I Have a Dream

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

 

 

On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln spoke these words at the dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery in Gettysburg: “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal”.

 

On January 20, 1961 newly elected president of the United State, John F. Kennedy, gave his inaugural speech which included the following: “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.

 

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and spoke these words: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal”.

 

Just as these visionary men gave motivational speeches that changed the world around them, Moses spoke to the nation of Israel. He reminded them how the LORD had delivered their ancestors from slavery. He reminded them how the LORD had performed miracles to bring them to this location at such a time as this.

 

Now was the time for Israel to make a decision. It was time for them to take the land that the LORD had promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. A land flowing with milk and honey.

 

But crossing the Jordan River would mean a huge change in their lives. They were used to living on manna and quail. They were used to wandering from place to place. They were used to being nomads, living in tents. The thought of crossing the Jordan River to an unknown life must have both excited and scared them.

 

During turbulent times Martin Luther King spoke of equality in America, and inspired a national movement for civil rights. At a critical point in time Moses spoke about the character, promises and expectations of the LORD, and inspired a nation to embrace Him.

 

You and I face decisions every day of our lives. For me, when they occur, I have a dream to “love the LORD my God with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength”. I pray that you have this same dream.

 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%206%3A1-9&version=NIV;TLB

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Deut.6.1-Deut.6.9

 

Change

I was once a manager in an organization that was undergoing significant change. Everybody had to think differently about their jobs and, in fact, the organization itself had to think about its purpose in the larger corporation.

New organizational goals were developed. People’s jobs were changed to align with the new organizational goals. Stated differently, people did what the organization needed them to do instead of doing things the old, comfortable, way. It was a trying time for many people. Nobody likes change.

Today’s story, Acts 10:9-20, is a story about change. In a vision, God told Peter that the customs of the Gentiles should not be a barrier to him as he preached the Gospel to them. In fact, he was to follow some of their customs to better enable God’s word to reach their hearts.

The Jews developed customs based on the Laws God had given them. The Gentiles, on the other hand developed customs of a “worldly” nature.  Historically, the Jews and the Gentiles tolerated each other, but for the most part they kept their distance.  It was not  permissible for a Jew to eat with a Gentile.

God told Peter he was to eat with the Gentiles. You can imagine how difficult this was to him and how uncomfortable he must have felt at first. Yet Peter did as he was told so that the Good News of Jesus Christ could reach the Gentiles.

Congregations have the responsibility to proclaim the Gospel to its local community. Congregations engage its members to get this critical assignment done. Sometimes we are asked to do things that, like Peter, we are not entirely comfortable doing.

Peter put his feelings aside to further God’s Kingdom. We can follow Peter’s example and proclaim the Gospel, even if means doing something differently.

We carry out Jesus’ work because of his love for us. We do it even if we have to change.

We do it even if we don’t like change.

Judge Not... Matthew 7:1-14

I love watching little kids play. When kids are really little they will play with anyone. They don’t look at social standing, wealth, or intelligence, kids just look for a willing participant. If a child asks my son to play he is not only willing, he is excited.

Our scripture text today reminded me of that. In Matthew 7 it says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged…” It later says, “Ask and it will be given to you…” I believe God wants us to imitate little children. We often judge people before we even know them. With only a glance at their outer appearance we place them in a category.

Don’t get me wrong we need to know who God has placed in our lives. We need to access their current situation, in order to know how we can bless them, but that is different than judging. God accepted us when we asked him to. That invitation extends to everyone but some people need our help before they know to ask God for help.

So, if you struggle with judging and are wondering how you can be more like a little child, ask God to show you what an accepting heart looks like.

Read today’s passage at Biblegateway Matthew 7: 1-14