Welcome to Creatober

So, I have decided that my online footprint is in need of drastic reduction. I have spent way too much time on my phone, reading news, playing games, waiting with baited breath for a few new stories on Facebook. I have escaped my life by reading about others and I have judged my life based on the good things that have happened to others. Because of this I have decided to, if not completely fast from the internet, at least reduce its meaning in my life for awhile.

So, I have decided that for the month of October I will be online a lot less than normal. Today I started removing apps from my phone. For the next month my phone will be a phone and nothing else. I will not sit around playing Candy Crush or Sudoku or Where's the Water? or any other game. I will not read USA Today and ESPN like an addict. I will not check Facebook every few minutes.

I will still check Facebook, but only once a day for a few minutes.

And I will still be updating my blogs.

In fact I dare think that I will be updating them at the pace of the last week where I have written 4 blogs, as opposed to the pace I had been with a blog every month or so. My goal is to have quite a few new blogs by the time October ends, hence the name Creatober.

I need to re-calibrate and recenter, I am not burnt-out by I see myself heading down a path that could lead to that place. I need to lesson the spheres I am paying attention to so that I can take care of my sphere a little better. I need to stop listening to the multitude of voices that exist in the world and pay attention to a select few, especially the voice of God.

My phone will be laid down so I can pick up a few more books. My internet usage will be more sparse so that I can live more in the real world and less in the virtual. My need for technology will fade a little so that my need for true connection with those who circle my life can be realized.

I have spent too many days staring at a screen rather than teaching my son. I have spent too many nights staring at a screen rather than talking to my wife. I have spent too many moments staring at a screen and forgetting the Almighty is moving.

So, for the next 31 days I will attempt to find the guy I used to be, because I liked him a lot, and if I'm honest, I'm starting to miss him.

Peace and Love,
Pastor K

On the Way to the Way 4: Standing on Holy Ground, Everywhere

We begin today with a quote from pg. 90 of the The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster.

"Fetish Worship"? Because they climb a staircase of dubious historicity? Hardly. We all worship our own synthetic images of God. Growing Christian maturity simply means that the images become incrementally less inadequate. "[God] is the great iconoclast," C.S. Lewis truly wrote. He is constantly smashing up the images we have of him. And anyway, no one is in any danger of confusing God with a staircase or a saint's mummified head. There's a real and malignant danger of confusing God with the things that Scripture says about him.

Foster writes this when talking about the Scala Sancta [Holy Staircase] in Rome that is believed [most likely incorrectly] to be the stairs that led to Pilate's Praetorium which supposedly Jesus walked up and down going to and leaving his 'trial'.

Tomorrow I will be preaching out of 1 Samuel 16 the story of the anointing of David as the future king of Israel as well as David being chosen as Saul musical soother and armor-bearer. 

What do these two things have to do with each other? Fair Question.

I see it this way. Samuel first thinks that David's older brother would be selected the next king because he fit the role. God told Samuel that God does not look at people the way that we do, so one after another after another of David's brothers are looked at and discarded until David is called back from the field and chosen.

In the same way, through the ages we have chosen things/places/events that we consider more holy than others. For some it may be a grand cathedral [like St. Peter's Basilica or the Brooklyn Tabernacle], for others a battlefield [like Ghettysburgh or Normandy] for some its a destination after a 500 mile walk [like the remains of St. James] for some its a place where they feel they experienced God. None of these are wrong if we are seeking with the correct heart. 

Remember when Moses was wandering the desert and he came upon a bush that was burning but not consumed? Remember what God told him? Moses was standing on holy ground. Most likely it was a patch of land that Moses had passed a hundred times, with the same bush growing there [probably not on fire each time unless Moses was extremely unobservant]. Had the land just become Holy? Or had the land always been Holy and Moses was now just being told it was. Are any of those places/events/things really holier than any other place/event/thing? I can't definitively answer one way or the other, but may guess is no, each spot is holy, we just need to open our eyes to it.

So why pilgrimage? To some extent with an understanding that all ground is holy I should be able to walk outside my door [or stay inside] and be as close to God as I would be if I took a long way across Spain. But there is still that part of me that longs for the journey, it is my belief that the journey is what is important, not the destination. So I could walk 500 miles anywhere, I just think this particular journey is the journey for me.

Buen Camino,
Pastor K

Beauty and the Image

So, I took a walk with Henry today, and I took a walk with Henry yesterday, and I have been taking walks with Henry every so often. We take these walks at the local state park, Mounds, and I think we both enjoy them. But today I came to the realization that too often I fail to recognize the beauty that is all around us while we walk. Henry rides in a Baby Bjorn carrier [purchased used at Once Upon a Child] and I am usually looking directly ahead or down at the path, making sure that I don't stumble or trip over any branches or nuts or stray leaves. I do this for protection, but I wonder if by doing it I am doing myself, and to a degree Henry a disservice.

You see, I have been missing the beauty. And not just on those walks.

I have been missing the beauty in Henry when he knocks the spoon away while I try to feed him or when he kicks and screams while I am attempting to change a diaper.

I have been missing the beauty that is my wife, when I get angry over small things that I should just be a big boy and get over, but instead I hold onto them as if they have real significance.

I have been missing the beauty of my weekly road-trip to church, because many times it just seems like a task to complete before I have to do my job and then a task to complete before I get to rest at home.

I have been missing the beauty that is my town when I allow the beast inside to roar when someone doesn't use a turn signal or doesn't pay attention to anyone but themselves at Wal-Mart.

I have been missing the beauty that is in this world because of tragedy after tragedy, sorrow after sorrow. I see the anger and I miss the beauty.

I have been missing the beauty in my day and week and month.

And I have been missing the beauty that is in myself, that Imago Dei, Image of God, that resides in my being, but I look over so often.

That Image that is plastered not just on myself, but on Mary and Henry and the people in my town and state and country and across the globe.

That Image that says that everyone has meaning and purpose and is cared for and wept over.

That Image that calls us back to where we came from, back to who we came from.

That Image that shines through us in those times of sorrow when we run toward the fire or storm, or bullet instead of running away.

That Image that convicts and sets us free from within.

That Image that connects us and binds us and frees us to love.

I have been missing that Image and the beauty because I have focused on the moment instead of the eternal.

I have been missing that Image and the beauty because I have let anger and fear and mistakes and failure overrule love.

and Love wins, always has, always will.

So right now, in this moment I will choose to see the beauty, choose to remember the Image, choose love.

So, Henry and I took a walk today, and we took a walk yesterday. I'm not sure if we will take a walk tomorrow or not, but the next time we do I hope to see the world through new eyes.

Peace and Love,
Pastor K

The Sermon that Wasn't

So, I started a new sermon series this week in church, The Heart of a King, focusing on the life of King David. Why King David? Well the first reason is that I went and put my sermon titles and scriptures in calendar form and came to the realization that I have been spending the very vast amount of my time preaching from the New Testament. To a point this makes compete sense, I am a Christian Pastor and Jesus is by and large found in the second part of the Bible (though not exclusively). But while I am a proponent of the second part being more important than the first part, I still believe that there is a wealth to be read, learned, and wrestled over in the First (Old) Testament. To that end I decided that my next series [following my 16 weeks in the Gospel of Mark] would be something out of the First Testament.

I had narrowed it down to three possibilities: a) the Exodus b) the 12 minor prophets or c) the life of David. After thinking about it I decided to wait on the minor prophets until sometime next year when I have a 12 week or more stretch, some of those minor prophets ain't so minor if you know what I mean. I also decided to wait on the Exodus until sometime later as well. And so by simple process of elimination [as well as asking on Facebook and the one parishioner who responded saying King David] I decided to look at the life of David.

When I started thinking about David I was obviously going to start with the story of his being chosen from his many brothers, but then I started thinking 'should we first talk about why David needed to be chosen first?'. This led me to think I should first talk about Saul, but then I decided to take another small (one chapter) step backwards and talk about why there was a king in the first place. And I thought that since I was looking at the story of Saul, the story of why there was need of a king and why a king in the first place I decided that I would tell it in a story format.

To that end I began to set out to rewrite 1 Samuel 8-15. I burned through the rewriting of chapter 8 and the beginning of chapter 9, but then I had to take a break in the writing because of life. When I came back to it I picked up in verse 9 and muddled my way through 10-13, and by that point it was late on Saturday evening and I needed to put Henry to sleep and sleep some myself.

So, I had to abandon my story plan, and go with a 'normal' sermon. I got props from several members so it seemed to go just fine anyway, but there was still a part of me that wishes I could have finished my plan. I still plan to finish my story form someday and maybe do it the way I originally planned if I ever get around to revisiting the scripture. But since I do not know if that day will ever come I will share what I do have completed with you, my constant reader. Enjoy.

Peace and Love,
Pastor K

The Heart of the King: Prologue

8

As best as I recall this is how the story is told. Samuel, a prophet and judge of Israel, appointed by God, was growing old. He had appointed his sons as judges and the people grumbled. The people rose up and came to Samuel and begged him to appoint a king.

Samuel had no love for the idea of appointing a king, and so Samuel did what Samuel always did in times of distress, he went before the Almighty. In his mighty wisdom God understood that it was not that the people had a problem with Samuel, but rather with God’s own leadership. “They have consistently chosen the other as opposed to me, even from the first days when  Moses, through my power, led them from out of Egypt.”

God said, “It is not surprising that they would make this request but I need you to explain to them what an earthly king will mean for them.”

Samuel went before the people and spelled it out in clear terms, “If you want a king things will be different. He will take your sons and your daughters, your fields and your work, and your time and your money for his purposes. He will take the best of everything and leave the leftovers for you. And one day you will cry out to the Almighty to save you from this King you plead for today.”

Their reply was simple, and sad. “We choose a king to rule over us so that we will be like all the other nations.”

God understood that from time to time we lowly humans asked for our will instead of his perfect one. To that end, “Give them their king,” was all God could reply.

9

There was a man of power and prestige named Kish, he was a Benjaminite living among the other descendants of Benjamin. And this man had a son named Saul, who was quite attractive, and quite imposing, and who stood taller than any other man in Israel.

Kish lost some of his donkeys and he sent Saul to find them. Saul and his servant traveled through Ephraim, Shalishah, and Shaalim, after that they left the land of Benjamin yet the donkeys were nowhere to be found. They went so far that Saul began to wonder if his father would soon be looking for him as opposed to the donkeys.

His servant told him about a man of God who lived in the region, who might be able to help. After learning that the servant had enough silver that they could present to the man of God as a gift, Saul decided to search this man out. On their way they learned, from a group of girls, that the prophet was preparing a sacrifice.
The day before the Almighty had spoken to Samuel telling him about a young man that would come the same time the next day, a man who would be given strength to lead the Israelites against the Philistines and a man that would be anointed king.

When Samuel first laid eyes on Saul the Almighty spoke again, “This is the man I was talking about, he will rule over my people.”

Samuel invited young Saul to eat the meat of the sacrifice, and told him not to worry about his father’s donkeys for they had already been found. Samuel went on to tell Saul that while the donkeys were of no concern Israel was concerned for Saul and his family.

Saul, being a somewhat humble man told Samuel that he was from a poor family from a small town and the smallest of the 12 tribes. Samuel took Saul and his servant inside and sat them in places of honor and gave them the choice cuts of the meat. They ate, they drank, and they were merry.

The next day Samuel walked with Saul and his servant. “Tell your man to go a little further away so that you and I may talk.”

10

Samuel took a vial of olive oil and poured in onto Saul’s head and kissed him.

“The Almighty has commanded me to anoint you as king over all of Israel. When you leave this place you will first meet two men who will tell you that the donkeys you were searching for have been found and returned to your father. Next you will encounter three men going to make sacrifice, they will give you two loaves of bread. After them you will come across a group of prophets prophesying and you will be caught up in their ecstasy and prophesize as well. The spirit of the Almighty will flow down on you and you will become a different man.”

Saul got up to leave and the Almighty transformed his heart, and everything that Samuel had said would happen did indeed happen. When Saul and his servant finally returned home they encountered Saul’s uncle who asked where they had been. Saul told them about not finding the donkeys and then looking for Samuel who told them that the donkeys had been found. But Saul didn't utter a sound about the anointing.

Sometime later Samuel called all the tribes of Israel together at Mizpah.

“The Almighty has words for you, ‘I brought you from out of Egypt, rescuing you from slavery and then I delivered you from all other nations that would subdue you. ‘ Today though you have rejected the one True God who has rescued you and saved you from every disaster and distress and instead ask for a king to rule over you. If this is indeed what you want line up every tribe before the Almighty.”

Samuel brought all 12 tribes in front of him and chose the tribe of Benjamin by casting lots, then chose the clan of Matrites by casting lots, and then chose Saul’s family and finally Saul himself was chosen as King, but he was nowhere to be found. When they found him he was brought in front of the people whom he stood head and shoulders above.

Samuel again spoke to the people, “Do you see this man that was chosen for you as king? No one among the tribes can compare to this man.”

“Long live the King” the crowd responded.

The people were dismissed, and after leaving gifts for Saul they departed. Saul also departed for home along with a group of warriors that the Almighty had nudged to go with him.

There were, as there often are, some people who scoffed at Saul’s choosing. He is of no standing and comes from lowly Benjamin, how can he protect us?” And they did not give a gift, but Saul was silent.

11

A month later Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, besieged Jabesh-gilead. The people of Jabesh attempted to make a treaty with Nahash. “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, and one condition only, you must allow me to put out the right eye of every one of you so that all of Israel will be humiliated.” To this the people replied, “give us 7 days and if no help comes we will surrender under those terms.”

Messengers were sent out to all corners of the land, when they came to Gibeah, the land where ruled the people of Gibeah wept out loud for their suffering. Saul, who had been out plowing fields entered during this commotion and asked what was going on.

Upon hearing of the peoples trials Saul, overcome by the spirit of God, took a team of oxen cut them to pieces and sent them throughout the land of Israel with his first royal decree: “May those who refuse to answer the call be torn apart like this.” The people were afraid of Saul and the Almighty, and so they sent men numbering 300,000, 30,000 from Judah alone.

The messengers of Jabesh were sent back with the news of help. Then the people declared to Nahash that they would surrender the next day. That night though Saul forces entered the Ammonite camp and slaughtered them until the next afternoon. They were so decimated that it is said you could no longer find two Ammonites together.

The people came to Samuel and declared that those who had previously scoffed at Saul would now be punished, but Saul said, “No one will die today because the Almighty has given us this great victory.” Instead Samuel declared that the people return to Gibeah and crown Saul as King. People from all the tribes journeyed to Gibeah and there they offered sacrifices to God, crowned Saul king, and partied like never before.

12

To this point a king has not been a bad move on the part of Israel, they were in a time of trouble and the King saved them, they continued to praise the Almighty and Saul continued to follow him as well. But sometimes blessings aren't the blessings we think they are at first.

Samuel again stood before all of Israel and asked them if they had complaints with him as they did his sons. “Have I done you any kind of wrong, if I have speak now, to the Almighty and I will stand condemned.”

“You have never cheated us, never threatened us, and have never taken anything from anyone.”

“Then let the Almighty see that you have found me innocent of any wrongdoing.”

“He is our witness.”

Samuel then went on to detail all that God had done for them since the time of Jacob. How he had delivered them time and time again. How they had continually waffled between praise and bad behavior. How God had continued to take care of them and forgive them when they would turn back to him. He then reminded them that by wanting an earthly king they spit in the face of their eternal king. But even now if they would follow God’s commands then they and their king would still find favor.

The people begged Samuel to pray to God on their behalf so that they would not perish because of adding their desire for a king to their already hefty sins.

“Do not be afraid, before you chose God, God had already chosen you. Follow him and he will continue to protect and bless you. As for me I will always continue to pray for you, anything less would be a sin against the Almighty.”

13

How many steps does it take to move away from God? Just one step.

A series of events started with Saul’s son Jonathan destroying a group of Philistines at Geba. Saul was so happy that he told all of Israel to rejoice at this victory. The people heard the glorious news of Jonathan’s victory but they also heard that the victory had enraged the Philistines. Saul called the people to come and they came, yet they were deeply afraid at the same time.

Now the Philistines had gathered a large force with 6000 horsemen, 30000 chariots and so many soldiers that they were like the grains of sand on a beach. When the people of Israel saw this they hid in caves and holes in the ground, among rocks and tombs and cisterns, some even ran away. Saul remained with the people who remained and continued to see his numbers dwindle.

Now Samuel had told Saul to wait for seven days and then Samuel would arrive and give offerings of peace and victory. Saul waited the seven days and Samuel was nowhere to be seen, so Saul waited a few more days and then decided to do the burnt offering himself even though he was neither prophet nor priest.

The aroma of the sacrifice still lingered in the air when Samuel finally arrived and realized the harm that had been done. “What have you done?” Saul replied, “I did what needed to be done, the people were deserting me and you were late, and the Philistines are knocking at my door. I knew I needed the blessing of the Almighty and you weren't here to ask for it, so I did.”

With a voice like thunder Samuel responded, “You fool, you fail to follow the commands of God. God who would have established your rule forever, but will now move your anointing to another.”

Where does the gospel of Mark end?

So, have you ever read the Gospel of Mark? If you have you may have noticed that when you get to chapter 16 there is a note following verse 8 that states "The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have verses 9-20." and then it goes on to include verses 9 through 20. These verses include certain things that line up with the Gospels such as Jesus commanded his followers to take the gospel into the whole world, but  then it also includes v.16-18 which I personally find a little odd.

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and the will get well." (NIV)

I don't know about you, but I can honestly say that I have never driven out a demon, spoke in a tongue [other than a little Spanish and ancient Greek], drank poison, or healed a person, which if I were to take the previous statement seriously I would have only one conclusion, I am not saved. And while, I suppose, that may be true, I tend to believe differently. So where does Mark actually end? I propose that it in fact ends in verse 8 and here is why.

Matthew and Luke are a little more historical narrative in their approach, they include stories of Jesus birth, his life, death and resurrection.

John is more universal in scope, it starts with a preamble that places Jesus at the very beginning of time, and it ends with v.20 "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." (NIV)

Mark on the other hand finds little importance with how Jesus entered the world, starting the gospel with an introduction of John the Baptizer preparing the way, Jesus shows up to be baptized. And if we pick v.8 as an ending Mark also only finds it important that Jesus is risen, not what happened following that resurrection.

I believe that Mark boils down Jesus to the bare essentials, here is the Messiah, this is what he taught and how he lived, it led to his death, but that wasn't the end his enemies thought it would be. The end.

I have been preaching through Mark for 16 weeks now, I have had the opportunity to read his words, let them soak into me, at times lifting me up, at times laying me low, in my mind, the Mark that I know ends his gospel in verse 8.

What do you think?

Peace and Love,
Pastor K