September 3, 2022 – Martin Luther, The Funny Shape of Faith

“Once He was small, when He lay in the manger; and yet even then He was so great that He was worshiped by angels …” Martin Luther

“It’s probably not a good idea to play “Peek-a-Boo” with a four-star star general. But there was a day when you could play “This Little Piggy Went to Market” with the Son of God. Jesus Christ kept everyone guessing. When people wanted a prince, he was born in a barn. When people wanted a warrior, he was a servant. When people wanted him to knock heads together, he suffered and died on the cross. When people thought he was dead, he rose again. There’s one thing you can know for sure; Jesus gives you his goodness and now you’re a child too … a child of God.” (Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Kindle Locations 250-253). Kindle Edition.)

The Ruler Needs a Diaper Change

We do not have many kings in our world today – well at least not in America. We have some castles and some kingdoms, but they are all related to Disney or Dutch Wonderland. This puts us at a disadvantage for understanding the “struggles” of a kingdom. And yes, I said struggles. We see how the royal family in England struggles with life. Although the queen has been in command for so many years, there will come a day when one of her children, or grandchildren takes command of the palace. And I think most of them are out of diapers.

We can understand the feelings of Mary and Joseph when they are visited by the Magi – that kings would be coming to see a king – in between diaper changes I assume. It just goes against conventional thinking. Our current President is 79 years old – the former president is 76. Both are well beyond the diaper stage – well at least baby diapers.

It just continues to remind us that our G-d is a G-d of surprises. When we think we are condemned, Jesus shows us grace. When we think others should be excluded, Jesus welcomes in the sinners and the outcast. Thank goodness none of us need to earn our keep – for no one is worthy of such grace and forgiveness. And yet, there it is again and again and again.

Let us pray,

Lord of surprises, thanks for being so much more than I could ever imagine – so much more than I deserve. Amen.

Pastor Dave

September 2, 2022 – John 3:16, The Funny Shape of Faith

“God so loved the world …” John 3:16

“We blame God for everything from tornadoes to tragic deaths. Many people view God as the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk: “Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman! Be he alive, or be he dead, I’ll have his bones to grind my bread.” That would make some gruesome toast. Christ’s death is shocking, but it’s exactly the opposite of an angry God who kills everyone who gets in the way. It’s more like an old war movie where one soldier throws himself onto a grenade, allowing the rest of the platoon to live. It’s because of love and care for you that Christ gave his life. Better yet, he didn’t stay dead. Christ rose again. You will too.” (Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Kindle Locations 248-249). Kindle Edition.)

To Smite or Not to Smite?

In the movie Bruce Almighty, Jim Carey has a famous moment where he is frustrated with G-d. In a moment of sheer anger he shouts out “Smite me O mighty smiter.” It is the age-old shout that many have uttered or prayed or shouted toward G-d. In these words are the expectation that G-d is just waiting to smite each one of us just at the most appropriate or inappropriate moments in our lives whether we deserve it or not.

I realize that when we are at our weakest or most frustrated we like to think that G-d has it out for us. Intuitively we know this is not true, yet we all want someone or something on which to place blame for our troubles. If this were true then why would G-d have sent G-d’s son to the cross to die? G-d could have spared the Son and pulled out his “smiting stick” to get busy with humanity.

Instead of shouting to G-d “Why me G-d?” perhaps we can take a lesson from Job. When his wife tells him to “curse G-d and die…” Job retorts: “Shall we receive good from God and not receive evil? The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”” (Job 1:21 and Job 2:10)

Let us pray,

Lord of forgiveness, we are sorry for blaming you for things that aren’t your fault. Help me see the ways that you care for me. Amen.

Pastor Dave