April 24, 2022 Worship Services "Let's Give Thomas a Break." by Pastor Joyce Chamberlain
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
April 24, 2022
Second Sunday of Easter
Gathering
MUSICAL OFFERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Masks are required by those not vaccinated as well as social distancing
Bulletins are placed in the pews to help with social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards. An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
PRAYER REQUESTS
Gary Iverson, Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx ,Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Werner Family, Ukraine, Arlene Pawlik, Angela and Tristan , and Jake Pinkston
PRELUDE
*Call to Worship
L: He is Risen!
P: Christ is risen, indeed!
L: To our Alpha and Omega!
P: Alleluia!
L: To him who loves us and by his blood freed us from our sins,
P: who made us to be a kingdom, priests serving our God and Father,
All: Alleluia. Amen! Let us praise the Lord!
*GATHERING PRAYER
What does it mean, O Lord, that you are the Messiah, the Son of God? How do we live that in our everyday life? These are the questions we bring to worship this morning, Lord Jesus. Just as you met with your disciples on the evening of your resurrection, sit with us, we pray, and whisper your truths into our hearts. Amen.
*HYMN Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks #106
Call to Confession
We are in a season of resurrection, a time to give thanks for Christ’s gift of life. But we
cannot receive this blessing without opening to it. Let us draw near to confess our doubts, our lapses and failings, that this gift might take root in our hearts. Let us confess together.
Prayer of Confession
O Lord, like Thomas we confess that the amazement of resurrection sometimes strains our capacity to understand. We, too would like to put our fingers in the holes left by the nails and to hear your words of life aimed directly at us. Forgive us for minds that are so tuned to the reality of our physical world that we pass over the bigger truth of your grace given for us. Allow us to bring our questions to you and then help us to listen as you call us forward into your love. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
God knows us so completely that our confession is old news! He loves us so fully that forgiveness has already been arranged. He is so capable of offering that which we need that he reaches out to plant his assurance in our hearts. Receive these gifts, and know that you are forgiven in Christ Jesus. Amen.
*Passing of the Peace ( facing those across the aisle from you)
Left: May the peace of Christ be with you.
Right: And also with you. May the peace of Christ be with you.
Left: And also with you.
INTERLUDE
Prayer of Illumination
While the “Alleluias” echo behind us, Gracious Lord, we continue to seek the meaning of resurrection in our lives and in our world. Allow us to walk this day with the disciples as they seek the path of faithful obedience. May we thus find the means to live your love and grace more fully. Help us to listen well, O Lord. Amen.
Word
SCRIPTURE LESSON
Revelations 1: 4-8
4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds, “and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him. “So shall it be!
Amen.8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
John 20: 19-31
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” 24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
SERMON "Let's Give Thomas a Break."
Poor Thomas! I think this poor disciple has been horribly mistreated and slandered over the centuries. His name has been paired with the dubious adjective “Doubting” as in Doubting Thomas. How often someone looks down their nose at another, using that as an insult, “Don’t be such a Doubting Thomas!” It suggests that the person is being unreasonably stubborn and skeptical, and even a bit dense because they are questioning something that is perfectly logical, understandable and reasonable. Like when we’re skeptical about that email from the Nigerian widow whose high ranking husband passed away suddenly and now she needs to get 1.7 million dollars out of the country. Could I send my bank routing number so she can transfer it to my account and then when she arrives here she will split it with me! 50-50. Does that seem reasonable to you? Don’t be a Doubting Thomas! Or the phone call that informs you that your car’s extended warranty is about to expire and for only $46 per month you can guarantee (with a few minor exceptions, of course) that you will never need to pay for car repairs ever again!
What, you don’t buy it? Don’t be a Doubting Thomas. But come on, Thomas had a really good reason to doubt, didn’t he? How often have you witnessed someone get
up and walk and talk after being stone cold dead for 3 days? OK the grave was empty. But to have Jesus alive once more? Does it sound a bit far-fetched?
At a former congregation we did a Bible School lesson for the daycare children who were in our building every day. It was the week before Easter and we attempted to teach them the real meaning of Easter. Afterwards, one of the teachers asked her co-worker, “They don’t really believe that do they?” I wonder if she had never really heard the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection or if she supposed we all just sort of winked at one another as we sang our Alleluias?
This woman was fully in Thomas mode, and I suspect we would find many, many more should we do a formal survey—perhaps even some who sit in pews on Sunday morning—maybe even some of you. And if that is the case, I get it. This resurrection thing defies scientific explanation. It defies the laws of nature. It just doesn’t happen that way, so why should we shake our finger at people who doubt? Why should we shake our finger at Thomas in the first place? Or for that matter at people today who have trouble getting their head around this basic premise of our faith?
After all, Thomas hadn’t been present when Jesus came to the disciples. He was out buying milk and bread for their dinner. Or maybe he was roaming the countryside looking for a Roman guard who he hoped might tell them where they had put the body of Jesus. Maybe he had a dentist appointment. Haven’t you gotten a toothache at a completely inconvenient time?
There doesn’t seem to be any scolding about his absence that day. It was just a part of the equation. The disciples were at the place where they had been staying. They were most likely talking and planning and trying to get their head around that empty tomb, around Mary’s report that she had seen their Lord. Could it be? Was it possible? What should they do? Was it safe for them to go asking questions? What would Jesus have them do? There was likely a lot of anxiety in that room.
We’re told that the door was closed. Does that mean it was locked? It would make sense since they couldn’t know if the Roman authorities were looking for them, too. And suddenly there was Jesus standing right in their midst. There is no indication in the story that they heard or saw him enter, but there he was, none the less. His first words addressed their startled, shocked faces. “Peace be with you.” Was that a little like, “Settle down Children; everything’s OK.”
Then he showed them his hands and his side. Sort of like, “Yes, it really is me. Yes. You really did see me strung up on that cross.”
How they rejoiced! How they celebrated! But this wasn’t to be just a brief interlude and now everything would go back to the way it was. Once again Jesus said, “Peace be with you.” But this time he added an instruction for them, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” It was an answer to their “What do we do now?” inquiry of earlier. This work wasn’t done. They were to keep at it. And they were to model their efforts on the example Jesus had set. Just AS God had sent him—in the same manner, with the same ear for listening to God, with the same obedience, the same zeal, the same love, they were to go and tell people about this, about God, about how to love one another.
It was a big order. It would be quite a daunting task, a dangerous task, a complicated task. They would need help, and Jesus provided that, too. He breathed the Holy Spirit on them. This is John’s version of the Pentecost, the arrival of the Spirit which would allow those disciples the energy and ability to bring Christ’s gift of love to the
world.
But Thomas wasn’t there. He didn’t get to see or hear or experience all of this. When he did return and the others tried to tell him all about it, he just couldn’t get there. It was too much. It was too much!
Maybe he thought it was an elaborate prank they were trying to pull on him. Maybe he thought they’d eaten some bad mushrooms. May he thought they’d all snapped under the pressure of the last few days, but he wasn’t going to buy it. When they pressed him, he emphatically told them that the only way he would believe was when he put his own finger in the nail holes in Jesus hands or in the slash of the spear in his side. Until then, don’t waste your breath.
It was a week later—a whole week that must have seem SO much longer. It was as if all the other disciples had bonded in some secret brotherhood, and Thomas sat on the outside, looking in. But suddenly, there was Jesus again, and just like before he offered his, “Peace be with you.” Without preamble or further greeting or explanation he spoke directly to Thomas.
“Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side.” He offered to Thomas the exact formula that Thomas said he needed. But here’s the reality of the situation. Thomas didn’t NEED to touch those wounds. He answered, “My Lord and My God.” You see, when confronted by the Living Jesus, Thomas knew. Thomas believed. Thomas was on board.
Now Jesus has something further to say, but I actually think he’s talking more for our benefit than for Thomas. He says, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Jesus will soon ascend to heaven. He remains in our world as a Spiritual force, but the bodily form would only be present for a short time. To be present in his physical, bodily form made it possible for Thomas to get the truth of God’s resurrection power, but you and I will need to meet Jesus in other ways—through the story, through the lives of other Christians, through our hearts that feel his presence and his power for life.
But that doesn’t mean that doubts and questions and confusion will be held at bay even in the lives of the most faithful and devoted of servants. Many people were amazed to read Sister Theresa’s journals to find that even this saint had profound doubts at times.
And notice something else. Jesus doesn’t scold Thomas. He doesn’t banish him from the band of disciples because he struggled. He doesn’t tsk-tsk-tsk and shake his head in disappointment. No he offers to Thomas exactly what Thomas said he needed. As it turns out, this hesitant disciple was able to get there as soon as Jesus spoke directly to him.
I think that works for us, too. I don’t think there’s anything to be ashamed of when we find ourselves questioning, doubting, struggling with our faith. It’s hard-wired into our human condition. The better response will be to lay it out for God. To offer our doubts and questions to God in prayer. “God, I’m struggling here. I know the stories. I want them to hold me in your truth, but I have doubts and questions. Help me, Lord, to move once again onto the solid ground of faith. Help me find that assurance once again.
I believe that’s a faithful prayer, and just like Jesus gave Thomas what he needed,
God will give us what we need, too. But remember it might not come in an immediate flash. Even with Thomas it took a week. Sometimes what God give us is the energy to keep doing his work in the midst of our doubt and questions. But a day will come when we recognize that our questions and struggles have settled.
Peace be with you. That was Jesus’ offering to his disciples. He said it 3 times. It’s his wish for us, as well. And then, like John of Patmos who wrote the book of Revelations we can joyfully proclaim, “Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, the ruler of the kings of earth. He is the one who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving our God and Father—To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Thomas rejoiced. He bonded with his brothers and sisters in Christ. He was given the gift of the Holy Spirit. His example calls to us. Believe and when that is in question, take our doubts to Christ our Lord.
Peace be with you. Christ is Alive! Alleluia, Amen.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed (Ecumenical) p. 14
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
He is seated on the right hand of the Father,
And he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever." -- Amen.
Hymn: O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go
# 384
Prayer of Dedication
Because you live, O Lord, we are also given new life in you. Through the gifts we bring and the love we share, may we connect our lives to your goodness and grace. Bless our offerings this day. May they give testament to you and to your mighty love. Amen.
*Hymn: Christ is Alive! #108
*Blessing and Charge
L: Christ is raised to new life! He is our faithful witness, the first born of the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth. May he accompany us as we go from this place, giving us the ability to proclaim along with Thomas, “My Lord and My God.”
P: Our Lord and our God! Alleluia! Amen!
*POSTLUDE
* Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.
April 24, 2022
Second Sunday of Easter
Gathering
MUSICAL OFFERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· Masks are required by those not vaccinated as well as social distancing
Bulletins are placed in the pews to help with social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards. An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship in Calvin Hall
PRAYER REQUESTS
Gary Iverson, Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx ,Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Werner Family, Ukraine, Arlene Pawlik, Angela and Tristan , and Jake Pinkston
PRELUDE
*Call to Worship
L: He is Risen!
P: Christ is risen, indeed!
L: To our Alpha and Omega!
P: Alleluia!
L: To him who loves us and by his blood freed us from our sins,
P: who made us to be a kingdom, priests serving our God and Father,
All: Alleluia. Amen! Let us praise the Lord!
*GATHERING PRAYER
What does it mean, O Lord, that you are the Messiah, the Son of God? How do we live that in our everyday life? These are the questions we bring to worship this morning, Lord Jesus. Just as you met with your disciples on the evening of your resurrection, sit with us, we pray, and whisper your truths into our hearts. Amen.
*HYMN Alleluia, Alleluia! Give Thanks #106
Call to Confession
We are in a season of resurrection, a time to give thanks for Christ’s gift of life. But we
cannot receive this blessing without opening to it. Let us draw near to confess our doubts, our lapses and failings, that this gift might take root in our hearts. Let us confess together.
Prayer of Confession
O Lord, like Thomas we confess that the amazement of resurrection sometimes strains our capacity to understand. We, too would like to put our fingers in the holes left by the nails and to hear your words of life aimed directly at us. Forgive us for minds that are so tuned to the reality of our physical world that we pass over the bigger truth of your grace given for us. Allow us to bring our questions to you and then help us to listen as you call us forward into your love. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
God knows us so completely that our confession is old news! He loves us so fully that forgiveness has already been arranged. He is so capable of offering that which we need that he reaches out to plant his assurance in our hearts. Receive these gifts, and know that you are forgiven in Christ Jesus. Amen.
*Passing of the Peace ( facing those across the aisle from you)
Left: May the peace of Christ be with you.
Right: And also with you. May the peace of Christ be with you.
Left: And also with you.
INTERLUDE
Prayer of Illumination
While the “Alleluias” echo behind us, Gracious Lord, we continue to seek the meaning of resurrection in our lives and in our world. Allow us to walk this day with the disciples as they seek the path of faithful obedience. May we thus find the means to live your love and grace more fully. Help us to listen well, O Lord. Amen.
Word
SCRIPTURE LESSON
Revelations 1: 4-8
4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds, “and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him. “So shall it be!
Amen.8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
John 20: 19-31
19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” 24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
SERMON "Let's Give Thomas a Break."
Poor Thomas! I think this poor disciple has been horribly mistreated and slandered over the centuries. His name has been paired with the dubious adjective “Doubting” as in Doubting Thomas. How often someone looks down their nose at another, using that as an insult, “Don’t be such a Doubting Thomas!” It suggests that the person is being unreasonably stubborn and skeptical, and even a bit dense because they are questioning something that is perfectly logical, understandable and reasonable. Like when we’re skeptical about that email from the Nigerian widow whose high ranking husband passed away suddenly and now she needs to get 1.7 million dollars out of the country. Could I send my bank routing number so she can transfer it to my account and then when she arrives here she will split it with me! 50-50. Does that seem reasonable to you? Don’t be a Doubting Thomas! Or the phone call that informs you that your car’s extended warranty is about to expire and for only $46 per month you can guarantee (with a few minor exceptions, of course) that you will never need to pay for car repairs ever again!
What, you don’t buy it? Don’t be a Doubting Thomas. But come on, Thomas had a really good reason to doubt, didn’t he? How often have you witnessed someone get
up and walk and talk after being stone cold dead for 3 days? OK the grave was empty. But to have Jesus alive once more? Does it sound a bit far-fetched?
At a former congregation we did a Bible School lesson for the daycare children who were in our building every day. It was the week before Easter and we attempted to teach them the real meaning of Easter. Afterwards, one of the teachers asked her co-worker, “They don’t really believe that do they?” I wonder if she had never really heard the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection or if she supposed we all just sort of winked at one another as we sang our Alleluias?
This woman was fully in Thomas mode, and I suspect we would find many, many more should we do a formal survey—perhaps even some who sit in pews on Sunday morning—maybe even some of you. And if that is the case, I get it. This resurrection thing defies scientific explanation. It defies the laws of nature. It just doesn’t happen that way, so why should we shake our finger at people who doubt? Why should we shake our finger at Thomas in the first place? Or for that matter at people today who have trouble getting their head around this basic premise of our faith?
After all, Thomas hadn’t been present when Jesus came to the disciples. He was out buying milk and bread for their dinner. Or maybe he was roaming the countryside looking for a Roman guard who he hoped might tell them where they had put the body of Jesus. Maybe he had a dentist appointment. Haven’t you gotten a toothache at a completely inconvenient time?
There doesn’t seem to be any scolding about his absence that day. It was just a part of the equation. The disciples were at the place where they had been staying. They were most likely talking and planning and trying to get their head around that empty tomb, around Mary’s report that she had seen their Lord. Could it be? Was it possible? What should they do? Was it safe for them to go asking questions? What would Jesus have them do? There was likely a lot of anxiety in that room.
We’re told that the door was closed. Does that mean it was locked? It would make sense since they couldn’t know if the Roman authorities were looking for them, too. And suddenly there was Jesus standing right in their midst. There is no indication in the story that they heard or saw him enter, but there he was, none the less. His first words addressed their startled, shocked faces. “Peace be with you.” Was that a little like, “Settle down Children; everything’s OK.”
Then he showed them his hands and his side. Sort of like, “Yes, it really is me. Yes. You really did see me strung up on that cross.”
How they rejoiced! How they celebrated! But this wasn’t to be just a brief interlude and now everything would go back to the way it was. Once again Jesus said, “Peace be with you.” But this time he added an instruction for them, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” It was an answer to their “What do we do now?” inquiry of earlier. This work wasn’t done. They were to keep at it. And they were to model their efforts on the example Jesus had set. Just AS God had sent him—in the same manner, with the same ear for listening to God, with the same obedience, the same zeal, the same love, they were to go and tell people about this, about God, about how to love one another.
It was a big order. It would be quite a daunting task, a dangerous task, a complicated task. They would need help, and Jesus provided that, too. He breathed the Holy Spirit on them. This is John’s version of the Pentecost, the arrival of the Spirit which would allow those disciples the energy and ability to bring Christ’s gift of love to the
world.
But Thomas wasn’t there. He didn’t get to see or hear or experience all of this. When he did return and the others tried to tell him all about it, he just couldn’t get there. It was too much. It was too much!
Maybe he thought it was an elaborate prank they were trying to pull on him. Maybe he thought they’d eaten some bad mushrooms. May he thought they’d all snapped under the pressure of the last few days, but he wasn’t going to buy it. When they pressed him, he emphatically told them that the only way he would believe was when he put his own finger in the nail holes in Jesus hands or in the slash of the spear in his side. Until then, don’t waste your breath.
It was a week later—a whole week that must have seem SO much longer. It was as if all the other disciples had bonded in some secret brotherhood, and Thomas sat on the outside, looking in. But suddenly, there was Jesus again, and just like before he offered his, “Peace be with you.” Without preamble or further greeting or explanation he spoke directly to Thomas.
“Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side.” He offered to Thomas the exact formula that Thomas said he needed. But here’s the reality of the situation. Thomas didn’t NEED to touch those wounds. He answered, “My Lord and My God.” You see, when confronted by the Living Jesus, Thomas knew. Thomas believed. Thomas was on board.
Now Jesus has something further to say, but I actually think he’s talking more for our benefit than for Thomas. He says, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Jesus will soon ascend to heaven. He remains in our world as a Spiritual force, but the bodily form would only be present for a short time. To be present in his physical, bodily form made it possible for Thomas to get the truth of God’s resurrection power, but you and I will need to meet Jesus in other ways—through the story, through the lives of other Christians, through our hearts that feel his presence and his power for life.
But that doesn’t mean that doubts and questions and confusion will be held at bay even in the lives of the most faithful and devoted of servants. Many people were amazed to read Sister Theresa’s journals to find that even this saint had profound doubts at times.
And notice something else. Jesus doesn’t scold Thomas. He doesn’t banish him from the band of disciples because he struggled. He doesn’t tsk-tsk-tsk and shake his head in disappointment. No he offers to Thomas exactly what Thomas said he needed. As it turns out, this hesitant disciple was able to get there as soon as Jesus spoke directly to him.
I think that works for us, too. I don’t think there’s anything to be ashamed of when we find ourselves questioning, doubting, struggling with our faith. It’s hard-wired into our human condition. The better response will be to lay it out for God. To offer our doubts and questions to God in prayer. “God, I’m struggling here. I know the stories. I want them to hold me in your truth, but I have doubts and questions. Help me, Lord, to move once again onto the solid ground of faith. Help me find that assurance once again.
I believe that’s a faithful prayer, and just like Jesus gave Thomas what he needed,
God will give us what we need, too. But remember it might not come in an immediate flash. Even with Thomas it took a week. Sometimes what God give us is the energy to keep doing his work in the midst of our doubt and questions. But a day will come when we recognize that our questions and struggles have settled.
Peace be with you. That was Jesus’ offering to his disciples. He said it 3 times. It’s his wish for us, as well. And then, like John of Patmos who wrote the book of Revelations we can joyfully proclaim, “Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, the ruler of the kings of earth. He is the one who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving our God and Father—To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Thomas rejoiced. He bonded with his brothers and sisters in Christ. He was given the gift of the Holy Spirit. His example calls to us. Believe and when that is in question, take our doubts to Christ our Lord.
Peace be with you. Christ is Alive! Alleluia, Amen.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed (Ecumenical) p. 14
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
He is seated on the right hand of the Father,
And he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever." -- Amen.
Hymn: O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go
# 384
Prayer of Dedication
Because you live, O Lord, we are also given new life in you. Through the gifts we bring and the love we share, may we connect our lives to your goodness and grace. Bless our offerings this day. May they give testament to you and to your mighty love. Amen.
*Hymn: Christ is Alive! #108
*Blessing and Charge
L: Christ is raised to new life! He is our faithful witness, the first born of the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth. May he accompany us as we go from this place, giving us the ability to proclaim along with Thomas, “My Lord and My God.”
P: Our Lord and our God! Alleluia! Amen!
*POSTLUDE
* Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.
If you read today's message, we'd love to hear from you. Your email will not be shared and you will not be contacted unless you request more information.
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
March 20, 2022
Third Sunday in Lent
Gathering
MUSICAL OFFERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· masks are required by those not vaccinated as well as social distancing
bulletins are placed in the pews to help with social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards. An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship will be continuing with beverages only, in Calvin Hall
PRAYER REQUESTS
Gary Iverson, Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx ,Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Kay Werner, Ukraine, Doug Nelson, and Arlene Pawlik
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 63:1 and Isaiah 55:1
O God, you are my God. At dawn I search for you. My soul thirsts for you.
My body longs for you in a dry, parched land where there is no water.
Let all who thirst come to the waters;
let all who are hungry come and eat.
*GATHERING PRAYER
Lord, there are times we feel an emptiness inside, as if we are hungry or thirsty, but food and drink do not satisfy. Help us to understand when our soul is seeking spiritual food, and remind us each day to find that nourishment in you. May this time of worship be a feast for our souls. Amen.
*Hymn Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah #282
*CONFESSION AND PARDON (From the Book of Common Worship)
Let us make our confession to God:
God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost.
We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way.
We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained,
and great when we are small.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON Isaiah 55:3
“Listen, so that you may live: the steadfast love of the Lord never fails.”
Because God’s steadfast love was shared with us through Jesus, we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
*Passing of the Peace ( facing those across the aisle from you)
Left: May the peace of Christ be with you.
Right: And also with you. May the peace of Christ be with you.
Left: And also with you.
(You may be seated.)
Interlude
Word
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 55:1-9, NLT
1 “Is anyone thirsty?
Come and drink--
even if you have no money!
Come, take your choice of wine or milk--
it’s all free!
2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?
Why pay for food that does you no good?
Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.
You will enjoy the finest food.
3 “Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
4 See how I used him to display my power among the peoples.
I made him a leader among the nations.
5 You also will command nations you do not know,
and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey,
because I, the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”
6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
7 Let the wicked change their ways
and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Corinthians 10:1-4, NLT
1 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 7 or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” 8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. 9 Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
GOSPEL LESSON Luke 13:1-9, NLT
About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. 2 “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? 3 Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. 4 And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? 5 No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”
6 Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7 Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’
8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.
9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”
Sermon “A Thirst for God ”
Word
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 55:1-9, NLT
1 “Is anyone thirsty?
Come and drink— even if you have no money!
Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free!
2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?
Why pay for food that does you no good?
Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.
You will enjoy the finest food.
3 “Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
4 See how I used him to display my power among the peoples.
I made him a leader among the nations.
5 You also will command nations you do not know,
and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey,
because I, the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”
6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
7 Let the wicked change their ways
and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
SERMON Thirst for God
I’ve long been fascinated with the opening verses of this poem in Isaiah. I like the invitation to the feast, but I find it odd that we are asked to buy what we need without price. I picture going to an open market and being told everything is free. If I have come very hungry and thirsty but without the means to buy anything, that would be the ultimate gift in that moment.
Have you had times when you got so hungry or thirsty you could barely function? I get that way sometimes. Thursday my stew was in the crock pot not destined to come out until 7:30. I went in the kitchen to start making the soda bread about 5:30, but I was so hungry I had to set out a snack first. I nibbled a couple bites of cheese and sausage, then struggled to make the soda bread. When it was finally in the oven I ate more cheese and sausage until I thought I could make it to 7:30. The evening before I had a moment when I was so thirsty I couldn’t stand it. I tried putting it off, because I was in the middle of something I wanted to finish, but that didn’t last long. I was so thirsty I couldn’t concentrate. I had to get up for some water before I could continue.Most of us are attuned enough to our bodies that we know when we are hungry or thirsty. Then it’s up to us to do something about it within whatever means are available to us. In terms of our physical hunger and thirst, those of us who have enough food and water or other beverage and the means to restock our shelves are truly blessed, and being blessed we hopefully share what we can with those less fortunate.
But what about our souls? Do you recognize the signs when you are spiritually hungry and thirsty? When the empty space within you is craving spiritual nourishment, nothing in the refrigerator is going to quench that thirst or assuage that hunger. When we are spiritually starving we must turn to God who invites us, come and drink! Come and buy food without price. God provided manna and quail and even water in the desert for Moses and all the Hebrew pilgrims in the wilderness, forty years’ worth, one day at a time. God also provides the bread of heaven and living water when we are in a spiritual wasteland.
When it is my spirit that has run dry, I don’t have the means to refill it myself. I have to come to God to quench my spiritual thirst. I come through what John Wesley called the means of grace; it’s basically the same list as spiritual disciplines. Our spiritual practices are the means of receiving God’s grace, as if going to particular stalls in a spiritual open market. God is the host of the market and invites you to come and get your fill at the stall of your choice, whether prayer, music, reading, giving, serving, or others, they all offer you spiritual nourishment by connecting you more closely with the creator and lover of your soul.
I felt some of that wasteland many times in the two weeks since I last worshipped with you; I came up against multiple challenges. I hit my emotional brick wall more than once as layers of stress stacked up. Perhaps you experience that sometimes, too. But when I backed off and waited for God to replenish me in body, mind, and spirit, then I could go back and tackle the problem again a few hours later or a few days later. When it comes to other things in the world around us over which I have no control, I could lift them to God in prayer, and then I have to leave them in God’s hands and go back to the things that God has set within my reach. Perhaps you need to do that sometimes as well.
As Isaiah wrote long ago. God still makes covenant with us to be our God if we will be God’s people. Living in that covenant, we are still encouraged to seek God while our God can be found. Turn to God in every moment of need; then trust God to provide what is needed, and patiently wait on God’s timing. I’m not saying patience is easy; I just know it is needed. God’s ways are indeed beyond our imagination. God’s ways are not our ways, but they are better from God’s greater perspective. To live as God’s child, I choose to trust that. So, when my soul is parched because of my personal challenges or my concern for the world, I must turn to God.
As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he referred back to that hunger and thirst the
Hebrews experienced in the wilderness.
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, NLT
1 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
6 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 7 or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” 8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day.
9 Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.
12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
SERMON Thirst for God
Paul reminded the Corinthians and reminds us too that God still guides and provides as he did for Moses and others so very long ago. The question now as then was not whether God would provide, but whether people would live within the boundaries God set. Just as God gave laws to the Hebrews through the commandments, so God has set some basic dos and don’ts for people throughout time. Jesus summarized all the commandments in this way, 37 “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40, NLT)
Not everyone in the wilderness was allowed to enter the Promised Land. In fact, of those who set out from Egypt only Joshua and Caleb were allowed to enter because of their trust in God’s providence. Even Moses, Aaron, and Miriam disappointed God at some point along the way and suffered for it. Those who chose to complain, to test God, to set up a false God, to disrespect God, they all died along the way by God’s hand. It was the new generation who entered Canaan under Joshua’s leadership. But they in turn would also have to choose whether or not to live by God’s intentions or by their own agendas.
What Paul told the Corinthians holds true for us today. We will be tempted by many things in this life, Christians no less than anyone else. Moses, Aaron, and Miriam were not immune and neither are we. But God will also provide the means to endure if we hold fast to our faith and to our God. Whatever emptiness we want to fill, whatever challenge we must face, whatever frustration comes our way, God will guide and provide if we turn to God rather than rely on our own thinking or the ways of the world. As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Paul’s message is the same; we have to trust God.
You’re going to need that level of trust as you consider today’s Gospel lesson.
GOSPEL LESSON Luke 13:1-9, NLT
About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. 2 “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? 3 Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. 4 And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? 5 No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”
6 Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7 Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’
8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”
SERMON A Thirst for God
The opening paragraph of this passage is not one we hear often. You may find it jarring as I did. Is Jesus nonchalant about the death of those killed while at worship. We expect Jesus to be as shocked as we are when we hear of tragic incidents at Temple or Church or Mosque. Were these tragedies? Yes, every bit as much as the deaths we hear about on the news today! Did they die because of their own sin? In these cases and in most others, no! The tragedy of an untimely death caused by other humans or by natural disaster is unsettling. Yet whether believer or non-believer, all humans will die at some point by some means. Jesus took this opportunity to remind his audience of that simple truth.
Paul also wrote about this in his letter to the Romans, First that “everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23) Second, “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” No matter how deep our faith and faithfulness to God, somewhere along the way we are still sinners, just as Moses and Aaron and Miriam were. But the Good News is that even though we will die because of sin, we will have new life beyond the grave because of Jesus the Christ. This is the hope of our faith, and it is the message of Good Friday and Easter as we live through the season of Lent each year.
I find that hope symbolized in Jesus’ story of the gardener. Like the man who planted the fig tree that continually failed to bear fruit, so God is disappointed in humanity each time we fail to live up to those Greatest Commandments of love and respect for God, love and respect for others and for ourselves. I can imagine God sighing at each missed opportunity, each time we cross a line we should not cross, each failure to protect the vulnerable around us, each time we let something else take God’s place in our lives, etc., etc., etc. And yet? And yet, the gardener, who to me seems to be Jesus himself, says Wait a bit. Give them another chance. Let me see if the Holy Spirit and I can help them change, help them do better next time. Then Jesus continues to work in our lives (if we let him) toward that goal, that we will pay more attention to God and live as God intended. The potential consequences for the failure to do so are still there, but Jesus gives us another chance to start fresh with help from the Holy Spirit.
As you continue through this season of Lent, be honest with yourself and with God about the ways in which you struggle and about the struggle we are going through as the human species on this planet. Ask God to help you change what you are able to change about your self and how you interact with others, with God, and with the world. Hold fast to what you believe is right in God’s eyes and help where you can. There will still be things you cannot change because the choices are not yours to make. But you can lift these often to God in prayer, asking the Spirit to work on the hearts of those who do make those choices.
At the same time notice what the gardener planned to do, to fertilize and nourish that unproductive fig tree. Don’t remain in a spiritual desert. The Living Waters and Bread of Heaven are phrases the Gospel writer John used to describe Christ Jesus. Come to those living waters. Eat and drink; be nourished and filled with Christ on a regular basis, so that you can flourish and bear fruit in this world.
*Hymn: Alas and Did My Savior Bleed #78
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever." -- Amen.
OFFERING OUR LIVES
Lord we give you thanks for filling our lives with good things that nourish and sustain us. We offer back to you our lives in service to your kingdom. Amen
*DOXOLOGY Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #592
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed (Ecumenical) p. 14
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
He is seated on the right hand of the Father,
And he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Sending
*HYMN How Great Thou Art #467
*CHARGE & BLESSING
POSTLUDE
* Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.
March 20, 2022
Third Sunday in Lent
Gathering
MUSICAL OFFERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let me remind you quickly of our protocols for everyone’s safety.
· Attendance was taken by Ushers as you entered.
· masks are required by those not vaccinated as well as social distancing
bulletins are placed in the pews to help with social distancing
· Offerings may be placed in the plate by the doors.
· Please write your prayer request on the Yellow cards. An usher will pick them up during the 1st hymn.
· Please join us after service for fellowship will be continuing with beverages only, in Calvin Hall
PRAYER REQUESTS
Gary Iverson, Bob Bock, Joan Boyd, Wanda Hirl, Marilyn Neymeyer, Joan Pinkston, Maxine Wagner, Annette Conzett, Jo Lefleur, Dr Dyke, Harlan Marx ,Lois Seger, Jon Ryner, Abagail Niles, Helanah Niles, Kay Werner, Ukraine, Doug Nelson, and Arlene Pawlik
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 63:1 and Isaiah 55:1
O God, you are my God. At dawn I search for you. My soul thirsts for you.
My body longs for you in a dry, parched land where there is no water.
Let all who thirst come to the waters;
let all who are hungry come and eat.
*GATHERING PRAYER
Lord, there are times we feel an emptiness inside, as if we are hungry or thirsty, but food and drink do not satisfy. Help us to understand when our soul is seeking spiritual food, and remind us each day to find that nourishment in you. May this time of worship be a feast for our souls. Amen.
*Hymn Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah #282
*CONFESSION AND PARDON (From the Book of Common Worship)
Let us make our confession to God:
God of mercy, you sent Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost.
We confess that we have strayed from you and turned aside from your way.
We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained,
and great when we are small.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON Isaiah 55:3
“Listen, so that you may live: the steadfast love of the Lord never fails.”
Because God’s steadfast love was shared with us through Jesus, we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
*Passing of the Peace ( facing those across the aisle from you)
Left: May the peace of Christ be with you.
Right: And also with you. May the peace of Christ be with you.
Left: And also with you.
(You may be seated.)
Interlude
Word
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 55:1-9, NLT
1 “Is anyone thirsty?
Come and drink--
even if you have no money!
Come, take your choice of wine or milk--
it’s all free!
2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?
Why pay for food that does you no good?
Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.
You will enjoy the finest food.
3 “Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
4 See how I used him to display my power among the peoples.
I made him a leader among the nations.
5 You also will command nations you do not know,
and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey,
because I, the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”
6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
7 Let the wicked change their ways
and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Corinthians 10:1-4, NLT
1 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 7 or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” 8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. 9 Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
GOSPEL LESSON Luke 13:1-9, NLT
About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. 2 “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? 3 Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. 4 And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? 5 No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”
6 Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7 Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’
8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.
9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”
Sermon “A Thirst for God ”
Word
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 55:1-9, NLT
1 “Is anyone thirsty?
Come and drink— even if you have no money!
Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free!
2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength?
Why pay for food that does you no good?
Listen to me, and you will eat what is good.
You will enjoy the finest food.
3 “Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
4 See how I used him to display my power among the peoples.
I made him a leader among the nations.
5 You also will command nations you do not know,
and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey,
because I, the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”
6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
7 Let the wicked change their ways
and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
SERMON Thirst for God
I’ve long been fascinated with the opening verses of this poem in Isaiah. I like the invitation to the feast, but I find it odd that we are asked to buy what we need without price. I picture going to an open market and being told everything is free. If I have come very hungry and thirsty but without the means to buy anything, that would be the ultimate gift in that moment.
Have you had times when you got so hungry or thirsty you could barely function? I get that way sometimes. Thursday my stew was in the crock pot not destined to come out until 7:30. I went in the kitchen to start making the soda bread about 5:30, but I was so hungry I had to set out a snack first. I nibbled a couple bites of cheese and sausage, then struggled to make the soda bread. When it was finally in the oven I ate more cheese and sausage until I thought I could make it to 7:30. The evening before I had a moment when I was so thirsty I couldn’t stand it. I tried putting it off, because I was in the middle of something I wanted to finish, but that didn’t last long. I was so thirsty I couldn’t concentrate. I had to get up for some water before I could continue.Most of us are attuned enough to our bodies that we know when we are hungry or thirsty. Then it’s up to us to do something about it within whatever means are available to us. In terms of our physical hunger and thirst, those of us who have enough food and water or other beverage and the means to restock our shelves are truly blessed, and being blessed we hopefully share what we can with those less fortunate.
But what about our souls? Do you recognize the signs when you are spiritually hungry and thirsty? When the empty space within you is craving spiritual nourishment, nothing in the refrigerator is going to quench that thirst or assuage that hunger. When we are spiritually starving we must turn to God who invites us, come and drink! Come and buy food without price. God provided manna and quail and even water in the desert for Moses and all the Hebrew pilgrims in the wilderness, forty years’ worth, one day at a time. God also provides the bread of heaven and living water when we are in a spiritual wasteland.
When it is my spirit that has run dry, I don’t have the means to refill it myself. I have to come to God to quench my spiritual thirst. I come through what John Wesley called the means of grace; it’s basically the same list as spiritual disciplines. Our spiritual practices are the means of receiving God’s grace, as if going to particular stalls in a spiritual open market. God is the host of the market and invites you to come and get your fill at the stall of your choice, whether prayer, music, reading, giving, serving, or others, they all offer you spiritual nourishment by connecting you more closely with the creator and lover of your soul.
I felt some of that wasteland many times in the two weeks since I last worshipped with you; I came up against multiple challenges. I hit my emotional brick wall more than once as layers of stress stacked up. Perhaps you experience that sometimes, too. But when I backed off and waited for God to replenish me in body, mind, and spirit, then I could go back and tackle the problem again a few hours later or a few days later. When it comes to other things in the world around us over which I have no control, I could lift them to God in prayer, and then I have to leave them in God’s hands and go back to the things that God has set within my reach. Perhaps you need to do that sometimes as well.
As Isaiah wrote long ago. God still makes covenant with us to be our God if we will be God’s people. Living in that covenant, we are still encouraged to seek God while our God can be found. Turn to God in every moment of need; then trust God to provide what is needed, and patiently wait on God’s timing. I’m not saying patience is easy; I just know it is needed. God’s ways are indeed beyond our imagination. God’s ways are not our ways, but they are better from God’s greater perspective. To live as God’s child, I choose to trust that. So, when my soul is parched because of my personal challenges or my concern for the world, I must turn to God.
As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he referred back to that hunger and thirst the
Hebrews experienced in the wilderness.
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, NLT
1 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. 3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
6 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, 7 or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” 8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day.
9 Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. 10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. 11 These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.
12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
SERMON Thirst for God
Paul reminded the Corinthians and reminds us too that God still guides and provides as he did for Moses and others so very long ago. The question now as then was not whether God would provide, but whether people would live within the boundaries God set. Just as God gave laws to the Hebrews through the commandments, so God has set some basic dos and don’ts for people throughout time. Jesus summarized all the commandments in this way, 37 “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40, NLT)
Not everyone in the wilderness was allowed to enter the Promised Land. In fact, of those who set out from Egypt only Joshua and Caleb were allowed to enter because of their trust in God’s providence. Even Moses, Aaron, and Miriam disappointed God at some point along the way and suffered for it. Those who chose to complain, to test God, to set up a false God, to disrespect God, they all died along the way by God’s hand. It was the new generation who entered Canaan under Joshua’s leadership. But they in turn would also have to choose whether or not to live by God’s intentions or by their own agendas.
What Paul told the Corinthians holds true for us today. We will be tempted by many things in this life, Christians no less than anyone else. Moses, Aaron, and Miriam were not immune and neither are we. But God will also provide the means to endure if we hold fast to our faith and to our God. Whatever emptiness we want to fill, whatever challenge we must face, whatever frustration comes our way, God will guide and provide if we turn to God rather than rely on our own thinking or the ways of the world. As it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Paul’s message is the same; we have to trust God.
You’re going to need that level of trust as you consider today’s Gospel lesson.
GOSPEL LESSON Luke 13:1-9, NLT
About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. 2 “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? 3 Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. 4 And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? 5 No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”
6 Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7 Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’
8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’”
SERMON A Thirst for God
The opening paragraph of this passage is not one we hear often. You may find it jarring as I did. Is Jesus nonchalant about the death of those killed while at worship. We expect Jesus to be as shocked as we are when we hear of tragic incidents at Temple or Church or Mosque. Were these tragedies? Yes, every bit as much as the deaths we hear about on the news today! Did they die because of their own sin? In these cases and in most others, no! The tragedy of an untimely death caused by other humans or by natural disaster is unsettling. Yet whether believer or non-believer, all humans will die at some point by some means. Jesus took this opportunity to remind his audience of that simple truth.
Paul also wrote about this in his letter to the Romans, First that “everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23) Second, “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” No matter how deep our faith and faithfulness to God, somewhere along the way we are still sinners, just as Moses and Aaron and Miriam were. But the Good News is that even though we will die because of sin, we will have new life beyond the grave because of Jesus the Christ. This is the hope of our faith, and it is the message of Good Friday and Easter as we live through the season of Lent each year.
I find that hope symbolized in Jesus’ story of the gardener. Like the man who planted the fig tree that continually failed to bear fruit, so God is disappointed in humanity each time we fail to live up to those Greatest Commandments of love and respect for God, love and respect for others and for ourselves. I can imagine God sighing at each missed opportunity, each time we cross a line we should not cross, each failure to protect the vulnerable around us, each time we let something else take God’s place in our lives, etc., etc., etc. And yet? And yet, the gardener, who to me seems to be Jesus himself, says Wait a bit. Give them another chance. Let me see if the Holy Spirit and I can help them change, help them do better next time. Then Jesus continues to work in our lives (if we let him) toward that goal, that we will pay more attention to God and live as God intended. The potential consequences for the failure to do so are still there, but Jesus gives us another chance to start fresh with help from the Holy Spirit.
As you continue through this season of Lent, be honest with yourself and with God about the ways in which you struggle and about the struggle we are going through as the human species on this planet. Ask God to help you change what you are able to change about your self and how you interact with others, with God, and with the world. Hold fast to what you believe is right in God’s eyes and help where you can. There will still be things you cannot change because the choices are not yours to make. But you can lift these often to God in prayer, asking the Spirit to work on the hearts of those who do make those choices.
At the same time notice what the gardener planned to do, to fertilize and nourish that unproductive fig tree. Don’t remain in a spiritual desert. The Living Waters and Bread of Heaven are phrases the Gospel writer John used to describe Christ Jesus. Come to those living waters. Eat and drink; be nourished and filled with Christ on a regular basis, so that you can flourish and bear fruit in this world.
*Hymn: Alas and Did My Savior Bleed #78
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever." -- Amen.
OFFERING OUR LIVES
Lord we give you thanks for filling our lives with good things that nourish and sustain us. We offer back to you our lives in service to your kingdom. Amen
*DOXOLOGY Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #592
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed (Ecumenical) p. 14
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
He is seated on the right hand of the Father,
And he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Sending
*HYMN How Great Thou Art #467
*CHARGE & BLESSING
POSTLUDE
* Sections of the service preceded with * are times to stand if you are able to do so.
Bold text is to be read together aloud as a congregation.