Trusting and Fearing God - What Does That Mean?
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For January 18, 2026:
Trusting and Fearing God — What Does That Mean?
by Katy Stenta
Psalm 40:1-11
In the Scriptures
Proverbs says in verses 1:7 and 9:10 that fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Isaiah also talks about the prophet and how the Spirit of the Lord will rest on the prophet with counsel, strength, and the fear of the Lord in Isaiah 11:2. Blessings and the fear of God often go together, as is stated in Psalm 115:13. “He will bless those who fear the Lord. The small together with the Lord.” It seems to be putting the proper things in order. Those who fear God know who truly has the power and are afraid of the correct things. They understand that God’s power is deserving of respect.
In the News
Humans seem to be afraid of so many things. In Chapman University’s annual survey of our top fears, 69% said that corrupt government officials was their biggest fear. This is no surprise, with both parties constantly accusing the other of being the one trying steal each other blind. The trust is gone. Loved ones being ill came in second, basically tied with economic and financial collapse, both at 58%. With the recent pandemic experience and the constant yo-yo with recession, all of these worries seem to make sense.
The author notes: “While many of the nation ’s top fears reflect legitimate concerns, the researchers note that perception often outweighs reality. Fear of crime, for example, has increased despite a long-term decline in crime rates. Similarly, concerns about economic collapse and global conflict tend to mirror the tone of political and media discourse rather than statistical data.” Fear can be at the root of many decisions, but it is important not to let it drive us into making unwise ones.
In a similar way—you can see how fear has drawn two sharply different perspectives in the shooting of Renee Good, a citizen who interacted with an ICE agent in her car. She approaches him, and he tells her to leave. She then complies and she is shot. It is later revealed that her last words to the agent were “I’m not mad at you, dude” as she smiles at him. It is clear that she is not afraid of the agent.
In the Sermon
If what we respect the most is God and the way God takes care of us, then the fear we have is different than the fear that drives us to be violent to one another. Violence is often a reaction. A reaction because we are afraid — afraid that someone is attacking us, afraid that we are not perceived to be in charge, afraid that the dominant narrative of superiority, masculinity, whiteness, or strength is not being recognized.
Good is like the psalmist. She was not afraid, she responded out of respect and peace. It is clear that she was not overreacting, and only wanted people ’s humanity to be understood. Good grew up Christian, she went on a mission to Ireland, and was married to her current wife by her uncle, a Presbyterian Church (USA) pastor. She came out to support her neighbors. She was not reacting out of fear, but hope. It was from this place that she was able to say, “I ’m not mad at you dude.” She may not have known she was risking her life (or maybe as a queer woman she did) but still, she was responding from a different place.
This psalm stands in contrast to a narrative of violence. It recognizes that God’s strength comes from mercy and grace. God “inclines” or stoops to hear the writer in order to hear better. God draws the supplicant out of the “pit,” the miry bog, the “pit of despair” from The Princess Bride, one might call it. God empowers humans, making our steps more secure. We can put our trust in God because God has shown Godself to be trustworthy in the past — unlike a false god, the psalmist adds. The deeds are written and proclaimed because they are worth sharing. Fearing God is not about intimidation, it is the opposite. It is shared because God is respectful of us, and so we respect God. God upbuilds us, so we build upon God’s foundation, and this is the kind of “fear of God” that is transformative to how we live, work, and even worship.
SECOND THOUGHTS
Putting on Our Jesus Glasses
by Mary Austin
John 1:29-42
Americans saw very different stories in the killing of Renee Good last week in Minnesota. Administration officials are sticking to the story that Good was dangerous, even a “domestic terrorist” and that the ICE officer who shot her three times was in fear for his life. The New York Times analysis of bystander videos “filmed from different angles, appears to show the agent was not in the path of the victim’s SUV when he fired three shots at close range.” After Good was shot, a doctor approached and asked if he could check on her. His request was denied. Bystanders report that an ICE officer said, “I don’t care.”
Members of Congress have responded along party lines. Tucker Carlson had an unexpected and humane view, saying that Renee Good “was an American citizen and reportedly the mother of a kindergarten-aged child. Did we disagree with her views on immigration? Probably,” he continued. “But that shouldn’t matter. Her death is a tragedy, regardless of her partisan affiliations, ideological beliefs, or who pulled the trigger. A woman got shot in the face. How come so few conservatives are viewing this story through a human lens?”
With so many partisan views of Renee Good’s death, the lens we use matters.
In this passage, both Jesus and John see with divine clarity. At first, John encounters Jesus as a stranger. We don’t have the tradition from the Synoptic gospels that Jesus and John are cousins, and we hear John say, “And I myself did not know him.”
Divine insight allows him to recognize Jesus.
John knows who Jesus is because he “saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.” John hears with holy clarity, too, and he he adds, “the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit’.” John views himself as a placeholder. He’s been baptizing people as a way to reveal the Messiah, and he sees the truth about Jesus through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
John is using all of his sense to take in and pass on this holy good news.
A day later, John names Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” In the Synoptic gospels, God adds the label, saying some form of “This is my beloved.” Here, John gets to do the naming.
That’s compelling enough for the disciples to walk away from John and follow Jesus. Peter, quick to leap in as he always is, knows right away that Jesus is the Messiah.
Jesus also sees clearly when he encounters the people who will become his disciples, and he knows something about them right away. He invites the soon-to-be disciples to come and see the truth about him, and to immerse themselves in his life. “Come and see,” is his invitation.
He extends the same invitation to us.
There is also a steep cost to not seeing. We get more of what we ignore. Attorney Sherrilyn Ifill writes, “Black people warned of the dangers of law enforcement impunity, taking to the streets regularly between 2014 and 2020, relentlessly fighting for real change in policing. We were joined in 2020 by millions of young white people who marched with us. We warned of the dangers of militarized law enforcement in communities…Now the scourge of unaccountable, brutal, and racist law enforcement, armed for war, has metastasized into the creation of a militarized presidential police force that roams our cities targeting peaceful, hardworking residents at will. Every inhumane and infuriating excess we see on videos today committed by ICE and border patrol agents, is mirrored in the hundreds of videos of police officers engaging in similar racial profiling, violent attacks, and unwarranted detention of Black people over the past 20 years.”
Refusing to see allows evil to develop; clear seeing is part of God’s work. In our time, Jesus’ invitation is a guide for us, too.
Sermon possibilities
On this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, the question here still matters. “Where are you staying?” Are we staying rooted in the work of justice and equality? Are we staying in some form of the Beloved Community?
Diana Butler Bass wrote this week that “Epiphany is the season we need now. We need its clarity, its sharp starkness. Maybe our moment in history is an epiphany — the ordinary is being pulled back to reveal that which has been hidden from view. The mundane is charged with meaning — and epiphanies are everywhere. It is as if the universe has cracked open with truth and terror. We live in awful and awe-filled times. For some of what we know as ordinary has become the gateway to glory; and some of what we’ve accepted as ordinary is only another guise of vainglory. It takes an epiphany to reveal which is which — to know the deepest love in the world and live in the tailings of the star.” The sermon could explore how we live with Epiphany’s clarity. How do we seek clarity, and attend to the bright light of truth?
There’s a lot we don’t know these days. The sermon could focus on knowing what we can’t yet see. John says, “I myself did not know him,” admitting the gaps in his knowledge. A friend always assesses new hires at her office by saying, “They don’t know what they don’t know.” Do we? Our ignorance can be the hardest thing to grasp.
John knows Jesus because he’s watching for signs of the holy. In this bleak time, what are we watching for? John can see clearly because he’s focused on the signs of God’s presence, and he invites us into the same way of seeing.
ILLUSTRATIONS
From team member Dean Feldmeyer
John 1:29-42 —Truth
Three Big Lies and Three Big Liars
1. In today’s regulatory environment, it’s virtually impossible to violate rules. — Bernie Madoff, addressing a conference on illegal practices in Wall Street in 2007. Even as he spoke, he was operating the largest Ponzi scheme in history. When it came crashing down the following year, the investment advisor had bilked 4,800 clients of $18 billion.
2. There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction. — Vice President Dick Cheney, despite there being no credible evidence that this was true.
While most intelligence and on-the-ground inspections revealed no WMDs, the Bush administration chose to pin its reasons for going to war on information from an Iraqi informant nicknamed “Curveball,” as well as on documents that showed Iraq had obtained a large quantity of uranium for the purpose of making a nuclear bomb. The informant was soon discredited, and the uranium documents were discovered to be obvious fakes, but the wheels were already in motion. In 2002, President Bush told the country that Saddam not only had stockpiled deadly chemical and biological agents, but that he had also been building nuclear bombs. In 2003 the United States launched war against Iraq. It’s not clear who knew the evidence for WMDs was false, or when they knew it. Regardless, the financial and human cost was devastating.
Thousands of Americans and hundreds of thousands, if not more, of Iraqis died in a war that lasted eight years and cost $2.4 trillion. General Colin Powell, who led the US defeat of Iraq in the 1991 Gulf War, would later bitterly denounce his own 2003 speech as UN Ambassador defending the Bush invasion. America and the world are still living with the war’s consequences.
3. Cigarette smoking is no more ‘addictive’ than coffee, tea, or Twinkies. — James W. Johnston, CEO of R.J. Reynolds, to a congressional committee in 1994.
The reality, of course, is quite different. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 480,000 Americans die every year from cigarettes. In 1998, the four largest tobacco companies reached a settlement with 46 states to pay $206 billion over 25 years to help cover the medical costs of smoking-related illnesses.
* * *
Lies We Still Believe
According to the website festivaltopia.com these are the eight most common lies that people still believe:
Psalm 40:1-4 — Fear
Fear And Flu
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the 2024-25 flu season was classified as high severity, marking the most severe influenza season since 2017-18. The 2024-25 season was characterized by high levels of flu-related hospitalizations and doctor visits. That season also saw a significant number of pediatric deaths, which was the highest in modern times.
The reason for the high number of hospitalizations and deaths was, primarily, due to the low rate of vaccinations. Due largely to misinformation, untrue claims, and outright lies about the effectiveness and even the danger of the flu vaccine, only about 44% of adults and children were vaccinated.
* * *
Fear Of Public Speaking
Research shows that public speaking is one of the greatest fears that most people experience. Having taught public speaking at the high school and college levels, the one question I have been asked more than any other is, “How can I get past my stage fright?”
Here’s the abbreviated version of my lecture on that subject:
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From team member Tom Willadsen:
Isaiah 49:1-7
Stand up for the Messiah
Thus says the Lord,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
“Kings shall see and stand up;
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” (Isaiah 49:7, NRSV)
This verse from the lection from Isaiah recalls a popular practice, the audience stands when the Hallelujah Chorus of Handel’s Messiah is performed. It is believed that this practice began in 1743 at the London debut of the Messiah. King George II, it is said, stood when the chorus began, which obligated those in attendance to stand also. It’s a wonderful story, and it may even be true. Since the first mention of this custom came in 1756, thirteen years after the performance, it is in some doubt. Still, isn’t it refreshing to imagine a king who was prepared to recognize the King of Kings?
* * *
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
A little irony, ancient and modern
In verse 5, Paul gives thanks for “speech and knowledge of every kind.” A little later in the letter, Paul identifies speaking in tongues and special knowledge as causing division among the Corinthian Christians.
The Greek word ἀνεγκλήτους in verse 8, rendered into English as “blameless,” can also be translated “unimpeachable,” which a certain elected official, unnamed here, appears to be.
* * *
John 1:29-42
Is the Lamb of God sheep stealing?
There’s a sort of palimpsest of John the Baptizers’ movement in today’s reading. Starting at verse 35, two of John the Baptizers’ disciples left John to follow Jesus. John’s movement did not end there. In a little referenced passage starting at 3:22, John’s movement coincides with Jesus’s. They’re both baptizing in the Judean countryside. John reinforces the message he gave to the priests and Levites who had traveled to the Jordan from Jerusalem to interrogate him immediately prior to today’s gospel lection. John tells them he’s not Elijah, he’s not the Messiah (for Christ’s sake!), he’s out there doing what Isaiah 40 said. In John 3:30, John the Baptizer says of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John’s subsequent imprisonment and execution completely ended any hope of his movement continuing, but early on there was a competition of sorts.
* * *
John 1:29-42
Come and see!
My people, the Presbyterian Church (USA), are good at lots of things, but we’re not good at sharing our faith, testifying, witnessing, or evangelism. I read a report a few years ago that said the average Presbyterian invites someone to church once every 28 years. We know what we don’t like — knocking on people’s doors, asking them if they’ve met Jesus, been saved, or know where they’ll spend eternity. We simply have given no thought to what we do like. How can we invite someone to our faith community?
The best idea the denomination has ever put forward about evangelism is based on John 1:39. When two of John the Baptizers’ disciples start literally following Jesus, they ask him where he’s staying, and he replies, “Come and see.” So when you approach someone to invite them to your church, as soon as they ask a question, the well-trained Presbyterian evangelist is ready to say, “Come and see!” This works on so many levels. It frees the person to make their own opinion of the congregation, while also freeing the evangelist of knowing anything at all about what the church believes!
Does your church subscribe to the Athanasian Creed?
“Come and see!” sounds so much better than, “I wouldn’t know the Athanasian Creed if it stood behind me in the checkout line at Hy-Vee!”
For the record, Presbyterians do not subscribe to the Athanasian Creed, but we’ve got a soporific tome called The Book of Confessions we could probably pull off a shelf for me.
Back to John 1: The two former disciples of John the Baptizer stayed with Jesus and were most impressed, though it doesn’t say what they talked about.
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From team member Nazish Naseem:
John 1:29-42
The Lamb of God: Embracing Our Testimony of Faith
In my childhood, there was a common belief about the characteristics of Christian believers back home: they should not lie, swear, get divorced, or testify falsely. Those who followed these principles were considered trustworthy. Over time, this strict view has faded, but a sense of hope remains among Christians today.
The gospel of John presents a testimony about Jesus Christ and reveals him to the world as the chosen one. Interestingly, John did not simply proclaim that Christ was the chosen one; he also made it clear that, at first, he did not recognize Jesus as such. This shows that even spiritual understanding can develop gradually. John came to know Jesus and referred to him as “The Lamb of God.” He said, “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen, and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” (vv. 33-34 NIV)
John emphasized that “Jesus is the Lamb of God,” highlighting his role as the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sin of the world. This message can inspire believers to feel reverent and awestruck, deepening their appreciation for Jesus sacrifice and encouraging them to share this profound truth with others.
Today, we face the question: “What is my testimony of Jesus Christ, and am I prepared to be a channel to let others know that Jesus is ‘The Lamb of God’?” Take time to reflect on your faith journey, pray for boldness, and prepare your testimony so you can confidently share the message of Jesus with others.
* * *
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Embracing Our Differences: Building Unity Through Faith and Gifts
1 Corinthians, written by the apostle Paul around A.D. 53-54, serves as a guide and illustration for the Christian community in Corinth. This city, marked by diversity and moral challenges, faced issues such as divisions, disputes over spiritual gifts, and questions about moral conduct. Paul’s message emphasizes the importance of unity, love, and the proper use of gifts to foster the church’s growth, inspiring us to apply these lessons in our own communities with purpose and motivation.
In the opening verses, particularly 1:1-9, Paul addresses the Corinthian church, reminding them of their calling and the grace they have received. He encourages them to recognize that their shared faith and purpose far outweigh their differences, emphasizing that unity in Christ is the foundation for community and growth. Just as the early church grappled with challenges, the Corinthian community learns to set aside its discord to come together in faith.
Ultimately, Paul concludes with an affirmation of patience and commitment, reassuring them that despite the trials ahead, they possess the strength to endure because of their shared faith and hope, fostering confidence in their community’s resilience.
How can we actively promote unity and love while recognizing and appreciating our unique gifts to strengthen our faith community?
* * *
Psalm 40:1-11
Embracing Grief and Trusting God’s Faithfulness
Lament is a heartfelt expression of grief and sorrow, conveyed through words, music, or art. It captures profound emotional pain and a longing for relief.
Psalm 40, attributed to David, begins with a personal lament before shifting to praise. It belongs to a collection of 40 to 50 psalms recognized as laments — both individual and communal. This psalm reflects themes of deliverance and obedience to God, offering believers today a model of trusting God amid modern spiritual struggles and encouraging perseverance in faith.
David describes his experience of waiting for God amid difficulties, showcasing God’s faithfulness in times of rescue. He illustrates the importance of trusting divine timing by writing about being lifted from a ‘miry pit,’ a powerful symbol of despair. This imagery encourages hope and patience for those dealing with their own challenges. Written during distress, the psalm highlights sharing testimonies within the faith community to foster connection, support, and encouragement. David’s waiting exemplifies active faith and reliance on God, demonstrating trust even in the darkest times.
Miriam Greenspan, in her book Healing through the Dark Emotions, describes lament as vital for acknowledging suffering and for spiritual growth. She states, “When we give voice to our sorrow and pain, we honor our experiences and allow ourselves to heal,” encouraging believers to see lament as a pathway to deepen their trust and spiritual maturity.
Ultimately, Psalm 40 weaves together suffering and gratitude for God’s faithfulness, evoking confidence and hope. It stands as a profound reminder of God’s enduring presence, urging believers to trust in divine support through all circumstances.
* * *
Isaiah 49:1-7
Servant Leadership
The book of Isaiah, penned by the prophet Isaiah in the eighth to seventh century BCE, is a key Old Testament text. It highlights Judah’s moral decline and warns of judgment due to idolatry and social injustice. Its messages encourage believers to reflect on their morals and trust in God’s justice, promoting moral responsibility and hope.
In Isaiah 49:1-7, a profound portrayal of divine calling, purpose, and the vastness of God’s love emerges. This passage encourages believers to see how God’s divine plan applies personally, inspiring trust and purpose even when its fulfillment is not immediately evident. It reminds us that God’s purpose unfolds in his perfect timing, which can help us develop patience and trust in God’s plan during uncertain times.
This passage culminates in the powerful notion that God’s servant will receive honor — not solely from kings and nations but from the very hearts they touch. To live out this truth, we are encouraged to embrace our unique purposes, trusting that God operates through us. By actively seeking ways to serve others and yield to our calling, we participate in God’s greater narrative, which should motivate us to act with confidence and faith in our spiritual journey, knowing our service impacts others profoundly.
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WORSHIP
by George Reed
Call to Worship
One: Wait patiently for the LORD; who hears our cry.
All: God will set our feet upon a rock, making our steps secure.
One: Happy are those who make the LORD their trust.
All: Do not turn to the proud, to those who go astray.
One: Speak of God’s faithfulness and salvation.
All: We will tell of God’s steadfast help and love.
OR
One: The God of light and peace comes to us.
All: We welcome the light of God in our darkness.
One: The light of God dispels the darkness and eases our fears.
All: Thanks be to God who brings light to our darkness.
One: Be lick the moon and reflect the light of God’s presence.
All: We will allow God’s light and love to shine in us.
Hymns and Songs
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
UMH: 110
H82: 687/688
PH: 260
GTG: 275
AAHH: 124
NNBH: 37
NCH: 439/440
CH: 65
LBW: 228/229
ELW: 503/504/505
W&P: 588
AMEC: 54
STLT: 200
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
UMH: 117
H82: 680
AAHH: 170
NNBH: 46
NCH: 25
CH: 67
LBW: 320
ELW: 632
W&P: 84
AMEC: 61
STLT: 281
Open My Eyes, That I May See
UMH: 454
PH: 324
GTG: 451
NNBH: 218
CH: 586
W&P: 480
AMEC: 285
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
UMH: 127
H82: 690
PH: 281
GTG: 65
AAHH: 138/139/140
NNBH: 232
NCH: 18/19
CH: 622
LBW: 343
ELW: 618
W&P: 501
AMEC: 52/53/65
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
UMH: 140
GTG: 39
AAHH: 158
NNBH: 45
NCH: 423
CH: 86
ELW: 733
W&P: 72
AMEC: 84
Renew: 249
Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
UMH: 361
H82: 685
GTG: 438
AAHH: 559
NNBH: 254
NCH: 596
CH: 214
LBW: 327
ELW: 623
W&P: 384
AMEC: 328
Be Thou My Vision
UMH: 451
H82: 488
PH: 339
GTG: 450
NCH: 451
CH: 595
ELW: 793
W&P: 502
AMEC: 281
STLT: 20
Renew: 151
Let There Be Light
UMH: 440
NNBH: 450
NCH: 589
STLT: 142
Jesus Calls Us
UMH: 398
H82: 549/550
GTG: 720
NNBH: 183
NCH: 171/172
CH: 337
LBW: 494
ELW: 696
W&P: 345
AMEC: 238
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
UMH: 381
H82: 708
PH: 387
GTG: 187
AAHH: 424
NNBH: 54
NCH: 252
CH: 558
LBW: 481
ELW: 789
W&P: 440
AMEC: 379
I Will Call upon the Lord
CCB: 9
Renew: 15
Open Our Eyes, Lord
CCB: 77
Renew: 91
Music Resources Key
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982
PH: Presbyterian Hymnal
GTG: Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal
AAHH: African American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
ELW: Evangelical Lutheran Worship
W&P: Worship & Praise
AMEC: African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal
STLT: Singing the Living Tradition
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day/Collect
O God who sees clearly the reality of all your created:
Grant us the vision to see the way of life before us
so that we may set aside our fears and walk with you;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
We praise you, O God, because you are the one who sees clearly the truth of all you have created. You understand what gives life and what brings death. Help us to see the path you have set before us so that we may not fear but trust you. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
One: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins and especially when we close our eyes to the true path.
All: We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. We have failed to see the path you have laid before which leads to life. Sometimes we allow the ways of power, greed, and self to blind us to your way. Sometimes we close our eyes and stumble through life. Without the vision that you give, we are afraid. Forgive us and renew your Spirit within us so that we may see clearly and follow gladly. Amen.
One: God is light and is always ready to share light with us. Open your hearts, minds, and eyes to God and you will be healed.
Prayers of the People
We have come to worship you, Our God and Redeemer. You are the one who quiets our fears lights our darkest nights. You are the one who leads us on the path to life eternal.
(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confession has not been used.)
We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. We have failed to see the path you have laid before which leads to life. Sometimes we allow the ways of power, greed, and self to blind us to your way. Sometimes we close our eyes and stumble through life. Without the vision that you give, we are afraid. Forgive us and renew your Spirit within us so that we may see clearly and follow gladly.
We thank you for all the ways in which you bless us. We thank you for the physical light of the sun and how the moon reflects that light at night. We thank you for the spiritual light you have placed in us as it is nurtured by your Spirit. We thank you for Jesus who comforts us when we walk in the darkest valley.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We pray for your children in their need. There are many who live in fear: fear of violence, hatred, and want. There are those who think there is nothing that will brighten their darkness. Many are lost and do not know how to find their way. We lift these to you who quiets the fear and lightens the darkness.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
Hear us as we pray for others: (Time for silent or spoken prayer.)
All these things we ask in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father....Amen.
(Or if the Our Father is not used at this point in the service.)
All this we ask in the name of the blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
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CHILDREN’S SERMON
Believing is Seeing
by Chris Keating
John 1:29-42
Plan ahead: Download a copy of the standard Snellen Eye Test Chart. (There are several websites where you can download a PDF version of this eye test.)
Greet the children and tell them that they’re in luck today…you’re going to give them a test! Wait for the eye rolls and groans to end, and then say reassure them that they won’t actually be taking a test.
As you hold up the Snellen Eye Test chart, ask if any of them have ever been to the eye doctor before. You can remind them that there are many different types of doctors who can help children and adults. Sometimes, we go to the dentist, who is a doctor for our teeth. Sometimes, we go to a pediatrician or family doctor, who helps us stay healthy. Sometimes, we go to an eye doctor, because we want to make sure our eyes are working well.
When we go to an eye doctor, she or he will take a look at our eyes to make sure they are healthy. They may ask us to look at a chart like this. Usually, we cover one eye and then read as many of the letters as we can see. Unlike a test you take at school, this test doesn’t have right or wrong answers. It simply tells the doctor how well you’re eyes are working. Some people can see the letters very well and don’t need glasses. Others may have trouble seeing the letters the further they are from the chart. They may be “near sighted,” which means you can only see really well up close. Still others may not be able to read it up close, but can see the letters if they stand back a bit. They may be “far sighted.” Only a doctor can tell you if you need glasses. If you can see fine without glasses, that’s great! And if you need glasses, that’s great, too! At some point in our lives, almost everyone will need glasses or contact lenses in order to see well.
John’s Gospel tells us another story about John The Baptist. We’ve been hearing a lot about John. You may remember that he was Jesus’ cousin, and that he got his nickname because he baptized a lot of people. He taught people about God. In a way, he was a bit like an eye doctor because he helped people see how God could change their lives.
Today, the Gospel story tells us about some times when people began seeing God in new ways. The story begins with John, and it seems his eyes were working really well. He looked up, and saw Jesus walking toward him. He knew who Jesus was, of course. But this time he saw him differently. This time, John was sure that Jesus was the One he had been telling people would be coming into the world to save them. He looked and saw Jesus, and just like he was taking an eye test, he “saw” Jesus differently than he had ever before.
John got excited, and began to tell others what he saw. “I myself have seen him,” John told his friends. John’s friends were wondering if their eyes would ever see Jesus, which is exactly what happened next. On the next day, John was talking with some of his friends, and they saw Jesus walk by once again. He told his friends: “Look! There he is! Jesus is God’s Son. Look for yourselves!”
John’s friends couldn’t believe it, but then they saw with their own eyes. Here was Jesus. They began to follow Jesus around, and listened to what he was telling them. Jesus helped them see God in new ways, too.
Even though that happened a long time ago, we can still use our eyes to see where God is at work. We can see God working when our church friends take dinner to people who are sick. We can see Jesus working when we gather up cans of food for the hungry. We can see Jesus helping others when we take time to love as Jesus taught us.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for giving us eyes to see. Help us to always look for you, and encourage us to tell others where we see your love at work. Help us to follow Jesus, Amen.
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The Immediate Word, January 18, 2026 issue.
Copyright 2025 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
- Trusting and Fearing God — What Does That Mean? by Katy Stenta based on Psalm 40:1-11.
- Second Thoughts: Putting on Our Jesus Glasses by Mary Austin based on John 1:29-42.
- Sermon illustrations by Dean Feldmeyer, Tom Willadsen, Nazish Naseem.
- Worship resources by George Reed.
- Children’s sermon: Seeing Is Believing by Chris Keating based on John 1:29-42.
Trusting and Fearing God — What Does That Mean?
by Katy Stenta
Psalm 40:1-11
In the Scriptures
Proverbs says in verses 1:7 and 9:10 that fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Isaiah also talks about the prophet and how the Spirit of the Lord will rest on the prophet with counsel, strength, and the fear of the Lord in Isaiah 11:2. Blessings and the fear of God often go together, as is stated in Psalm 115:13. “He will bless those who fear the Lord. The small together with the Lord.” It seems to be putting the proper things in order. Those who fear God know who truly has the power and are afraid of the correct things. They understand that God’s power is deserving of respect.
In the News
Humans seem to be afraid of so many things. In Chapman University’s annual survey of our top fears, 69% said that corrupt government officials was their biggest fear. This is no surprise, with both parties constantly accusing the other of being the one trying steal each other blind. The trust is gone. Loved ones being ill came in second, basically tied with economic and financial collapse, both at 58%. With the recent pandemic experience and the constant yo-yo with recession, all of these worries seem to make sense.
The author notes: “While many of the nation ’s top fears reflect legitimate concerns, the researchers note that perception often outweighs reality. Fear of crime, for example, has increased despite a long-term decline in crime rates. Similarly, concerns about economic collapse and global conflict tend to mirror the tone of political and media discourse rather than statistical data.” Fear can be at the root of many decisions, but it is important not to let it drive us into making unwise ones.
In a similar way—you can see how fear has drawn two sharply different perspectives in the shooting of Renee Good, a citizen who interacted with an ICE agent in her car. She approaches him, and he tells her to leave. She then complies and she is shot. It is later revealed that her last words to the agent were “I’m not mad at you, dude” as she smiles at him. It is clear that she is not afraid of the agent.
In the Sermon
If what we respect the most is God and the way God takes care of us, then the fear we have is different than the fear that drives us to be violent to one another. Violence is often a reaction. A reaction because we are afraid — afraid that someone is attacking us, afraid that we are not perceived to be in charge, afraid that the dominant narrative of superiority, masculinity, whiteness, or strength is not being recognized.
Good is like the psalmist. She was not afraid, she responded out of respect and peace. It is clear that she was not overreacting, and only wanted people ’s humanity to be understood. Good grew up Christian, she went on a mission to Ireland, and was married to her current wife by her uncle, a Presbyterian Church (USA) pastor. She came out to support her neighbors. She was not reacting out of fear, but hope. It was from this place that she was able to say, “I ’m not mad at you dude.” She may not have known she was risking her life (or maybe as a queer woman she did) but still, she was responding from a different place.
This psalm stands in contrast to a narrative of violence. It recognizes that God’s strength comes from mercy and grace. God “inclines” or stoops to hear the writer in order to hear better. God draws the supplicant out of the “pit,” the miry bog, the “pit of despair” from The Princess Bride, one might call it. God empowers humans, making our steps more secure. We can put our trust in God because God has shown Godself to be trustworthy in the past — unlike a false god, the psalmist adds. The deeds are written and proclaimed because they are worth sharing. Fearing God is not about intimidation, it is the opposite. It is shared because God is respectful of us, and so we respect God. God upbuilds us, so we build upon God’s foundation, and this is the kind of “fear of God” that is transformative to how we live, work, and even worship.
SECOND THOUGHTSPutting on Our Jesus Glasses
by Mary Austin
John 1:29-42
Americans saw very different stories in the killing of Renee Good last week in Minnesota. Administration officials are sticking to the story that Good was dangerous, even a “domestic terrorist” and that the ICE officer who shot her three times was in fear for his life. The New York Times analysis of bystander videos “filmed from different angles, appears to show the agent was not in the path of the victim’s SUV when he fired three shots at close range.” After Good was shot, a doctor approached and asked if he could check on her. His request was denied. Bystanders report that an ICE officer said, “I don’t care.”
Members of Congress have responded along party lines. Tucker Carlson had an unexpected and humane view, saying that Renee Good “was an American citizen and reportedly the mother of a kindergarten-aged child. Did we disagree with her views on immigration? Probably,” he continued. “But that shouldn’t matter. Her death is a tragedy, regardless of her partisan affiliations, ideological beliefs, or who pulled the trigger. A woman got shot in the face. How come so few conservatives are viewing this story through a human lens?”
With so many partisan views of Renee Good’s death, the lens we use matters.
In this passage, both Jesus and John see with divine clarity. At first, John encounters Jesus as a stranger. We don’t have the tradition from the Synoptic gospels that Jesus and John are cousins, and we hear John say, “And I myself did not know him.”
Divine insight allows him to recognize Jesus.
John knows who Jesus is because he “saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.” John hears with holy clarity, too, and he he adds, “the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit’.” John views himself as a placeholder. He’s been baptizing people as a way to reveal the Messiah, and he sees the truth about Jesus through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
John is using all of his sense to take in and pass on this holy good news.
A day later, John names Jesus as the “Lamb of God.” In the Synoptic gospels, God adds the label, saying some form of “This is my beloved.” Here, John gets to do the naming.
That’s compelling enough for the disciples to walk away from John and follow Jesus. Peter, quick to leap in as he always is, knows right away that Jesus is the Messiah.
Jesus also sees clearly when he encounters the people who will become his disciples, and he knows something about them right away. He invites the soon-to-be disciples to come and see the truth about him, and to immerse themselves in his life. “Come and see,” is his invitation.
He extends the same invitation to us.
There is also a steep cost to not seeing. We get more of what we ignore. Attorney Sherrilyn Ifill writes, “Black people warned of the dangers of law enforcement impunity, taking to the streets regularly between 2014 and 2020, relentlessly fighting for real change in policing. We were joined in 2020 by millions of young white people who marched with us. We warned of the dangers of militarized law enforcement in communities…Now the scourge of unaccountable, brutal, and racist law enforcement, armed for war, has metastasized into the creation of a militarized presidential police force that roams our cities targeting peaceful, hardworking residents at will. Every inhumane and infuriating excess we see on videos today committed by ICE and border patrol agents, is mirrored in the hundreds of videos of police officers engaging in similar racial profiling, violent attacks, and unwarranted detention of Black people over the past 20 years.”
Refusing to see allows evil to develop; clear seeing is part of God’s work. In our time, Jesus’ invitation is a guide for us, too.
Sermon possibilities
On this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, the question here still matters. “Where are you staying?” Are we staying rooted in the work of justice and equality? Are we staying in some form of the Beloved Community?
Diana Butler Bass wrote this week that “Epiphany is the season we need now. We need its clarity, its sharp starkness. Maybe our moment in history is an epiphany — the ordinary is being pulled back to reveal that which has been hidden from view. The mundane is charged with meaning — and epiphanies are everywhere. It is as if the universe has cracked open with truth and terror. We live in awful and awe-filled times. For some of what we know as ordinary has become the gateway to glory; and some of what we’ve accepted as ordinary is only another guise of vainglory. It takes an epiphany to reveal which is which — to know the deepest love in the world and live in the tailings of the star.” The sermon could explore how we live with Epiphany’s clarity. How do we seek clarity, and attend to the bright light of truth?
There’s a lot we don’t know these days. The sermon could focus on knowing what we can’t yet see. John says, “I myself did not know him,” admitting the gaps in his knowledge. A friend always assesses new hires at her office by saying, “They don’t know what they don’t know.” Do we? Our ignorance can be the hardest thing to grasp.
John knows Jesus because he’s watching for signs of the holy. In this bleak time, what are we watching for? John can see clearly because he’s focused on the signs of God’s presence, and he invites us into the same way of seeing.
ILLUSTRATIONS
From team member Dean FeldmeyerJohn 1:29-42 —Truth
Three Big Lies and Three Big Liars
1. In today’s regulatory environment, it’s virtually impossible to violate rules. — Bernie Madoff, addressing a conference on illegal practices in Wall Street in 2007. Even as he spoke, he was operating the largest Ponzi scheme in history. When it came crashing down the following year, the investment advisor had bilked 4,800 clients of $18 billion.
2. There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction. — Vice President Dick Cheney, despite there being no credible evidence that this was true.
While most intelligence and on-the-ground inspections revealed no WMDs, the Bush administration chose to pin its reasons for going to war on information from an Iraqi informant nicknamed “Curveball,” as well as on documents that showed Iraq had obtained a large quantity of uranium for the purpose of making a nuclear bomb. The informant was soon discredited, and the uranium documents were discovered to be obvious fakes, but the wheels were already in motion. In 2002, President Bush told the country that Saddam not only had stockpiled deadly chemical and biological agents, but that he had also been building nuclear bombs. In 2003 the United States launched war against Iraq. It’s not clear who knew the evidence for WMDs was false, or when they knew it. Regardless, the financial and human cost was devastating.
Thousands of Americans and hundreds of thousands, if not more, of Iraqis died in a war that lasted eight years and cost $2.4 trillion. General Colin Powell, who led the US defeat of Iraq in the 1991 Gulf War, would later bitterly denounce his own 2003 speech as UN Ambassador defending the Bush invasion. America and the world are still living with the war’s consequences.
3. Cigarette smoking is no more ‘addictive’ than coffee, tea, or Twinkies. — James W. Johnston, CEO of R.J. Reynolds, to a congressional committee in 1994.
The reality, of course, is quite different. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 480,000 Americans die every year from cigarettes. In 1998, the four largest tobacco companies reached a settlement with 46 states to pay $206 billion over 25 years to help cover the medical costs of smoking-related illnesses.
* * *
Lies We Still Believe
According to the website festivaltopia.com these are the eight most common lies that people still believe:
- The Trojan Horse – While the Trojan war is undoubtedly a historic fact, there is no evidence in the ancient record of a Trojan horse that was used to ferry warriors through the gate of the city. More likely, this bit was part of the legend that surrounded the storytelling that grew up among storytellers.
- Andrew Wakefield’s “Study” On Vaccines And Autism – In the realm of science, few lies have had as far-reaching consequences as Andrew Wakefield’s fraudulent study linking vaccines to autism. Published in 1998, the study was based on flawed data and unethical methods. Despite being debunked, it fueled anti-vaccine sentiments, leading to a decline in vaccination rates and a resurgence of preventable diseases. Misinformation about vaccines based on his fraudulent study results still persists in some communities.
- The Tobacco Industry On Cigarette Smoking – For decades, the tobacco industry propagated a lie that cigarettes were safe, despite mounting evidence of their harmful effects. Companies denied the addictive nature of nicotine and downplayed the health risks of smoking. This deception was perpetuated even after the US Surgeon General’s report in 1964 linking smoking to cancer and other diseases. The industry’s lies contributed to millions of deaths, as people continued smoking under the false belief that it was harmless. The eventual legal settlements and public health campaigns marked a turning point, but the legacy of the tobacco industry’s deceit persists among some smokers.
- Donald Trump’s Big Lie About The 2020 Election – The 2020 US presidential election was marred by unfounded claims of voter fraud propagated by then-President Donald Trump. Despite a lack of evidence, these claims fueled division and culminated in the Capitol Riots of January 6, 2021. The spread of misinformation highlighted the fragility of democratic institutions and the challenges of maintaining electoral integrity. The fallout from the election underscored the importance of truth and the need for responsible leadership in preserving democratic values.
- Nazi Propaganda During WWII – Nazi propaganda during World War II represents one of the most devastating uses of lies in history. The regime’s anti-Semitic campaigns, led by Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, spread lies that fueled the Holocaust. The concept of the “Big Lie” — a falsehood so colossal that it becomes believable — was used to justify atrocities against Jews and other marginalized groups. The legacy of Nazi propaganda serves as a stark reminder of the power of lies to incite hatred and violence on an unprecedented scale.
Psalm 40:1-4 — Fear
Fear And Flu
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the 2024-25 flu season was classified as high severity, marking the most severe influenza season since 2017-18. The 2024-25 season was characterized by high levels of flu-related hospitalizations and doctor visits. That season also saw a significant number of pediatric deaths, which was the highest in modern times.
The reason for the high number of hospitalizations and deaths was, primarily, due to the low rate of vaccinations. Due largely to misinformation, untrue claims, and outright lies about the effectiveness and even the danger of the flu vaccine, only about 44% of adults and children were vaccinated.
* * *
Fear Of Public Speaking
Research shows that public speaking is one of the greatest fears that most people experience. Having taught public speaking at the high school and college levels, the one question I have been asked more than any other is, “How can I get past my stage fright?”
Here’s the abbreviated version of my lecture on that subject:
- Choose an important topic that you care about. The surest way to torpedo your presentation is to just go through the motions of a speech you don’t care about.
- Care more about your topic and your audience than you do about yourself. Forget about you and your fears and focus on your audience. Why is it so important for them to know what you are going to tell them? What can you do to make sure that they hear what you are saying and remember it?
- Know what you are going to say and write it out, word for word. Don’t lean on your gift of gab. If this speech is truly important, then every word must be so. Write it down exactly the way you want to say it. This is also a good defense against being misquoted.
- Memorize your speech. Memorization is the lost canon of rhetoric, but it shouldn’t be. Get your eyes off the page and look into the eyes of your listeners. Your speech will be spoken as much with your eyes as it is with your mouth.
- Practice, practice, practice. Only practice can give you the confidence you need to succeed. Practice until you are sick of the speech and want to throw it away and never see it again. Then one more time.
- Throw away your manuscript and simply talk to your audience as though you were talking to a friend. Modern rhetoric is informal rhetoric. That doesn’t mean sloppy, however. It means, as David Letterman used to say, “It takes hours and hours of rehearsal to make a show look this unrehearsed.” That’s what you’re after.
* * * * * *
From team member Tom Willadsen:Isaiah 49:1-7
Stand up for the Messiah
Thus says the Lord,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
“Kings shall see and stand up;
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” (Isaiah 49:7, NRSV)
This verse from the lection from Isaiah recalls a popular practice, the audience stands when the Hallelujah Chorus of Handel’s Messiah is performed. It is believed that this practice began in 1743 at the London debut of the Messiah. King George II, it is said, stood when the chorus began, which obligated those in attendance to stand also. It’s a wonderful story, and it may even be true. Since the first mention of this custom came in 1756, thirteen years after the performance, it is in some doubt. Still, isn’t it refreshing to imagine a king who was prepared to recognize the King of Kings?
* * *
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
A little irony, ancient and modern
In verse 5, Paul gives thanks for “speech and knowledge of every kind.” A little later in the letter, Paul identifies speaking in tongues and special knowledge as causing division among the Corinthian Christians.
The Greek word ἀνεγκλήτους in verse 8, rendered into English as “blameless,” can also be translated “unimpeachable,” which a certain elected official, unnamed here, appears to be.
* * *
John 1:29-42
Is the Lamb of God sheep stealing?
There’s a sort of palimpsest of John the Baptizers’ movement in today’s reading. Starting at verse 35, two of John the Baptizers’ disciples left John to follow Jesus. John’s movement did not end there. In a little referenced passage starting at 3:22, John’s movement coincides with Jesus’s. They’re both baptizing in the Judean countryside. John reinforces the message he gave to the priests and Levites who had traveled to the Jordan from Jerusalem to interrogate him immediately prior to today’s gospel lection. John tells them he’s not Elijah, he’s not the Messiah (for Christ’s sake!), he’s out there doing what Isaiah 40 said. In John 3:30, John the Baptizer says of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John’s subsequent imprisonment and execution completely ended any hope of his movement continuing, but early on there was a competition of sorts.
* * *
John 1:29-42
Come and see!
My people, the Presbyterian Church (USA), are good at lots of things, but we’re not good at sharing our faith, testifying, witnessing, or evangelism. I read a report a few years ago that said the average Presbyterian invites someone to church once every 28 years. We know what we don’t like — knocking on people’s doors, asking them if they’ve met Jesus, been saved, or know where they’ll spend eternity. We simply have given no thought to what we do like. How can we invite someone to our faith community?
The best idea the denomination has ever put forward about evangelism is based on John 1:39. When two of John the Baptizers’ disciples start literally following Jesus, they ask him where he’s staying, and he replies, “Come and see.” So when you approach someone to invite them to your church, as soon as they ask a question, the well-trained Presbyterian evangelist is ready to say, “Come and see!” This works on so many levels. It frees the person to make their own opinion of the congregation, while also freeing the evangelist of knowing anything at all about what the church believes!
Does your church subscribe to the Athanasian Creed?
“Come and see!” sounds so much better than, “I wouldn’t know the Athanasian Creed if it stood behind me in the checkout line at Hy-Vee!”
For the record, Presbyterians do not subscribe to the Athanasian Creed, but we’ve got a soporific tome called The Book of Confessions we could probably pull off a shelf for me.
Back to John 1: The two former disciples of John the Baptizer stayed with Jesus and were most impressed, though it doesn’t say what they talked about.
* * * * * *
From team member Nazish Naseem:John 1:29-42
The Lamb of God: Embracing Our Testimony of Faith
In my childhood, there was a common belief about the characteristics of Christian believers back home: they should not lie, swear, get divorced, or testify falsely. Those who followed these principles were considered trustworthy. Over time, this strict view has faded, but a sense of hope remains among Christians today.
The gospel of John presents a testimony about Jesus Christ and reveals him to the world as the chosen one. Interestingly, John did not simply proclaim that Christ was the chosen one; he also made it clear that, at first, he did not recognize Jesus as such. This shows that even spiritual understanding can develop gradually. John came to know Jesus and referred to him as “The Lamb of God.” He said, “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen, and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” (vv. 33-34 NIV)
John emphasized that “Jesus is the Lamb of God,” highlighting his role as the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sin of the world. This message can inspire believers to feel reverent and awestruck, deepening their appreciation for Jesus sacrifice and encouraging them to share this profound truth with others.
Today, we face the question: “What is my testimony of Jesus Christ, and am I prepared to be a channel to let others know that Jesus is ‘The Lamb of God’?” Take time to reflect on your faith journey, pray for boldness, and prepare your testimony so you can confidently share the message of Jesus with others.
* * *
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Embracing Our Differences: Building Unity Through Faith and Gifts
1 Corinthians, written by the apostle Paul around A.D. 53-54, serves as a guide and illustration for the Christian community in Corinth. This city, marked by diversity and moral challenges, faced issues such as divisions, disputes over spiritual gifts, and questions about moral conduct. Paul’s message emphasizes the importance of unity, love, and the proper use of gifts to foster the church’s growth, inspiring us to apply these lessons in our own communities with purpose and motivation.
In the opening verses, particularly 1:1-9, Paul addresses the Corinthian church, reminding them of their calling and the grace they have received. He encourages them to recognize that their shared faith and purpose far outweigh their differences, emphasizing that unity in Christ is the foundation for community and growth. Just as the early church grappled with challenges, the Corinthian community learns to set aside its discord to come together in faith.
Ultimately, Paul concludes with an affirmation of patience and commitment, reassuring them that despite the trials ahead, they possess the strength to endure because of their shared faith and hope, fostering confidence in their community’s resilience.
How can we actively promote unity and love while recognizing and appreciating our unique gifts to strengthen our faith community?
* * *
Psalm 40:1-11
Embracing Grief and Trusting God’s Faithfulness
Lament is a heartfelt expression of grief and sorrow, conveyed through words, music, or art. It captures profound emotional pain and a longing for relief.
Psalm 40, attributed to David, begins with a personal lament before shifting to praise. It belongs to a collection of 40 to 50 psalms recognized as laments — both individual and communal. This psalm reflects themes of deliverance and obedience to God, offering believers today a model of trusting God amid modern spiritual struggles and encouraging perseverance in faith.
David describes his experience of waiting for God amid difficulties, showcasing God’s faithfulness in times of rescue. He illustrates the importance of trusting divine timing by writing about being lifted from a ‘miry pit,’ a powerful symbol of despair. This imagery encourages hope and patience for those dealing with their own challenges. Written during distress, the psalm highlights sharing testimonies within the faith community to foster connection, support, and encouragement. David’s waiting exemplifies active faith and reliance on God, demonstrating trust even in the darkest times.
Miriam Greenspan, in her book Healing through the Dark Emotions, describes lament as vital for acknowledging suffering and for spiritual growth. She states, “When we give voice to our sorrow and pain, we honor our experiences and allow ourselves to heal,” encouraging believers to see lament as a pathway to deepen their trust and spiritual maturity.
Ultimately, Psalm 40 weaves together suffering and gratitude for God’s faithfulness, evoking confidence and hope. It stands as a profound reminder of God’s enduring presence, urging believers to trust in divine support through all circumstances.
* * *
Isaiah 49:1-7
Servant Leadership
The book of Isaiah, penned by the prophet Isaiah in the eighth to seventh century BCE, is a key Old Testament text. It highlights Judah’s moral decline and warns of judgment due to idolatry and social injustice. Its messages encourage believers to reflect on their morals and trust in God’s justice, promoting moral responsibility and hope.
In Isaiah 49:1-7, a profound portrayal of divine calling, purpose, and the vastness of God’s love emerges. This passage encourages believers to see how God’s divine plan applies personally, inspiring trust and purpose even when its fulfillment is not immediately evident. It reminds us that God’s purpose unfolds in his perfect timing, which can help us develop patience and trust in God’s plan during uncertain times.
This passage culminates in the powerful notion that God’s servant will receive honor — not solely from kings and nations but from the very hearts they touch. To live out this truth, we are encouraged to embrace our unique purposes, trusting that God operates through us. By actively seeking ways to serve others and yield to our calling, we participate in God’s greater narrative, which should motivate us to act with confidence and faith in our spiritual journey, knowing our service impacts others profoundly.
* * * * * *
WORSHIPby George Reed
Call to Worship
One: Wait patiently for the LORD; who hears our cry.
All: God will set our feet upon a rock, making our steps secure.
One: Happy are those who make the LORD their trust.
All: Do not turn to the proud, to those who go astray.
One: Speak of God’s faithfulness and salvation.
All: We will tell of God’s steadfast help and love.
OR
One: The God of light and peace comes to us.
All: We welcome the light of God in our darkness.
One: The light of God dispels the darkness and eases our fears.
All: Thanks be to God who brings light to our darkness.
One: Be lick the moon and reflect the light of God’s presence.
All: We will allow God’s light and love to shine in us.
Hymns and Songs
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
UMH: 110
H82: 687/688
PH: 260
GTG: 275
AAHH: 124
NNBH: 37
NCH: 439/440
CH: 65
LBW: 228/229
ELW: 503/504/505
W&P: 588
AMEC: 54
STLT: 200
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
UMH: 117
H82: 680
AAHH: 170
NNBH: 46
NCH: 25
CH: 67
LBW: 320
ELW: 632
W&P: 84
AMEC: 61
STLT: 281
Open My Eyes, That I May See
UMH: 454
PH: 324
GTG: 451
NNBH: 218
CH: 586
W&P: 480
AMEC: 285
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
UMH: 127
H82: 690
PH: 281
GTG: 65
AAHH: 138/139/140
NNBH: 232
NCH: 18/19
CH: 622
LBW: 343
ELW: 618
W&P: 501
AMEC: 52/53/65
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
UMH: 140
GTG: 39
AAHH: 158
NNBH: 45
NCH: 423
CH: 86
ELW: 733
W&P: 72
AMEC: 84
Renew: 249
Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
UMH: 361
H82: 685
GTG: 438
AAHH: 559
NNBH: 254
NCH: 596
CH: 214
LBW: 327
ELW: 623
W&P: 384
AMEC: 328
Be Thou My Vision
UMH: 451
H82: 488
PH: 339
GTG: 450
NCH: 451
CH: 595
ELW: 793
W&P: 502
AMEC: 281
STLT: 20
Renew: 151
Let There Be Light
UMH: 440
NNBH: 450
NCH: 589
STLT: 142
Jesus Calls Us
UMH: 398
H82: 549/550
GTG: 720
NNBH: 183
NCH: 171/172
CH: 337
LBW: 494
ELW: 696
W&P: 345
AMEC: 238
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
UMH: 381
H82: 708
PH: 387
GTG: 187
AAHH: 424
NNBH: 54
NCH: 252
CH: 558
LBW: 481
ELW: 789
W&P: 440
AMEC: 379
I Will Call upon the Lord
CCB: 9
Renew: 15
Open Our Eyes, Lord
CCB: 77
Renew: 91
Music Resources Key
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982
PH: Presbyterian Hymnal
GTG: Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal
AAHH: African American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
ELW: Evangelical Lutheran Worship
W&P: Worship & Praise
AMEC: African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal
STLT: Singing the Living Tradition
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day/Collect
O God who sees clearly the reality of all your created:
Grant us the vision to see the way of life before us
so that we may set aside our fears and walk with you;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
We praise you, O God, because you are the one who sees clearly the truth of all you have created. You understand what gives life and what brings death. Help us to see the path you have set before us so that we may not fear but trust you. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
One: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins and especially when we close our eyes to the true path.
All: We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. We have failed to see the path you have laid before which leads to life. Sometimes we allow the ways of power, greed, and self to blind us to your way. Sometimes we close our eyes and stumble through life. Without the vision that you give, we are afraid. Forgive us and renew your Spirit within us so that we may see clearly and follow gladly. Amen.
One: God is light and is always ready to share light with us. Open your hearts, minds, and eyes to God and you will be healed.
Prayers of the People
We have come to worship you, Our God and Redeemer. You are the one who quiets our fears lights our darkest nights. You are the one who leads us on the path to life eternal.
(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confession has not been used.)
We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. We have failed to see the path you have laid before which leads to life. Sometimes we allow the ways of power, greed, and self to blind us to your way. Sometimes we close our eyes and stumble through life. Without the vision that you give, we are afraid. Forgive us and renew your Spirit within us so that we may see clearly and follow gladly.
We thank you for all the ways in which you bless us. We thank you for the physical light of the sun and how the moon reflects that light at night. We thank you for the spiritual light you have placed in us as it is nurtured by your Spirit. We thank you for Jesus who comforts us when we walk in the darkest valley.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We pray for your children in their need. There are many who live in fear: fear of violence, hatred, and want. There are those who think there is nothing that will brighten their darkness. Many are lost and do not know how to find their way. We lift these to you who quiets the fear and lightens the darkness.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
Hear us as we pray for others: (Time for silent or spoken prayer.)
All these things we ask in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father....Amen.
(Or if the Our Father is not used at this point in the service.)
All this we ask in the name of the blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
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CHILDREN’S SERMONBelieving is Seeing
by Chris Keating
John 1:29-42
Plan ahead: Download a copy of the standard Snellen Eye Test Chart. (There are several websites where you can download a PDF version of this eye test.)
Greet the children and tell them that they’re in luck today…you’re going to give them a test! Wait for the eye rolls and groans to end, and then say reassure them that they won’t actually be taking a test.
As you hold up the Snellen Eye Test chart, ask if any of them have ever been to the eye doctor before. You can remind them that there are many different types of doctors who can help children and adults. Sometimes, we go to the dentist, who is a doctor for our teeth. Sometimes, we go to a pediatrician or family doctor, who helps us stay healthy. Sometimes, we go to an eye doctor, because we want to make sure our eyes are working well.
When we go to an eye doctor, she or he will take a look at our eyes to make sure they are healthy. They may ask us to look at a chart like this. Usually, we cover one eye and then read as many of the letters as we can see. Unlike a test you take at school, this test doesn’t have right or wrong answers. It simply tells the doctor how well you’re eyes are working. Some people can see the letters very well and don’t need glasses. Others may have trouble seeing the letters the further they are from the chart. They may be “near sighted,” which means you can only see really well up close. Still others may not be able to read it up close, but can see the letters if they stand back a bit. They may be “far sighted.” Only a doctor can tell you if you need glasses. If you can see fine without glasses, that’s great! And if you need glasses, that’s great, too! At some point in our lives, almost everyone will need glasses or contact lenses in order to see well.
John’s Gospel tells us another story about John The Baptist. We’ve been hearing a lot about John. You may remember that he was Jesus’ cousin, and that he got his nickname because he baptized a lot of people. He taught people about God. In a way, he was a bit like an eye doctor because he helped people see how God could change their lives.
Today, the Gospel story tells us about some times when people began seeing God in new ways. The story begins with John, and it seems his eyes were working really well. He looked up, and saw Jesus walking toward him. He knew who Jesus was, of course. But this time he saw him differently. This time, John was sure that Jesus was the One he had been telling people would be coming into the world to save them. He looked and saw Jesus, and just like he was taking an eye test, he “saw” Jesus differently than he had ever before.
John got excited, and began to tell others what he saw. “I myself have seen him,” John told his friends. John’s friends were wondering if their eyes would ever see Jesus, which is exactly what happened next. On the next day, John was talking with some of his friends, and they saw Jesus walk by once again. He told his friends: “Look! There he is! Jesus is God’s Son. Look for yourselves!”
John’s friends couldn’t believe it, but then they saw with their own eyes. Here was Jesus. They began to follow Jesus around, and listened to what he was telling them. Jesus helped them see God in new ways, too.
Even though that happened a long time ago, we can still use our eyes to see where God is at work. We can see God working when our church friends take dinner to people who are sick. We can see Jesus working when we gather up cans of food for the hungry. We can see Jesus helping others when we take time to love as Jesus taught us.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for giving us eyes to see. Help us to always look for you, and encourage us to tell others where we see your love at work. Help us to follow Jesus, Amen.
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The Immediate Word, January 18, 2026 issue.
Copyright 2025 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
