August 24, 2022 – John 14:12, The Funny Shape of Faith

“The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12

“Martin Luther fought to correct a distorted view of God and faith. His namesake, Martin Luther King Jr., launched a civil rights revolution in America. Both of these men had opponents who tried to stop them and their radical ideas, but the movements they started continue on even today. When Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr. saw what was going wrong in the church and society, they worked to bring change. With Christ at work in us, we can do the same.”  Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Kindle Locations 207-209). Kindle Edition.

Hey Martin, You Clown

 Both Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr were people of revolutionary ideas and movements – and they both changed the world. Oh people tried to put them in their places. Martin Luther had a contract put on his head by King Charles V. Martin Luther King Jr was constantly living within a society who hated him – and eventually killed him. But they both had a higher calling – a calling above the normal calling.

I remember in seminary one of my classes the professor asked us to bring to class a visual image of how we saw our calling. I brought in my trumpet – suggesting I was trumpeting the good news of Jesus, or at least making a joyful noise. Another class member brought in a clown’s nose. He said even if we are making a fool of ourselves (from the perspective of so many), we are bringing the good news of Jesus to the world.

If you feel foolish talking about your faith, join the long line of people who have felt foolish being “clowns” for Jesus – some have given their lives for the privilege of preaching Christ crucified.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, what work will you seek from me that may make me feel foolish or feel really challenged? I wonder how I will handle my enemies and opponents. Today I ask that you walk with me, because I can do all things through you. Amen.

Pastor Dave

August 23, 2022 – John 13:5, The Funny Shape of Faith

“Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.” John 13:5

“Words can be contradicted, counter-argued, and debated to death. Instead of words, Christ gives us the model for perfect humility, service, and startling love when he insists on washing his disciples’ feet. Think about it: God incarnate stoops to scrub dirty, crusty, stinky feet. What king or political leader could you imagine doing such a thing? Come to think of it: How many of the rest of us would dare repeat Christ’s revolutionary act? Loving, humble action-who can argue with that?” Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (Kindle Locations 202-203). Kindle Edition.

The Feet of Faith

The feet of faith are dirty, dusty, stinky feet. The feet of faith are big and small, beautiful and ugly, sore and refreshed. The feet of faith come in all sizes, shapes and colors. As such there is no distinction between such feet, for feet of the faithful are beautiful and welcome to Jesus.

Jesus taught that our faith has an effect on those around us. It was the faith of a mother for her daughter who had become possessed by demons through which Christ granted healing: Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matt 15:28) Many times we don’t realize the impact we can have on others because of our feet. The two disciples who were walking to Emmaus the day of the resurrection found that their feet brought them to a powerful encounter with the risen Christ. By walking miles, they were gifted with acceptance, understanding, and love.

“When he (Jesus) was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. ³¹ Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. ³² 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 24:30-32)

Every day we are called upon to walk with feet of faith – for all feet are beautiful and accepted by Jesus. And when we do, we may also have powerful encounters with the risen Jesus.

Let us pray,

God of welcoming and love, cleanse my heart, embrace me in your love, and then show me ways I may use my feet to share that message of love. Amen.

Pastor Dave