Celebrating the presence of God

      They brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and offerings of well-being before the LORD. When David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the offerings of well-being, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts, and distributed food among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, to each a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people went back to their homes. [2^nd Samuel 6:17-19 NRSV]

      Today’s reading from the second book of Samuel is about a single event in time. It is sharing with us a story of how gratitude overwhelmed a powerful man to the point that he was moved to do some very special things within his community. David, the King of Israel, had the Ark of the Covenant transported to his capital city. King David had set-up a special tent so that the LORD could be sheltered within his community. King David had made offerings before the LORD, and he had also presented offerings to all of the people of Israel - he made sure that each man and woman received bread, meat, and fruit. This was to be a day of true celebration for all of the people of Israel; for the LORD was to have a safe home within the city of King David.
      To say thank you to God does not genuinely require the wealth of a King. The reality is that it really only requires truth, understanding, and respect. Each one of us should spend a little time now and again in real contemplation about what it is that the LORD requires of us. I can remember that once my grandfather shared with me the idea that no one can ever "repay" God for all that they have received. He told me that the truth was that God expects each and everyone of us to share with all of our brothers and sisters. He also shared that the real challenge comes when we are asked to share with those who are "not like us."

      How often have we celebrated the presence of God within our own community? How often have we taken the time to thank God for all that we have been given? When was the last time that we made sure that everyone within our community had enough food to truly celebrate the presence of God? How are we being challenged to reach out to those who are "not like us"?

... our guide forever ...

  9 We ponder your steadfast love, O God,
          in the midst of your temple.
10 Your name, O God, like your praise,
          reaches to the ends of the earth.
         Your right hand is filled with victory.
12 Walk about Zion, go all around it,
         count its towers,
13 consider well its ramparts;
         go through its citadels,
         that you may tell the next generation
14 that this is God,
         our God forever and ever.
         [GOD] will be our guide forever.
[Psalm 48: 9-10, 12-14 NRSV]

      For most people, when someone "does something really nice for them" - they share the news at least with their family and their close friends. I know that I have shared with my family and friends when someone has helped me out of a difficult situation, and I have also shared the good news of the birth of my children and my grandchildren. I’ve even shared the news of some "outstanding gifts" given to me for a birthday or at Christmas; like the Kindle Fire that my wife gave to me upon my retirement (and for my birthday!)
      There are also some people that have been so impressed by the "great honors" that others have bestowed upon them that they are willing to openly share the news with anyone who might even pause to listen. Such events might include a new car, a graduation, an engagement, a wedding, and the birth of a child. When these events happen in our lives we feel compelled to tell just about anyone who might pause and listen for a few seconds.
      While I was reading from the 48^th Psalm I was reminded to pause and ask the question, "Have we even once in a while taken the time to considered all that God has done for us, and then been willing to share this news with others?" God has given each one of us life. God has given each one of us opportunities. I’ve sometimes heard the expression, "I thank my lucky stars," when someone is sharing their story of good luck. Maybe we should take a few moments to remember and thank God a little more openly and publicly.

... for the LORD was with him ...

      Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, "Look, we are your bone and flesh. For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The LORD said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel." So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.
... David occupied the stronghold, and named it the city of David. David built the city all around from the Millo inward. And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.
[2^nd Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 NRSV]

      The story of King David is a well-known story for many individuals; a young shepherd boy is anointed by a prophet, the young man takes down a giant with a stone and a sling, the man becomes the king of his people, the king builds up his Kingdom, and we discover throughout his story that David was a real human-being . . . both blessed and cursed.
      In today’s reading we are reminded of the time when David was asked by the elders of Israel to take on the challenge of being their leader; the King of Israel. It was also pointed out that David, the Elders, and the LORD were joined in a covenant of leadership, respect, and worship. Sometimes when we make a pledge, we might forget that there are more parties involved than just ourselves.
      When I read these passages, I am reminded that when my wife and I were joined in marriage we made a pledge to each other, to our families, and to God. When I see other marriages breaking up I often wonder if the individuals have ever considered those promises they made to God.

A day of questions ...

      When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." So he went with him.
     And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?" And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, 'Who touched me?'" He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease."
      While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.
[Mark 5:21-43 NRSV]

      1) If you believed that your daughter was on the edge of death, would you beg "anyone" for help who just might be able to save her?
      2) If this "someone" said yes, would you be willing to be seen in public leading them to your house knowing that everyone would be talking about you behind your back and that it might even cost you your standing within your community?
      3) If you had been slowly bleeding to death and someone happened to be walking by you whom you "believed" had to power to heal others with just a single touch, would you be willing to reach out in secret to touch the edge of their clothing?
      4) If you then heard them asking who had touched them, would you be willing to expose yourself and your condition to everyone else within the community?
      5) If you had been present when this child, who was believed by everyone else to be dead, was awakened and began walking about, would you remain quiet and tell no one? Even if it was your child?

      When God, through the actions of others, touches our lives and brings us healing and hope, do we say that we are lucky? Do we tell everyone that God has come to our personal aid, or do we brag to everyone about our good fortune? When we see the kind and helping actions of others, do we understand that each one of us is called upon to be the very living and active hands of God in this world?

Change for a dollar ...

For if the eagerness is there,
      the gift is acceptable according to what one has
      — not according to what one does not have.
          [2^nd Corinthians 8:12 NRSV]

      In Paul’s second letter to the faithful community of Corinthians he is encouraging them to strive for what he calls "true faith." For Paul, and for many of us even today, the concept of true faith is found not in those who know all the correct words and practices. Rather true faith is to be found in those whose hearts have been opened to the point that they are willing to embrace and encourage those who may appear to be different.
      Some faith communities have become so "closed" that they believe that only they and their brothers and sisters are among those chosen by God for salvation. Some people are able to walk past those who are in need of help and encouragement. They do so because they believe that to reach out to the "other" is to defile themselves and therefor lose their place in God’s promised eternal reward. 
      For some of us the true Kingdom of God is seen when we reach out in love and compassion to those who are in deep need. I would encourage each and everyone of us who read these words to also visit the You Tube sight and watch a video that has made a great difference in my life. It might just help you see more clearly who are our sisters and our brothers, it is called "Change for a dollar": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DXL9vIUbWghttp://www.you

Steadfast Love Forever

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
Lord, hear my voice!
      Let your ears be attentive
      to the voice of my supplications!
If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
      Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you,
      so that you may be revered.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
      and in [the LORD’s] word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
      more than those who watch for the morning,
      more than those who watch for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the LORD!
      For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
      and with [the LORD] is great power to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel
      from all its iniquities.
           [Psalm 130 NRSV]

      Most of us have warm memories of being deeply loved by either our grandparents or our mothers and fathers as very young children. However, for some of us as we grew up our parents may have become like the police who are constantly on watch for those who break the rules. If we did break one or more of their precious rules, then they would become the prosecutor, judge, jury, and executioner all in one.
      Some individuals also have this same image of God. They do not believe in the loving and caring God who sent Jesus to teach us, guide us, and encourage each one of us to develop a truly deeper relationship with God and with each other. Some of them also do not believed that Jesus was willing to take on our punishment so that the "letter of the law" could be fulfilled and we could then be forgiven by God.
      The reality is that we either understand that there are those who do love us in spite of our short comings and failures, or we believe that no one is ever capable of loving another individual so much that they are truly capable of forgiving them. As for me, even when one of my grandchildren breaks a "rule" I’m more concerned about their safety that I ever am about weather they get punished. I truly do believe in God’s steadfast love, and I also believe that it is forever.

Compassionate Community

David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. 

Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places!
      How the mighty have fallen!
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely!
      In life and in death they were not divided;
      they were swifter than eagles,
      they were stronger than lions.
O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
      who clothed you with crimson, in luxury,
      who put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
  How the mighty have fallen
      in the midst of the battle!
  How the mighty have fallen,
      and the weapons of war perished!
  [2^nd Samuel 1:17, 19, 23-25, 27 NRSV]

      How do we respond when a loved one has "passed away"?   It is never the same for everyone.   Each lose of a loved one is different and somehow unique and special.  Sometimes it can be a true blessing when our loved one has finally received blessed relief after their long term suffering with a terminal illness.   However, most often it is the tremendous and overwhelm grief of an immeasurable lose during an unexpected time.
      But for some of us the most painful and saddest services of remembrance have been the passing of an individual who has been forcefully taken from their loved ones as a direct result of battlefield engagements.   Most individuals who have served their country in the military have been changed in many ways, but also most of them have survived while growing stronger.   Some individuals have not survived their experience in combat.  While we honor their valor and their fortitude, we deeply grieve their pain, their suffering and their lose.   We should also remember that while those that have passed are now at rest in the loving arms of their Creator, those who have been left behind are still with us.   They are grieving their lose, and they should be offered our care and our compassion.
      If we are truly a caring and compassionate community of faithful worshipers of God, then we should be reaching out to all of our sisters and brothers who have lost loved ones. When an individuals within our community has suffered lose, then we need to reach out to them with the same compassion, understanding, and love that we would want for ourselves when it is our turn to say goodbye to a loved one.