painful, lonely process, bringing fear of what following G-d might bring, and fear of what might happen if we do not follow. Trusting G-d will not always remove our fear. But trust in G-d can sustain us through those times of uncertainty. Can we afford not to trust or to respond?

Let us pray: Dear G-d, I know it is hard to find things to trust in this world. Help me to lean on my trust in you and your Son’s saving Grace every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave

April 3, 2023 – “I Will Not be Rebuffed”

“And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.” Mark 14:51-52

The text from Mark includes this story – the story of a young man who is also a follower of Jesus and who gets away from the angry mob BAREly with his life — but apparently without his clothing. There is much speculation about this text, its meaning and purpose, but the NAKED truth is there are no definitive answers to this mystery.

It could serve as a short story that BUFFers the text of Jesus’ arrest and his appearance in front of the high priest. Another purpose that the story could serve is as a foreshadowing of the High Priest tearing his own clothes, or of Jesus being STRIPPED of his own dignity. Perhaps Jesus is just EXPOSED to those who will mock him, humiliate, and kill him. Some even see this as a foreshadowing of the cloth that will be draped over the naked body of Jesus in the tomb—what we know now as the shroud of Turin.

Whatever the purpose, we may not be able to UNDRESS the mystery, but we can enjoy the cameo of the young man and wonder, maybe just wonder, if it was all just a bad dream.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, help me to be willing to serve Jesus whether I am known or not known by future generations. Give me the peace to know I am one of his loyal followers. Amen.

Pastor Dave