God is Still Speaking

 "Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days God has spoken to us by a Son, whom God appointed heir to all things...."  Hebrews 1:1-2 

Each Sunday, we hear God speaking through the words of the prophets and others from the Old Testament, and the words of Jesus, the deciples and early Christians in readings from the New Testament.

We receive additonal insights into God's messages in Continuing Testaments, selected readings from recent writings as other sources of revelation. Some of these are included here.

Continuing Testaments are usually taken from articles, books, and other written sources by well known and by lesser known persons who have an important message to tell.  We are sure these will be of interest to you.

CONTINUING TESTAMENT
March 7, 2010
from The Shack by William P. Young

CONTINUING TESTAMENT

February 14, 2010

from I’ve Been to the Mountaintop    
by Martin Luther King, Jr.
April 3, 1968

If I were standing at the beginning of time, with the possibility of taking a kind of general and panoramic view of the whole of human history up to now, and the Almighty said to me, "Martin Luther King, which age would you like to live in?" Strangely enough, I would turn to the Almighty, and say, "If you allow me to live just a few years in the second half of the 20th century, I will be happy."

Now that's a strange statement to make, because the world is all messed up. The nation is sick. Trouble is in the land; confusion all around. That's a strange statement. But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. And I see God working in this period of the twentieth century in a way that people, in some strange way, are responding to.

And another reason that I'm happy to live in this period is that we have been forced to a point where we are going to have to grapple with the problems that people have been trying to grapple with through history, but the demands didn't force them to do it. Survival demands that we grapple with them. For years now, people have been talking about war and peace. But now, no longer can they just talk about it. It is no longer a choice between violence and nonviolence in this world; it's nonviolence or nonexistence. That is where we are today....

We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And God has allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land! And so I'm happy tonight.  I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!

What's the Good Word?

The text of Pastor Dave's recent sermons are available here for your reading and comtemplation. We hope this will help you along your spiritual growth. We invite you to hear Pastor Dave preach in person on a Sunday morning at the Brecksville United Church of Christ. We are confident you will find it to be an uplifting, provocative experience.

The complete Orders of Worship for these Sundays are available on the "Sunday Worship" page.

Life’s Toughest Question
[Text - Luke 13:1-9]

Pastor Dave Shackle
March 7, 2010

The word "Gospel" means "Good News" - however this morning’s reading from the Gospel of Luke doesn’t sound like good news. In fact, it begins with the reporting of some extremely Bad News. Some people come up to Jesus and tell him that the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, has "mingled the blood of the Galileans with the blood of their sacrifices." In other words, Pilate had these Galileans killed while they were in Jerusalem, in the Temple, presenting their offerings to God. This kind of brutal slaughter, in a place of worship, is certainly hard to comprehend. It’s also hard to figure out exactly why these people are telling this news to Jesus. Perhaps they’re trying to warn Jesus - a Galilean himself - to stay away from Jerusalem; there’s danger in that city! Or, maybe they’re trying to get Jesus fired-up, so that he will lead a revolution, storm into Jerusalem and overthrow those murderous Roman oppressors.

Whatever the case, this Gospel passage doesn’t begin with "Good News," nor does it get much better as it continues. Jesus himself brings up another recent tragedy that has taken place near Jerusalem, when the tower of Siloam collapsed and crushed eighteen people to death. More Bad News - another senseless tragedy.

Although this morning’s Gospel reading sounds rather dark and depressing, it’s also extremely relevant. This passage raises one of the most difficult questions that you and I will ever face: "How do we make sense of the senseless pain, suffering, and death that touches our lives?" That’s a question all of us will face, at one time or another; so this morning, I’d like to use this Gospel reading as a springboard for trying to make some sense out of that senselessness. [Which probably doesn’t seem very sensible on my part, but I think it’s important to try.] Any faith that doesn’t speak to the hard issues of suffering and death, is certainly an incomplete faith. And to proclaim a faith in Jesus Christ, without addressing the reality of Jesus’ own suffering and death, is also incomplete. Therefore, I’m willing to give it a try.

When Jesus is told about the slaughter of the Galileans, he is already on his way to Jerusalem. Yet he doesn’t respond to this news with personal fear, or with defiant hatred for the Romans. Instead, he deliberately continues his journey toward Jerusalem, fully recognizing the real possibility that his blood and his life may also be sacrificed there. Yet Jesus moves forward, determined to teach and to show that God’s compassionate grace is intended for all people - including those who would seek to do him harm. Regardless of how the religious establishment attacks him, and in spite of the threats of the Roman government, Jesus moves forward with a Divine message of love, grace and peace. It’s a message of Good News, in spite of the Bad; a proclamation of Life, in the face of Death; an expression of Divine Love, which overcomes the power of hatred and fear. It’s a definitive declaration about the caring and companionate Nature of God.

In this morning’s Reading, Jesus proclaims quite clearly that when tragedy strikes, it is not some "punishment" from God! "Do you think that these Galileans suffered in this way because they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? I tell you NO....Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them - do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you NO; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."

Jesus says that suffering and death are not the sign of an angry or judgmental God; but they can be a sign and a stimulus for personal reflection on what is truly important in our lives. The truth is, we will all perish - the mortality rate of the human race remains 100%. The question, therefore, is not whether we will die, but rather, how shall we chose to live.

In those terrible times, when pain or loss, suffering or death come crashing into our lives, one positive thing that may also come, is a clearer focus on what and who is truly important to us. It is a time to repent - which simply means that we turn-around; we let go of those things we no longer find valuable, and we embrace those things, and people, of genuine worth. God does not afflict us with bad things, Jesus declares, yet God can inspire us - breathe into us, the spirit and strength and courage to overcome those bad things that are a natural part of life.

There’s a term used in the Insurance industry that I find extremely irritating: "An Act of God." It’s a term they use when assigning liability for damages. Windstorms, lightening, hail, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods are all classified as "Acts of God." Now, I do know of One Really Big Flood for which God was assigned liability, but that took place centuries ago. And even in that ancient story, there’s an expressed understanding that this is no longer to be viewed as God’s way of doing things. And if we ever forget that, we are invited to look to the sky, to see the beauty of the rainbow, and to remember God’s promise to humankind and to every living creature - The promise of Divine compassion and care for this entire creation.

A flood is an act of nature - sometimes prevented by our construction of dams, sometimes promoted by our destruction of land and trees - but a flood is not "an act of God." An act of God is when those frightening flood waters rise, and there also rises within people the courage to risk their own lives in order to rescue a friend, or a total stranger. That’s an act of God! An act of God is when the flood subsides, and people discover the strength and compassion to help one another rebuild their broken homes and shattered lives.

The Tower of Siloam most likely fell because of poor construction or faulty materials, not as "an act of God" to punish those who just happened to be there when it came crashing down. Those Galileans slaughtered in the Temple, were killed because of a bad Roman Governor, not as "an act of God" to punish Galileans. And Jesus, the wise Galilean teacher, who embodies the fulness of Divine Wisdom and Compassion, sets the record straight on this extremely critical issue: God does not cause Life’s traumatic or tragic events; however, God’s is truly present, with us and for us, in those tragic and traumatic times.

Oftentimes that Divine Presence is revealed through other people - those who are willing to stand beside us, to love us and hold us, in our deepest hour of pain and despair. Sometimes, it is in the silence of our own inner anguish, that the still, small voice of Divine Peace whispers to us that somehow, in time, all will be well. In the midst of Life’s storms that rage around us and within us, there are still some remarkably positive and hopeful signs to be seen. Some, as beautifully serene as a multicolored rainbow; others as terribly somber as a blood-stained cross - wondrous signs that remind us that we are not alone in our suffering. God is with us, God is for us.

Jesus, as God’s Anointed One, chooses to live with and for the poor, the sick, the outcast, and the oppressed - all those whose lives cry out for compassion, and hope. And Jesus is willing to follow that choice, even though it leads to his own rejection, suffering and death. The Gospel - the Good News - proclaims that even then; especially then, God is fully present; and that Life and Love will continue throughout eternity! This is the message of the Cross. This is the Good News of our faith.

Hens, Hands, Hearts, and Hugs
[Text - Luke 13:31-35]

Pastor Dave Shackle
February 28, 2010

Herod Antipas, a son of King Herod the Great, was the tetrarch of the region of Galilee during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. Basically that meant that he was political puppet of the Roman Empire. In this morning’s New Testament reading, Jesus calls Herod a "fox", though to me, he seems a lot more like a sleazy wolf. Herod’s the one who marries his brother’s wife, Herodias, and then gets upset when John the Baptist speaks out against the marriage, leading to John’s arrest. Then, at a big birthday bash that he throws for himself, the somewhat inebriated Herod is a bit too enthralled with the dancing of his lovely young stepdaughter - who also happens to be his niece. [And we think those T.V. Reality shows are convoluted!] Herod foolishly says to the girl, who is traditionally named Salome, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom." So Salome goes to Herodias for some wise motherly advice; and Herodias tells her that she should ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod, who’s too proud to back down in front of his guests, reluctantly agrees. So, unfortunately, since Herod loses his head, John the Baptist loses his.

Herod Antipas was a suspicious - and superstitious - individual, apparently quite interested in hearing about all kinds of religious stuff, but not in practicing any real religion. When he first hears of Jesus’ ministry, he’s afraid that this is actually John the Baptist risen from the dead, which makes him extremely nervous. The one time Herod actually meets Jesus, on the night of Jesus’ own arrest, he is initially delighted - hoping that Jesus will perform a miracle or two to impress him and thereby garner his release. But when Jesus refuses to entertain him, or his questions, Herod commands his soldiers to mockingly put a majestic robe on Jesus and return him to Pontius Pilate.

In this morning’s reading, as Jesus heads toward Jerusalem for the Passover Festival, Herod and several other political and religious leaders again become extremely nervous. Jesus has been inspiring people throughout Israel with his powerful teachings, his compassionate healing, and his remarkable welcome of society’s outcast and oppressed. In fact, the tremendous excitement that Jesus is generating among the people, is reminiscent of the buzz that surrounded John the Baptist, until John was beheaded by Herod’s command. And now it appears that Herod has his sights set on Jesus, just as Jesus has his sights set on Jerusalem. And because a collision course between these two seems imminent, some Pharisees come to warn Jesus of Herod’s deadly intent.

It’s not clear whether these Pharisees’ real concern is for Jesus’ safety, or for protecting their own interest in the convenient status quo; but regardless of their motivation, Jesus will not be sidetracked from his intended ministry and mission. He says to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day, I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ " In other words, Jesus really doesn’t care about Herod’s threats, or any other threats - he will hold true to his ministry and mission, regardless of what it may cost him.

Herod may consider himself to be a sly and crafty old fox, but Jesus is not impressed. Jesus, whose ministry is rooted and grounded in Divine Love and Grace, answers to a Power far greater than Herod, or the mighty Rome Empire. And even though Herod has displayed the fox-like skills of shrewdly attacking and destroying his prey, Jesus will not deviate from his mission, regardless of the threat. He will continue to cast out evil and heal the sick, one day after another, as long as he has life and breath. And though it’s becoming increasingly clear to him that his ministry and mission may well cost him his life, Jesus is resolved to proclaim the Good News of God’s love, even with his dying breath.

Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem, not because of some misdirected martyr complex, but so that he might make a clear and decisive appeal to people of Israel at the very heart of their religious and political center. He knows that this appeal will be undermined and derided by Herod and by other political and religious power brokers; but his undying faith, in the ultimate power and protection of God, inspires him to continue his course. By going to Jerusalem for the Passover, Jesus is definitely on a course that will shake-up the status quo; but that’s what a true prophet of God must be willing to do. Challenging the rich and powerful is often the only way to show true solidarity and compassion for the poor and powerless, even though it may put you in an extremely vulnerable position.

Ancient Jerusalem, not unlike modern-day Jerusalem, is a place where God’s prophets of peace often put their lives on the line. They stand with open arms, calling for their brothers and sisters to lay down their arms, and to embrace God’s way of peace and justice. And this is what Jesus fully intends to do. He passionately cries-out:

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often I have desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!"

If you’ve ever seen someone you love head down a dangerous or destructive path, then you probably understand the depth of Jesus’ lament. You can warn them, you can plead with them, but in the end, the best you can do is to keep your heart and your arms open to them. We cannot make anyone accept our care or protection; we can only be willing to offer it. Doing so can put us in an extremely vulnerable position - arms wide-open, hearts completely exposed - but if we fully intend to be there for that person, then this is the position we must be willingly to take.

This image of Jesus [this picture of God] as a mother hen, gathering all of her children under her wings to warmly embrace and protect them, certainly challenges our old images of the mighty warrior-god. And it also says something important about the relationship among those children gathered together. To be gathered together under those wings requires a physical closeness. It takes a willingness to come together and to get along with one another. It’s a good image to think about whenever we’re tempted to pull apart from one another, or to exclude anyone from the warmth of God’s welcome and care.

Jesus had done all within his power to try to bring healing and reconciliation to those diverse people who lived around him. And now, as he heads toward Jerusalem, he is ready to do the most powerful thing of all: he is prepared to set-aside his power and throw his arms wide open as the ultimate expression of the Divine Desire to embrace and heal the world. With all the pain and trouble, divisiveness and heartache in this world, sometimes the only thing left to do, is to take the risk of extending that Holy Hug. The act of offering a hug is far more risky, yet often far more effective, than giving a lecture. It’s often what parents will instinctively do, when they find their lost child who has carelessly wandered-off. They will hug them tightly and draw them close. [The lecture can come later.]. All that matters in that moment, is that the one who was lost has now been found.

Apparently, that’s all that really mattered to Jesus.