Animal House

This week's Bible reflection (Peace) provides the underlying message in yesterday's "Yes -- there's a whole lot about the 1978 movie too" Advent sermon from St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Downers Grove, IL.
"Animal House" podcast

Peace

Isaiah 11:1-10 describes a place of peace.  And it isn't accomplished through obliterating enemies.

It's cooperation.

There is a little bit of non-peace language -  “rod of his mouth” and “breath of his lips” striking and killing, for instance. It's words of judgment and justice that wickedness and injustice ends, however. Peace doesn't come from weapons and violence. 

The vision of the root of Jesse setting things in order shows wolves, lambs, cows, bears, lions, oxen, children, and snakes all getting along together – with a little child leading it all.

Peaceable Kingdom by Linda Elksnin

War and violence don't bring peace.  They only bring more war and violence. Hate breeds hate. Destruction brings more destruction.

Peace -- true peace -- involves wisdom, understanding, and cooperation among all.

Anyone want to give that a try? Again?  Let's keep giving peace a chance.

Uhhhhh . . .

This week’s Bible reading is from Matthew 24:36-44

When is Jesus coming back?

Uhhh.  I don't know

No, really. Isn’t there some way to predict that it is coming soon? What about all the stuff going on in the world. Isn’t Jesus coming back really soon?

Uhhh.  I don't know

You’re not being helpful at all. What about those books that talk about all kinds of ‘end-of-the-world’ things that say that they come right out of the Bible. Isn’t Jesus bound to come back soon? I mean, the books say that it’s coming soon. When is Jesus coming back?

Uhhh.  I don't know


Seriously,  What kind of help are you?  Is Jesus coming back at all?  Isn't there some way I can be sure about things? 


Uhhh.  I don't know

So what should I do?

Keep awake. Do the things that Jesus wants you to do. Love God. Love everyone else. Because about that “when is Jesus coming back?” stuff – Uhhh.  You don't know either.

Be Made Strong

This week's Bible reflection (Hymn) has almost no connection to the Sunday sermon podcast from St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Downers Grove, IL.  It's only connected in a "I'm not going to do anything I planned" kind of way.  What was I thinking?  I was thinking the things I said.  :)
"Be Made Strong" podcast

Marriage

Today Governor Quinn signed legislation that makes Illinois the 16th state in the US to acknowledge and celebrate marriage between same sex couples.

And on June 1, 2014, the law goes into effect.  Politics, veto session, vote count, amendments, blah blah blah.  Things could happen sooner if the Illinois Legislature approves an amendment when they begin the new session in January.

Nevertheless, marriage equality is approved and just around the corner.

And I'd love to celebrate your upcoming wedding with you.  Same sex, opposite sex -- all good.

For same sex couples -- Wanna get married before June 1st?  We can do that.  We'll have a wedding ceremony.  I can sign a civil union license and then on June 1st you can get the "upgrade" by requesting it at your county clerk's office.

Wanna get married on June 1st?  I'd love to officiate at as many weddings as possible that day.

Wanna get married after June 1st?  Let's talk and set a date.

Against the whole marriage equality thing?  Whatever.  I'm not going to engage in any debates.

Hymn

I wrote this in 2010. The tune?  Hanson Place. (Shall We Gather at the River. . . ) Feel free to try it if you'd like.

Christ Brings Reconciliation (based on Colossians 1:15-20)

Unseen God we see in Jesus
First of all that God has made
All there is, right here in earth and heaven
Through and for him originate

Christ brings reconciliation
Peace and joyous jubilation
Christ brings reconciliation
All are reconciled to God

Christ reigns over all his precious church
And together keeps all things
In the Christ God’s fullness - pleased to dwell
And we worship Christ our king

Christ brings reconciliation
Peace and joyous jubilation
Christ brings reconciliation
All are reconciled to God

Christ brings reconciliation
Peace and joyous jubilation
Christ brings reconciliation
All are reconciled to God

words © 2010 Kirk Moore
Sing it anywhere you want – but talk to me if you’re gonna sell it.

Creating

This week's Lego-themed Bible reflection (Motorcycle) is part of the beginning of this week's sermon at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Downers Grove, IL.
"Creating" podcast

Motorcycle

I used to love to build things with Legos.  I created buildings, cars, boats, planes, rockets, campsites, action figures, trees, and even swimming pools.

OK – not all of that is true.  I did build all those things and many more creations with Legos.  But to say I used to love them isn’t completely accurate.  I still love them.

I’m making a Lego motorcycle as I write this.  Really. I used to ride a motorcycle, but it wasn't nearly as cool as this one. . .

Creating is refreshing.  It’s energizing.  It’s wonderful.

Seeing something you create destroyed and devastated is awful.  It is painful and frustrating.

And, remembering the painful destruction, a re-creative hope is again wonderful.

Isaiah 65:17-25 expresses a re-creative hope after pain and anguish over destruction.  It speaks of hope for the people who had lost so much in the time it was written.  I think it's purpose still is to inspire a re-creative hope.

Imagine what the possibilities ahead are.  They are endless and they are delightful.

And I think this motorcycle is delightful, too.

Always Just, Always Near

This week's Bible reflection (Moods) from Psalm 145 (and many other psalms) provides from background for today's stewardship Sunday sermon at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Downers Grove, IL.
"Always Just, Always Near" podcast

Moods

I really do love the Psalms. They express such raw emotions and deep, contemplative thought from people who struggled to serve God, understand God, and to love God.

And so often the emotions are angry, sad and confused:

• (Psalm 40:17 NRSV) As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.
• (Psalm 109:22-23 NRSV) For I am poor and needy, and my heart is pierced within me.  I am gone like a shadow at evening; I am shaken off like a locust.

Sometimes the emotions are hopeful:

• (Psalm 9:18 NLT) For the needy will not be forgotten forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed.
• (Psalm 22:26 NRSV) The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD. May your hearts live forever!
• (Psalm 74:21 NRSV) Do not let the downtrodden be put to shame; let the poor and needy praise your name.

And, at least once in awhile, the emotions are happy.

• (Psalm 63:5 NRSV) My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips.
• (Psalm 96:11-12 NRSV) Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; {12} let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
• (Psalm 122:1 NRSV) I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!"

And so often, the psalms have a disturbing vitriolic edge (The word is fun to say, but it’s not the kind of description that’s desirable.)

• (Psalm 55:15 NRSV)  Let death come upon them; let them go down alive to Sheol; for evil is in their homes and in their hearts.
•  (Psalm 74:10-11 NRSV)  How long, O God, is the foe to scoff? Is the enemy to revile your name forever? Why do you hold back your hand; why do you keep your hand in your bosom?

And right from this week’s Psalm:

• (Psalm 145:20 NRSV)  The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

Praise and adoration. Good feelings – and then that “destroys the wicked” stuff. 

The psalmists wrote with real, raw emotions – poured out poetically. The psalms reflect the mood swings of a people trying to “get it.”

But why is it necessary to seek  the destruction of our enemies?