Take a Hard Look

If a person wants to achieve a goal, especially a goal that stretches well beyond current capabilities, it takes hard work.  One may perennially hear a parent’s or teacher’s reminder to work hard if one hopes to accomplish much in life.  In his book, Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell presents a rather interesting theory. Examine the lives of those you consider to be near genius level, gifted in business, technology or the arts.  Look closely. There will be evidence of a life of hard work.  In fact, Gladwell referenced what he calls the 10,000 hour rule: to do the exceptional takes 10,000 hours of work/practice.

When drawn to be part of the body of Christ, we seek communion with God and others. Yet given our propensity to place ourselves in the center of our personal universes, the realities of discipleship are a challenge.  “It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”  (Matthew 20:26-28  NRSV)  To be Christ-like is going to take some work, some hard work and practice.

And this is the stuff of Lent: an individual and corporate focus to do the hard work of examining our lives and being moved to confession.  When we combine the work of repentance with the practice of the presence of resurrection power, we begin to more deeply comprehend and experience communion with Christ and others.  

On Lenten Sundays, starting February 26, we will see Christ at work, doing some hard work, and will consider how the call to do the hard work in our lives can create an internal environment that acknowledges the presence of the living Christ.  The following passages and sermons will serve as our “work-out” guide:

February 26    “Hard to Imagine”- Mark 1:9-15    (40 days in the wilderness)
March 4          “Hard to Hear”- Mark 8:31-38     (great suffering in the future)
March 11        “Hard to Envision”- John 2:13-22  (clearing the temple)
March 18        “Hard to Understand”- John 3:14-21  (and the judgment…)

As we journey together, may we remain committed to the hard work of Lent to grasp more fully the good news of the resurrection.

A Front Row Seat

It is one thing to have a pretty decent view; being in the front row is a whole different world.  You feel as if you are part of the action.  Your attention is not diverted by any number of competing distractions that are present when you are in the second row from the back wall at the theatre or stadium.  You sense that you could almost reach out and touch those that are unfolding the drama that all have come to observe.

In the first Chapter of Mark a leper experiences what it is like to be "front row" to the unfolding reality of the presence of God's powerful love and grace.  In fact he is touched by Jesus.  An incredible thought when we try desperately to have a view, angle in close on the latest....the creator has allowed us the opportunity for this kind of a close encounter. 

The theme for our sevices this Sunday at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown...The Power of a Touch.

From a giant warrior to a giant fish

This Sunday at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown our children will present a Musical - Oh, Jonah!  The children do an amazing job.  It is also amazing how biblical themes can hit home through a very different Sunday service experience.  

Thinking about Jonah and his initial unwillingness to follow God's call I was surprised to find in a worship resource (Call to Worship Volume 39.1 2005-2006) the below prayer of confession for the lectionary passages on Sunday (2/5) - but not intended for Jonah.  Yet the relationship can not be missed - much like a giant fish.

"Gracious God, in Jesus Christ you have taken our human existence, to redeem us from the brokenness of our sin.  Yet we hide from your light; we resist your rule.  We fail to proclaim the good news of your love.  Even when we strive to fulfill you will, we fall too easily back into disobedience.

Grant us your mercy, God of grace.  Do for us what we cannot do for ourselves:  establish in us the righteousness you desire.  Give us your Spirit, to lead us in the life of Jesus Christ, to the glory of your holy name.

AMEN