Wednesday’s Thoughts
The sermon is moving along pretty much as I had thought it would but I have found two interesting things about the Biblical texts. I choose to deal with two lectionary readings. The first is from Psalm 22. It is a very positive and inspired section of the Psalm beginning with verse 19. It suggests that God is not far off. It holds out the idea that God has always been with the people of Israel and will continue to be with them. It lifts up the idea that they are blessed and their lives are enriched because of the presence of God. What is interesting about this text is that Psalm 22 also includes those words Jesus spoke on the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” The alternation between feeling that we have been separated from God and the feeling that God is very close is an interesting mix of emotion.
The other text is from the 3rd chapter of Galatians. Paul is writing the churches in the area of Galatia about how Christ is in them and they are in Christ. He tells them at the end of the 3rd chapter that they are Abraham’s offspring. What is interesting about the 3rd chapter is the way it begins. It begins with the words, “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” Again, we see the alternation of feelings. At once we see the sense of failure mixed with the sense of absolute union with Christ.
I think both of these texts tell the story of the life of every one of us. We are all brilliantly contributing to the course of history, and we are completely indifferent to the movement of a higher destiny. Our lives are combinations of accomplishment and emptiness. We are anonymous nobodies and we are giants in the midst of the ultimate challenge. We make huge contributions and our lives make no difference at all.
The sermon will struggle with the issue; “What if we were never born?” What difference do we make? I will pose the proposition that we do matter tremendously and that our lives do make a difference. How has your life mattered or made a difference? How often do you feel that doesn’t matter at all.
Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing for others to see your response click on the “comments” box below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles
P.S.
Sunday we will have our three services in the morning and we will have a contemporary service at 12:15. A light lunch is provided and Ray Miller is preaching.
