Exodus 3:14 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
“I AM WHO I AM.”
I am sure Moses was thinking, Thanks God you answer is so revealing.
Seriously, think about it. What an answer...
I have been working on this sermon series “What’s in a Name?” for a while. And I am sure some people are wondering, what is the big deal about exploring the names of God? I might suggest that perhaps it is the many names in scripture which reveal the many characteristics of God. Perhaps it is to understand that God meets us where we are, understands our desires and provides for our every need.
I think too often we seal off the questioning side of us. We want our faith to be black and white. We are afraid to admit we have questions about God or God’s nature. Some worry when children ask us the deep “God-questions.” Others panic or discourage children from even asking; yet I would propose that God delights in our questions. God yearns for us to care enough to actually ask and explore. God enjoys it when we are willing to explore new areas of learning and revelation. I heard some individuals say, God is puzzled and annoyed when we stop raising questions, foolishly thinking we have solved the mystery of the universe.
I came up with this series because the names of God have long fascinated me. And I hope some of you may have questions about why there are so many and what they mean. I thought this would be a good time for us to explore and discover for ourselves what relevance this subject has for us today.
Do you know what Elohim means? What about Jehovah Rophe or Jehovah Raah? What about Adonia?
Check out the sermons online or I will see you alone the journey as we worship each week.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Day 40 on the Journey
Saturday - Luke 23: 50-56
Following last nights good Friday services, I woke up this morning imagining this last scene with Jesus disciples at the grave. I imagine myself standing next to the tomb with the stone rolled in front. I imagine the pain that all who have gathered, because I to have stood by the grave of friends and family members in my own life.
This must have been the longest day ever for his disciples. They could do nothing, but sit and wait. I am sure there was some story telling. I am pretty sure it was being done in secret. For they feared they might have the same fate as Jesus.
Imagining yourself there, what might you do to console others? What might you want to share with the group as you waited for the Sabbath to end?
Questions for reflection and comment:
After months or even years, imagine yourself for the first time with out Jesus. You are sitting under a tree.
Take a few moments and recall the moments that linger with you. Remember how you felt, what you heard, and what you saw along the journey.
What was your favorite moment?
What do you want to share with others about Jesus and what he stirred in you?
Following last nights good Friday services, I woke up this morning imagining this last scene with Jesus disciples at the grave. I imagine myself standing next to the tomb with the stone rolled in front. I imagine the pain that all who have gathered, because I to have stood by the grave of friends and family members in my own life.
This must have been the longest day ever for his disciples. They could do nothing, but sit and wait. I am sure there was some story telling. I am pretty sure it was being done in secret. For they feared they might have the same fate as Jesus.
Imagining yourself there, what might you do to console others? What might you want to share with the group as you waited for the Sabbath to end?
Questions for reflection and comment:
After months or even years, imagine yourself for the first time with out Jesus. You are sitting under a tree.
Take a few moments and recall the moments that linger with you. Remember how you felt, what you heard, and what you saw along the journey.
What was your favorite moment?
What do you want to share with others about Jesus and what he stirred in you?
Day 39 on the Journey
Friday - Luke 23:32-49
Good Friday... What is so good about it. I can only imagine if I had been there I would have wanted to flee. I would not have wanted to watch the execution. At the same Time I would want to be near Jesus. I am torn as to what I would do.
What would you do?
Occasionally I look away in hopes to distance myself from the awful scene. Yet I stay there with the crowd. I listen to the dreadful sounds of the place. I listen to the two criminals arguments and pleading turn into gasps for air. I hear the animals and insects in the area. The whole time I find myself wanting to withdraw and pray.
What do I pray?
What would my prayers for Jesus be during these last hours?
Questions for reflection and comment:
When Jesus speaks his last words, What does his voice sound like?
Which of the three statements resonates most with you?
What are the people around you saying?
Do some people keep scoffing and joking?
Good Friday... What is so good about it. I can only imagine if I had been there I would have wanted to flee. I would not have wanted to watch the execution. At the same Time I would want to be near Jesus. I am torn as to what I would do.
What would you do?
Occasionally I look away in hopes to distance myself from the awful scene. Yet I stay there with the crowd. I listen to the dreadful sounds of the place. I listen to the two criminals arguments and pleading turn into gasps for air. I hear the animals and insects in the area. The whole time I find myself wanting to withdraw and pray.
What do I pray?
What would my prayers for Jesus be during these last hours?
Questions for reflection and comment:
When Jesus speaks his last words, What does his voice sound like?
Which of the three statements resonates most with you?
What are the people around you saying?
Do some people keep scoffing and joking?
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Day 38 on the Journey
Thursday - Luke 23:26-31
We know Jesus is making his way to the place of the skull to be put to death. In these last days. I wonder about what the disciples and those whom had been journeying with him might have been thinking.
As you have followed him in this journey of lent and in your own life, do you think people really understand Jesus?
I wonder if some of the disciples were thinking:
What if his riddles remain riddles?
What if his miracles do not point to anything beyond a wonder worker?
Questions for Reflection and Comment:
Ambiguity feels either inviting or off-putting. How does ambiguity feel to you?
Are you more comfortable regarding Jesus' parables as having many possible interpretations or at having only one interpretation?
Why?
We know Jesus is making his way to the place of the skull to be put to death. In these last days. I wonder about what the disciples and those whom had been journeying with him might have been thinking.
As you have followed him in this journey of lent and in your own life, do you think people really understand Jesus?
I wonder if some of the disciples were thinking:
What if his riddles remain riddles?
What if his miracles do not point to anything beyond a wonder worker?
Questions for Reflection and Comment:
Ambiguity feels either inviting or off-putting. How does ambiguity feel to you?
Are you more comfortable regarding Jesus' parables as having many possible interpretations or at having only one interpretation?
Why?
Day 37 on the Journey
Wednesday - Luke 23: 13-25
Have you ever wondered about the day Pilot asked who the people wanted to release? I never really understood why they would want a murder let go free and to put Jesus to death. I always thought it was just the work of the religious leaders talking to people in the crowds. It was only this year in my reading through the Gospel of Luke, that something new occurred to me.
Imagined myself in the crowd of people gathered that day. Thought it is hard for me to imagine hating someone enough to inflect the kind of horrible torture we witnessed. It was then when I heard the choices that were before the people. Did we want Jesus or Barabbas. As for the crowd gathered more people knew Barabbas than Jesus in Jerusalem. Barabbas was a murderer, but his crimes were against the Roman soldiers who were occupying our land. Barabbas was insurrectionist. He was known for his boorishness. He killed a Roman soldier and was sentenced to jail.
Jesus on the other hand might have been known by me and others from the north. He was largely unknown in this city.
Questions for Reflection and Comment:
If I had spoken out for Jesus then I was putting myself subject to the sword. I wonder how many in the crowd were like myself. They were afraid to speak up against the injustice because of the fear of being killed or being seen as a roman supporter?
What could you do?
Now consider your life today.
Is there a circumstance in which you wish you could have done more, in which you could have been stronger if not heroic?
Now Imagine speaking to Jesus. What do you want to tell him?
Have you ever wondered about the day Pilot asked who the people wanted to release? I never really understood why they would want a murder let go free and to put Jesus to death. I always thought it was just the work of the religious leaders talking to people in the crowds. It was only this year in my reading through the Gospel of Luke, that something new occurred to me.
Imagined myself in the crowd of people gathered that day. Thought it is hard for me to imagine hating someone enough to inflect the kind of horrible torture we witnessed. It was then when I heard the choices that were before the people. Did we want Jesus or Barabbas. As for the crowd gathered more people knew Barabbas than Jesus in Jerusalem. Barabbas was a murderer, but his crimes were against the Roman soldiers who were occupying our land. Barabbas was insurrectionist. He was known for his boorishness. He killed a Roman soldier and was sentenced to jail.
Jesus on the other hand might have been known by me and others from the north. He was largely unknown in this city.
Questions for Reflection and Comment:
If I had spoken out for Jesus then I was putting myself subject to the sword. I wonder how many in the crowd were like myself. They were afraid to speak up against the injustice because of the fear of being killed or being seen as a roman supporter?
What could you do?
Now consider your life today.
Is there a circumstance in which you wish you could have done more, in which you could have been stronger if not heroic?
Now Imagine speaking to Jesus. What do you want to tell him?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Day 36 on the Journey
Tuesday - Luke 22:63-71
The last week of Jesus' earthly ministry was full of conflict and violence.
We hear from Luke's gospel one of the most brutal moments in all of scripture. The police mock and beat Jesus before they interrogated him. As you read were you able to imagine yourself close to Jesus?
If you can imagine yourself outside the cell in which Jesus is being held. You are close enough that you can hear the sounds of the mean beating Jesus. Listen to the grunts of the men trying to hurt another man. The you hear Jesus speak. He only utters a few words. What does he say?
Questions for reflection and comment:
Imagine you are standing with Peter. He turns to you and asks, "What can you do?"
What do you want to do?
You must answer Peter, What do you say?
I think I might suggest we pray.
You and Peter utter a prayer together on behalf of Jesus.
What do you pray?
The last week of Jesus' earthly ministry was full of conflict and violence.
We hear from Luke's gospel one of the most brutal moments in all of scripture. The police mock and beat Jesus before they interrogated him. As you read were you able to imagine yourself close to Jesus?
If you can imagine yourself outside the cell in which Jesus is being held. You are close enough that you can hear the sounds of the mean beating Jesus. Listen to the grunts of the men trying to hurt another man. The you hear Jesus speak. He only utters a few words. What does he say?
Questions for reflection and comment:
Imagine you are standing with Peter. He turns to you and asks, "What can you do?"
What do you want to do?
You must answer Peter, What do you say?
I think I might suggest we pray.
You and Peter utter a prayer together on behalf of Jesus.
What do you pray?
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