Tag Archives: Word

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on January 5, 2016
Tags: , Word   

Fresh Ears — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

                                January 5, 2106

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 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 24:13-31

Yesterday’s reading and discussion ended with the sentence “Remain open to hearing things new – hearing them with “fresh ears.” It got me wondering where the phrase fresh ears first appeared. In doing some research it seems that it comes from the Hebrew word “Abib” , which means “Fresh, Young Ears”. It refers to the “month of ear forming” or “growing green”, meaning new, or newly formed. It also refers to the first month of the Jewish calendar. If you look up the phrase on the internet, you will find that this term is really important in the music industry, and can also be an important concept in our every day lives. Why? Because it is hard to hear something with fresh ears – especially something we have heard over and over again, or something we have set upon with certain pre-conceived notions.

Take our two friends traveling on the road to the town of Emmaus. These two disciples were confused. They are disciples because they are followers of Jesus. They are sad because Jesus was killed, and they had hoped he was the long awaited Messiah. Although they had witnessed so many things with Jesus, and heard his teachings, they could not hear his teachings with “Fresh Ears”, meaning, if Jesus was the long awaited Messiah then how could he have been killed. So, on the day of his resurrection, Jesus came to open their ears so they could understand the scriptures with “Fresh Ears” – to teach them they needed to put away their pre-conceived notions about the Messiah, and about their faith.

We also need to struggle to hear the words of scripture with new, and fresh ears – and this can be hard when we have heard the scriptures for so many years. My friends, as you read the scriptures this new year, make it a point to hear them with “fresh ears” and to “remain open” to the Holy Spirit speaking in and through these words of Grace.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on January 1, 2016
Tags: Word   

New Beginnings — Rev. David J. Schreffler

January 1, 2016

“From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. 2 He said:
“In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me;  all your waves and breakers swept over me. “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’” And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” Jonah 2:1-3, 7-10

January 1st of every year is a liminal if not a Kairos moment in time. The first day of the New Year provides the opportunity for a G-d moment – if we want it to happen, and if we allow it to happen. Many people will meet the New Year with a hang over and a foggy brain. Is this the best way to start the New Year? Most likely people are trying to forget what the passing year gave to them, good or bad, or they are afraid of what the New Year might bring, good or bad. Again, is this the best way to start the New Year? When I say the New Year can be a liminal or a Kairos moment in time, I am speaking to the very real possibility of having a G-d moment where we begin with and in G-d’s presence – and begin the New Year as changed people.

Instead of making New Year’s Day one of just recovery, football, and sauerkraut, why not take some time today to invite G-d into your home, if not into your life. Take time today to immerse yourself into G-d’s presence, G-d’s very real presence. Decide today to read the word of G-d daily – set small goals for yourself. Start with a few verses a day, and see how that may increase over time. Don’t just read it but take time to think about it, meditate upon it, and let the word speak to you. Also, decide today how seeing yourself through your baptismal identity – as a loved child of G-d – might change your perspective if not your direction. Allow the Grace, mercy and love of G-d to knock the chip off your shoulder and to introduce some peace and joy into your life. It can sustain you on this New Year’s journey. It is the opportunity for a new beginning. This will be the focus of my devotions this year — picking a theme and writing devotions on that theme, one month at a time. The theme for January 2016 is “Beginnings”.

G-d is always ready to prove to you G-d’s love, mercy and Grace which has been there all along, we just miss it because we are too busy with other things. Do not miss this opportunity to begin the new year with a new beginning.

Pastor Dave