Matthew 10:1-8

“These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’” vss. 5-6

While Jesus did have occasional encounters with Gentiles during the course of his ministry, and granted their requests for healing, it seems clear from the gospel record that he considered his call to have been to the house of Israel. Accordingly, he mostly traveled in areas with a largely Jewish population, and that’s where he did his preaching, teaching, and healing. It’s not that he didn’t care about Gentiles or their needs, but his mission, as he understood it, had a narrow focus. Later on, after his death and resurrection, things changed, and the good news went out to the entire world. There’s obvious wisdom in that approach, and as the disciples continued his work, it’s what they did too. They went to particular places and particular people, and spread the gospel one person at a time. That’s still the best practice even with our advanced communication technologies–a message that is broadcast to the widest possible audience misses the interpersonal loving connections that are the strength of Christ’s message. Our faith communities are at their best when they narrow their focus and don’t even try to be all things to all people. When each one teaches one, millions can be reached. And that’s how the love of Christ has ultimately been spread to the ends of the earth!

Thought for the Day: What one person is my mission field today?

Matthew 9:35-38

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” vs. 36

When Jesus began to preach and teach and provide a healing touch for hurting people he was stunned at the response. The crowds were enormous, so much so that he scarcely had time to rest and eat. They came, Matthew says, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, and Jesus had compassion for them. This wasn’t just some feeling of pity but an outpouring of love that came from the very core of his being, and it moved him to action, even though it meant coming into conflict with the dominating powers of his day. It’s worth remembering his reaction as we encounter the harassed and helpless in our cities and communities. We see them from time to time, sometimes in our congregations, more often on our expeditions away from our sheltered and protected homes. In our affluent times our reaction to such persons can sometimes be judgment–we wonder why they don’t help themselves when opportunities for assistance abound. That’s how Jesus’ disciples felt some days–they wanted him to send the crowds away. But that’s not the Jesus way! He always reacted with compassion when he saw wounded hearts and lives, and in our world of hurt, we who bear his name are called to do the same. When people are harassed and helpless they don’t need more judgment. They’re looking for a compassionate shepherd who will lift them up and take them home!

Thought for the Day: When I have compassion, what do I do?

Romans 5:6-11

“But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” vs. 8

In recent years, there have been many instances when people of color have been killed while in the hands of the police. When that happens we can count on two very different reactions. On the one hand there are loud demands for justice and accountability–sometimes crowds of protesters fill the streets and there are scenes of crying family members. And at the same time, usually a bit later, there are reports published in various media that the person killed was not a reputable person, that he or she had a criminal record and had a history of violence. Even if they didn’t deserve death, it is said, thugs should never be considered martyrs. It’s an argument that many find plausible. The problem is that, if Paul is right, there are no righteous martyrs! All are sinners and are considered ungodly! And Christ loves them all–and gave his life for all. And all for whom Christ gave his life deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, whether they’re pillars of the community, petty thieves, or homeless vagrants. And because we live in complicated times police especially need our prayers–they put their lives on the line every day on our behalf–some have become martyrs–and most deserve our thanks. They’re doing exemplary work!

Thought for the Day:  Why do people go into police work?

Romans 5:1-5

“And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…” vss. 3-4

Most of us can’t even begin to imagine what it must have been like for Africans to have been sold into slavery and hauled across the seas to spend their lives in hard labor on American plantations. Not only were beatings and abuse common, husbands, wives, and children were separated, and family systems torn apart for generations. It’s no wonder then that when slaves were exposed to the teachings of scripture, they took to heart those passages describing suffering and pain. And as the years passed they expressed those experiences in song, and their words echoed those of Paul in Romans. “Nobody knows the troubles I’ve seen, Nobody knows but Jesus, Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen, Glory Hallelujah!” Their suffering produced character, and then endurance, and then finally the hope expressed so clearly in the words of their Gospel music. From the events of these weeks we know the suffering has not gone away, but those descendants of slaves are not weak. Their voices continue to be strong, and from many we still hear powerful expressions of hope. Together they sing, “We shall overcome some day…oh deep in our hearts, we do believe, that we shall overcome some day.” And all of us pray that that day will come soon!

Thought for the Day: What hopeful signs have I seen lately?

Psalm 100

“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” vs. 5

It’s easy to be distracted when we’re fed a mind-numbing stream of images, tweets, videos, and memes from every direction nearly every day. We get caught up in the charges and countercharges and are overwhelmed by the sense that evil is ruling in our world and that humanity is doomed. We can’t seem to shake the prejudice and the “isms” that are endemic among us, and wonder if we’ll ever be able to overcome our differences and live together in harmony. Sometimes it seems that the biblical writers must have lived in better times–often their words are so positive and optimistic. Of course, that’s not the case! The psalmist was likely well aware of the ugliness that clings so closely and that brings such pain in our communities. But he refused to allow that knowledge define the future or color his view of God. He knew that there is abundant and enduring love in our universe, a love that persists through all generations. Now is our turn to claim that vision and recognize that our hope is not built on the vagaries of human weakness but on the presence of God’s love that exists in all and through all. We will weather these ugly days, not because our politicians are so wise and wonderful, but because God is faithful and good–and that’s the bottom line!

Thought for the Day: When have I been surprised by love?

Exodus 19:5-8

“The people all answered as one: ‘Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.’ Moses reported the words of the people to the Lord.” vs. 8

According to Exodus, the people were eager to do what the Lord had required of them and willingly vowed their obedience. Of course, we know the rest of the story. Those same people quickly forgot their promise and followed the instincts of their hearts instead. Such has been the tendency of God’s people ever since! It’s easy to make promises and declare our love for God and neighbor–but when the rubber hits the road we quickly go the way of expediency and self-interest. In recent weeks our country has erupted with protest and violence in response to reminders of the racism that has plagued us for generations. Some followers of Jesus have cried out with cries for strict enforcement of laws, others have joined the protests. Many have had a hard time identifying with those who claim persecution–we’ve experienced life from the perspective of white privilege and don’t quite get what the problem is. We say yes to Jesus’ command to love, but get angry when we see burning police cars. We want the problem to “just go away” and are blind to the centuries of abuse and neglect that have molded our society’s polarities. Our one hope is the presence of the Christ within and among us. Away from the media circus and the political posturing, people of faith are making a difference for good. In their work the seeds of change are being sown!

Thought for the Day: What is “white privilege”?

Exodus 19:2-4

“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” vs. 4

From the Israelites’ perspective their deliverance from slavery in Egypt was nothing short of miraculous and they told it again and again to their children and grandchildren. They loved to tell how God had borne them on eagle’s wings and brought them to freedom. It was a fitting metaphor. Of all the birds we know there is none more majestic than the eagle, and our own American ancestors happily chose it as the symbol of our country. The image shows up again in Psalm 91 to remind all of us that God lifts us and protects us from every danger, keeping us safe in every circumstance. Those who live in the presence of illness and death are comforted when they imagine God’s powerful wings lifting them up and carrying them safely home. Even though we know perfectly well that God is a spirit our faith language craves pictures, and the image of the eagle touches our hearts in a powerful way. Every one of us would love to catch a ride and ride the air currents high into the sky, gliding and soaring effortlessly to those places we’ve never been before. And it’s really not a dream! This is what God does for us regularly–and one day we are promised a really spectacular final flight!

Thought for the Day: What’s my favorite metaphor for God?

Matthew 28:18-20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” vs. 19

While initially there may have been some followers of Jesus who believed themselves to be the leaders of a reform movement within Judaism, it didn’t take long for the majority to understand themselves as evangelists to the world. By the end of the first century there were outposts of believers stationed throughout the Mediterranean world to the west, as far as India in the east, and all the way to Ethiopia in the south. The Spirit had given them a passion for reaching the world with the good news of forgiveness and life that came straight from the teachings of Jesus. Nothing, not even the persecutions of the Roman Empire, could slow them down. Today we’re not sure what to do with that great commission. Some continue to risk their lives to gain converts and offer baptism. Others have rejected the cultural abuses of the missionary era and have decided to put evangelism on the back burner in their faith communities. They focus on accommodation rather than conversion and try to find common ground with other world religions. The result of that shift has been a significant loss of passion for sharing the gospel. In many families parents have even stopped evangelizing their children! When zeal for the good news is lost the light of the Christ is dimmed! Houston, we may have a problem!!!!

Thought for the Day: What does evangelism look like in the 21st century?

Matthew 28:16-17

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” vss. 16-17

Right at the end of his gospel, after his long account of Jesus’ teaching and ministry, having reported the resurrection and an angel visitation, Matthew says that some of the eleven had doubts. While he doesn’t mention what the doubts were, he does imply that the doubters were among the worshippers, and that they too were sent out to teach and to baptize. Whatever we make of Matthew’s inclusion, we will have to acknowledge that this is some of the best news ever! Whether he intended to or not, with these few words Matthew addresses one of our major issues as believers, and lets us know that doubts are not a barrier to full inclusion in the community of faith. If some of the disciples wondered as they stood with Jesus on the mountaintop, we should not be surprised if we start questioning stuff as we sit and listen to sermons. As far as the doubt-faith continuum is concerned, it’s highly unlikely that any of us will ever be at the one hundred percent believing end. Even Mother Theresa wrote in her letters that during the height of her ministry she was wracked by unbelief. What should we do with our doubts? The first step is to recognize that it’s not an either-or situation! Doubts will likely always be present, and we’ll still be used to shine forth the Light of Christ.

Thought for the Day: Where am I on the doubt-faith continuum?

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.” vs. 12

Paul closes his letter to the Corinthians by encouraging them to pay attention to his words and to live at peace with one another. In essence this is his bottom line–he wants this dear little community of believers to experience the love and peace of God in their daily lives. If they do, his heart will be glad! And as a visible sign of that harmony, he tells them to greet one another with a holy kiss! This ancient practice eventually fell out of use in the church, particularly in those areas of Europe where social distancing was the rule. In these last decades, when liturgical practices were modified to include an exchange of peace during worship, such folks had a tough time. The idea of hugging a stranger, much less sharing a kiss, was foreign to them, and many resisted. But as time has passed the exchange of peace has pretty much been accepted by most, and some worshippers absolutely love wandering about giving hugs, handshakes, and a word of peace. Of course, in these last months the shift to on-line worship has pretty much put an end to that kind of intimate gesture! And as congregations are returning to in-person worship many are questioning whether such touching is desirable. Right now, such things are yet to be determined–but it would be a shame if we couldn’t figure out some way to express love in worship and also share a sign of peace.

Thought for the Day: How important is the exchange of peace for me?