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

Prepared Hearts for January 26th

Hello Friends,

This week we are taking a break from the lectionary to engage in a Wesley Covenant Renewal Service. Our text for this week is 1 Peter 1:13-2:10, which is below. Also on this blog site is a copy of the covenant we will be using this Sunday.

1 Peter 1:13-2:5

 Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’

 If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.

 Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. For ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures for ever.’ That word is the good news that was announced to you.

Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

STARTER THOUGHTS

1.      There’s a lot to chew on in this passage of scripture. What stood out most to you as you read it? Were there portions you found easier or harder to read?

2.      1 Peter is a letter of encouragement that celebrates the eternal inheritance enjoyed by those who are born anew. However, this rebirth is the springboard for transformation. Reread verses 13-16. What does it mean to you to prepare your mind for action? To discipline yourself? To set all your hope on Jesus? What “desires that you formerly had in ignorance” are you being called to relinquish?

3.      This text contains many admonishments but little practical advice. For example the command to “be holy” is great, but how does one go about doing that? Peter tells us to “Rid [ourselves] of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander.” This is easier said than done. Societal pressures to envy others are everywhere and malice is commonplace in our culture. How do we go about becoming spiritual houses? What are some of the practices that you think are essential for us to be holy people?

4.      The Wesley Covenant Prayer (also on this webpage) will be at the center of this Sunday’s worship. As you read over this, are there portions that seem questionable to you? Are there parts you disagree with or have a hard time accepting? Why?

5.      From an outsider’s perspective, how do you think those who have put their lives in God’s hands appear or act differently from those who have no faith? Or how should we act differently?

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

Peace,

Amee

  

Wesley Covenant Renewal Service-Adapted

Wesley’s Covenant Renewal Service

Wesley found the Covenant Service to be a rich and meaningful, as expressed in his  Journal: “Many mourned before God, and many were comforted” (April 1756); “It was, as usual, a time of remarkable blessing” (October 1765); “It was an occasion for a variety of spiritual experiences ... I do not know that ever we had a greater blessing. Afterwards many desired to return thanks, either for a sense of pardon, for full salvation, or for a fresh manifestation of His graces, healing all their backslidings” (January 1, 1775). In London these services were usually held on New Year's Day. Around the country the Covenant Service was conducted whenever John Wesley visited the Methodist Societies.

The heart of the service, focused in the Covenant Prayer, requires persons to commit themselves to God. This covenant is serious and assumes adequate preparation for and continual response to the covenant.

The following is the covenant portion of next week’s Wesley Covenant Renewal Service:

INVITATION:

Commit yourselves to Christ as his servants. Give yourselves to him, that you may belong to him.

Christ has many services to be done. Some are more easy and honorable, others are more difficult and disgraceful. Some are suitable to our inclinations and interests, others are contrary to both.

In some we may please Christ and please ourselves. But then there are other works where we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves. It is necessary, therefore, that we consider what it means to be a servant of Christ. Let us, therefore, go to Christ, and pray:

Let me be your servant, under your command.

I will no longer be my own.

I will give up myself to your will in all things.

Be satisfied that Christ shall give you your place and work.

Lord, make me what you will.

I put myself fully into your hands:

     put me to doing, put me to suffering,

     let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,

     let me be full, let me be empty,

     let me have all things, let me have nothing.

I freely and with a willing heart

     give it all to your pleasure and disposal.

Christ is the source of all salvation for all who seek him. Christ does not seek to enter through coercion or fear. He seeks servants who openly consent to his way. To make this covenant a reality in your life, listen to these admonitions: First, set apart some time, more than once, to be spent alone before the Lord; in seeking earnestly God's special assistance and gracious acceptance of you; in carefully thinking through all the conditions of the covenant; in searching your hearts whether you have already freely given your life to Christ.

Consider what your sins are. Consider the laws of Christ, how holy they are, and whether you, after having carefully considered them, are willing to choose them. Be sure you are clear in these matters, being honest with yourself and open to God. Second, be serious and in a spirit of holy awe and reverence. Third, claim God's covenant, rely upon God's promise of giving grace and strength, so you can keep your promise. Trust not your own strength and power. Fourth, resolve to be faithful. You have given to the Lord your hearts, you have opened your mouths to the Lord, and you have dedicated yourself to God. With God's power, never go back.  And last, be then prepared to renew your covenant with the Lord.

COVENANT PRAYER

O righteous God, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, see me as I am before you.

Forgive my unfaithfulness in not having done your will, for you have promised mercy to me if I turn to you with my whole heart.

God requires that you shall put away all your idols.

I here from the bottom of my heart renounce them all, covenanting with you that no known sin shall be allowed in my life. Against your will, I have turned my love toward the world. In your power I will watch all temptations that will lead me away from you.

Through Christ, God seeks to be sovereign in all hearts that love the Lord and seek to live in peace with one another.

Before all heaven and earth, I here acknowledge you as my Lord and God.

I take you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for my portion, and vow to give up myself, body and soul, as your servant, to serve you in holiness and righteousness all the days of my life.

God has given the Lord Jesus Christ as the way and means of coming to God.

Jesus, I do here accept Christ as the living Way for my life, and sincerely join myself in a covenant with him. O blessed Jesus, I come to you recognizing my need of you in my life. I do here, with all my power, accept you as my Lord and Head and vow that you are the Lord, my righteousness.

I take you for my guide. I take your will as my law.

Christ has told you that you must suffer with him.

I do here covenant with you, O Christ, to take my lot with you as it may fall. Through your grace I promise that neither life nor death shall part me from you.

God has given holy laws as the rule of your life.

I do here willingly put my neck under your yoke, to carry your burden. All your laws are holy, just, and good. I therefore take them as the rule for my words, thoughts, and actions, promising that I will strive to order my whole life according to your direction, and not allow myself to neglect anything I know to be my duty.

The almighty God searches and knows your heart.

O God, you know that I make this covenant with you today out of a sincere desire to order my life according to your will. If any falsehood or confusion be within my heart, guide me and help me to set it aright.

And now, glory be to you, O God the Creator of all, whom I look upon as my source of wisdom and strength. Glory be to you, O God the Son, who is my Savior and Redeemer. Glory be to you, O God the Holy Spirit, who by your almighty power have turned my heart from sin to God.

I, through your infinite grace, have become your covenant servant. So be it.

And let the covenant I have made on earth be ratified in heaven. Amen.