Prepared Hearts for June 22nd, 2014

Hello Friends,

Welcome back to Prepared Hearts for June 22, 2014. This week’s lectionary texts include: Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17; Romans 6:1b-11, and Matthew 10:24-39. I’ll be preaching from Matthew. The text is below, followed by starter thoughts.

Matthew 10:24-39 (NRSV)

24 “A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; 25 it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! 26 “So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. 27 What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. 28 Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; 33 but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven. 34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

STARTER THOUGHTS

One of the Bible commentaries I use divides the scripture above into two sections entitled: “The Call to Courageous Confession” (verses 24-33) and “The Cost of Discipleship” (verses 34-39). I would have probably lumped them together and entitled it all “Confusing and Disturbing Teachings of Jesus.”

Are any of the rest of you confused and/or troubled by his comments here? One moment he seems to be sharing something I find very profound (“Do not fear those who kill the body…fear him who can destroy both soul and body”) and the next minute he doesn’t sound like Jesus at all (“I have not come to bring peace, but a sword”).

This scripture raises SO MANY questions, I hardly know where to begin! First of all, what do you make of this passage? What do you like/dislike/understand/find confusing?

How do you handle scripture that is difficult or contradictory to other passages of the Bible (i.e. Prince of Peace with a sword)? Also, how do you address scripture that contradicts your own belief system (children being set against their parents)? What is your measuring stick for determining what the critical themes of scripture are for you?

The first portion of the text is about letting go of one’s fear, especially of letting go of the fear of proclaiming the Gospel. Do you struggle to claim your faith and to declare/share it with others? Do you think the church does a good job of preparing disciples to acknowledge God before others?

This text reflects a reality that existed in Matthew’s church that people sometimes had to choose between their family and their faith. Even today, some people find closer ties within the family of God than they do with their natural families. How is the church like a family? Do you think, as a family, we encourage each other to let go of fear of what others may think and place our loyalty to God above all else?

I look forward to your thoughts and reflections. Feel free to email me or post a comment here.

Peace,

Amee

Prepared Hearts for June 8th

Hello Friends,

I apologize that I haven't gotten Prepared Hearts out the last couple weeks. This week I figured it was better late than never!

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, sometimes known as “the birthday of the Church” because of the coming of the Holy Spirit.  The lectionary texts for this week include: Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, and 35b; I Corinthians 12:3b-13; and John 7:37-39. 

I'll be preaching from Acts, which is below, with “Starter Thoughts” to follow.

Acts 2:1-21

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 1Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 1Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

“In the last days it will be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,

   and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

and your young men shall see visions,

   and your old men shall dream dreams.

Even upon my slaves, both men and women,

   in those days I will pour out my Spirit;

     and they shall prophesy.

And I will show portents in the heaven above

   and signs on the earth below,

     blood, and fire, and smoky mist.

The sun shall be turned to darkness

   and the moon to blood,

     before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day.

Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

STARTER THOUGHTS

First, some background info: the word “Pentecost” means “fiftieth day.” It was a daylong festival also known as the “Feast of Weeks” and took place fifty days following Passover. Pentecost was one of the pilgrimage feasts, which is why Jews from every land were gathered together in Jerusalem. This is the context in which the Holy Spirit comes upon them.

The story of Pentecost from Acts 2 is a familiar one to many because we read it every year. Like most familiar stories it is well worth examining again (and again). What stands out to you this time as you read it? What intrigues you?

At Pentecost God’s Spirit is poured out upon the entire community of believers. It isn’t a personal gift but a gift that rested on “each of them.” What does this tell us about the nature of the Holy Spirit?

The presence of the Holy Spirit leads to the miracle of speaking in unknown foreign languages. How is the Holy Spirit at work in the church today bridging differences?

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, fire is often associated with God’s presence. What does that imagery mean to you?

We read: All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’Who do you relate with more, the amazed and perplexed folks or the skeptics who try to explain away what they are witnessing by claiming they are drunk? What do you make of these two very different responses to the same encounter?

At Pentecost the Holy Spirit was heard and seen as wind and fire. How do you encounter the Holy Spirit today?

May the Holy Spirit work in your heart as you pray your way toward this Sunday.  

Peace,

Amee

Prepared Hearts for May 11th

Hello Friends,

Welcome back to Prepared Hearts, the online lectionary based Bible study of the Wacousta Community United Methodist Church. This week’s lectionary texts include: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; and John 10:1-10. I’ll be preaching out of the Gospel of John, but be sure to read the 23^rd Psalm as well.

John 10:1-10

10 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

STARTER THOUGHTS

What gets translated as “figure of speech” in verse 6 is the Greek term paroimia, which in other contexts gets translated as a “proverb.” In the shepherd story, Jesus is telling a parable that can, by its nature, have many different meanings. Does this story seem to indicate to you just one meaning or are there other layers of meaning under the surface here? Does it speak to you in a variety of ways? And if so, how?

The image of God as the shepherd and God’s people as sheep was commonly used in the Hebrew Scriptures (see not only the 23^rd Psalm but Psalms 74, 79 & 80). The metaphor of Christian followers as sheep and of Christ as the Good Shepherd is so common that it impacts everything from the artwork that hangs in our churches to the title by which we give our leaders: pastors (i.e. shepherds). Yet, we don’t spend very much time exploring this theme and what it means. Sheep are generally smelly, compliant livestock, who are members of a herd and easily swayed by others. They have no natural defenses and require a leader, not only to protect them but to guide them to food and shelter, lest in their ignorance they starve to death. Now at some level all metaphors break down, but do you think most Christians view themselves as “sheep” in this way? Do you? What parts of this comparison are troubling for you?

In verse nine, Jesus clearly identifies himself as the gate of salvation. Most associate this with the eternal afterlife, but what does this mean to you today in your daily living? What circumstances or temptations are the thieves in your life who come to steal, kill, and destroy? How does your Christ gate guard against them?

One of my all-time favorite sayings of Jesus is, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” When folks struggle with major decisions in life or feel guilt and shame over happiness and success, I direct them to this passage. What does it mean to you to have “life abundantly?” How would the world be different if more folks enjoyed an abundant life?

This Sunday is Mother’s Day. What similarities do you see between the role of shepherd and mother? Do you experience God as our Divine Mother? If so, what characteristics do you associate with divine mothering?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and reflections. Please feel free to email me or post a comment here.

Peace,

Pastor Amee

Prepared Hearts for May 4th, 2014

Hello Friends,

Welcome back to Prepared Hearts, our online lectionary based Bible study. This week’s lectionary texts include: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19; 1 Peter 1:17-23; and Luke 24:13-35. I’ll be preaching from the Gospel of Luke. The text is below, followed by starter thoughts.

Luke 24:13-49

13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 1 6but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad.

18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.”

25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. 28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them.

30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

STARTER THOUGHTS

1.       Among other things, this text reminds me how much looks can be deceiving. The two disciples of Jesus spent an entire day with him before they recognized who he was. Are there times you’ve been blinded by your own judgments of people? When have you been surprised to discover something that was hidden in plain sight?

2.      This text demonstrates how the risen Christ continues to be revealed to his disciples, even in experiences that transcend the resurrection. How/when do you experience the living Christ? In nature? In Holy Communion? In worship? In your family or coworkers? What does this text tell us about how Christ comes to us?

3.      One of the funny plot twists in the story is the fact that the stranger is “the only one in Jerusalem” who does not know the things that have taken place. The two eagerly tell him all they know while Jesus (who arguably knows more than anyone) just listens. How often do we turn to the Lord with our stories knowing all the while that his perspective is even greater than our own? Why do you think Jesus hears them out before he goes on to interpret the scriptures to them?

4.      One of the most intriguing things in this story is that once the disciples’ eyes were opened, Jesus vanishes! What do you make of that?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts, comments, musings, and questions. Feel free to email me or post a comment here. 

Peace,

Pastor Amee

Prepared Hearts for March 2nd

Greetings Friends,

Welcome back to Prepared Hearts the online lectionary-based Bible study of the Wacousta Community United Methodist Church. This Sunday is Transfiguration Sunday and our lectionary texts include: Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 99, 2 Peter 1:16-21, and Matthew 17:1-9.

I’ll be preaching from Matthew. The text is below, followed by starter thoughts.

Matthew 17:1-9 (NRSV)

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’

STARTER THOUGHTS

1. The word “Transfiguration” literally means “metamorphosed.” We take the name from this Sunday from the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountaintop. Yet, we have to ask ourselves the question: how are we transfigured/metamorphosed by our experience of Christ?

2. Have you had similar “mountaintop” experiences with Christ? Times when you’ve encountered the presence of the Divine and felt awestruck? Where/how did they occur? What was your response? Were you ready to travel back down the hill or did you, like Peter, want to take some time to build dwelling places and linger awhile?

3. The disciples see Jesus glowing with the transcendence associated with heavenly beings, foretelling his resurrection. The words spoken by God reiterate his status as the Son of God. In this story, the post-Easter exalted Christ appears within the pre-Easter context. Peter, James and John witness all of this but are told to sit on this information until after Christ’s resurrection. Put yourself in Peter’s (or James’ or John’) shoes. First, how do you think you would have responded to the sight of sparkling Jesus? Second, do you think you’d have been able to keep your experience to yourself once you’d come down from the mountaintop? Third, would this have changed how you viewed Jesus’ subsequent arrest and crucifixion?

4. Of course, the appearance of Moses and Elijah in this story is not coincidental. A lot has been written about why these two prominent Jewish figures appear alongside Jesus (and of course there is a lot of speculation about what the three were discussing). One thing that is essential to note is that Moses and Elijah were two of the three leaders (Enoch being the third) whom Jews considered to be alive in the presence of God. Seeing the glowing Jesus alongside Moses and Elijah should have tipped off the disciples to the Resurrection, but who can blame them for being confused? The voice from heaven confirms Jesus’ status as the Son of God (not just eternally alive like Moses and Elijah). All of this occurs before Jesus’ brutal suffering and death. Unlike Moses and Elijah, who were spared even normal deaths, Jesus would be brutally beaten and scandalously crucified. What do you make of this?

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and reflections. Feel free to email me or post a comment here.

Peace,
Pastor Amee

Prepared Hearts for February 9th

Greetings Friends,

Welcome back to Prepared Hearts, the online lectionary based Bible study of the Wacousta Community United Methodist Church. This week’s lectionary texts include: Isaiah 58:1-12, Psalm 112:1-10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, Matthew 5:13-20. I’ll be preaching from Matthew. The text is below, followed by starter thoughts. 

MATTHEW 5:13-20 (NRSV)

 ‘You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

 ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

STARTER THOUGHTS

1. The metaphor of salt was a powerful one in the historical context in which Jesus spoke of it. Salt was used in sacrifice (Leviticus 2:13), was a sign of covenant (Numbers 18:19), was used for purification (2 Kings 2:19-22), and of course, was a seasoning and preservative. Centuries later, salt continues to be an essential part of our lives, from food preparation to making our roadways and sidewalks passable during winter. What does “being salty” mean to you? Does the admonition to be “salt of the earth” continue to apply to us today? How so? 

2. The salt and light sayings of Matthew emphasize how mission is inherent to discipleship. What is the connection between mission and discipleship in your own life? Where do you see evidence of this connection in the church? 

3. Letting your light shine means that others will take notice. While the goal of this is to glorify God, it also means that our leadership will be on display and that others will take notice of this. How comfortable are you with shining brightly? What is it that keeps many hiding under a bushel basket?

4. The early church struggled with what role the “Law” (the Torah) was supposed to play in the Christian church. The largest question was: did Jesus make the Law obsolete? There was also great debate regarding whether those persons new to the Christian faith were supposed to adopt all of the Hebrew practices. The Matthean approach to this issue is that Jesus did not abolish the law but came to “fulfill it.” However, it is clear throughout his ministry that Jesus didn’t support the status quo. 

In some ways, this is an issue that the church continues to struggle with. We ask ourselves: how much of what we now call Scripture (Old and New Testaments) are we to follow to the letter and what portions are we supposed to challenge? To what extent do we rely upon what the Bible states and to what degree do we follow what we believe Jesus would do in any given circumstance? How do you handle this tension in your own life? Do you think the church does a good job of addressing this issue? 

As always, I look forward to your thoughts and reflections. Feel free to email me or post your comments here.

Peace,
Pastor Amee 

Prepared Hearts for February 2nd

Hello Friends,

Welcome back to Prepared Hearts and my apologies for getting this out so late this week! 

This week’s lectionary texts include: Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and Matthew 5:1-12. We will be focusing on the Gospel lesson, which is below, followed by starter thoughts.

MATTHEW 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

 ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

 ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

 ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

 ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

 ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

STARTER THOUGHTS

1.   The Gospel lesson this week pairs nicely with the Hebrew Scripture from Micah. Read the text from Micah 6 (one of my personal favorites) and then this portion of Matthew again. What similarities do you see between the teachings of the Prophet Micah and Jesus?

2.   This portion of the Sermon on the Mount is commonly referred to as “The Beatitudes” (translated: the “blessings”). Although it is a very familiar text, it contains teachings that counter nearly every cultural norm of our society. Jesus takes what we would normally consider the worst of circumstances and declares that blessings belong to those who encounter them. What do you make of the fact that nearly every blessing he mentions is bestowed on those who are empty or weak?

3.   Which of these blessings speak to you? Take some time to reflect on some of the greatest blessings of your life. In what ways have you experienced the blessings Jesus speaks of?

4.   What does this text say to you about a state of being blessed, as opposed to a state of feeling good or happy in the moment? What does it mean to you to be “blessed?”

5.   Which of Christ’ statements do you think require deeper reflection? For example, what do you think is meant by being “poor in spirit”? Who are the meek?

6.   As you read through the list, recall saints of your own life who reflected these blessed traits. What did their peacemaking look like? How were they merciful? Does the church allow for much diversity of experience or do we make assumptions about what someone “pure in heart” must be like?  

7.   Finally, what portions of The Beatitudes do you find hard to swallow? Does any portion of this text rub you the wrong way? Why or why not?

As always, I look forward to your thoughts and reflections. 

Please feel free to email me or post a comment here.

Peace,

Pastor Amee