July 28, 2019 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

“1 ¶ The word of the LORD that came to Hosea the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. 2 ¶ When the LORD began to speak by Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea: “Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry And children of harlotry, For the land has committed great harlotry By departing from the LORD.” 3 So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. 4 Then the LORD said to him: “Call his name Jezreel, For in a little while I will avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel on the house of Jehu, And bring an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. 5 It shall come to pass in that day That I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.” 6 And she conceived again and bore a daughter. Then God said to him: “Call her name Lo-Ruhamah, For I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel, But I will utterly take them away. 7 Yet I will have mercy on the house of Judah, Will save them by the LORD their God, And will not save them by bow, Nor by sword or battle, By horses or horsemen.” 8 ¶ Now when she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, she conceived and bore a son. 9 Then God said: “Call his name Lo-Ammi, For you are not My people, And I will not be your God. 10 “Yet the number of the children of Israel Shall be as the sand of the sea, Which cannot be measured or numbered. And it shall come to pass In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ There it shall be said to them, ‘You are sons of the living God.’ 11 Then the children of Judah and the children of Israel Shall be gathered together, And appoint for themselves one head; And they shall come up out of the land, For great will be the day of Jezreel!” (Hosea 1:1-11 NKJV)

As you read this passage do you look again to make sure it really is in the Bible? God orders Hosea to marry a harlot and have children of her and then gives the children names that must have been hard to bear. Does God command all this to make a point?

Why would God command Hosea to marry a prostitute? (Jewish religious leaders and prophets were not allowed to marry prostitutes)

Note: Hosea means salvation

Gomer means complete

Why did God command Hosea to give the children such interesting names? (Could you imagine what other children would say?)

Jezreel – God sows

Jehu – Jehovah is He

Lo-Ruhamah – no mercy

Lo-Ammi – not my people

What does God say after each promise of God’s anger and the coming destruction?

What does this mean to you?

Through Hosea God is not making a point but THE point stripping away the nice terms we use for the horrific things we do and for our ability to ignore or disagree with God. God names us and our sin trying to force us to open our eyes and see as well as opening our ears to hear.

What is the hope God offers you? What name do you think God calls you?

the waves of pain smash

the weariness sinks down

where and when is it

the rocks hurt and bruise

hands cannot feel help

feet numb to safe place

hear voices crying out

what do they want

where are they from

cries lost in the waves

words lose their meaning

where is up where is …

out of balancing fall

a voice breaks through

is that You my Lord? 7/21/2019

July 21, 2019 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

“1 ¶ Thus the Lord GOD showed me: Behold, a basket of summer fruit. 2 And He said, “Amos, what do you see?” So I said, “A basket of summer fruit.” Then the LORD said to me: “The end has come upon My people Israel; I will not pass by them anymore. 3 And the songs of the temple Shall be wailing in that day,” Says the Lord GOD — “Many dead bodies everywhere, They shall be thrown out in silence.” 4 ¶ Hear this, you who swallow up the needy, And make the poor of the land fail, 5 Saying: “When will the New Moon be past, That we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, That we may trade wheat? Making the ephah small and the shekel large, Falsifying the scales by deceit, 6 That we may buy the poor for silver, And the needy for a pair of sandals — Even sell the bad wheat?” 7 The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: “Surely I will never forget any of their works. 8 Shall the land not tremble for this, And everyone mourn who dwells in it? All of it shall swell like the River, Heave and subside Like the River of Egypt. 9 “And it shall come to pass in that day,” says the Lord GOD, “That I will make the sun go down at noon, And I will darken the earth in broad daylight; 10 I will turn your feasts into mourning, And all your songs into lamentation; I will bring sackcloth on every waist, And baldness on every head; I will make it like mourning for an only son, And its end like a bitter day. 11 ¶ “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord GOD, “That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the LORD. 12 They shall wander from sea to sea, And from north to east; They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD, But shall not find it.” (Amos 8:1-12 NKJV)

If we apply this passage to ourselves and our world we should shudder in fear! Once again God gives a warning and cries out “Hear this”! God asks us to be honest about ourselves and how we live and shows us the result of our sin!

When we come to God we become like a basket of summer fruit for God makes us a source of nourishment and life. The fruit of God’s love in us nourishes others and plants the seed of life in them.

But like Israel we can believe our congregation, our denomination and even our nation will continue to be. The narrative in the Bible and a study of history reveals to us our gods and nations are swept away over time. Similar beliefs and nations will pop up but they too will pass away.

When God no longer passes by us it will not be long until we pass away! As the Light withdraws and darkness of evil brings inner and outer destruction. As the darkness extends its influence people can see good as evil and evil as good!

As the darkness is empowered and fewer see good as good the destruction will be physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Our emotions sway to and fro because we have lost the foundation of good which is God.

Physically we are weakened and sickness grows as confusion reigns because of fear and stress. Discipline dies and we become unable to support our community.

Spiritually our destruction comes from starvation! “That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the LORD. God removes from us the spiritual Bread and Water of Life! This a starvation that has eternal consequences!

As the destruction grows confusion reigns and as in the book of Judges everyone does what seems right to them. We begin to pray AT those we disagree with. We become fear which is the seed of anger and hatred.

Which will you be? Will you be a summer fruit nourishing all and planting the seed of God’s love in the life of others? Will you carry the seeds of your destruction bring starvation to others? Your choice is part of the life or death of all you hold dear.

July 14, 2019 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

“1 ¶ Thus the Lord GOD showed me: Behold, He formed locust swarms at the beginning of the late crop; indeed it was the late crop after the king’s mowings. 2 And so it was, when they had finished eating the grass of the land, that I said: “O Lord GOD, forgive, I pray! Oh, that Jacob may stand, For he is small!” 3 So the LORD relented concerning this. “It shall not be,” said the LORD. 4 Thus the Lord GOD showed me: Behold, the Lord GOD called for conflict by fire, and it consumed the great deep and devoured the territory. 5 Then I said: “O Lord GOD, cease, I pray! Oh, that Jacob may stand, For he is small!” 6 So the LORD relented concerning this. “This also shall not be,” said the Lord GOD. 7 Thus He showed me: Behold, the Lord stood on a wall made with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. 8 And the LORD said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said: “Behold, I am setting a plumb line In the midst of My people Israel; I will not pass by them anymore. 9 The high places of Isaac shall be desolate, And the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste. I will rise with the sword against the house of Jeroboam.” 10 ¶ Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words. 11 “For thus Amos has said: ‘Jeroboam shall die by the sword, And Israel shall surely be led away captive From their own land.’ ” 12 Then Amaziah said to Amos: “Go, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah. There eat bread, And there prophesy. 13 But never again prophesy at Bethel, For it is the king’s sanctuary, And it is the royal residence.” 14 Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: “I was no prophet, Nor was I a son of a prophet, But I was a sheepbreeder And a tender of sycamore fruit. 15 Then the LORD took me as I followed the flock, And the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ 16 Now therefore, hear the word of the LORD: You say, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, And do not spout against the house of Isaac.’ 17 “Therefore thus says the LORD: ‘Your wife shall be a harlot in the city; Your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword; Your land shall be divided by survey line; You shall die in a defiled land; And Israel shall surely be led away captive From his own land.’ ”” (Amos 7:1-17 NKJV)

In response to the sin and unfaithfulness of Israel God brings a series of “natural” disasters on them. Amos understood this was God’s judgment but prayed and cried for God to forgive Jacob’s people because they were such a small and vulnerable nation.

Locusts- even today a swarm of locusts brings fear to the hearts of many! Every crop and plant is devoured and devastation is left behind. In the time of Amos losing a crop meant a year of starvation and often of the loss of next years seed. These swarms are like God is swallowing up the blessings already given.

Conflict by fire – even today fire brings and leaves a scorched earth behind. But fire is also used for war. War is a fire burning in the heart destroying love and leaves us with a hate without sympathy and can lead to torture and genocide. Both sides are destroyed and even the victor is a loser.

Like Abraham, Amos dickered with God depending on the love and mercy of God. God “relented” twice at the prayer of Amos and we are shown the power of a prayer of mercy and faith. Amos rightly declares the desperate situation Jacob’s children are in and their dependence on God.

The third time God tells Amos there is a plumb lines set for Israel. A plumb lime is used to see if a vertical structure is straight. God finds Israel crooked and tells Amos to flee Israel for destruction is coming! Just as an unstable building will fall so will a person and a nation. Verses 16-17 paints a picture that is so horrific we can be left beyond tears.

Some will ask how could God be so evil as to allow such devastation to come to His people. But shouldn’t we also ask why did God wait so long to punish them? Looking over the list of the Kings of Israel how many stood up for God? See the decades and generations God warned Jacob’s people by many prophets. As they were adulterers to God, offered their children to other god’s, stole others land and forced people to be sold into slavery. Their not being on the level is the source of their fall.

God’s judgment did not fall upon an “innocent” people for the poor were stolen from, widows were mistreated, the rich got richer and Israel sought their power in local gods rather than in the Lord God almighty.

When we turn away from God do we have the right to condemn God for judging us? When we devour the weak and strengthen the strong is it right to blame God for what happens? If Israel is not “on the level” how can they blame God when they fall? If we are not “on the level” how can we blame God?

We often blame God for the troubles in life

when our troubles are the result of our sin!!!

There is a song we all must sing

sharing God’s love to every being

It is a song given by God’s dove

our own song of our own love

That song we only know in part

is still being written on our heart

Verses being written along the way

complete for heaven’s eternal day           7/4/2019

July 7,2019 Fourth Sunday of Pentecost

“10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem, And be glad with her, all you who love her; Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her; 11 That you may feed and be satisfied With the consolation of her bosom, That you may drink deeply and be delighted With the abundance of her glory.” 12 For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, And be dandled on her knees. 12 For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. And His indignation to His enemies.” (Isaiah 66:10-14 NKJV)

The Tower of Babel is a warning of the destruction and division which comes from trying to unite without God. Babel, or Babylon is another fall with humanity not just cut off from God but each other. Today Babylon is more the dwelling place of historians and archaeologists than a vibrant city.

In this Psalm we are called to come together united in God as we rejoice because Jerusalem is we receive hope and salvation. Meditate on this amazing list of all that flows from Jerusalem. How many of these blessings do you see Jesus in?

Jews and Gentiles will come together! 12 For thus says the LORD: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream.

Because of this

“Then you shall feed; On her sides shall you be carried, And be dandled on her knees.”

But evil still strives to destroy and devour! “And His indignation to His enemies.” In Jerusalem the power of evil is destroyed. Jesus conquered death and the wall between God and people is ripped apart as the veil of the Temple was. Jesus is the door to God! Those who do not go through that “door” either choose to reject God or accept death. (Is there a difference?)

Why Jerusalem? Because in Jerusalem the arms of Jesus upon the cross extend to all of time and offered to all. Like those crucified with Jesus some will find paradise through the forgiveness of God and others will in anger, despair and fear seek to find their own salvation.

In Jerusalem the resurrection of Jesus destroys the power of death and Jesus even descends to conquer hell! Hope overcomes despair, faith blossoms forth into life and love is the fruit which nourishes and plants seed for others to discover hope in God’s love!

God promises peace, to bring the gentiles to Him and provide all we need. The fullness of the love of God flows from Jerusalem bringing salvation to reunite us with God and each other. From Jerusalem God’s grace and love flows through the temporary animal sacrifices until Jesus, the eternal sacrifice is offered!

God shows us the wonderful and wondrous picture of our being able to sit in His lap like a scared and weary child! On God’s lap the weariness of our sin and the horror of this world are lost and we are so comforted our legs dangle in love and rest. Our weariness does not need to destroy us but can even deepen our relationship with God!

Education prepares you for the game show Jeopardy but learning

prepares you for life. RWR

July 4^th is a celebration of freedom from tyranny

it is a day to remember all who gave their lives

to remember the creation of a government of words

words that limit us so all can experience freedom

But now we are our own tyranny stealing freedom

a time when sacrifice is demanded of others

a time when words are twisted causing un-creation

when “freedom” of few steals freedom of the many

July 4^th is a day to weep for our loss of freedom

a day to remember the children whose live are stolen

to marvel at how words are milked of their meaning

to limit the freedom so few tyrannize the many

Weep oh children of America

those who survived abortion

Weep oh children of America

who created their own tyranny           7/1/2019

Do we hear “the screaming in the streets”

Do we hear the cries of those abused

Do we hear the whimpers of the enslaved

Do we hear the screams of children aborted

Do we hear – do we have “ears to hear”

or our ears closed by our hardened hearts

But there is hope for you who desire hope

for God hears, God loves and is with you

so look to God to receive what you need           7/1/2019

Father, weariness is who I am

Jesus, my sin destroys who I am

Holy Spirit, I don’t know who I am

“Sit in My lap my child and rest

allow your sin and fear fall away

and discover you are My child”           6/29/2019

Calling

Who am I to be

What am I to do

Where am I to go

When is my time

Why call me

How can I

“Who I made you to be

What I call you to do

Where I send you

When, NOW

Why is for My glory

How is within ME!”

May I love as You love

May I give as You give

May I care as You care

May I serve as You serve

In fear may I offer hope

In anger may I offer love

In death may I offer life

May I offer God our Savior

May You be honored

May You be thanked

May You be worshiped

May You be loved and adored          6/29/2019

June 30,2019 Third Sunday after Pentecost

“9 ¶ And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 So he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” 11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. 13 So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 And he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” 15 Then the LORD said to him: “Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. 16 “Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. 17 “It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. 18 “Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 19 ¶ So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 So Elisha turned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen’s equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.” (1Kings 19:9-21 NKJV)

There is a saying, “Serve no whine before its time.” But in truth Elijah is not whining but is tired, not just to the bone but to his soul! It would be easy for us to think Elijah would be energized and strengthened by all the miracles God has done through Elijah but we can become “weary in well doing”.

We can see Elijah’s burden in his answer to God’s question: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

I have done what you wanted me to do. Weariness will come if we try “do” what wants us to do. We must not only obey God but depend on God’s presence and support. God’s call for EVERY Christian is revealed in Matthew chapter 28 and if we are humble and honest we are unable to accomplish. God’s call is a reminder we need God if we are to “do” God’s call.

I am alone God. It is easy to cut ourselves off from others when we are weary and heavy laden. We not only need God but also each other joining together if we are to live out God’s call. I, like many, have discovered the folly of trying to serve God by myself and missing the strength and support we need.

I am afraid! Fear is not optional! Those who say they are not afraid just do not see what is going on around them. We live in a broken world where murder, rape, greed, lust and hatred not only surround us but are within us. Some evil is personal and some is institutional. We should be afraid!

It is easy to forget strength, courage and endurance like muscles are of limited ability and duration. A strong person can become weak, a courageous person can become a coward and even those who endure can come to a wall and crash. We may call them failures but in reality they are human. But Elijah is reminded the Infinite God works in and through finite living people.

God’s response is to reveal Himself to Isaiah in a way which is amazing in itself. The kindness and gentleness of God is so touching. God asking “What are you doing here, Elijah?” is an echo of “Adam, where are you?” God knows the answer but wants us to know He desires us even in our sin and failure!

God’s solution is to call the re-energized Elijah back to service in preparation for the rest which can only come from seeing the face of God. Elijah offers God’s call to Elisha who will take up his mantle. There is still so much ahead for Elijah and God prepares for the call to Israel and for a ministry yet to come!