14th Day of Lent
Unwelcoming Scenes in Jesus' Neighborhood
"He came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him." Mark 6:1

Often hometown heroes are welcomed back with celebrity status.  I happened to watch a program about the career of Charles Barkley, a Hall of Fame NBA player.  He recently turned 50.  They showed scenes from the basketball gym he played on in high school.  It's now called "Charles Barkley Arena"  Famous actors, actresses, and politicians often have signs or other displays erected in their honor in their hometown. 

But with prophets, not so much.  They were called to deliver a word that was often unpopular.  Who gives the hometown kid the authority to say the things he or she says?  What town wants to be associated with  words that are so upsetting to so many people.  Arenas are not named after prophets.

Jesus very much came in the role of prophet, among other things.  His teachings about including sinners and his harsh criticism of self-righteousness and legalism upset lots of people.  It ultimately led to the cross.  It's no wonder Jesus was rejected by his hometown.  He just wasn't popular enough, at least among the kinds of people that name stadiums or hold positions of power and authority.  But then, Jesus didn't come to be popular.  He came to save the lost and usher in God's new kingdom.  It didn't play well in his hometown.  But it changed the world. 

13th Day of Lent
Mixed Company with Jesus
"There were many...sinners...who followed him." Mark 2:15

It has been said, "The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints."  In other words, we all come in need of healing from something, not to display our goodness or righteousness.  Right from the beginning of his ministry, Jesus reached out to the crowd that "good" people rejected.  Imagine the shock it must have been to Levi, a tax collector for the Roman authority, when Jesus called him to be his disciple.  This wasn't just saying hello to him, being nice to him, blessing him, or forgiving him.  Jesus actually called him to be one of the twelve, part of his leadership team, if you will.  And then imagine the shock to the "good" people, especially the religious scribes of the Pharisees, who specifically taught their fellow Jews to stay away from such sinners, lest they become impure.  Jesus was really shaking things up, and people took notice.

Too often, from the outside looking in, the perception of the church is that it is only for the righteous.  The truth, of course, is that we are a pretty motley crew who come from all kinds of different backgrounds.  We are a mixed company of sinners, in need of God's grace every day.  I pray that we might communicate that truth, whether that be in our personal witness to our faith, or in what we do collectively as a congregation.  May we be that hospital for sinners, and let people know that the Great Physician sees patients every week in need of His healing touch. 

12th Day of Lent
The Spirit Leads Followers into Light
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" Romans 8:14

"I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort, believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him.  But the Holy Spirit has called me thru the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith."

Long ago I memorized the above words of Martin Luther in his explanation of the third article of the Apostle's Creed.  Here Luther makes it abundantly clear that it is all the work of the Spirit in our lives to bring us to faith and to then follow on the journey of faith.  Marty says the same thing in today's devotional.  "We would not be called to follow and we could not follow the call if it were not for the inspiring presence of the Spirit of God."This is done by the words of the gospel, the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ, spoken and lived.   I don't fully understand the work of the Spirit, but I am forever grateful for the many people who allowed the Spirit to work through them, to enlighten me and ultimately bring me to faith.  I pray that I might also be an instrument of the Spirit, so that others might also believe.  It's all about the Spirit, blowing like the wind; filling us, leading us,  renewing us, and keeping us as we go.  Thanks be to God for the gift of the Holy Spirit!

11th Day of Lent
All We Need is a Plea
Two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us..."

During the Lenten season, at our early service, we sing a short and simple "Kyrie" as part of our early service liturgy.  "Kyrie Eleison," Lord have mercy.  "Christe Eleison," Christ have mercy.  "Kyrie Eleison, Lord have mercy.  These are very similar words to the ones spoken by the two blind men who followed after Jesus, "Have mercy on us, Son of David."

Few of us know the physical blindness experienced by the blind men that followed Jesus.  How difficult it must be to live without sight.  But most of us are aware of the spiritual blindness within us.  We don't place God our Creator above all things.  We don't love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  We fail to love our neighbor as ourselves.  We get wrapped up in our own selves and our own needs, and fail to see the desperate needs of so many people both near and far.  "Kyrie Eleison!" Lord have mercy!  The good news is that when we pray that prayer with hearts of faith, Jesus responds with healing for us, even as he healed the two blind men that followed him.  The Lord does have mercy.  Christ does have mercy.  The Lord does have mercy.  Thanks be to God!

2nd Sunday in Lent
If Need Calls, It is Jesus Who Follows
"And Jesus got up and followed him, with his disciples." Matthew 9:19

What an interesting twist to these devotions this morning.  Instead of Jesus calling someone to follow him, Jesus does the following.  He follows a leader of the synagogue whose daughter had just died.  The father hoped that Jesus might bring her back to life.  Jesus doesn't balk at this request.  He gets up and follows to the place of need.

Corinne Chilstrom, wife of former Presiding Bishop of the ELCA Herbert Chilstrom, wrote a moving book abouth their son's suicide titled, Andrew, You Died Too Soon. I'll always remember one of the title chapters, "Run to the Griever."  In it she writes how critically important it is for loved ones to run, without delay, to the griever that is faced with tragedy.  The presence of loved ones is so important that you need to drop everything and "run to the griever."  I'll never forget those words and have tried, whenever possible, to follow that wise advice.

In this lesson Jesus goes immediately with the grieving father to the house where his daughter had died.  He went, without delay.  Jesus follows to the place of deepest need.  What good news that is!  We will all face times of deep sorrow and trial.  Jesus, in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, follows to that need.  We should never hesitate to make our needs known to God in prayer.  God already knows.  God will follow to that need, with God's comfort, compassion, and love.  

10th Day of Lent
One Among Many
"When he came down the mountain, great crowds followed him." Matthew 8:1

With today's devotion we complete the first quarter of the 40 day season of Lent.  I encourage you to continue faithfully on the journey.  Hopefully these daily readings have caused you to think about what it means to be a "Followers of the Cross."

One of the most significant spiritual moments in my life was the first time I went to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on the Canadian border in Northern Minnesota.  My family never did any camping, so this was my first wilderness camping experience.  I was in 10th grade and the canoe trip was for high school youth from our church.  One clear night we laid out out on the rocks and looked up to the night sky.  I had never seen so many stars in my life.  The youth pastor read from Psalm 8: 3-4.  "When I look at thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast established; what is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou dost care for him?"  It was then that I was filled with wonder that God, the Creator of the stars and all the universe, could also personally care about me.  Amazing.

I thought of this while reading today's devotion.  After his teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus had achieved a kind of rock star status.  Great crowds followed him.  He could have allowed his ego to take over, I suppose, and continue preaching to the masses.  Who wouldn't feel good about impressing so many people?  But Jesus doesn't do that.  Instead, he responds to an outsider, a lone leper, who kneels before him and seeks healing.  He doesn't pass by, but focuses on that one person in need.  God the Savior cares about the one.  Amazing.  How good it is to know that God the Creator and Savior cares about the one.  Even me.  Even you.

9th Day of Lent
Leaving Things and People Behind
"Immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him." Matthew 4:22

I made the decision to go to seminary and become a pastor fairly early in life.  I was a sophomore in college at the University of Minnesota.  The only thing I really left behind was organic chemistry , hardly a major sacrifice. (Katy Lambson, organic chem prof., may disagree :) ) After graduating from college I went right into seminary, completed my four years, and then to my first call as associate pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in W. St. Paul, MN.

In seminary there were a number or people who had previous careers, and then felt God's call and decided to go to seminary and prepare for the ministry.  In many cases they did so with great sacrifice, uprooting their families, giving up good paying jobs, and moving to St. Paul, MN. on a journey without a known ending.  I always admired people who did that, people who sensed God's call and stepped out in faith.

Simon and Andrew, two brothers in the family fishing business, were kind of like second career pastors.  They had good lives, a successful business,and yet were called to something new and different.  As Marty writes, "Something very special is going on here.  God, through Jesus, is beginning a new work which needs new workers."  I believe God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is always beginning new work that needs new workers.  God may not call us to new careers (although sometimes God does!), but God may call us to be involved with something new to further God's kingdom.  To what new work may God be calling you? 

8th Day of Lent
A Big "If"
If you would be perfect.... come follow me.  Matthew 19:21

By this 8th day of Lent in this devotional study, it's pretty obvious that to be a follower of Jesus is no easy thing.  We'll continue to see this in the days to come.  I remember writing a paper in seminary related to my faith and I made the mistake of saying something like, "I've become comfortable in my faith and understandings."  The professor, rightly so, chastised me for suggesting that faith can become comfortable.  It's clear from what we've been reading that the life of a disciple was never intended to be comfortable.  If we're getting comfortable in our faith and actions, maybe we better take a look at what we believe and what our life of faith really means.

In today's lesson, a rich young man is challenged by Jesus to sell his possessions and give his money to the poor.  Then, he could come and follow.  I believe this is the only example in the Bible where someone was invited to follow Jesus, who made the decision not to to do so.  The problem was he had become comfortable with his many possessions, and was unwilling to give them up.  His possessions were more important than accepting the call of Jesus.  His possessions and become his god.

I don't read this story as some kind of call to be perfect, as if giving everything we own away would make us perfect.  It would not.  Rather, I read it as being willing to share what we have with others.  It's a warning to not let our possessions possess us.  It's certainly not wrong to work, make money, have a place to live, have food on the table, etc.  We need all of that for our economy and a healthy society.  But what's wrong is when we hold on to everything and think only of ourselves.  That's the sin.  I can't tell you what is the right or wrong amount a person should own.  Nor can I tell you the right or wrong amount to give.  But I can say we have the responsibility to share what we have with those in need.  Sometimes we need to be made uncomfortable, recognizing there are many people in the world living far more uncomfortably than ourselves. 

7th Day of Lent
Getting Up and Going
Jesus said, "Follow me." And Matthew rose and followed him.  Matthew 9:9

Some years ago I heard Pastor Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church speak.  Willow Creek is a nationally known mega church in South Barrington, Ill., a suburb of Chicago.  When asked what was most important to him about Willow Creek and his ministry he gave an interesting response.  It was not the number of people that gathered each weekend for services.  It was not the impressive number of programs they offer in the congregation and community.  Rather, his response was, "One changed life."  What matters most of all to him is "one changed life," a life changed by the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ. 

Matthew the tax collector was "one changed life."  He gave up his old life to become a disciple of Jesus.  What all went into the decision he made?  We don't know.  But what we do know is that he gave up the old to receive the new.  I, too, love to see the changed life that happens when a person receives Christ by faith and begins the path of discipleship.  I also know that we all have the opportunity for fresh starts and new beginnings.  Praise God for the good news of new beginnings, made possible by the gift of grace given to us by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

6th day of Lent
A Cruel-Sounding Call
Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.  Matthew 8:22

This hardly sounds like the same Jesus who has compassion on the crowds, heals the sick, feeds the hungry, and welcomes the outcasts.  But the concern here is not responding to human need, but discipleship.  Discipleship is a serious matter, demanding an immediate and complete response.  Let nothing stand in the way of following Jesus.

What gets in the way of my following the Lord?  Way too many things of far less concern than burying a loved one.  There are bills to be paid, a sports game to watch, a need to check in on Facebook, a favorite television show to view, and on and on the list goes.  I know I fall short, and this reminds me of the need to improve in this area.  During Lent people will often "give something up" as part of their spiritual discipline.  This can be a good thing, especially when what we give up creates time for us to be stronger disciples.  What, in your life, gets in the way of following Jesus?  Can something be done to change this?  Remember, discipleship is a serious matter.  We ought treat it as such in our lives. 

5th Day of Lent
To Follow Wherever Jesus Would Go
A scribe...said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." Matthew 8:19

This is one of those interesting verses where a person appears before Jesus (in this case a scribe), indicates a willingness to follow Jesus, but the end result if left unclear.  Jesus warns him that the way will not be easy.  Jesus will be on the road, going from place to place, with no real home.  Will the scribe, who probably had a very well ordered life, be willing to give  up his security to follow Jesus?  We'll never know, as no answer is given.

Giving up the secure and familiar to follow the call of Jesus is never an easy thing.  But if we're willing to take that step of faith, the blessings can be abundant.  I served my former congregation in Minnesota for 20 years.  It was secure and familiar.  And yet, there was a kind of restlessness within and without that led me to believe God had something new planned for me and my ministry.  I wasn't sure what, but I knew this was the case.  We were led to Salt Lake and Our Saviour's Lutheran.  It was hard to leave our family, our home, and the familiar.  But the blessings have been enormous.  I have met so many wonderful people, learned about an entirely new part of the country, and grown in my faith in a way that simply would not have been possible had I stayed.  Everyone's faith journey is different.  Sometimes we're called to go, and sometimes to stay.  God will use us in whatever decision we make, so long as we remain faithful.  Did the scribe go or stay?  I don't know, but I hope he went.  For if he did, I know Jesus took him on a journey that likely  changed his life forever.  I know he did so for me. 

First Sunday in Lent
Not to Lead But to Be Led?
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." Matthew 4:1

On the front of every Sunday bulletin we print our church's mission statement, "To Be a Spirit Filled Community, Caring for All."  I love that we begin with the words, "Spirit Filled."  They aren't words that are always associated with typical Lutheran congregations.  You may be more likely to hear words like grace, faith,  and mercy,  -all great words to be sure- but "Spirit Filled" tends to be associated more with churches from the Assembly of God tradition, for example.  And yet, if you read the scriptures, the guiding presence of the Spirit is there from beginning to end.  If we aren't, in some sense, "Spirit Filled," then what are we?  It is the Spirit that sets us apart from the many other organizations we are involved with.

It's interesting that the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to face the trials he needed to face.  But at the same time, the Spirit was present to guide him through.  What Spirit led trials have you had to face?  How did the Spirit lead you through?  How did your life change as a result?  We may never fully understand the guidance of the Spirit, but if we faithfully trust the Spirit's work, God will lead us to the place we need to be.  Today, pray that you may be once again be "Spirit Filled," to carry on the work God's Spirit leads you to do. 

Fourth day of Lent
Alone No More
And great crowds followed him.  Matthew 4:25

Today I am reminded of another Bible passage, Hebrews 12:1-2.  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith."

The Christian faith is personal, but not private.  I believe, but I do not believe alone.  When Jesus began his ministry, great crowds soon began to follow him.  They were drawn to him, especially because of his healing touch in so many lives.  This eventually led to the healing he provides for all of us by his death on the cross.  Physical healing?  Yes, often this occurs in our lives.  But even more importantly, spiritual healing.  By faith we receive forgiveness and a relationship with God that lasts forever.  This good news spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.  Crowds of people have followed him for over 2000 years, and crowds still follow him today.  I'm part of that crowd, and so are you.  Today we all have the opportunity to follow Jesus and have our lives touched by him.  And together, we all have the opportunity to share this good news in word and deed with a world that continues to be so desperately  in need of healing.  We don't do it alone.  We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.  In that I find tremendous hope. 

Third Day of Lent, Friday, Feb. 15th
A Task for this Day, for Every Day 
"Follow me, and I will make you fish for people."  Matthew 4:19

I've been thinking about this topic a lot recently.  Part of that was stimulated by a recent article in the Lutheran magazine titled, "The Shrinking Church."  Many mainline denominations, not just Lutherans, have seen a decline in church membership and attendance that has been going on for three decades.  I'm sure there are many reasons for this, but the question still remains, "What does it mean to 'fish for people' in the 21st century?"  How do we best do that, making known our convictions, while at the same time respecting the beliefs of others?  It's a discussion we'll be having on our upcoming church council retreat in early March.

Perhaps this answer is inadequate, but I think it's best to live as the person God has called you to be.  Some people are quite comfortable in speaking about their faith, others are more reserved.  In either case, we need to live our lives in love, showing others the key Christian values that have shaped our lives and naming our Christian beliefs when we have the opportunity.  "Fishing for people" is a task of discipleship.  But, in the end, it's really not up to us to convert others.  That's the work of the Holy Spirit, working through us and many others to impact lives.  In that way we "fish for people," rejoicing when lives are changed by the good news of God's love. 

Second Day of Lent- February 14th, 2013

The Child, the Model for Followers- Matthew 18:3

First of all, Happy Valentine's Day!  No, it's not part of the liturgical calendar for Lent, but guys, you better not overlook this one!

It seems appropriate that the focus today is the need to be childlike in receiving God's kingdom in our lives.  Valentine's Day is for adults, but in many ways it's children who celebrate it best.  There's a wonder in children as they anticipate sharing Valentine's with friends at school, eating candy hearts, and having a party.  We no longer have young kids at home, and I miss their enthusiasm and innocence.

In the same way, children often "receive the kingdom" with greater enthusiasm than adults.  They simply accept and believe.  They trust in God and in what Jesus has done for them.  Too often as adults we get hung up on trying to figure it all out.  This Lenten season, let's try and be more like our kids, receiving God's love as good news for our lives.  Let's just let it happen and follow our Lord as a little child. 

 Ash Wednesday, February 13th, 2013

Welcome to my first reflection on this year's Lenten devotions!  What a different way to view repentance!  God's kindness and love leads us to return to God, not God's judgment and wrath. When I was a student at the University of Minnesota, every year a fundamentalist Christian group would arrive on campus for a few days and preach God's judgment to students as they walked by on the Northrup Mall.  They would judge student's clothes, the classes offered by the University, the other faith traditions students might believe, etc., etc.  Then they would preach that the students needed to repent or be condemned by God.  All that ever seemed to do was foster anger and resentment towards that group.  I seriously doubt their method led to repentance by anyone.

We do need to return to God, again and again.  But what a joy it is to return to a loving God that always welcomes us back.  This Ash Wednesday I will listen again to the words that call us to repentance and turn my life back to God..  But I will do so gratefully, so thankful for God's kindness and love!