Sheep and Shepherds

John 10:1-16

1. “I can guarantee this truth: The person who doesn’t enter

the sheep pen through the gate

but climbs in somewhere else

is a thief or a robber. 2. But the

one who enters through the

gate is the shepherd. 3. The

gatekeeper opens the gate for

him, and the sheep respond to

his voice. He calls his sheep by

name and leads them out of

the pen. 4. After he has

brought out all his sheep, he

walks ahead of them. The

sheep follow him because they

recognize his voice. 5. They

won’t follow a stranger.

Instead, they will run away

from a stranger because they

don’t recognize his voice.”

The person who doesn’t enter

the sheep pen through the gate

but climbs in somewhere else

is a thief or a robber. 2. But the

one who enters through the

gate is the shepherd. 3. The

gatekeeper opens the gate for

him, and the sheep respond to

his voice. He calls his sheep by

name and leads them out of

the pen. 4. After he has

brought out all his sheep, he

walks ahead of them. The

sheep follow him because they

recognize his voice. 5. They

won’t follow a stranger.

Instead, they will run away

from a stranger because they

don’t recognize his voice.”
6. Jesus used this illustration as

he talked to the people, but

they didn’t understand what

he meant. 7. Jesus emphasized,
“I can guarantee this truth: I

am the gate for the sheep. 8.

All who came before I did

were thieves or robbers.

However, the sheep didn’t

respond to them. 9. I am the

gate. Those who enter the

sheep pen through me will be

saved. They will go in and out

of the sheep pen and find food.

10. A thief comes to steal, kill,

and destroy. But I came so that

my sheep will have life and so

that they will have everything

they need. 11. “I am the good

shepherd. The good shepherd

gives his life for the sheep. 12.

A hired hand isn’t a shepherd

and doesn’t own the sheep.

When he sees a wolf coming,

he abandons the sheep and

quickly runs away. So the wolf

drags the sheep away and

scatters the flock. 13. The hired

hand is concerned about what

he’s going to get paid and not

about the sheep. 14. “I am the

good shepherd. I know my

sheep as the Father knows me.

My sheep know me as I know

the Father. 15. So I give my life

for my sheep. 16. I also have

other sheep that are not from

this pen. I must lead them.

They, too, will respond to my

voice. So they will be one flock

with one shepherd.

Sheep and Shepherds

I don’t know much about sheep and I’ve never been a

shepherd. I grew up in Iowa,

where agriculture is king. I’d

venture a guess that most of

the land is in some row-crop

like corn and soybeans. But

there are plenty of farms and

corporate farms with cattle,

both beef and dairy. Oh yes,

hogs! “Smells like money.” 2nd

in the nation in hogs!

Chickens, layers and fryers are

everywhere on small scales

and large factory farms. But

Sheep? Ì can only recall seeing

sheep in the agriculture

buildings at the state fair. My

impression? Stupid, stinky

animals.

and I’ve never been a

shepherd. I grew up in Iowa,

where agriculture is king. I’d

venture a guess that most of

the land is in some row-crop

like corn and soybeans. But

there are plenty of farms and

corporate farms with cattle,

both beef and dairy. Oh yes,

hogs! “Smells like money.” 2nd

in the nation in hogs!

Chickens, layers and fryers are

everywhere on small scales

and large factory farms. But

Sheep? Ì can only recall seeing

sheep in the agriculture

buildings at the state fair. My

impression? Stupid, stinky

animals.

Since I personally know so very little about sheep, I asked

Google. On a site called

very little about sheep, I asked

Google. On a site called

Modern Farmer and one called

An Introduction to Sheep

Behavior

I found these fun facts.

Contrary to what I have
thought, sheep are not
stupid. They rank just below
the pig and on par with
cattle in intelligence among
farm animals. (I know that
is not a ringing
endorsement of
intelligence, but they are
smarter than I previously
thought.)

it’s estimated their field of
vision is between 270 and
320 degrees; compair that to
humans average about 155
sheep don’t walk in a
straight line to make use of
that 320° degree field of
vision, and walking a
crooked path, they can see
behind them.
Sheep see in color
They have poor depth
perception
Sheep can’t right themselves
if they’re on their back.
They can literally die of
fright due to a copper overdose that they produce
in their brains
Sheep have excellent
hearing. their ears can
swivel to better detect from
where a sound is coming
Loud and clanging metal
noises scare them
if one sheep will move then
the entire flock will follow.
Sheep have an excellent
sense of smell (which is
unfortunate because they
stink). But I suppose it it’s
sweet perfume to them.

So, all in all, sheep couldn’t be designed any more perfectly to

be eaten by predictors unless

they had no legs at all.

designed any more perfectly to

be eaten by predictors unless

they had no legs at all.

They have no real defensive weapons in their arsenal, no

claws, fangs, nor horns. Their

only defence is avoidance.

weapons in their arsenal, no

claws, fangs, nor horns. Their

only defence is avoidance.

When attacked, their only means of survival is to run

from danger and to band

together in large numbers for

protection. They huddle into a

group and face the enemy so

they can, as a group, avoid the

predictor. But the fact is,

without a shepherd, at least

one sheep is going to get eaten.

means of survival is to run

from danger and to band

together in large numbers for

protection. They huddle into a

group and face the enemy so

they can, as a group, avoid the

predictor. But the fact is,

without a shepherd, at least

one sheep is going to get eaten.

And Jesus calls us sheep! No compliment there. Helpless

human sheep. We like to think

that we are at the top out the

food chain. But in the spiritual

food chain we are at the

bottom, totally defenceless

without the Good Shepherd.

compliment there. Helpless

human sheep. We like to think

that we are at the top out the

food chain. But in the spiritual

food chain we are at the

bottom, totally defenceless

without the Good Shepherd.

Now let’s talk about shepherds. If Jesus’s calling us sheep

sounded demeaning to you, he

wasn’t elevating his status by

claiming to be our shepherd

either.

If Jesus’s calling us sheep

sounded demeaning to you, he

wasn’t elevating his status by

claiming to be our shepherd

either.

If the image in your mind’s eye of a shepherd is of sheep

peacefully eating in a lush

green pasture while the

shepherd daydreamed in the

shade of a tree, think again.

They were rough, weather

beaten men who spent their

lives in the vast wilderness

exposed to the rain, the wind,

and the ever present sun.

of a shepherd is of sheep

peacefully eating in a lush

green pasture while the

shepherd daydreamed in the

shade of a tree, think again.

They were rough, weather

beaten men who spent their

lives in the vast wilderness

exposed to the rain, the wind,

and the ever present sun.

Maybe it would help to equate them to something more

familiar to our American

culture. Think of them as the

cowboys of the old west,

without the horses, hats, guns,

and spurs. No, not the idolized,

sanitized, clamorized

Hollywood version of Roy

Rogers and Gene Autry, but the

actual men who ate the dust

riding behind beef cattle as

they herded them up the

Chisholm Trail from San

Antonio to Abilene. Always on

guard against dangers to the

animals and themselves.

them to something more

familiar to our American

culture. Think of them as the

cowboys of the old west,

without the horses, hats, guns,

and spurs. No, not the idolized,

sanitized, clamorized

Hollywood version of Roy

Rogers and Gene Autry, but the

actual men who ate the dust

riding behind beef cattle as

they herded them up the

Chisholm Trail from San

Antonio to Abilene. Always on

guard against dangers to the

animals and themselves.

Shepherds were pretty low on the social standing ladder.

They were uncultured,

uncouth, unaccustomed to the

niceties of civilized society.

They were as far removed

from priesthood as the east

from the west. And this is

where Jesus placed himself on

that social ladder.

the social standing ladder.

They were uncultured,

uncouth, unaccustomed to the

niceties of civilized society.

They were as far removed

from priesthood as the east

from the west. And this is

where Jesus placed himself on

that social ladder.

Jesus did not come to humankind to lead the people

in elaborate rituals or to

preach beautifully crafted

sermons. He did not come to

stand apart from or above his

flock. He came to be in the

midst of his flock, warning

them, guiding them, and

educating them by simple

stories to which they could

relate.

humankind to lead the people

in elaborate rituals or to

preach beautifully crafted

sermons. He did not come to

stand apart from or above his

flock. He came to be in the

midst of his flock, warning

them, guiding them, and

educating them by simple

stories to which they could

relate.

Jesus made promises for us, his sheep:

sheep:

He opens the gate
He teaches us his voice
He calls us by name
He leads us
He goes before us
Those who enter through him will be saved.
He knows us
He died for us

And guess what friends. Jesus expects us to stop being sheep.

We are in training to be

shepherds. That is what meant

in Matthew 28:19-20

expects us to stop being sheep.

We are in training to be

shepherds. That is what meant

in Matthew 28:19-20

“Therefore go and make

disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of

the Father and of the Son and

of the Holy Spirit, and teaching

them to obey everything I

have commanded you. And

surely I am with you always, to

the very end of the age.”

So, I’ll send you out from this worship service not as sheep

or cattle, you no longer are. I

send you, my friends, into the

world into the herd to round

them up, to protect them, to

guide them to the heavenly

coral, and most of all to make

them disciples. In the name of

the Father and of the Son and

of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

worship service not as sheep

or cattle, you no longer are. I

send you, my friends, into the

world into the herd to round

them up, to protect them, to

guide them to the heavenly

coral, and most of all to make

them disciples. In the name of

the Father and of the Son and

of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Long Sabbath

THE LONG SABBATHExodus 31:14-1714. “‘Make the Sabbath a special day. If someone treats the Sabbath like any other day, that person must be killed. Whoever works on the Sabbath day must be separated from their people. 15. There are six other days in the week for working. But the seventh day is a very special day of rest. That is the special day to honor the LORD. Anyone who works during the Sabbath must be killed. 16. The Israelites must remember the Sabbath and make it a special day. They must continue to do this forever. It is an agreement between them and me that will continue forever. 17. The Sabbath will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever.’” (The LORD worked six days and made the sky and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and relaxed.)I know that many people myself included, if we remember the Ten Commandments at all, we remember the “short” version.

You shall have no other Gods before me
You shall not make for yourselves an idol
You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy
Honor your father and your mother
You shall not murder
You shall not commit adultery
You shall not steal
You shall not give false testimony
You shall not covet

The short version is easier to remembered and to forget.Now, wait a minute, let’s back up a might. But not all the way to Adam and Eve, just to Abram. You will remember God told him to leave his home and go where God would lead him.Because Abraham loved God, and because God loved Abraham, He made an eternal convenient with him. “I will give you and your descendants the land in which you are immigrants, the whole land of Canaan.” (From Genesis chapter 17)God promised a goodly size chunk of real estate to Abram and his descendents. Way cool, huh? All Abraham had to do was wander around on it for awhile ~ well, the rest of his life actually. Kind of like the earliest settlers did round about here. They just rode around pointing at stuff and saying, “That’s mine, and that’s mine, and so’s that.” Sort of like a dog or cat marking their territory.Anyway, there was this land without any clearly defined boarders, that his descendents did indeed live on. There weren’t really enough of his kin to call them a nation. There were barely enough to call them a tried. Mostly, they were just an extended family.What’s that I hear? Did someone out there just mumble, “What’s all this got to do with a long Sabbath?” Trust me, I’m getting there. And it’s a straight line too.Okay, where were we? Oh yeah, Abraham’s heirs were living together occupying a chunk of land, not yet named Israel. Maybe it was about the size of a large ranch. They raised livestock sheep, goats, camels, and possibly cattle. And they did okay until a drought hit the land.Then in one of those bad luck turned to good luck things that God loves to use, (start reading in Genesis chapter 37 for that story) they moved to Egypt. They were welcomed to Egypt and even given a fair size peace of land on which to live.Time went by, a lot of time. The family grew. This once beget that one, who begat another, and, well there was a whole lot of begeting going on.A new pharaoh came to power who recognized that, what had been a family, had grown into a separate nation within his boarders. And he didn’t take kindly to them. They were enslaved.Moses comes along and leads these descents of Abraham out into the dessert. Now God is ready to forge these former slaves into a true nation. And the first thing they need is a set of laws on how to behave toward God and toward themselves. And right about the middle of these laws is God’s gift to His followers. This is the law of the Sabbath.You were beginning to wonder if I was ever going to get back to that, weren’t you?God felt that this law was so important that He put some “teeth” in it. His people were to observe a day of rest once every seven days. On this day They were/are to honor God.How many of you seasoned citizens remember when most businesses closed on Saturday and Sunday? Families went together to church. Perhaps the Sunday midday meal was something special.Something happened. Some business decided he could squeeze out an extra dollar if he was open on Sunday. His competitors couldn’t let him get ahead of them. So They started being open also.This meant that dad or mom or dad and mom were working instead of worshipping together. Organized sporting events for the children and the professionals proliferated.We lost our Sabbath, our God given ~ God demanded ~ day of rest.I will not echo things I’ve read online that claim this pandemic is a plague caused by God. But I will suggest that God can use this time of withdrawal and isolation as a L-O-N-G Sabbath. A time to draw back from the busyness of life, to reconnect with family and with God.Amen.

Also visit my other blogs
Tom and Ella’s Daily Journal of Our Lives
http://TomAndEllaJournal.com
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All content (except quotations) ©2013 renewed 2020 Thomas E. Williams
Halakha (Jewish law), especially the Talmud tractate Shabbat, identifies thirty-nine categories of activity prohibited on Shabbat (Hebrew: ל״ט אבות מלאכות, lamed tet avot melakhot), and clarifies many questions surrounding the application of the biblical prohibitions. Many of these activities are also prohibited on the Jewish holidays listed in the Torah, although there are significant exceptions permitting carrying and preparing food under specific circumstances.
There are often disagreements between Orthodox Jews and Conservative Jews or other non-Orthodox Jews as to the practical observance of Shabbat. It is of note that the (strict) observance of Shabbat is often seen as a benchmark for orthodoxy and indeed has legal bearing on the way a Jew is seen by an orthodox religious court regarding their affiliation to Judaism.

Who Pays?

Matthew 17:23-2623. And when they had arrived at Capernaum, those who collected the half shekel approached Peter, and they said to him, “Doesn’t your Teacher pay the half shekel?” 24. He said, “Yes.” And when he had entered into the house, Jesus went before him, saying: “How does it seem to you, Simon? The kings of the earth, from whom do they receive tribute or the census tax: from their own sons or from foreigners?” 25. And he said, “From foreigners.” Jesus said to him: “Then the sons are free. 26. But so that we may not become an obstacle to them: go to the sea, and cast in a hook, and take the first fish that is brought up, and when you have opened its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take it and give it to them, for me and for you.”Jesus had returned to his home base, possibly Peter’s home. Those who collected the “tax” for the temple (not to be confused with those who collected taxes for Rome) approached Peter and ask if Jesus as going to pay the required half shekel. This was used for the upkeep of the temple.I wonder how it would work if our churches collected a “tax” instead of relying on donations? It sure would be easier planning the budget. No amen from the administrative council?We know that Jesus was raised in a family which followed the Jewish laws. He was circumcised on the eighth day. (Luke 2:21) He was presented to the temple at forty days for formal induction into the Israelite community. It was also when, as the first born son, he was both given to God and redeemed to live with his family. Exodus 13:1-21. The LORD spoke to Moses, 2. “Set apart every firstborn male for me. Every firstborn male offspring among the Israelites is mine, whether human or animal.” Jesus, as firstborn son, would have been in a state of sanctity (meaning holy or sacred) and thereby predestined to serve in the temple. All firstborn males are in this state of sanctity, unless they are redeemed or ransomed. A Jewish firstborn son can be redeemed, by use of a sacrifice of silver coins, or if unable to pay with silver with doves.The point here is that his parents followed the laws and customs, so we can assume that Jesus did also. We read in Luke chapter 2 that it was their custom to go to the temple during Passover. You’ll remember the twelve year old Jesus being found by his parents at the temple.Now, back to that shekels. I’ve tried to find the worth of the shekels in those times. I’ve discovered that there is no straightforward answer to that. The shekel’s value varied greatly depending on time and place. The best answer I’ve come up with is anywhere from a day’s wage to half a month’s wage. Jesus, as skilled labor (carpenter), would have paid more than an unskilled laborer (fisherman).But listen again to the question. “Doesn’t your Teacher pay the half shekel?” Without being there or having the emotions or voice in how the question was ask, it’s impossible to know why they asked.It could have been asked very straightforward and with no hidden agenda. Is he going to pay?It could have been asked as an accusation. Suggesting a who does he think he is to not pay?It could had been asked in a very respectful voice that acknowledged Jesus’s role as a spiritual leader. The questioner may not know if Jesus is supposed to pay. Was he to be exempt even as the priest were exempt?However the question was asked, the answer was a quick “Yes.”However, when Peter went in the house (presumably to get the coins), Jesus, as he so often did, used it as a teaching moment. He said something along the lines of; “Hey, Pete, let me ask you a question.”Peter, recognizing the pattern that Jesus so often used, steadied himself and hoped his teacher would be proud of the answer.”Pete, all the kings of the earth levy taxes. Who do they tax, their family or others?”Peter answered, “Others.”Jesus said, “That’s right.”Even as Peter was accepting his “Attaboy” he knew his master was just winding up to throw a curve ball.And Jesus did. “So, knowing that the money was for God’s house, the temple, then God’s true children should not have to pay.”While Peter was still reeling from that unforeseen twist, Jesus decided to cause further amazement by sending Peter to go fishing.And without hesitation, Peter grabbed his trust ol’ canepole and went fishing. The first fish he caught had enough money in its mouth to pay both of their taxes.Great story, amen?But what does it mean for you and me?Are we to pay the “temple tax” or not?No! Absolutely not!Did that get your attention? Good. Hear what Paul wrote to the early Christians.2 Corinthians 9:5-135. So I thought that I should encourage our coworkers to visit you before I do and make arrangements for this gift that you had already promised to give. Then it will be the blessing it was intended to be, and it won’t be something you’re forced to do. 6. Remember this: The farmer who plants a few seeds will have a very small harvest. But the farmer who plants because he has received God’s blessings will receive a harvest of God’s blessings in return. 7. Each of you should give whatever you have decided. You shouldn’t be sorry that you gave or feel forced to give, since God loves a cheerful giver. 8. Besides, God will give you his constantly overflowing kindness. Then, when you always have everything you need, you can do more and more good things. 9. Scripture says, “The righteous person gives freely to the poor. His righteousness continues forever.” 10. God gives seed to the farmer and food to those who need to eat. God will also give you seed and multiply it. In your lives he will increase the things you do that have his approval. 11. God will make you rich enough so that you can always be generous. Your generosity will produce thanksgiving to God because of us. 12. What you do to serve others not only provides for the needs of God’s people, but also produces more and more prayers of thanksgiving to God. 13. You will honor God through this genuine act of service because of your commitment to spread the Good News of Christ and because of your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else.”What you promise to God is between you and God. Each of you should give whatever you have decided. You shouldn’t be sorry that you gave or feel forced to give.”There is no temple tax that you are required to give to your church.However, remember Jesus said, “But so that we may not become an obstacle to them.” And he provided the money to pay the temple tax.Wait. What about tithing? Isn’t there some law about that?Well, that’s not an easy one to answer because tithing (giving 1/10th of your wealth) predates the Law of a Moses by hundred of years. Abraham tithed. (Genesis 14:18-20) 18. Then in truth, Melchizedek, the king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine, for he was a priest of the Most High God; 19. he blessed him, and he said: “Blessed be Abram by the Most High God, who created heaven and earth. 20. And blessed be the Most High God, through whose protection the enemies are in your hands.” And he gave him tithes from everything.“ So Abraham gave to God, through Melchizedek, 1/10th of all he had because he recognized that Mel was a true priest of the true God.Now, about that Law. Leviticus 27:30 “All the tithes of the land, whether from the grain, or from the fruits of trees, are for the Lord and are sanctified to him.”So one tenth of every increase belongs to the Lord. And it’s the first 10% not the last.In Matthew 23:23 Jesus condemns the Pharisees not not for tithing, but for their abandoning the greater parts of the law. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! For you collect tithes on mint and dill and cumin, but you have abandoned the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, while not omitting the others.”I have to tell you that theologians and church officials are divided over tithing. But one thing they all agree on, Clearly in both the Old Testament and New God’s people are expected to use their resources to be of service to others and to further God’s kingdom.John Wesley said, “

When a man becomes a Christian, he becomes industrious, trustworthy and prosperous. Now, if that man when he gets all he can and saves all he can, does not give all he can, I have more hope for Judas Iscariot than for that man!”

My recommendation to you give whatever you have decided. But give it freely, expecting nothing in return. Just as salvation is a gift unearned and freely given.I love the hymn by Carol Owens, Freely, Freely
ChorusHe said freely freelyYou have received

Freely freely give

Go in My name

And because you believe

Others will know that I live.

Go in the peace of God: Father, Son, and Holy SpiritGive of yourself as God has given to you. Amen.Also visit my other blogs
Tom and Ella’s Daily Journal of Our Lives
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All content (except quotations) ©2013 renewed 2020 Thomas E. Williams

Ice Water Steam

1^ST READING Genesis 1:1-2:4a

2^ND READING Matthew 28:16-20

3^RD READING 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

MESSAGE

A basic tenet of Jewish faith is the Shema as found in Deuteronomy 6:4 where it says,

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

One God. One Lord.

Jews and Muslims share this basic belief in ONE GOD.

The Trinity that Christians believe in seems, at first glance, to say that we believe in THREE GODS.

And has and still is misunderstood that way by some today.

That is, of course, NOT true.,

Hear O Christians, Our God is one God.

We just see the various aspects of God as; Father, Son and Holy Spirit”

Different forms, different functions but one God, Commonly called the Godhead.

The Jews take the commandment,”Thou shalt not take the name of God in vain.” So serous that the name is too holy to be spoken aloud.

To make sure it was not mistakenly said while reading the Torah, it was spelled out without vowel marks – therefore unpronounceable.

In our English translations, when you see the word LORD written in all capital letters, that is a way of translating the unpronounceable name of God.

Here is another interesting thing about the name of God: as it is written in Hebrew, it is, by its nature, plural.

So while saying our God is one God.

It recognizes the many facets of God.

Also, throughout the Old Testament many ways were used when referring to the One God.

They used various names to describe various attributes of God,

Now, several weeks ago, I mentioned that a instructor of mine had said that anyone who tells you that they FULLY UNDERSTAND the Trinity is a liar.

And I said, at that time, that I had A way of understanding the 3-in-1 and 1-in-3 nature of the Godhead – that works for me

So, having said that, let me add my own “fine print”

Trying to understand the Triune God is not easy and it may not even be HUMANLY possible. .

This, however, is an analogy that gives me a “working understanding” of the Trinity.

Now understand that this is JUST AN ANALOGY and if you try to stretch it too far it may fall apart.

You may find something else that works better for you.

I find the analogy of water to work for me.

Water – H²O – 2 atoms of hydrogen and 1 atom of oxygen. 3 components combine to be 1 molecule.

Water also has 3 states of being.

Liquid Solid Gaseous 3 Forms but one substance.

Each of the 3 Forms of water have different properties without becoming a different substance.

Liquid water flows. The flow can be nearly still or in violent motion.

It is essential to life and yet can destroy.

Life, as we know it, must have water to exist.

We are literally made of water. 50 to 80 percent of our body is water.

In my mind I equate this liquid form of water to God the Father.

God the creator, God the life giver.

Solid water (ice) retains a distinct shape and easier for us to see and touch.

It is also, used for preservation.

I like to think of God the Son as ice.

God in solid form. Emanuel, God with us.

God the Son, preserver of my soul.

Gaseous water (steam) is harder to see but is the most energy filled form of water.

Steam harnessed can do amazing work.

So much power from something nearly invisible.

To me, the Holy Spirit is like steam.

The Spirit is what embowers us to do the work of the Trinity.

We can easily see the workings of the Spirit without seeing the Spirit.

No matter what form water takes (liquid, solid, or gaseous) it is still water.

So God is God whether He is in the form of Father, Son or Holy Spirit.

The Godhead is easily seen in our Genisis reading..

God the Father spoke.

In the gospel of John we see that God the Son was the agent through which creation took place.

And we see the Spirit of God moving across the waters of an unformed world.

Let’s take a look at what was the going on in our Genesis reading.

Repeatedly “GOD SAID” and miraculous things happened.

And it was GOOD.

When everything was done it was VERY GOOD.

God commissioned Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.”

We are part of creation and as God’s final creation, we were to be caretakers of creation; to maintain it the way God willed it to be when he spoke it into existence.

However, we, as people of Western Civilization, have set ourselves above and apart from creation.

In our error, we have, used His command to “subdue and have dominion” as excuses to exploit and destroy that which God created.

This is related to the “fall of man” and how that has affected ALL of creation.

Because of Adam and Eve’s willfulness in disobedience, all of creation was affected.

Therefore, we no longer live in the perfect world as it was created.

In the computerized day and age, you could say that the default setting for creation was perfection.

However, a virus (sin) has corrupted the system.

The Godhead has been and still is working to set the system right.

God, the Father, through the Law and the Prophets, gave us rules to live by.

The rules are not hard to understand.

By living within the rules people could align their will with God’s will.

As a matter of fact, If the Law were to be lived out by everyone universally, it would make for a nearly perfect world.

It would not, however, restore the world. The system is still corrupted. This would just be a “patch” to make it function better.

As I said, the rules / the Law is easy to understand. It is, it seems, impossible to live within the boundaries of those rules though.

Jesus, God the Son, came to set right that which had gone wrong in the relationship between man and God, man and man, and man and nature.

For about 33 years He lived among us. He experienced life as we live it.

By example and by teaching he showed us how we are to live in relation to God, to each other and to the rest of creation.

In His final moments as Emanuel (that is God with us), He gave His disciples what has been called the “great commission”;

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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”

If you look at the Son’s command you will see that it is not that far different than what the Father said to Adam and Eve back in Genesis.

Go into all the earth and bring it into the will of God.

We may have a tendency to think of the great commission in connection with sending missionaries or evangelists into the world.

You know, sending THEM.

It is easy to think that it is somebody else’s job.

The truth is, the command was given to ALL His disciples – that is, those who followed Him.

The command is to ALL who follow Him.

That means US. – YOU and ME.

Here is another thing about the commission that is often misunderstood.

It is often interpreted to be, “Go and get people into the church to do what Jesus taught.”

But today we are invited to hear it more deeply, and differently.

The first word of this text in Greek is not an imperative. It is a participle.

That is, the idea of going somewhere else is not commanded, but rather assumed. “As you go,”

This means that this is not some special pilgrimage or mission trip we are to take.

It means that as we go about our lives we are to make disciples; that is create and train followers of God who will restore the world to its “default setting”.

How?

As we go.

What we do, what we say, what we think, what we demonstrate to the world should all be useable to bring about changes in others.

By the way, I know that in our culture, when we say “make” disciples” we may be tempted to think of some assembly line process where we take the raw product (people) and force it into a mold that stamps out little Jesuses.

However, If we follow the example of Jesus, we can see that he didn’t force His followers to become copies of Himself.

Yes, He is our example and we are certainly to work toward the perfection that He demonstrated, However, we are not Him. We are US.

Frankly, we are unable to do what God, the Father and God the Son, have commanded us to do.

Really!

We are too weak.

We are too self centered,

too self willed

Too old,

Too young

Too ignorant

Too smart

Too fat

Too thin

Too …. Too … Too … US!

However, God, the Holy Spirit, that dwells in us, will use our talents, our strengths and even our weaknesses to further the kingdom of God.

If we let Him.

If we let Him, through Him, we can do anything.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me!” That is what is says in Philippians 4:13

You can do all things through Him who strengthens you.

We can do all things through Him who strengthens us.

Here ends the lesson.

Ownership / Stewardship

Gathering Meditation:
30 Day In-Home-Trial.

Lord, I stood with one foot in the door. I heard you calling me and I wanted to answer, “Here am I!” My heart cried out, “I believe!” However my mind was full of doubts. Your promises seemed too good to be true: Salvation, Life eternal, Be born again as a child of God, Become a new creation – the old passwd away and everything new! I’ve heard promises before. I’ve been betrayed before. It hurts so much to trust and have that trust broken. How could I trust You, O Lord? You answered, “Bring one-tenth of your income into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way,” says the Lord of Armies. “See if I won’t open the windows of heaven for you and flood you with blessings.” Really? I could test You? When you kept this promise, then I knew that I can trust You to keep your other promises. I’ve put you to the test with my tithe as you command and I’ve proven that you are trustworthy. I believe your other promises! (Based on Malachi 3:10)

Deuteronomy 34:1-12

Then Moses went up on Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab. He went to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. The LORD showed him the whole land. He could see Gilead as far as Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the territory of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, the Negev, and the Jordan Plain–the valley of Jericho (the City of Palms)–as far as Zoar. Then the LORD said to him, “This is the land I promised with an oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I said I would give it to their descendants. I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you may not go there.” As the LORD had predicted, the LORD’s servant Moses died in Moab. He was buried in a valley in Moab, near Beth Peor. Even today no one knows where his grave is. Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eyesight never became poor, and he never lost his physical strength. The Israelites mourned for Moses in the plains of Moab for 30 days. Then the time of mourning for him was over. Joshua, son of Nun, was filled with the Spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him. The Israelites obeyed him and did what the LORD had commanded through Moses. There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD dealt with face to face. He was the one the LORD sent to do all the miraculous signs and amazing things in Egypt to Pharaoh, to all his officials, and to his whole country. Moses used his mighty hand to do all the spectacular and awe-inspiring deeds that were seen by all the Israelites.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
You know, brothers and sisters, that our time with you was not wasted. As you know, we suffered rough and insulting treatment in Philippi. But our God gave us the courage to tell you his Good News in spite of strong opposition. When we encouraged you, we didn’t use unethical schemes, corrupt practices, or deception. Rather, we are always spreading the Good News. God trusts us to do this because we passed his test. We don’t try to please people but God, who tests our motives. As you know, we never used flattery or schemes to make money. God is our witness! We didn’t seek praise from people, from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had the right to do this. Instead, we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children. We felt so strongly about you that we were determined to share with you not only the Good News of God but also our lives. That’s how dear you were to us!

“Ownership / Stewardship”

“He is no fool who gives what he can not keep to gain what he can not loose.” I heard this quote last Sunday and it seemed to fit well with the message for today.

Next week is Consecration Sunday for our church and we’ll be hearing about financial stewardship. Financial support is one of the ways that we can support God’s work in the world and is an important part of being a good steward.

In the Biblical stories about stewards they are commonly slaves or servants that are given responsibility over a task or a piece of property. Think of the three slaves who were given talents/money by their master before he left for a foreign country. Two of the slaves put the money to work and earned additional income on it. They were called ‘good’ and given rewards. The one who only protected the money, by burying it, gave back to the master exactly what had been entrusted to him. He was condemned by his master and the little that he had been given was taken away from him.

It is important to remember that this is given as an example for us to follow. We are to take what we are given by God and put it to use for His good.

Okay, so then the question is, “What belongs to God and what belongs to us?” Do you remember what was in your hands the day you were born? That’s right, nothing! That is what you truly own in this world, nothing!

We often give a dedication prayer after the offering that says, “Of Thy own have we given Thee, O Lord.” How often do we consider the truth of that statement? How often do we realize that nothing on this earth is ours to keep? How often do we realize that we are only tenants and not owners? When do we admit to ourselves that we are only stewards of God’s world?

I’m reminded of a story about the old-time farmer who sat down to eat and said this prayer, “Thank you Lord for this bread that I baked from flour that I ground from the seed I harvested from the wheat that I grew in the field that I planted on the land I cleared of rocks with which I built the hearth to bake the bread.” With his lips he may have said, “Thank You Lord.” But in his heart he was feeling that he had done everything himself.

Perhaps the farmer should have been praying, “Thank You, Lord for this bread. Thank you for the wisdom to make flour ground from seeds you created. Thank you for the rich soil you provided, and for the sun and rain in their seasons that caused the wheat to grow. Thank you for the strength to work the soil and build the hearth. Thank you for the health to eat the bread full of the nutrients you placed there, O Lord. Thank You for this time of rest and refreshment in which to enjoy this bread. Amen.”

Our Bible readings from the old and new testaments deal with a couple of good stewards, Moses and Paul.

In our Hebrew Bible reading, we see the end of the journey for Moses. It is recorded that Moses saw God face to face and that there has never been another like him. Moses has brought his people to the Promised Land (for the second time). Remember that it did not take forty years for the Israelites to reach the Promised Land. It only took a few months to get there the first time. But they refused to go in. God gave it to them but they did not accept the gift. Because of that, God had them wander in the desert until that whole generation died. Now they are back and ready to go in.

God has given the land to the Israelites. They will still have to secure it because other tribes and other nations have claimed it as there own. It is a gift but they have to take it. This gift of God’s is much like our salvation which is a free gift but unless we accept it and use it, it makes no difference in our lives. The Israelites were to conquer the land and use it for God’s purpose. In other words, they were stewards of the land – not the owners.

In our New Testament reading, Paul points out to his readers that, although he as an apostle of Christ and he had a right to be rewarded for his service, he had not come to them with flattering words not tried to trick them out of their money. He had come as a steward declaring the love of God in Christ to them. So that they could also become stewards of God’s plan.

Jesus has a lot to say in his many parables about stewards and servants and slaves. Some are bad stewards and they lose their jobs, possessions, and sometimes their lives. Some are good stewards and they are rewarded and promoted and praised!. There is a common beginning to all the stories of stewards: at the start, all of them are trusted to carry out the commands and wishes of the master. By their actions their hearts are revealed to be either trustworthy or not.

Invariably the trouble with the bad stewards is that they forget who the true owner is. They begin to think that what they manage belongs to them. That is a dangerous mindset. “Mine, mine, mine!” cries the little child within us.

The good steward is always shown as the one who obeys the master’s wishes. But more than that, the good steward is one who begins to think like the master – to have the same heart as the master – and to anticipate what the master wants – without having to be told. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”

That brings me to my own story.

I know that many people give financially to God’s work because they believe in God. That is certainly not unusual. However, my story about giving is a little different. I believe in God because I gave. Did you read the “Gathering Meditation” this morning? That is basically MY story.

After years of disbelief, I had been asked bluntly if I believed that Jesus died for me. I started attending church. I listened to the preacher and the Sunday school teacher talk about the promises of God. My emotions were stirred, or as Wesley said, “My heart was strangely warmed.” It was obvious that these Christians had something that I didn’t. I was drawn to it.

And yet my mind was cynical. Certainly I was too smart to fall for this foolishness no matter how attractive it was! What I needed was a thirty-day-money-back-guarantee. I needed some way to ‘try out’ this God thing.

That’s when I came across Malachi 3:10 which says, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.”

Really? I could put God to the test? Wow! Here was my guarantee.
I took God’s challenge and started to tithe. It was not an easy step for me. I had precious little ‘spare’ money. I thought it a good week when I still had money left before the next paycheck came. But I quickly learned that God didn’t want my ‘spare’ money. God wanted the ‘first fruits’. He wanted His 10% off the top.

Okay, so this was His challenge. If I was going to really put Him to the test, I had to follow his plan. So I did. I was so surprised to find money left at the end of the first month that I put it aside and didn’t spend it. The next month I had more money left.

This did NOT MAKE SENSE! And THAT was the big lesson that I learned: this God stuff does not make sense, because God’s wisdom is foolishness to men.

You see a good steward has that child-like faith that believes what God says, – He will do. Being a good steward requires an attitude change and in the way we think about ‘our“ possessions.

I’ll admit that it has not always been easy and sometimes I have not proven to be as faithful as I want to be. However, God has continued to be faithful to me.

Now here is a question for us.

Why does God say bring our tithes that there may be food in my storehouse?Why does God want our tithes?Not for Himself, certainly, it all belongs to Him anyway! It is because it is one way that God expresses His love for us, His children. It gives us a chance to share, to be in partnership with the Almighty.

Here is that same question turned around. Why should we bring our tithes into God’s storehouse?

I was given this United Methodist Publication entitled “Why We Give” and it says that, “Christians give through their churches for many reasons, including – but not limited to – the following:

Because God first gave to us

Because we love God

Because it is what Christians do

Because it is what our church does

To make ministry and mission happen

Because, together, we can do what no one individual or
congregation can do separately

Remember, God does NOT need our money. He does, however, want us to be good stewards and share in the joy of giving. For giving is Godlike.

Here ends the lesson.

Amen

God bless