Tag Archives: Hope

Hope comes through faith, it helps us with doubt

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on September 22, 2015
Tags: , Hope,   

Capable People — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

imageSeptember 22, 2015

“A capable wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant,
she brings her food from far away.
She rises while it is still night
and provides food for her household
and tasks for her servant-girls.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
and makes her arms strong.”
Proverbs 31:10-17

“We need more such voices, and I’d suggest Proverbs 31 – as complex as it certainly is – might be one of them. Think about it: this Sunday countless girls will be sitting in church listening to this passage. How many will hear it interpreted not as one more ideal they can’t live up to but instead as a powerful voice that invites them to imagine that they have worth in and of themselves, that they can do anything they set their minds to, and that their value rests in their character and accomplishments, not in the rosy glow of their skin. That’s a sermon I hope my daughter hears. And, for that matter, my son as well.” David Lose, What the Bible Says – And Doesn’t Say – About Women (Posted: 09/22/2012)

I have often used this text when preaching a funeral sermon for a woman who has served as a faithful wife, mother, and other appropriate titles if they are warranted. It is a powerful statement for any woman who has served her family in so many roles — many in the expected roles, and many in unexpected roles. It is interesting that it begins with the statement “Who can find a capable wife?”, and then goes on to list her accomplishments as if there were such a person standing right in front of the writer — or someone the writer has in mind. I personally do not think it is that hard to find a capable wife — or a capable husband in this world. I believe it is more important not to put socially or culturally determined roles on anyone — and allow all people to serve their families, their communities, and their churches in all of the roles they feel called.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on September 14, 2015
Tags: Hope   

Preach Good News to the Poor — Rev. David J. Schreffler

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September 14, 2015

“My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while to the one who is poor you say, “Stand there,” or, “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?” James 2:1-5

“We should not judge the poor by their clothes and their outward appearance not by their mental capacity, since they are often ignorant and uncouth. On the contrary, if you consider the poor in the light of faith, then you will see that they take the place of G*d the Son, who chose to be poor. Indeed, in His passion, having lost even the appearance of man, foolishness to the Gentiles and a scandal to the Jews, he showed he was to preach the gospel to the poor in these words: “He has sent me to preach good news to the poor”. Therefore we should be of the same mind and should imitate what Christ did, caring for the poor, consoling them, helping them and guiding them.” Writings Vincent de Paul (1580 – 1660) “For All The Saints” volume II (p. 822)

“Has not G*d chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith…” It does seem evident that the rich often are poor in faith because they are rich and think they have no need for G*d; and the poor are rich in faith because they are poor and find in G*d the source of an abundance of blessings. And the blessings probably have nothing to do with worldly possessions — and everything to do with appreciating the things that come from G*d.

Jesus was sent to the world to preach “good news to the poor”. Unfortunately, what is true today was also true in the first century, those who are poor are open to hearing about the blessings that G*d has ready to pour down on us, and has already poured into our lives. The rich believe they are blessed and deserve what they have — and most likely are less willing to share out of their abundance. The poor, however, understand where most blessings come from (G*d) and are ready to share their blessings with others. The ears of the poor are open to accepting the “Word”, the good news of Jesus — just like the arms of the poor are open to accept the physical blessings that come their way.

Jesus says “You will always have the poor with you” (Matthew 26:11) — so let’s take the time to serve them out of our abundance.

Pastor Dave