The epiphanies along life's way
Commentary
As we move toward the end of the season of Epiphany, it is good to examine those ways that the Lord is manifested in the ordinary events of a faithful walk. It is, indeed, important to offer a word of hope to those fellow strugglers along the way: those who at best might hear an off-key church choir, but have never been privileged to catch the reprise of an angelic chorus; who might hear second-hand of the Magi's visit, but would never be fortunate enough to be there in person.
Today's lessons suggest the possibility of epiphany during the banal activity of just keeping on, keeping on. Since a moment might be filled with the presence of God, it behooves us to examine carefully the events of each day. After all, we might be standing on Holy Ground.
While somewhat convoluted and, perhaps, even defensive about the criticism that he is using his apostolic position to enrich himself, Paul speaks of the special blessing that comes in sharing the good news with others, with being generous with one's time and money, with putting the needs of others ahead of self.
In the gospel reading, Jesus demonstrates two behaviors that are critical to the life of faith. He visits Peter's mother-in-law who is ill. Then he takes some personal time for prayer and renewal. I am convinced that hospital visitation is the ministry's equivalent of laboratory experience. At the bedside of the ill, Christian ministry is distilled to the basics. It is that point where we truly come to understand that even though we have studied systematic theology for three years, the most scholarly comment to which people respond is, God loves you.
One should also take notice that after a long, hard day of preaching and healing the sick, Jesus retired to a quiet place for prayer. Those who care enough to reach out and touch the needs of others must have time to be alone for prayer and renewal. In those times of quiet, God renews our strength and provides these moments of epiphany when we realize the significance of what happened during the day. After all, our times of revelation are usually realized in retrospect.
The passage from Second Isaiah brings a word of hope to those who are in the midst of the exile in their lives. Trust God and you can be renewed. Those who hope will have their strength renewed and they will soar on wings like eagles. (40:31)
To summarize, God is experienced in our lives when we reach out to touch the needs of others; as we are renewed and refreshed by the practice of prayer; as we step out and trust God in the midst of those exile moments when all seems hopeless.
OUTLINE I
When feeling overwhelmed, trust God and fly
Isaiah 40:21-31
This passage, from what is commonly called Second Isaiah, was written immediately before the fall of Babylon and subsequent rise of Persia. While still in exile, the anonymous author offers a word of hope by his joyous anticipation of the homeland's restoration. They are, indeed, part of a plan by God which extends from creation to redemption and beyond. Instead of sinking into a pit of despair because their circumstances seem so hopeless, they need to trust God and step out in faith
The same pattern should be followed by us when we feel as though we languish in exile.
A. Remind yourself that God does not abandon us. "Comfort, O comfort, my people, says your God." "He will gather the lambs in his arms."
B. Maintain hope even though the evidences seem to contradict the possibility of anything good happening. Never forget that much of our faith runs contrary to reason and common sense. The data is not particularly supportive of forgiveness, grace or resurrection either.
C. Trust that hope will be rewarded. Those who trust God fly. Their strength will be renewed, clumsiness cured.
The imagery at this point is powerful. Imagine the nestling eaglet standing on the edge of the cliff being encouraged to step off into the emptiness of space. If a mere bird can muster the pluck, so can we!
OUTLINE II
Was Paul from a different planet?
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Having attracted a certain amount of attention by the sermon title, one should proceed to exegete the passage. It begins with a discussion of what Paul believes are his rights as an apostle and why he forgoes them. This leads to his thoughts on ministerial style and motivation and concludes with a discussion of the need for discipline in ministry.
From the things Paul says, it is obvious that he is not on the same page with the me generation. His understanding of apostolic freedom includes ideas which may seem from a different solar system:
A. There is tremendous joy in selfless living. Mother Teresa's lifestyle brings a peace and joy that could never be experienced by those who settle for "What is in it for me?"
B. One's life and ministry are blessed when you place the needs of others before tending to your own needs. There is nothing wrong with seeking to meet your own needs. Do not, however, think that self-satisfaction makes life worthwhile.
C. Giving of self (and I would not hesitate to add, giving of one's resources) brings real joy to life. Nothing lives in the Dead Sea because the rivers and streams that flow into it, stay right there. It has no outlet. Life is the same way. Keep it all for yourself and wither up!
D. Summary: Paul speaks of the joy of giving, serving and putting others first. It may sound strange to our ears, but it is fundamental Christianity.
OUTLINE III
Why I preach
Mark 1:29-39
Jesus answered, "Let us move on to the country towns in the neighborhood; I have to proclaim my message there also; that is what I came out to do." (1:38 NEB)
The Master saw his ministry first and foremost as preaching the gospel. For those who see themselves following that model, this lesson offers a marvelous opportunity to offer an apologia for preaching. Perhaps you could say, "I preach because ..."
A. I am called to it. It is the most important priority in my life and in my weekly schedule. It demands more of me than any other task and I must take it seriously.
B. There is a great deal of hurt in the congregation and the sermon offers a word of hope and healing from a fellow struggler along the way.
C. Sermons can help change the way people think about the world and themselves. The spoken word has always had that power. Every preacher has a story or two to share about when that happened in his/her experience.
D. People can come face to face with the risen Christ in the hearing of a well-constructed, passionately delivered sermon. Indeed, sermons give people the opportunity to glimpse God.
Conclusion: Tell the congregation that, as a preacher, you stand in a long line of distinguished people. In that line are the ministers of your congregation you serve, the historical leaders of your denomination, and on to Jerusalem at Pentecost.
Today's lessons suggest the possibility of epiphany during the banal activity of just keeping on, keeping on. Since a moment might be filled with the presence of God, it behooves us to examine carefully the events of each day. After all, we might be standing on Holy Ground.
While somewhat convoluted and, perhaps, even defensive about the criticism that he is using his apostolic position to enrich himself, Paul speaks of the special blessing that comes in sharing the good news with others, with being generous with one's time and money, with putting the needs of others ahead of self.
In the gospel reading, Jesus demonstrates two behaviors that are critical to the life of faith. He visits Peter's mother-in-law who is ill. Then he takes some personal time for prayer and renewal. I am convinced that hospital visitation is the ministry's equivalent of laboratory experience. At the bedside of the ill, Christian ministry is distilled to the basics. It is that point where we truly come to understand that even though we have studied systematic theology for three years, the most scholarly comment to which people respond is, God loves you.
One should also take notice that after a long, hard day of preaching and healing the sick, Jesus retired to a quiet place for prayer. Those who care enough to reach out and touch the needs of others must have time to be alone for prayer and renewal. In those times of quiet, God renews our strength and provides these moments of epiphany when we realize the significance of what happened during the day. After all, our times of revelation are usually realized in retrospect.
The passage from Second Isaiah brings a word of hope to those who are in the midst of the exile in their lives. Trust God and you can be renewed. Those who hope will have their strength renewed and they will soar on wings like eagles. (40:31)
To summarize, God is experienced in our lives when we reach out to touch the needs of others; as we are renewed and refreshed by the practice of prayer; as we step out and trust God in the midst of those exile moments when all seems hopeless.
OUTLINE I
When feeling overwhelmed, trust God and fly
Isaiah 40:21-31
This passage, from what is commonly called Second Isaiah, was written immediately before the fall of Babylon and subsequent rise of Persia. While still in exile, the anonymous author offers a word of hope by his joyous anticipation of the homeland's restoration. They are, indeed, part of a plan by God which extends from creation to redemption and beyond. Instead of sinking into a pit of despair because their circumstances seem so hopeless, they need to trust God and step out in faith
The same pattern should be followed by us when we feel as though we languish in exile.
A. Remind yourself that God does not abandon us. "Comfort, O comfort, my people, says your God." "He will gather the lambs in his arms."
B. Maintain hope even though the evidences seem to contradict the possibility of anything good happening. Never forget that much of our faith runs contrary to reason and common sense. The data is not particularly supportive of forgiveness, grace or resurrection either.
C. Trust that hope will be rewarded. Those who trust God fly. Their strength will be renewed, clumsiness cured.
The imagery at this point is powerful. Imagine the nestling eaglet standing on the edge of the cliff being encouraged to step off into the emptiness of space. If a mere bird can muster the pluck, so can we!
OUTLINE II
Was Paul from a different planet?
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Having attracted a certain amount of attention by the sermon title, one should proceed to exegete the passage. It begins with a discussion of what Paul believes are his rights as an apostle and why he forgoes them. This leads to his thoughts on ministerial style and motivation and concludes with a discussion of the need for discipline in ministry.
From the things Paul says, it is obvious that he is not on the same page with the me generation. His understanding of apostolic freedom includes ideas which may seem from a different solar system:
A. There is tremendous joy in selfless living. Mother Teresa's lifestyle brings a peace and joy that could never be experienced by those who settle for "What is in it for me?"
B. One's life and ministry are blessed when you place the needs of others before tending to your own needs. There is nothing wrong with seeking to meet your own needs. Do not, however, think that self-satisfaction makes life worthwhile.
C. Giving of self (and I would not hesitate to add, giving of one's resources) brings real joy to life. Nothing lives in the Dead Sea because the rivers and streams that flow into it, stay right there. It has no outlet. Life is the same way. Keep it all for yourself and wither up!
D. Summary: Paul speaks of the joy of giving, serving and putting others first. It may sound strange to our ears, but it is fundamental Christianity.
OUTLINE III
Why I preach
Mark 1:29-39
Jesus answered, "Let us move on to the country towns in the neighborhood; I have to proclaim my message there also; that is what I came out to do." (1:38 NEB)
The Master saw his ministry first and foremost as preaching the gospel. For those who see themselves following that model, this lesson offers a marvelous opportunity to offer an apologia for preaching. Perhaps you could say, "I preach because ..."
A. I am called to it. It is the most important priority in my life and in my weekly schedule. It demands more of me than any other task and I must take it seriously.
B. There is a great deal of hurt in the congregation and the sermon offers a word of hope and healing from a fellow struggler along the way.
C. Sermons can help change the way people think about the world and themselves. The spoken word has always had that power. Every preacher has a story or two to share about when that happened in his/her experience.
D. People can come face to face with the risen Christ in the hearing of a well-constructed, passionately delivered sermon. Indeed, sermons give people the opportunity to glimpse God.
Conclusion: Tell the congregation that, as a preacher, you stand in a long line of distinguished people. In that line are the ministers of your congregation you serve, the historical leaders of your denomination, and on to Jerusalem at Pentecost.
