February 1, 2015--Prophets

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

¹⁵The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. ¹⁶This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” ¹⁷Then the Lord replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. ¹⁸I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. ¹⁹Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. ²⁰But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.”

How do we know if one speaks for God or for some political or social agenda? 

True prophets are called by God for the sake of the people.  The truth is not easy to hear.  Prophets often call for a dramatic change in the way things are.  Prophets are generally not the most popular in town.

Do you think there are prophets among us?  What prophetic word might the prophet be speaking?

January 31, 2015--Swine

Matthew 8:28—9:1

²⁸When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. ²⁹Suddenly they shouted, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” ³⁰Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. ³¹The demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” ³²And he said to them, “Go!” So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water. ³³The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. ³⁴Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood.

9And after getting into a boat he crossed the sea and came to his own town.

Jesus is walking and two demoniacs come out of the tombs to meet him.  First thing to note is that they recognize Jesus and what Jesus can do.  It seems strange that they request to be sent into a herd of swine if they are cast out of the people.  When they are cast into the swine, they rush down the bank and perish in the water.  Those who tended the swine, the swineherds run off and tell the whole story.  Their witness causes the whole town to come and meet Jesus, and when they see him they beg him to leave their neighborhood.  

Why would they want Jesus to leave?  Were they worried what Jesus would see in them?  Are we afraid of what Jesus would see?  The reality is Jesus does see us, as we really are, and loves and cares for us anyway.
Lord, you see us as we are.  Cast out those things inside us that separate us from accepting your love.  Amen.

January 30, 2015--Praise the Lord!

Psalm 111

¹Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

²Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.

³Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.

⁴He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.

⁵He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.

⁶He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.

⁷The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.

⁸They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

⁹He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.

¹⁰The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.

Today we have another psalm of praise.  Great are your works, I will praise you with my whole heart.

The psalmist lists the things he/she is specifically thankful for food, the power of God’s works.

To what do you give praise to God today?