Solomon's Circle

Sermons from the past...

2011-09-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

New Life

Ezekiel 37:1-14

I’d like to begin this morning by taking you on a journey.

Close your eyes, and picture this scene:

God’s hand touches your shoulder and transports you to a valley. Now this isn’t your typical valley. As you look around you see bones, thousands upon thousands of dried up, bleached out, withered bones. You notice quickly that these aren’t just any old bones, these are human bones. Skulls, femurs, rib cages lay lifelessly around the dirt covered ground. The air is heavy and stale. The sun has scorched the land, everything is brown and dried up. You can still feel God’s hand upon your shoulder. Slowly he guides you around the bones. Carefully you step over the bones, so not to crush them. You walk delicately throughout the valley allowing your mind to catch up with your senses.

Softly, God’s voice breaks through the silence. He asks you, “Can these bones live?” You respond “Lord, only you know.” Still in shock of what you see, God tells you to prophesy to these bones and so you do. You mumble a few words and before you know what is happening you hear a rattling sound and watch as the bones attach to one another. You stare in disbelief as they are stitched together by ligaments and tendons, flesh comes over them, and they are covered with skin! These dried up bones have become bodies before you, but they lay lifeless. You’re standing in the middle of a valley comprised of corpses. And so God commands you to prophesy again by summoning the breath to enliven them. You respond with the word Ruach, go ahead and say it. Ruach… it means breath, wind or spirit and with that word the breath of God enters the bodies and they come alive.

Open your eyes.

You just witnessed the vision of Ezekiel. What a creative and rich story of how God brings the dead to life. For the people of Israel, the dry bones symbolized themselves, lost in exile with no hope of ever going home. Ezekiel was prophesying to a dead people. The temple lay in ruins, the people were cast out, and they found themselves facing not only a national disaster but a crisis of faith. The people of Israel found themselves questioning whether or not God was even with them. Did he care at all?

When I hear Ezekiel describe the valley of dry bones, I recognize the landscape; it’s the same landscape that Mary and Martha found themselves in when their brother Lazarus died. I, too, have spent some time there, so have many people I know. It’s a place of hopelessness where struggle and defeat appear on every corner; where no comfort or relief can be found. We find ourselves in these valleys when a loved one dies; after a marriage or relationship breaks down; when depression sets in like a heavy, wet blanket; when an illness strikes; when a job or security is lost. All of us have at one time or another experienced the valley of dry bones. You may be in a valley right now.

It’s tempting to stay in those valleys for long periods of time, they can consume you. The truth of the matter is that when we look at much of the world we see valleys filled with dead dry bones, and we see no hope within them, no chance for breath and life. That’s the real answer to God’s question, can these bones live? If we’re honest with ourselves and with God, the real answer is “No, we don’t think the dry bones of the world can ever live again.”

Ezekiel shows us a different answer to God’s question. Ezekiel challenges his fellow exiles and generations to come to view their circumstances not through their own eyes, but through God’s eyes. Can these bones live? Of course not, but look at them through God’s eyes, and watch bones rushing to their suitable partners. Watch as ligaments bind them together, flesh blankets them, and skin seals them tightly. Watch as God’s spirit, God’s ruach, which heals hopelessness, infuses them, so that they rise up again.

Both the Old Testament and the gospel reading for today confirm that through God the dead can live. God has the power to breathe new life into every single one of us and every situation we find ourselves in. Every broken relationship, every dead spirit, every painful loss, every doubting thought, every unknown future. He makes us alive through his spirit, his breathe, his Ruach.

I want you to think about breath. I’d like to share with you a quote from Barbara Brown Taylor, a renowned preacher and author. She says, "If you have studied earth science, then you know that our gorgeous blue-green planet is wrapped in a protective veil that we call the atmosphere, which separates the air we breathe from the cold vacuum of outer space. Beneath this veil is all the air that ever was. No cosmic planet-cleaning company comes along every hundred years or so to suck out all the old air and pump in some new. The same ancient air just keeps recirculating. Which means that every time any of us breathes, we breathe stardust left over from the creation of the earth.

We breathe brontosaurus breath and pterodactyl breath. We breathe air that has circulated through the rain forests of Kenya, and air that has turned yellow with sulphur over Mexico City. We breathe the same air that Plato breathed, and Mozart and Michelangelo, not to mention Hitler and Lizzie Borden. Every time we breathe, we take in what was once some baby's first breath, or some dying person's last. We take it in, we use it to live, and when we breathe out it carries some of us with it into the next person or tree or blue-tailed skink who uses it to live."

It’s the breath of God that we are inhaling. Pastor Anne Robertson writes, “It was the ruach of God that hovered over the waters at creation. It was the ruach of God that came into Adam and gave that clay life. It was the ruach of God that raised Lazarus from the dead. And it's the ruach of God that Ezekiel asks to come and breathe upon the valley of dry bones, so that they may live.”

When you breathe, you are breathing in the breath of God, the breath that's gives life. When you go outside and you feel the wind come across you, that's the Spirit of God reaching out to you, to touch you. How different would our lives be if we were conscious of breathing God in and out every time we took a breath. It's a different way of thinking, and it helps us realize that life is not just connected bones and sinews and flesh. For existence to become life, we need the breath. We need the breath of God that animates us, that causes us to truly live, and not just to be connected bones.

It is the ruach of God that will bring us back to life. The ruach of God that helps us turn a valley of dry bones into a place of life and wholeness. This spirit and breath is what we are called to share with those who are spending a little too much time in the valley. So think, who in your life needs the spirit of God? A spouse, a son or daughter, a grandparent, a neighbor, maybe a colleague, or friend….Who are you going to breathe life into?

Take a deep breath…..you just breathed in God. Amen.

Sermons from the past...

2011-09-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

Seductive Serpents

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7

Anyone who really knows me would know that I am petrified of snakes. This is not a fear that I take lightly. A few years ago, when I was a camp counselor I had an encounter that scarred me for life. I took a group of senior high teenagers on a tubing and rock climbing trip. Half of the group was scaling the mountain while the other half went tubing along the river beneath the cliffs. I happened to be tubing on this particular afternoon. I, along with some teenagers were taking it easy just floating freely down the river. Six or seven kids were in tubes while I and a few others were in the water. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a water snake coming straight for me. So like any responsible counselor, I quickly grabbed one of the kids on the tube, threw them in the path of the snake, and jumped into their inner tube in order to save myself.

I wasn’t joking when I said I was petrified of snakes. I’m not alone in this fear. Countless people share this same phobia of snakes. However, there was a time when snakes weren’t feared at all. Our Old Testament lesson for today shows us the bold relationship between a serpent and Eve. Historically, we tend to view this passage as the downfall of humanity. We automatically assume that the snake is seductive and evil. Yet, if we take a closer look at this story we would see something much different a seductive serpent.

This familiar story begins with God’s command to eat freely from any tree, except from the tree of knowledge. Simple enough. Next we encounter the serpent and Eve. From the very beginning we see that Eve was not afraid of the snake. In fact when the snake enters the scene Eve shows no fear or surprise or concern. Instead they begin a conversation. Happens all the time- you know snakes talking and all. The snake raises a question about the amount of freedom God has given humans. The snake continues by sharing his idea of what would happen if she ate from the tree: that their eyes would be opened and they would be like God, knowing good and evil.

The serpent has only presented some possibilities. The snake doesn’t coerce her, or twist Eve’s arm, nor does he entice her by presenting to her the fruit from the tree. Instead the snake uses words that make Eve question God’s command. Eve focuses only on the potential the tree offers. How can knowing the difference between good and evil be a bad thing? Aren’t we supposed to be more like God? Free will, a conversation with a snake, and a desire to know more changed the history of mankind forever.

Today is the first Sunday of Lent, otherwise known as Serpent Sunday or Temptation Sunday. Every year on this particular Sunday the readings draw our attention to the temptations that we face daily. The truth is the things that separate us from God, the temptations that we face daily aren’t as black and white as we would like to believe. Allow me to explain. In both the Old Testament and gospel reading for today we find a pattern:

1. Neither Eve or Jesus were afraid of their “tempter”

2. The encounter began through a conversation

3. Both Eve and Jesus were offered something from their tempter

4. Both responded to the temptation. Eve fell for it while Jesus overcame it.

This is a pattern worth exploring. You see, temptations often come from people we aren’t afraid of. Our friends, family members, even people we trust and admire can tempt us without us even knowing it. A friendly conversation can quickly turn into a temptation to gossip, to put down others, or to speak ill of someone. Without even realizing it we fall to such temptations through a simple conversation with a friend.

Or here’s another classic example. You’re at the elks having a beer after a long days work. You’re getting ready to leave and another elk’s member, out of generosity, buys you another drink. This person means you no ill harm, yet without thinking twice you down that drink. Temptation wins again. Finally, here’s just one more example. Your boss impressed with your work asks if you can stay an extra few hours to finish up a project. Tempted by money, or the pride, or the desire to please someone else you begin staying longer each day. Soon you realize that you haven’t spent any quality time with you family. Temptation wins yet again. These are the things that can damage our relationships with God and with one another.

You see, we are often offered things that at first glance don’t seem like stumbling blocks at all. How can having a conversation with a friend be a temptation? How is working extra hours a bad thing? Since when did the internet, cell phones, and television become a barrier between me and God? These are serious questions that need serious answers. The reality is we don’t always see clearly, we don’t always know what is good or bad for us or what hurts our relationship with God. We don’t always know we are being tempted.

There was one difference in the temptation stories of Eve and Jesus. In the Genesis story Eve succumbs to the temptation and eats from the tree of knowledge. In the Gospel Account Jesus overcame the temptation for power, greed, and self reliability. I think the difference between the two is the fact that Jesus knew what was good and evil because Jesus had a deeper relationship with God. He studied scripture; he had regular conversations with God, and drew his strength from his Creator.

On Ash Wednesday, Bill preached a sermon about prayer. He talked about how important it is to have conversations with God regularly. I couldn’t agree more. Prayer is going to be critical this Lenten Season if we are going to find our weaknesses and truly triumph over temptation.

Since the beginning of time people have been tempted and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. What choices will we find our self making this Lenten season? Are we going to choose the forbidden fruit or are we going to triumph over such temptations? Are we going to blame the serpent or are we going to take responsibility for our actions? For the next forty days I challenge you to ask God what your weaknesses are. What are the barriers that stand between you and God and you and your neighbor? We might be surprised at the response God gives us.

Spiritual Retreats

2008-11-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

With vestry meetings, sermons to write, a house to clean, a husband to spend time with, a youth group to teach, etc. etc. etc. I often get caught up in the busyness called life. If I am honest with myself I would admit that many times I get so caught up in my to-do-list and calendar that I forget that I have a relationship with Christ. However, through scripture I am reminded that even Christ took time away from his busy schedule to be with God. He retreated to a mountain, into a desert, and even out into a boat in order to spend time with his disciples and with God.

It's easy to make excuses in today's age as to why we don't have time for spiritual retreats. There's a lot to do and a lot of people and things fighting for our attention. But these excuses are just that, they are excuses. As followers of Christ it is our responsibility to spend time with him and one way this is made possible is through spiritual retreats.

Just a little over a week ago, I had the opportunity to go on such a spiritual retreat. I'm not quite sure why I agreed to go on this particular retreat, maybe it was because my boss talked about it non stop, or I felt like an outsider because so many of my parishioners had already been, whatever the reason both John and I headed to the Bishop Claggett center for what was sure to be an interesting weekend.

When we arrived at the retreat center I had no idea what I was in for. Turns out the spirit moves whether we like it or not. The weekend consisted of numerous "talks", worship, fellowship, and lots of conversation. We spent the weekend being reminded that we are loved, plain and simple. I witnessed my parishioners ministering to one another and to me. I was humbled and refreshed. I saw people worship with reckless abandonment. And I fell even more in love with God through the worship, fellowship, and beauty of creation. It was a weekend of vulnerability. We were vulnerable to one another and to the Spirit. Turns out a spiritual retreat was just what God had ordered.

The most amazing part of the weekend was the fire that was lit in my heart and the heart of my parishioners. The spirit of Cursillo didn't stay up on that mountain top, instead it has filtered into the ministry of the parish. And it is a beautiful sight to behold.

The moral of the story is that we could all be spending more time with our Lord and Savior. Whether that's on a mountain, in a desert, or out on a boat doesn't matter. What matters is that we take the time out of our busy schedules to honor the most important relationship we have. Turns out our lives and our ministries will be transformed because of it.

Are we ready?

2008-11-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

For many reasons, next Sunday's gospel message puts me on edge. The lectionary provides us with the parable of the ten bridesmaids.

"Jesus said, "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, `Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, `No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, `Truly I tell you, I do not know you.' Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.""

I find this parable confusing on many levels. First, why don't the bridesmaids who have oil share their oil with the others? Isn't Christ's message about loving others, you know by sharing food, clothing, even oil? Secondly, why did they trim their lamps? The bridegroom had arrived was there any need for their lamps anymore? And thirdly, why did the five bridesmaids take a stock of oil with them? Did they know something the others didn't? I must admit that I don't have all the answers to these questions, however after a bit of reflection I have come to a few conclusions.

I've had to discern what the oil symbolizes in this parable. There are many things in this world that Christ calls us to share. Money, food, and our gifts and talents are a few. However, there are other things we are unable to share such as faith or our relationship with God. Of course we can "share" our faith through conversation and prayer, yet we cannot just give our faith to someone else. If the oil symbolizes our faith than the parable begins to make more sense. The five bridesmaids were unable to give their "oil" to the others because a relationship with God can only happen between you and God.

The same idea applies to trimming our lamps. Christ requires that we maintain our relationship with Him. Our wicks need to be trimmed, our prayer lives maintained, our hearts and minds challenged. As Christ's bridesmaids we must continually prepare ourselves for our relationship with God. Studying scripture, resting in God, praying, and worshiping God are all ways that we "trim our lamps."

And finally, we must be prepared for the journey that awaits us. The wise bridesmaids understood that this life is full of many twists and turns. They knew that faith and a relationship with God were the only ways to be prepared. They brought extra "oil" because they didn't know how long the wait would be or what would happen in the meantime.

So, we need to ask ourselves if we are prepared for the road that lies ahead? Are we trimming our lamps, so that when Christ comes we may enter his wedding banquet? No one knows how long the wait will be...will you be ready?