February 19, 2012
Seventh Sunday of Epiphany
Transfiguration Sunday
Worship Theme: God’s Healing Mercy
Psalm 41:1-4, 13 NRSV Bible
Isaiah 43:18-25 NRSV Bible
2 Corinthians 1:18-22NRSV Bible
Mark 2:1-12 NRSV Bible
How Good of God!
Lately I have been seeing the Ad on TV about the Susan G. Komen 3 day walk for cancer. Now the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Walks are challenging and exciting events held in multiple US cities each year to benefit breast cancer causes. Walkers are challenged to walk approximately 20 miles a day for 3 days. They camp out each night in a tent city. All meals, snacks, and trail support are provided. Each walker must raise a minimum of $2300 in donations to participate. These participants are out there doing what they can to make money for the cure for cancer. I have thought about doing the walk myself but I don’t really think I am in shape enough for it but maybe someday I will be.
Humanity has for years been trying to find cures for many diseases and ailments. There are so many different sicknesses that affect humanity it can be mind boggling. We hear many stories in the bible about diseases. We hear about people with leprosy. . . a woman who hemorrhaged for many years. . . demon possession and many more. Disease has been around for a long time. There is also sickness that we have within our souls. Sicknesses like prejudice, hate, ego, tyranny, the list just goes on. The sickness we have on the outside we can go and see a doctor for but those sicknesses within our souls. . . where do we find healing. . . who can give us restoration. . . who can we trust to heal us from our inward infirmities?
Last week we talked about it being “Soul Cleaning Time”. It is time to reflect on our souls and to clean out the clutter that is there. But what happens as we clean out our souls? How are we restored to “good health” again? This morning, we heard God speak to the relationship He had with the Israelites and it holds true for you and for me to this day. We find our restoration of the relationship with God through the new thing He was doing. God was making a way for restoration. The way is found through our relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. How good and awesome of God to love us so much that He wanted to restore humanity’s relationship with Him? Humanity was created to be relational with Him and with others. Now that’s something to shout about. It is through His Mercy we are healed. . . through the wounds of Christ we are restored. . .
The 2 Corinthians this morning tells us about who or in what we can trust. God’s word is as sure today as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow. It is there where we find answers. . . it is where we find hope. . . it is where we find peace. . . it is where we can read about. . . reflect on the mercy that God has shown in the past and will continue to show now and into the future. God said it so it shall be done! How good and awesome and loving of God to give us a guide book in life. One that will not lead astray but keeps us right on track. One that we can trust will tell us the truth. . . whether or not we want to hear it. One that will help us turn from the byways of the world to the highway of God. . .
I want to read a healing story found in Mark Chapter 2. It’s found on page yes 911 in the pew bible. Listen to God’s goodness and love shown through Jesus. . . we will be reading verses 1-12. . . read from the NRSV Bible. . .
These men had heard about Jesus and His compassion for others. They knew that their friend could only be healed by the One who came to bring life eternal. They knew that their friend would be healed by mercy and compassion. Jesus not only healed His outer self but healed His broken inward self. He was forgiven of His sins and made whole again. It was mercy that healed this man.
Beloved child of the Most High God. . . as we enter the season of Lent this Wednesday, let us take stock of our soul. Is there healing that needs to take place? Is there a way in us that we need to change? Have we gotten off the Highway and turned to the byways? Let us take our souls to the foot of the Cross and receive healing and wholeness there. Let us shed the world and put on Christ. Let us trust in God’s eternal word to get us through the day. How good of God to show us mercy and forgiveness. How good of God to redeem us and love us. How good of God to send His Son to show us the way. How good of God to make a way in the wilderness through the blood of the Lamb, our Risen Lord Jesus Christ, spilt on Calvary’s cross for you and for me. How good it is to receive God’s healing mercy and peace.
AMEN
February 20, 2012
Worship Theme – “God’s Healing Mercy”
Mark 2:1-12 (NRSV)
Isaiah 43:18-25 (NRSV)
2 Corinthians 1:18-22 (NRSV)
Call to Worship (Psalm 41:1-4, 13 (NRSV Bible))
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication ((GBOD Mark 9:2-9)
and sermon, “How Good of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
Seventh Sunday of Epiphany
Transfiguration Sunday
February 19, 2012
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 15,880+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live
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