"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--(15) just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-- and I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:14--15)
How much time do you take to be with a friend? Do you "check in" daily? Once a week? Once a month? When ever you think about it or are "in the area"? Does it depend on how well you know them? How well they know you? Now days we have a wide variety of ways we can "check in" - from having coffee together to having coffee together via zoom. We can talk, text or actually see (sometimes) each other face-to-face. Which brings up another question..... how much TIME do you spend with said friend(s)? This Scripture reading is about how Jesus cares for each, and all, of us. How well HE knows us and the relationship Jesus wants to have with us. The question is - what type of relationship we have with Jesus. How much time do we spend with him? When do we talk to, or with, him? Are we spending time with him daily? Are we listening to and DOING what he is asking us to do? Busy schedules, unexpected changes in said schedules, changing seasons and many other issues can change when, where and how we are spending time with Jesus. We are all very busy with our own schedule and then we add in the needs of our care receiver and even more time is "gone." The need - to be with our friend, brother and Shepherd - grows stronger BECAUSE of all the challenges and changes. So....how much time are you taking with our friend Jesus? Something to think about....
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"You are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24:48)
Did you see the eclipse Monday? I mean actually see it - not the various pictures (all beautiful!) and reports of it? Did you travel to see it? Do you have family, or friends, in the "direct" path? It was more than a "little cloudy" here but I did see it. I was out running errands and a young child, near me, kept pointing and going "Look! LOOK!" I admit it was cloudy enough, here, we didn't need the special glasses. The readings today are about what we see, how we see it and what we do when we see it. Peter is asking "Why does this surprise you?" (Acts 3:12) "It is Jesus name, and the faith that comes through him...." (3:16) John is reminding all of us of God's love for each, and all, of us "that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1) Jesus is helping us to "open our minds" (Luke 24:45) so "repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached to all nations." (24:47) We ARE 'witnesses!' (48) The question is....like with the eclipse, what is blocking us? Is something blocking us from seeing, and hearing, God -- like when the moon was between the earth and sun? Or is something blocking others from seeing God through us? As Caregivers we are trying to follow where God is leading us but is something "blocking" us from strengthening our relationship with God? Is something blocking us from being a "witness"? Something to think about...... "Then Jesus said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." John 20:27
Seeing is believing. We have all heard it. Some of us have probably even said it. We might even believe it - at least part of the time. There are times, however, when we question. We question if it is true, if it will work and, or, if we really believe it -- even as we are seeing it. Seeing, believing, sharing and questioning - because of doubts - are what the readings today are about. In Acts we are being told of the unity of all the believers. (4:32) They all came together "sharing everything" (4:32) and working together to spread the news of the Gospel. John is explaining how what they are talking about they saw "with our own eyes." (1 John 1:1) And Jesus is answering Thomas' doubts. Thomas wasn't there the first time Jesus "came into the room," he knows people can get confused - especially when they are tired and upset, and he has been referred to as "the twin" (John 20:24) so people often asked who he was. Thomas, understandably has questions and doubts - which Jesus is personally answering. What about us? When people see us are we "working together"? Do people see our faith? We all have busy schedules, unexpected changes to said schedules and caregiver needs. Through all the changes and challenges are people seeing God's love? Do people see we are living our faith? "But go tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"" (Mark 16:7)
He is risen! He IS risen, indeed! Easter, a time of celebrating the RISEN Christ. A time to remember the very first morning as the women were trying to follow the customs of the day. The confusion they felt trying to figure out details - who would roll away the stone for them, how could they to this "last" custom, and then who is this person in the white robe and, especially where is Jesus? What would your reactions have been? What are your reactions as we celebrate now? At the same time we KNOW Jesus is going ahead of us - "just as he told you." We know because we remember the cloud going before us out of Egypt (with a pillar of smoke behind us) and God's promise - in Deuteronomy - to always go with us even into new places. (Deut. 31:8) AND we know God keeps God's promises. There is definitely a lot happening now. The weather is causing at least difficulties if not outright problems. The schedule(s) can be busy, maybe even planned and steady, but suddenly changed - not in a good way. We might even be thinking we are hearing God's call to "go, tell, do" something (maybe even something new). We might be feeling, just like the disciples, a little confused. Be we know Emmanuel! God IS with us - walking with us, behind us and "going ahead" of us. He IS Risen!! "Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!" 49 "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."" (Luke 19:39-40)
How many times, I wonder, have we heard "actions speak louder than words." I know I heard it growing up and have used it with bringing up my son. I have used it, sometimes, when trying to explain something. It can be difficult when what we are saying is the exact opposite of what we are doing. Sometimes the actions cause reactions we will have to (or still are) deal with. The readings this morning are about actions. Isaiah is pointing out that he has "not been rebellious, I have not turned away." (50:5) Paul is telling the Philippians, and us, how God has "exalted him (Jesus) to the "highest place and gave him the name that is above every name." (2:9) Paul also points out what our response (action) should be "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." (2:10) Jesus is showing us, by his actions who he is which, by his very actions, is upsetting the Pharisees and the Romans. (Luke 19:40) So.... what actions are you taking? Are you agreeing with the Romans -- no king except Caesar? Are you questioning like the Pharisees? Are you part of the crowd shouting "Hosanna"? Are you one of the followers who will follow Jesus all the way to the cross? Do people see you living your faith in God, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit? Something to think about...... "When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come follow me." (Luke 18:22)
We talked about what we are giving to God before - especially when we are giving gifts to others, like at Christmas. All through this season of Lent we have also spoken about "LISTEN to him" - as in paying attention to what God is saying to each, and all, of us. Between the two wondering what we are giving to God, how we are doing what God is saying to us, is what is happening today. Are we really listening? IF we are listening are we doing what God is asking us to do? Are we telling anyone? How are we giving "back" to God? The Scriptures, today, are about the close relationship with God. In Jeremiah we are being reminded of the Covenant "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." (31:33b) In Hebrews we are being reminded that Jesus is "God's son AND a priest forever." (Hebrews 5:5-6) The part reminding us of what we should be doing is the way Jesus is answering the "ruler," "rich young man" or "religious leader" depending on which translation you are reading. No matter which name/title you are using it also refers to us - "follow me." (Luke 18:22) Are we listening? Are we doing? Even if we aren't selling all our worldly goods are actually doing the "follow me"? As we, as primary Caregivers, are trying to juggle busy schedules, changes happening (and coming) and listen for what God is saying to each of us are we really listening? Or are we letting the world, the storms and all the "noise" get in our way? Have we, maybe, even let all our worldly goods AND our busy schedules, get in the way? Something to think about....... "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:24)
Celebrating when the lost has been found...we talked about it last week. The lost coin, sheep or what ever it is that we put in a "safe place." We also talked about finding "time" as we look to strengthen our relationship with God. Today I want to ask what it is that is keeping you from "finding" the time. The time to be with God in personal quiet time AND the time to be with God in worship. We all have busy schedules that we think are the important part of our lives. We think we understand, and are doing - or following, where God is leading. The Scripture readings today are about following, and doing, what God is calling each of us to - especially the stronger relationship with God. The Psalm is reminding us to give thanks to God (107:1) because God IS good. God loves us (v. 1) and we need to be telling people about God's love. (v. 2) Paul is reminding us, in Ephesians, about how great God's love is because God brings us "alive with Christ." (2:5) And Jesus is continuing to tell the stories of lost things being found. This time it is about two sons - one who thinks he is the most important, takes his inheritance and lives the high life until the money runs out and he comes to realize how wrong he has been. The second son also feels a lot of pride - after all he stayed and worked. The father goes to both sons - one "while he was still a long way off" (Luke 15:20) and one who has refused to come to the party. (v. 28) So..... where are we in these readings? Are we giving thanks for what God is doing in our lives? Are we celebrating? Are we sharing the stories of how we have felt God with us? Or are we like one of the two sons - feeling prideful? God is reaching out to us also, asking us to celebrate and share. Where are you? Something to think about....... "And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'" (Luke 15:9)
We've all done it -- haven't we? We put something of importance, at least to us, in a 'safe place.' The problem, at least sometimes, is we don't remember WHERE the 'safe place' is. OR...with even more frustration... we just had it! We were using it - whatever 'it' is - and now we can't find it. What about time? Have you 'lost' time? As in when you are just going to ________ (fill in the blank) for a few minutes? Then you look at the clock and see how much time has really gone by! The readings today are about loosing, finding and time. In Genesis we are told to "Keep the Sabbath day holy." (Exodus 20:8) AND we are reminded we are pretty busy with "labor and doing work." (20:9) So follow God's commands, as God's people (like we talked about last week) and keep the Sabbath. Paul is reminding the Corinthians, and us, of the importance of God and God's love through the "message of the cross." (1 Corinthians 1:18) Jesus is telling about things lost and found. Important things - sheep and coins - and the rejoicing when the lost is found. He points out, however, the greater rejoicing when the "lost" people come back to a relationship with God. (15:10) So..... What have you lost? Have you found it again yet? Have you "found the time" to talk to God about it? During this Lenten season have you been able to "find" time for God? As Caregivers our schedules get very busy doing "labor and work" which means we REALLY need to remember to take a Sabbath day weekly. (Exodus 20:9) Something to think about...... "but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness--for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead." (Romans 4:24)
Have you heard the expression "don't do as I do, do as I say"? Have you ever used the expression? Did you have a good reason for saying it...OR ignoring it when someone else said it to you? I confess I not only recently heard someone saying it I agreed with the reasons they were saying it. The person was struggling with the activities we were doing and finally started giving the directions instead of doing the activity. The rest of us, in the group, all followed the instructions. The readings today are about actually "doing" something. In Genesis we see God giving Abram the covenant. God will "be your God and the God of your descendants after you." (Genesis 17:7) Paul is telling us, in Romans, how Abram - now Abraham - kept the covenant "that God had power to do what he had promised." (4:21) AND how it is also "for us, to whom God will credit righteousness--for for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead." The Gospel reading is Jesus talking to the Pharisees - the leaders of the church and community. Jesus is pointing out how what is "inside you--be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you" is the "doing" of what we believe. (Luke 11:41) So..... Are you doing what you say? Are you doing what you are asking of others? Are you "generous" with others or questioning what they are doing? I know schedules are busy, we are tired and it is easy to question instead of do but an interesting question was given in a study I'm doing for Lent: "Do you need to resign from you post as gatekeeper and take up the new role of door holder?" Something to think about...... "how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13b)
Do you ask questions? I love to ask questions! I am frequently starting conversations (like this one) with questions. In most cases I am really trying to understand. Or I might be trying to learn something new. OR...... the teacher in me might be trying to get the person (people) I'm talking to to think. Get them to make sure they have thought of, worked through and are ready to move on - knock on the new door. (Luke 11:9) The readings today are about thinking through and moving on. In Genesis we are reminded of God's promise and can think about God keeping God's promises every time we see a rainbow. (Genesis 9:13) Peter is reminding all of us how "this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also." (1 Peter 3:21) In the gospel reading Jesus is speaking to a group asking them to stop and think and remember God's gift of the Holy Spirit. (13:b) He does it by asking questions. So......... Do you ask questions - maybe even of yourself? Do you stop to think things through? I know as Caregivers we do have a LOT of questions, sometimes, but are we thinking through and asking them? Are we ready to "knock" on the door of the next step? Something to think about...... |
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