January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany
John 1:29-42 Common English Bible
Isaiah 49:1-7 Gods Word Bible
A Light to the Nations
Words. . . have you ever noticed how words have different meanings to people? For instance the word “bad”. . . now I was brought up with the word bad being something negative but now the word “bad” means good. “That’s a bad outfit your wearing. . . that movie was bad. . . ”
Some words that we use we don’t even realize the ramifications that they cause. Words are a double edged sword! We use words that can be exclusive, words that can marginalize and oppress, words that can heal and words that can cause wounds. They build up or breakdown. They edify or they destroy. We never know who is listening to our words and how it may be affecting them. Words are dangerous if we use them before we think. . .
Let us pray:
Loving Compassionate God, giver of all Knowledge, we pray for your Spirit to be here amongst us today. Lord, speak to us in words that we will understand so that we will be doers of your Word and not just hearers. Lord, you have told us that where two or more are gathered, there you will also be. Come Holy Spirit; fill us with your fire. Speak Lord, your holy ones are listening. . .
I have been hearing and reading a lot about the shooting in Arizona this past week. This act of violence has left a congress woman wounded and many others, killed a judge and a 9 year old child, just to name a few of the ramifications from this violent act. And I ask myself. . . how can this happen, what is the sense of it all? Some have claimed it is because of the language that is used by elected officials. . . language that is used during political campaigns. It has been said that these word have made those who are in the margins of society to act on their anger and violent feelings. Politicians using words like “taking out” their opponents and the like have made others take action on these words.
In the New Testament. . . we see Jesus using words. These words are words of love and of hope. Jesus didn’t need to use a lot of words at times, but His words were just as powerful when He used few as when He used many. We see in the reading from John this morning, Jesus only used three words, “come and see,” and they changed lives forever. As a matter of fact, they caused one of the first disciples to go and get someone else to “come and see.”. . . words of love. . . words of hope. Jesus’ invitation was gentle and loving in contrast to the words we hear in the news today. His words were ones of an invitation to fellowship.
So how are we to find the right words? What are we, as Christians called to do in the wake of the world in which we live? The words of Isaiah 49:1-7 speaks to use about how we are to act in a world of violence and hatred, a world of prejudice and marginalization. Listen to the message of Isaiah to the chosen of God. . . (read Isaiah 49:1-7 from Gods Word Translation)
I know in my life I have felt like the servant in Isaiah’s message. I have been weary and feel like it is all in vain. But that doesn’t that I am not called to be the light to the nations. God didn’t say it would be easy, God says to just do it. . . He will be with me. . . He will give me strength. . . He will lead if I just will follow. . . Gods says “I WILL make you a light to the nations.”
It is difficult to find the right words at times. We hear all this bad rhetoric from not only people in power but on the radio, the TV, and the internet. But through it all, we have a guide. We have God’s word. We need to examine the bible, we need to contemplate what the words are saying, we need to find a new and fresh meaning for the time in which we live and then choose the right words to share them with those in the world around us. God has given us a calling to touch the world with the words we use, to reach down and touch people’s deepest needs.
Words. . . they are more powerful than I think most of us realize. I received an e-mail from “Pew to Pulpit” this week and something that was written really made me stop and think. I am not sure who wrote this but it really made me think about the call to be a light to the nations. It made me think about the “radical” hospitality that we have talked about. It reads:
"Come and see." It's an open house. People are invited to informally stop in and see a new home, remember an anniversary, and celebrate a minor holiday. "Come and see." Don't make a big fuss. Don't dress up. Don't bring presents. Just come and be with us! "Come and see." It's an invitation into relationship. Yes, there is almost always a good "excuse" for the invitation. At its core, however, is a warm welcome, an openness, a desire for relationship. "Come and see." Andrew's inviting words summoned his brother Peter into relationship with the Christ. It was a simple invitation with no strings attached. "Come and see." This same invitation brings many to Christ today.
We are to be a light to the nations. We can do this by not only our actions but also by our choice of words. We can invite others to “come and see”. We can invite others into a relationship with us as individuals and as a community. . . after all. . . we all need to feel we belong. There are many types of lights, Many gifts one Spirit, many types of lights. . . but the one thing that they all do is illuminate the dark.
My question to you is this. . . how will you answer the call? How will you use words of love, of acceptance, of hope? How will you practice radical hospitality to those in our communities and beyond? Will you be that light to the nations that you have been called to be through our Lord Jesus Christ? What will you do?
AMEN?!
Note: Several members of the congregation responded - Amen.
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 1:29-42
Worship Theme: “Called by God to . . .”
and sermon, “A Light to the Nations”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
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Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 16, 2011
Second Sunday after Epiphany
Human Relations Sunday
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