Sunday Pastoral Prayer (Dec. 1/Advent) Athens First UMC

[The photo above is our sanctuary Christmas tree with three gifts already under the tree. These gifts represent world-wide mobility carts for people in developing countries who are unable to walk, the 2020 Athens First UMC Honduras summer mission trip scholarships, and the West Ohio Conference Light the Way” campaign to revitalize existing churches and start new churches. This month’s Advent/Christmas special offering will support these three mission focuses. Checks can be made payable to “Athens First UMC” with “Christmas Missions Offering” on the memo. We are receiving this offering throughout the month of December. This is a great way to live out our 1st Sunday of Advent theme which is to put on love, be the light, and keep our focus on the coming of Jesus into the world. Click here for the sermon.]

Loving God, as we begin this new church season in which we prepare for your coming into the world, help us to hear your alarm to be loving. Remind us during this busy time of year to be a little more patient, a little more forgiving, and a lot less focused on ourselves.

 

O God, help us to owe nobody anything but love.

 

God of light, as we begin this new church season in which we prepare for your coming into the world, help us to hear your alarm to shine your light. Remind us during this busy time of year to take time each day to reflect on those areas of our lives that are in need of transformation, those areas of our lives where we have not been thoughtful in our decision and actions. 

 

O God, help us to put on the armor of light.

 

And Lord Jesus, as we begin this new church season in which we prepare for your coming into the world, help us to hear your alarm and invite you to live at the very center of our lives. Remind us during this busy time of year to not only prepare for the celebration of your birth, but to also anticipate that time when you will come again and renew all of creation. 

 

Lord Jesus, help us to to keep our focus on you.

 

Thank you for these alarms that lead us to be the people you have called us to be. Wake us up so that we don’t miss out when the heavenly chorus sings, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” 

 

And O God, may our church wake up to your alarm during this holy season. May our church be a blessing to all who attend the memorial service for Dave Liggitt this afternoon. May we be a blessing to all who attend the Christmas concerts that we will be hosting next weekend. May we be a blessing to all who attend our Sunday worship services. And may we be a blessing to all who attend our Christmas Eve candlelight services.

 

O God, help our church to love, to be your light, and to keep our focus on Jesus. In anticipation of his coming, we pray together, “Our Father…”

Sermon (Dec. 1/Advent) by Rev. Robert McDowell

     So I’m working on my sermon in one of my favorite coffee shops one day when a customer hurriedly opens the door and runs toward the counter.  No wait.  She’s not a customer.  She’s an employee.  And she’s late.  

     As she runs behind the counter, she is apologizing over and over again to the manager, “I am so sorry.  I didn’t mean to be late for work.  I had my alarm set and I just slept right through it.  My roommate woke me up and said, ‘Aren’t you supposed to be at work now?’  I looked at my alarm clock and couldn’t believe what time it was.  I am so sorry!” The manager, who had been all alone taking care of customers, didn’t seem to impressed with the excuse.

     Her employee was a good thirty minutes late.  And I can remember passing judgment on this late worker as I sat there and listened to her apologize for not being on time.  

      I was in visiting someone in an out of town hospital and my calendar alarm goes off reminding me that I have a dentist appointment in 30 minutes.  I ended up being late to the dentist that day.  So, yes, I can relate to the coffee shop employee.  How about you?  Are you good at knowing what time it is?

     Someone once asked former baseball player, Yogi Berra what time it was.  And in particular Yogi fashion, he answered, “Do you mean right now?”

     The question for us to consider for this first Sunday of the Season of Advent is, “Do you know what time it is?”

     The Apostle Paul, seems to think that the Christians in Rome know the answer to this question when he writes, “You know what time it is.”

     Today marks the beginning of the Season of Advent, a period of four weeks preceding the celebration of the coming of Jesus Christ into the world.   Paul writes, “You know that it is time to wake from sleep because salvation is nearer to us now than when we first became believers.”

     Paul is setting off an alarm clock to make sure that we don’t sleep through this Advent season and miss the whole meaning of Christmas.   So don’t be surprised if you hear an alarm go off during the sermon this morning.  After all, it is Advent.  It’s time to wake up!

     This first alarm is to wake us up to love.  Just one verse before our Epistle lesson begins, the Apostle Paul writes, “Owe no one anything, except to love one another.”  And in that same passage of scripture, Paul writes, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

     One of the purposes of these four weeks leading up to the Christmas Season is to prepare us to be a people who offer God’s love to others.  This is an important alarm on this first Sunday of Advent because it can be so easy for us to get so preoccupied with the busyness of this time of year, that we miss out on what is most important – sharing God’s love with the people around us.

     This is that time of the year when patience can run a little thin at times just because of the stress of getting things ready for Christmas.  

     Chances are that someone will steal that parking spot which you thought was yours so now you’ll have to park 3 miles away instead of two.  The waitress at the restaurant will bring you a Sprite instead of a Diet Coke.  The store worker will tell you that they are out of the toy you wanted so badly for your little granddaughter, even though the sign says that they have them in stock. 

         And just when you’re ready to shake your fist at the guy in the other car, or not cut a break for the waitress who’s been on her feet all day waiting on tables, or say a few choice words at the employee in the toy store, you hear these words from that 1^st Sunday in Advent, “Owe no one anything, except to love one another.”

     One of the things that drives me crazy is how traffic can get so backed up when you’re out shopping. This reminds me of the story of a young woman whose car stalled at a stoplight.  She tried to get it started, but nothing would happen.  The light turned green, and there she sat, angry and embarrassed, holding up traffic.

     The car behind could have gone around, but instead the driver added to her anger by laying on his horn.  After another desperate attempt to get the car started, she got out and walked back to the honker.  The man rolled down his window in surprise.

     “Tell you what,” she said.  “You go start my car, and I’ll sit back here and honk the horn for you.”

     During this busy month of December, when people are stressed out, just think what a difference we can make in the lives of others, just by remembering this first Advent alarm.  “Owe no one anything, except to love one another.” 

     If the first advent alarm ring is about love.  The second advent alarm ring is about light.  The Apostle Paul writes in this same passage of scripture, “The night is far gone, the day is near.  Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

     The works of darkness.  In this passage of scripture, Paul is reminding the Christian community that they are a people of light.  They are a people who have been claimed by God and called to shine their light to the people all around them.

     Light is what helps us to see that which is hidden. It exposes those areas of our lives where we are in need of transformation which will be our Advent focus next Sunday but is really at the heart of this entire Advent season.

     One of the ways that we can be put on the armor of light is by taking time each day to reflect on areas of our lives that are in need of transformation. Psychiatrist and author, Scott Peck recommends that we spend time each day thinking about our behaviors and how we might respond to situations that we are facing in our lives. He says that most people don’t do this and instead simply offer unthinking knee-jerk reactions to the things that happen to us during the day.

     When we take the time to think and reflect, it allows our minds and spirits to catch up with the events of our lives so that we can see those areas of our lives that often remain hidden. Prayer and reflection are what help us to be open to the light of Christ in our lives.

     These reflection moments each day lead us to ask questions like, “Why did I react the way I did to that person’s comment?” “Why did that little thing get under my skin so much?” As we slow down each day and take time to reflect, it may also lead us to remember of God’s presence in any given situation. It may remind us that we are not alone when facing difficult situations and decisions. 

     In addition to a personal level, putting on the armor of light also exposes the darkness in our society. A couple of weeks ago, Penny and I went to see the movie, “Harriett,” about Harriett Tubman and the Underground Railroad in helping people escape from slavery.  Harriett Tubman along with so many others were willing to risk their lives by putting on the armor of light and exposing the darkness of slavery. 

     I was reading about the 2015 Oscar-winning movie “Spotlight” which centers around the actions of a group of reporters dedicated to telling the story of children abused by Boston-area priests that unfolded over decades. In the film, the church is portrayed at best as turning a blind eye to the abuse and at worst as enabling abusive and troubled priests to continue to hurt children.

     While this film focused on the Catholic Church, all denominations have struggled with a legacy of complacency when it comes to harmful actions such as abuse, cultural genocide, racism, and sexism. When the light of Christ shines on these actions, we come face to face with the truth of who we are and our deep need for Jesus Christ to save us.

     The second advent alarm is to put on the light of Christ.

     The third advent alarm according to Paul is the Lord Jesus Christ.  The first alarm is Love.  The second alarm is Light.  And the third alarm is the Lord Jesus Christ.     

     Paul writes to the Christians in Rome, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

     That’s what we’re getting ready to do during this Season of Advent.  We’re getting ready to celebrate the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into the world.  This season of waiting and expectation isn’t primarily about getting our shopping done or getting our house ready for out of town guests.  This season is all about the Lord Jesus Christ.

     In fact, the first two advent alarms of love and light spring from this third advent alarm, the Lord Jesus.  It’s because of the Lord Jesus, that we are able to love and to be a people of light.

     In this scripture passage from Romans, Paul isn’t just thinking about the birth of Christ.  He’s also thinking about the time when the Lord Jesus will come again and renew all of creation.  

     So in this Advent season, it’s really two-fold.  To celebrate the first coming of Jesus and to anticipate His 2^nd coming. And what better way to put on the Lord Jesus Christ then by celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Community on this 1^st Sunday of Advent.  

     So the next time your alarm clock goes off early in the morning, I want you to to remember this sermon. 

     It’s time to wake up! Don’t be late. It’s time to love. Time to be the light. And it’s time to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Happy Advent!

Advent Alarm

Sermon Discussion Questions

Romans 13:11-14 & Matthew 24:36-44

December 1, 2019

The season of Advent is a four-week time to help us prepare for the coming birth of Jesus. It is also a time to prepare for the 2nd coming of Christ when heaven and earth will be made new. For this first Sunday of Advent, the Apostle Paul wants us to know what time it is when he writes, “You know what time it is.” It’s like Paul is wanting us to set our spiritual alarm clock so that we don’t miss out on the coming of Christ into the world. Our scripture readings provide three alarms to set so that we don’t miss the good news of Christmas.

1st Advent Alarm - Wake Up to Love!!!

“Owe no one anyone, except to love one another” - Romans 13:8

Share some ways that God may be calling you to love others during this Advent Season.

2nd Advent Alarm - Receive God’s Light!!!

“The night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the arm our of light.” - Romans 13:12

Share some ways that God may be calling you to shine light where there is injustice, brokenness and pain in our community.

3rd Advent Alarm - Receive Jesus!!!

“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” - Romans 13:14

Share some ways that can help you keep Christ as the focus of this season leading up to Christmas.

Sunday Pastoral Prayer (Nov. 24/Christ the King Sunday) Athens First UMC

[Athens First UMC is now ready for the beginning of our Advent Season which begins next Sunday. A big thank you to our congregation for taking time to decorate our chapel and sanctuary following Sunday’s worship services. Looks like some of our college students were on a mission to put up the sanctuary Christmas tree and they were successful. For the Sunday sermon, click here.]

King of kings, you who are seated at the right hand of God in heaven, remind us on this day and throughout this Thanksgiving week that your authority and power are rooted in your self-giving, sacrificial, and redeeming love for the world. As citizens of your kingdom here on earth, lead us to reflect your kingdom in all that we do.

 

Forgive us for those times when we have reflected an alternative kingdom that focuses more on power and privilege, rather than upon justice and mercy. You know how enticing these other kingdoms are to us and how often we confuse patriotism with our faith as if they are one and the same. 

 

We confess that we are often more passionate about a political party than we are about our own faith. Untangle us from our preoccupation with our personal political biases so that we can devote our full allegiance to your kingdom here on earth.

 

As citizens of your kingdom, we pray for the political leaders in our world and country. We pray that they would be guided by peace, freedom, justice, and compassion, especially for those who are most vulnerable and marginalized. King of kings and Lord of lords, may your freedom ring for all.

 

On this special Sunday, we are thankful for Jesus, our King. Thank you for reminding us that we are citizens of your kingdom through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Thank you for your rule that is above all earthly rule. And thank you for blessing each one of us so that we can be a blessing to others. 

 

And now, hear our prayers as we seek your blessings upon those who are mourning the death of a loved one, those who are in need of your healing, those who are in need of hope, and those who are are in need of comfort.

 

We offer this pray in the name of Jesus our King, to whom be glory, majesty, power, and authority, and in whose name we pray your kingdom prayer…

 

“Our Father, who art in heaven…”

Sermon (Nov. 24) by Rev. Robert McDowell

     As your pastor, I have some advice for you when you gather for Thanksgiving this week with family members you haven’t seen in a while. My pastoral advice is for you to interject your political thoughts into as many conversations as possible. Yes, you heard me right. Bring up the topic of politics whenever you get the chance. 

     Now, before you tune me out for the rest of the sermon, let me explain. By politics, I’m not talking about Republican vs. Democrat. I’m not talking about Fox News vs. CNN. I’m not talking about Sean Hannity vs. Anderson Cooper. And I’m not talking about our upcoming presidential election. I’m talking about a much larger perspective of politics that often gets ignored in our political conversations and it has nothing to do with blue vs. red.

     Today is known on the church calendar as “Christ the King Sunday.” Whenever you throw in the word, “king,” we’re talking politics, aren’t we? A king by definition is a supreme ruler, someone who has been given all authority to rule. 

     This is the title that the New Testament uses for Jesus. He is the king of kings. The word, “Christ” isn’t Jesus’ last name as many people think. Jesus’ didn’t have a last name. Like many Jewish people in Jesus’ day, he was known in reference to his father, “Jesus, Son of Joseph.” He also was known for where he was from, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 

     The word, “Christ” however, is referring to his title. Jesus, the Christ. Jesus, the King. The word, “Christ” is the Greek word for king and the Hebrew word for king is “Messiah.”

     And I never thought about this, but “Christ the King Sunday” is not the best way to refer to this Sunday on the church calendar. “Christ the King” is redundant, isn’t it? The title for this Sunday is taking the Greek word for King which is the word, “Christ,” and also using the English word for “King” so essentially this Sunday is mis-titled as “King the King Sunday,” which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

     As I’m thinking about this, it should be changed to “Jesus the King Sunday.” I’ve been in pastoral ministry for over thirty years, and I just noticed this as I was working on this sermon. Today should be known as “Jesus the King Sunday.” 

     One of the reasons this Sunday is on the church calendar is to remind us that our faith is political. There’s no way around it. Who is in charge of the world? Not a political party as we think of today, but “Jesus, the King” rules over the world. 

     This is such a deeply embedded understanding of who Jesus is that many of our hymns refer to Jesus in some fashion as king or as ruling over creation. Just listen to these hymn titles as a sampling:

     “All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine.” “Crown Him with many Crowns.” “Jesus Shall Reign.” “Majesty, Worship His Majesty.” “Rejoice the Lord is King.” “Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven.”

     Hymn after hymn remind us that our faith is political. Jesus is King. Jesus rules over all creation. And so it’s impossible to separate our faith from politics since we refer to Jesus as the one and true king.

     But what kind of king is Jesus? And this is what makes today’s appointed Gospel reading for this special Sunday on the church calendar quite interesting. It’s the story of Jesus dying on the cross of all things. The true king over all creation doesn’t sit on a throne of gold. No, this king hangs from a cross in self-giving, sacrificial, and redeeming love for the world. 

     Self-giving, sacrificial, and redeeming are NOT the first words that come to mind when we think of our everyday political vocabulary. But really, that’s the way it’s always been whether in democracies like our own or in empires like the one that put Jesus on the cross. We think in terms of protecting our political ideologies, increasing our voter base, and doing whatever it takes to stay in power.

     Jesus operates under an entirely different set of rules that is rooted in God’s love for the world, a love that is willing to risk everything in order that all of creation might be redeemed and claimed by God. It was this love that led Jesus to take his place on a cross hanging between two thieves. And even as Jesus was hanging on a cross, he continued to show mercy.

     I was visiting someone up at one of the Columbus hospitals a couple of months ago. A hospital volunteer was taking me back to the pre-op area and she was wearing a red volunteer coat. A nurse came up to meet us and she was wearing a blue nursing uniform. 

     So I said to both of them, “Together, you are very patriotic!” And I said, “God bless America.” And the hospital volunteer obviously, not happy with the the state of politics in our country said, “Our country can use all the help it can get right now.”

     Her comment to me has led me to wonder why on one hand we can be so passionate about politics but on the other hand, it often leaves us so unsatisfied. I know of some people who are so set in their politics, that it is almost like a religion to them.

     I think this is why it’s very wise to not talk about that understanding of politics around the Thanksgiving table this Thursday, unless you really enjoy eating your turkey and mashed potatoes with lots of tension in the air. So, when I say to talk politics around the table, that’s not the kind of political talk that I’m referring. 

     The kind of politics I’m talking about is based on this Sunday on the church calendar where we celebrate and honor Jesus as King. This affirmation of faith is what helps you and me to be thankful people. Jesus, the King is the one who suffered, died, and rose again. Jesus, the true king over all creation offers the good news of self-giving, sacrificial and redeeming love for the world. That’s the political platform of Jesus, the King. That’s the kind of political talk that is at the heart of our faith.

    This political news is what leads me to having a grateful heart in this season of Thanksgiving. We offered this gratitude in the singing of our opening hymn referring to our King. “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation! All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near; join me in glad adoration.”

     If we must talk politics around the Thanksgiving table, let’s use this kind of political talk instead. The King of creation is our health and salvation. 

     This political news isn’t confined to the boundaries of a country. It’s not tied to a political party. It’s much bigger than that. It is the politics of a God who rules over all and whose reign is from coast to coast. All other authorities and powers are subject to this king of kings and lord of lords.

     One of the members of a church I served was a retired US congressman who had a distinguished career from 1967 to 1993. When I would go visit him at his home, I would always walk over to his stairway where he had pictures with him next to a US president. I remember one in particular with him standing next to LBJ.

     I had his funeral a couple of years after I got to know him. When I met with the family to prepare for the service, it was obvious that they were very proud of his work as one of the leading politicians in our country. 

     They specifically told me that he was known to do his best to respond to any mail that was sent to him.  And he would often tell his staff that they were not to worry about their politics as much as in meeting their needs.  And if they did anything less, they weren’t working for him anymore. It was refreshing to hear that he cared less about the politics of his constituents and more about meeting the needs of the people.

    His funeral reminded me that even in our country’s contentious political climate, there are examples of elected officials who truly do care about making a difference in our world. And I was so proud that he was a member of my church even though I wasn’t a member of his political party. 

    But it sounds like we shared the same politics of our Creator God who offers self-giving, sacrificial, and redeeming love for a broken and hurting world through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

     I’m glad that Christ the King Sunday falls on this Sunday before Thanksgiving because it gives us the opportunity to be thankful for the King.

     One of my favorite prayers is an old thanksgiving prayer that I like to reflect on during this week of Thanksgiving. I love this prayer because it beautifully sums up the good news of our faith and why we are called to be thankful for our king. 

     Let’s pray together:

     Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

Thankful for the King

Sermon Discussion Questions

Colossians 1:11-20 & Luke 23:33-43

November 24, 2019

“Christ the King Sunday” represents the last Sunday of the church calendar year, just before the beginning of the Advent Season. It’s a Sunday to reflect on what it means to refer to Jesus as the king over all creation. It’s a very political statement that we make whenever we proclaim Christ as the true king. It also reminds us that regardless of our political party affiliations, we as a people of faith have a much higher authority and allegiance, Jesus who is King of kings and Lord of lords. 

What does it means to you to call Jesus the King of kings?

It’s kind of surprising that for Christ the King Sunday, the Gospel reading is when Jesus was crucified on the cross. The Roman authorities placed the title, “king” above the cross to show the people who were citizens of the Roman Empire what happens to anyone who claims to be a king. The powerful statement that Luke is making is that Jesus’ throne isn’t like Caesar where he sits on a golden throne. Jesus’ throne is a cross where he rules over all creation through his self-giving, sacrificial, and redeeming love for the world. 

In what ways is Jesus the King calling us and the church to be citizens of his kingdom through his self-giving, sacrificial, and redeeming love for the world?

Pastor Robert shared the story of a US Congressman who was a member of his church. At his funeral, the family shared that he was known as someone who cared more for the needs of the people in his district than about their political party affiliation. He expected anyone who worked in his office to have that same mindset in putting people’s needs above politics.

What helps you to not label somebody as “conservative” or “liberal” and instead see them as people with whom God is calling us to serve and bless?

Since this is Thanksgiving week, reflect on this prayer to help us be thankful for our true King:

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

Sunday Pastoral Prayer (Nov. 17) Athens First UMC

[As always, our Chancel Choir blessed us with two beautiful anthems. They tied in perfectly with our worship theme of living in two worlds at the same time. We live in the world of pain, brokenness, injustice and despair, but we also live in the world where God is making all things new. For the sermon, click here. The anthem in the video above reminds us to keep reaching for God’s light in this world of so much darkness. We also held our annual “Thanks for Giving” church-wide covered dish following our worship services in honor of all of our many volunteers who serve through the church. See picture below.]

God of new beginnings, we are thankful that you can make all things new. You can take a cross, and turn it into an empty tomb. You can take a few fish and a couple loaves of bread and feed a multitude of hungry people. You can take a small gathering of people on a Sunday morning and send them out to be a blessing to the people in their community. O God, you really can make all things new.

 

Thank you for you many blessings and signs of your presence in our broken and hurting world. Thank you for the many people in our community who receive a meal through our weekly Monday Lunch ministry. Thank you for all the children and families who will receive Christmas presents through our Angel Tree ministry. 

 

Thank you for Sunday School teachers, ushers, greeters, choir members, bulletin folders, nursery workers, Honduras mission trip participants, Stephen Ministers, audio/visual helpers, college student lunch cooks, Athens First Saturday volunteers, and so many more ways that our church is seeking to live out the Prophet Isaiah’s vision of new heavens and a new earth.

 

Forgive us for those times when we become overly cynical and negative and for those times when we ignore the cries and pain of our world. Teach us what it means to live in two worlds at one time, the world that is filled with so much inequity, injustice, and hatred, but also a world that contains so much beauty, grace, and kindness. 

 

And thank you for the gift of prayer that keeps us connected with you especially during times when we face heartache, grief, broken dreams, criticism, and despair. And during this time of prayer, we lift up to you those who are on our hearts and minds who are in special need of you this day; those in the hospital, those recovering from surgery, those who are feeling lonely, those who are struggling financially. May the light of your grace shine upon each of these persons and situations they are facing.

 

And shine your grace upon each one of us that we would be open to the signs of your presence and goodness that are all around us. We pray this in the name of Jesus who invited us to pray for your world to become part of our world… “Our Father, who art in heaven…”

[Our annual “Thanks for Giving” volunteer appreciation meal was well attended. In addition to the wonderful Thanksgiving meal, we spent time thanking all of our volunteers who give of their time to help our church live out our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of our community and world. Thank you, volunteers!]

Sermon (Nov. 17) by Rev. Robert McDowell

 

    Over these past few months, it’s amazing to me how many people I know, who for various reasons need to live in two different communities. Mostly it’s because of a temporary job relocation where they need to live out of state while their families remain here in Athens. I would think it would be like living in two different worlds.

     I was thinking about this in planning for this Sunday because our scripture readings offer two very different worlds in which we are called to live everyday. On one hand, there’s the beautiful world described so poetically by the prophet Isaiah in which there is nothing but gladness, rejoicing, hope, and new life.

     And on the other hand, there’s the broken and hurting world as described so forcefully by Jesus in our Gospel reading where there is the reality of violence, war, natural calamities, and persecution. 

     If I asked you which world sounds more appealing, I would guess that you would be like me and choose the world described by Isaiah, the world that is completely filled with joy and gladness. But the reality is we live in both. We only need to hear the latest breaking news to be reminded that Jesus’ description of the world is all too true, sadly.

     This dichotomy of two worlds is also evident for those who like to travel. Tourist and vacation spots are often located in the wealthier areas of a community, but just across the bridge or across the tracks from where you’re staying, we would find unbelievable poverty and hopelessness. 

     In one of the churches I served, we would send a mission team to serve in the Bahamas each year. What can I say, except that we felt “called” to serve in a place which just so happens to have the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

     But all joking aside, Eleuthera Island where we sent our team each year not only has beautiful beaches but also very severe and unbelievable poverty. It’s an island that contains two very different worlds where the rich and famous live and where the poor and forgotten live side by side.

     Whenever people from our missions team would return from one of our trips, they didn’t focus on how blue the ocean was or how the Caribbean Sea was a welcome relief from the our cold and gray Ohio winters back home. Instead, they shared about the beautiful people they met in some of the most impoverished villages they had ever visited in their lifetimes.

     During one of our mission trips to the island, our guide took us to the Glass Window Bridge which is known as the most narrow land mass in the world. Only one hundred feet separate the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean on one side with the calmer waves of the Caribbean Sea on the other.

     Tim, who was one of the people who went on these mission trips to the Bahamas said to me as we were walking across that bridge, "Robert, I see a future sermon illustration with this bridge. Sometimes our faith and life can feel turbulent like this Atlantic side and other times it can feel peaceful like the Caribbean side."

     Tim’s insightful observation was a wonderful metaphor in describing the worlds we were experiencing during that mission trip on Eleuthera Island. We saw beauty and desperation side by side.

     But we don’t need to go to Eleuthera Island to live in two worlds. We live in two worlds right here where we live. In fact, there is probably no other place in Ohio that is more of a contrast than living in the city of Athens while also living in a county which is one of the poorest in the state, not to mention the entire nation. Friends, we live in two worlds all the time right here in southeast, Ohio.

     It’s not easy to live in two worlds simultaneously. And I think this is why we have these two very contrasting scripture images of the world next to each other in our scripture readings this morning. On one hand, we have Isaiah who paints this beautiful picture of how the world is meant to be where there is joy, and rejoicing, and abundance for all. That’s the calm and tranquil Caribbean side to borrow Tim’s metaphor. 

     And on the other hand, we have Jesus’ passage from Luke’s Gospel where there is destruction, brokenness, violence, and pain which is the turbulent and wave crashing Atlantic side to complete his metaphor. The truth is that we live to varying degrees in both worlds all of the time.

     From beginning to end, the Bible is constantly reminding us of these two worlds. The beauty that is all around us coupled with the hope and promise that one day God will make all things new runs alongside of the painful reality that this world often times feels like it’s going to hell in a hand basket. And depending on which side of the bed you wake up in the morning, you’ll end up seeing one more than the other.

     And so what do we do with this dilemma of having to live in two very different worlds? How do you NOT become extremely negative and cynical in this world but at the same time, not become naïve and reality denying.

     The scriptures are really, really awesome at keeping us grounded in both worlds. 

     And so, if you are one who tends to only see the world in rose colored glasses where we ignore the cries of the hungry, and the tears of the oppressed, and those who are marginalized, and those who are excluded in subtle and not so subtle ways based on age, race, gender, or sexual orientation, maybe Jesus’ words from our Gospel lesson are what we need to hear the most this morning. 

     Jesus is reminding us that working for peace and justice is unbelievably hard and excruciatingly painful. It’s not easy taking on the shape of someone else’s pain.

     But take heart, because Jesus says that if we take seriously the pain and brokenness of our world, God will be by our side as we suffer on behalf of others. Jesus is saying that even though there will be those who will not support you in making this world a better place for all and not just for a privileged majority, that not even a hair of your head will perish. Please don’t take that literally because just look at my hairline. 

     Or, conversely if you are one who tends to see the world only through doom and gloom lenses where there is no beauty anywhere to be seen, then maybe Isaiah’s words from our Old Testament reading need to take more prominence. Look for the beauty. Open your eyes to the possibilities. See God’s presence at work in the world. It’s there. You just have to be alert to see it. Be joyful, be glad! And without a doubt, in these days leading up to Thanksgiving, be thankful. Be grateful. Be aware of the blessings that are all around us.

     Don’t miss the rainbow after the storm. Listen to that song that makes you cry tears of joy every single time you hear it. Don’t miss God’s presence in the everyday moments of your life. Seek to bless others knowing that you are an important part of the building of God’s kingdom here on earth.

     This is where our II Thessalonians scripture reading says to us, “Don’t forget about me, because I have something to add to what the preacher is saying this morning. And it’s short and sweet. ‘Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.’”

     II Thessalonians is saying, that as we live in these two worlds every single day, don’t grow weary. See the good. See what needs to be changed and contribute to that change to help make this world a better place.

     Great words for us as we live between these contrasting worlds described by Isaiah and Jesus. “Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.”

     God knows it’s not easy to live in two these two overlapping worlds; the calm Caribbean side of tranquility, peace, justice, equality, and harmony, contrasted by the Atlantic side of chaos, violence, destruction, oppression and death. We live in both. That’s just the way it is. It’s not easy, but God promises to be with us as we live in both these worlds.

     Perhaps one of our own members, Cathy Lee said it best in a Facebook post just before school began this past August when she offered these words, and I share these words with her permission. She writes…

     “I enjoyed my last weekday run this morning before my school year begins this Wednesday. As I was running, I thought about "place" and how we each are called to or at least find ourselves living in a particular place on this big Earth. I thought of the people in the village of La Boca in Honduras, where my church mission team visited this summer and last summer.  These lovely people love their families, raise their children, keep their modest homes as nice as possible, give thanks to their God and others, show hospitality to visitors, and work toward a bettering their village and their school for the present and the next generation. Each of them probably (although I didn't see it) also bickers with others at times, and has their share of dark moments...hopefully followed by new beginnings. They enjoy the beauty of the sunrise and sunset from their slice of the Earth.  I don't know that there's any better way to live, no matter our financial status, job status, level of education, or geographical location.”

     Cathy’s insightful words remind us that it is possible to live in these two worlds at the same time as difficult as it may seem. And what gives me hope in this crazy, hurting, confused and often violent world, comes from the very first verse that was read to us this morning from Isaiah, one that is meant to sustain us every single morning when we wake up to begin a new day. 

     He offers us this word of hope. Memorize it. Meditate on it. Hold on to these words for dear life, friends. And here it is. 

     When you feel that all hope is lost, more than anything, remember this…

     God is creating new heavens and a new earth. 

Living in Two Worlds

Sermon Discussion Questions

Isaiah 65:17-25; II Thessalonians 3:6-13; & Luke 21:5-19

November 17, 2019

Our Isaiah and Gospel readings offer two contrasting views of the world. In Isaiah, we are given a picture of God’s preferred future for the world which includes gladness, rejoicing, hope, and new life. In Luke Gospel, there is the reminder that are world is filled with violence, war, natural calamities, and persecution.

Where do you see the world as described by Jesus today?

Where do you see the world as described by Isaiah today?

Pastor Robert shared an illustration of how we as people of faith live in both of these worlds at the same time. The world’s most narrow land mass is what is known as the Glass Window Bridge located on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas. On one side, you can look down and see the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. On the other side, you can see the calm and peaceful Caribbean Sea.

What helps you to not be overly naive and ignore the pain and suffering in our world?

What helps you to not be overly negative and pessimistic and ignore the beauty and goodness in the world?

Our 3rd scripture reading from II Thessalonians helps us to live in both worlds by offering us these words, “Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.”

What are some specific ways that we can do what is right in our community and world?

Since we are approaching Thanksgiving, spend some time in prayer thanking God for Isaiah’s picture of the world. Remember these words of hope from our Isaiah scripture reading: “For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth.” 

Sunday Pastoral Prayer (Nov. 3/All Saints Sunday) Athens First UMC

[All Saints' Sunday is the annual day on the church calendar where we remember those of the faith who have gone before us. We read six names of our members during the prayer time, lighting a candle and ringing a bell after the reading of each name. (See names below.) We also lighted a seventh candle in memory of others who have enriched our lives and helped us to become more like Christ. Notice in the picture above that the word "Alleluia" is conveniently below the seven candles. We sing, "Alleluia" for all of the saints who have gone before us and who are now with God in glory. Here is a link to the sermon.]

 

O God, we lift up to you these saints by name, who have faithfully lived and died:

 

We will light one more candle this morning. It is in loving remembrance of all others who have blessed us in so many caring ways. Thanks to their Christ-like example, we have a stronger faith and a closer walk with God. Let us remember with grateful hearts all those whom we have loved. Their lives brightened and changed this world. In this moment, we say their names silently in our hearts. 

 

God holds all of us in his great arms of mercy. Let us offer a prayer of thanksgiving for all the saints who have gone before us:

 

Almighty God, we thank you for all the saints who have faithfully lived and died and who are now with you in your glorious kingdom. We especially thank you for those we have just named and for how they have been a blessing in our lives. We also pray for family members who have made a special effort to be here in worship today to remember their loved ones. Remind us that you are our loving shepherd who comforts us, especially when we have heavy hearts.

 

Most of all, on this All Saints’ Sunday, we give you thanks for the good news of our faith that points us to a time when there will be no more mourning, sadness, pain or injustice, and where even death itself will be defeated once and for all. To you O God, be all honor, glory, dominion, and power, now and forevermore.

 

And now with confidence as the people of God, let us pray the prayer that Jesus taught us to say together, “Our Father, who art in heaven…”