The Weekly Word from Pastor Jim... I was sitting with a man from our parish last Tuesday evening. We were unexpectedly sharing the ride to America. After small talk, he wanted to ask me a question about the sermon last Sunday. He said, “I hate to even ask this, but it seems to me that you make stuff up.” OK, that was not a question. That was an observation. So, can you say more? “You were telling the story of Nicodemus and you embellished the story, adding things that are not in the Bible.” Like? “Like, how do you know if it was a cloudy day, or what Nicodemus was wearing?” Now that is a question. Of course I embellish the Biblical story. My calling is to take ancient stories and ancient scriptures and to retell them to you in a way that you can remember, and that you can apply to your life. My calling is to take God’s Word and to package it for you so that it will come to life. You see, the Biblical story was never meant to be written down and read — the stories of scripture were meant to be told. Jesus told parables — stories which revealed the truth about human nature, human brokenness, and the amazing grace of God. If you think that the Bible is nothing more than a collection of old stories, wisdom, sayings, and hymns — then I have not done my job. You see, the Bible is God’s Word — Jesus is God’s Word made flesh. God’s Word is alive — changing, liberating; it is a powerful force that can raise the dead and give hope to those who are weighed down with shame. My calling is not to change God’s Word, but to make its meaning accessible and applicable — to allow it to breathe and move among the people of Trinity Lutheran Church. Last week it was Nicodemus. This week we will meet a very different character in the Biblical story. If you get a chance before Sunday, please read John 4:5-42. It is quite a story. Then come to worship and let God’s Word wash over you. Come to the place where everybody’s welcome. Come to your home away from home. I am going to get going now on that sermon. See you Sunday. Pastor Jim
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 16:11:06 +0000
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