The False Cadence

Psalm 118

¹O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!

²Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”

¹⁹Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.

²⁰This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it.

²¹I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.

²²The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.

²³This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

²⁴This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

²⁵Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!

²⁶Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord.

²⁷The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar.

²⁸You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you.

²⁹O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

John 12:12-16

¹²The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. ¹³So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!” ¹⁴Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: ¹⁵“Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” ¹⁶His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him.

I think it is safe to say that we have all heard a musical piece that seemed to be coming to an end just before it turned into something new and elaborate, sometimes tricking us several times before the conductor finally cuts the orchestra off. These Half Cadences, or "False cadences" as I call them, heighten the senses and move the listener to the edge of the seat, only to pull them back in for a few more measures or minutes as the story continues to develop. I remember sitting in the orchestra and wind ensemble at UNCG and feeling as if I had just had just been renewed with a life-giving breath every time one of these "false cadences" occurred. It can seem that the music enters the body of the musicians and listeners and we become one with it, and as the story develops and changes so do we. Every note, every breath, every release, every false cadence brings renewal in one way or another.

We have been listening to an incredible symphony during this season of Lent. Key changes and tempo changes have occurred as Christ and his disciples moved from town to town, the music swelled and pulled back during different encounters and lessons. Now, as we near the end of the symphony, we hear things picking up as the cymbals ring, trumpets blast, flutes flutter, and the conductor uses their whole body to urge the ensemble forward. The vibrations are felt in each body and the audience is sitting on the edge of their seats.

This morning, rather than trying to figure out what to make of the scripture, I invite you to instead simply take a moment to listen as the Psalmist and John, our guest conductors, lead their orchestra in playing this beautiful symphony for us...

As we sit back in our seats, the violins carry the thanks and praise for the Lord God into the rafters as the low winds rejoice in the strong, enduring, steadfast love of God.

Meanwhile, the flutes and the oboe wander through a melody that has returned over and over throughout the symphony. The riffs and the flits cause skips in the melody, as if it isn't complete yet and something is still missing, as if they are the disciples still trying to understand.

A soprano sax has just finished a beautiful solo, exemplifying Christ's most recent encounter when Mary knelt at his feet but the baritone sax interjects-- Judas objecting to her actions.

Slowly, the instruments begin to come together, building harmony one measure at a time until all at once, the trumpets carry a fanfare over the orchestra and out the doors of the auditorium (because we all know that trumpets are what were used to welcome Christ!).

The gates open and the orchestra sings its praise to the Lord, rejoicing in the journey that they are bringing to completion, lifting up Christ as he rides through the town on a donkey. The trumpets and the piccolos carry shouts of "Hosanna!" as the rest of the orchestra continues to build...

The audience moves closer to the edge of their seats, on the verge of jumping up in applause....

"This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes." (Psalm 118: 23)

The conductor realizes that he should have taken an extra Ibuprofen and will probably need a lot of ice for his shoulder after this...

The bass of the drum shakes the rafters and the ring of the trumpets fills the ears of the person sitting in the farthest corner of the auditorium...

Give thanks to the Lord! Christ is here! Shout Hosanna!

“Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” (John 12: 15)

The melody that has never seemed complete with its flits and its skips is lifted up by the entire orchestra in its fullness as the disciples come to understand...

The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar. (Psalm 118: 27)

Hosanna! The audience leaps to their feet in a standing ovation, but they don't see the wink from the conductor...

As Christ passes through and the disciples help him maneuver through the rest of the crowd, he turns a corner and just like that, the crowd begins to slowly disperse...

The melody slowly disperses into the individual sections, occasionally overlapping...

The tempo slows...

The dynamics soften...

The accents disappear and slurs take their place...

Together, the orchestra moves into a soft chord and they hold it...

The audience, confused and entranced slowly takes their seat again...

The conductor never drops his baton...

No one takes a breath as they wait to see what is going to happen...

The sound of the tonic chord continues to push forward ever so slightly as if it is reaching forward to where Christ just stood...

Today, we find ourselves at a false cadence. The symphony is not yet over and we are filled with excitement, we are entranced and waiting on the edge of our seat listening for what is next. Until this moment, we have drifted in and out, hearing only bits and pieces because honestly who can really listen to those hour long symphonies without zoning out at some point? If we looked closely, we probably saw that the third trombone player was taking a nap at some point, waiting for his neighbor to kick his foot and wake him up.

But now the whole orchestra and the audience have become one-- those who have heard only bits and pieces of what Christ has done and those who have walked with him, not understanding fully until this moment.

We have entered the gates together with praise and thanksgiving, with shouts of Hosanna and palms waving. We have been drawn in and we can't stop listening now, we are waiting for the end of the story. What will happen next?

This is the magic of the false cadence.

Are you listening?

Christ is here. Christ has entered the city.

Are you paying attention?

Something big is about to happen.

Don't close your eyes. Don't sit back in your seat and get comfortable again. Don't leave to go to the bathroom.

Tune out all of the distractions. Quit worrying about that load of laundry you didn't get to or the grocery shopping that needs to happen before Easter lunch. That isn't important right now.

Listen.

Wait.

The conductor is ever so subtly marking a tempo...

                       The musicians have all eyes on him...

                                              The clarinets just took a slow and deep breath together...

                               

Something is about to happen...

                                                                

Christ is in the city. He is no longer wandering through the towns.

Pay attention...

                                                                                The symphony isn't over just yet.

The Beginning and The End

^{The following is a sermon that I preached at Pinetops Presbyterian Church on November 22, 2015 (Christ the King Sunday). I share it in part because I realized I haven't shared any of my sermons recently, but also because it is totally different from what I usually do. I hope you enjoy!}

⁴John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, ⁵and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, ⁶and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. ⁷Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. ⁸“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 1: 4-8

Today, we stand waiting. Which is a bit ironic if you ask me since Advent, the season of waiting, begins next week. Today, we stand waiting-- for the culmination of the greatest story ever told.

Today, we reflect on all that Christ is and was, and all that Christ has promised to be.

Today, we stand at the end of the documented story. Today, we stand at the beginning of our story.

Today, as we look forward to the plans for decorating the sanctuary and inviting our loved ones into our homes, we look back in time. We remember not the quiet moments in the stable that we will begin to prepare for next week, but instead the quiet moments in the upper room, in the garden, on the hill, and at the tomb.

Today, we stand in completeness with members of the Church in all times and spaces.

Today, we stand incomplete, wondering what is next.

Today, we begin with the blessing from the end.
"Grace and Peace to you."

Today, we prepare for the one who is, who was coming, and is coming. The one who is eternal. The one who is immutable.

Today, we stand -- for Christ, for God's Kingdom, for our past, for our future.

That night in the upper room, Christ spoke not just to those who gathered beside him but with those who would gather in new spaces and places. That night, Christ gathered with the broken and the scared.

As Christ broke bread and as Christ prayed, Christ waited. Christ waited for his own end. Christ waited for the new beginning. Christ still waits, looking on and acting within each one of us. Christ waits with us, waiting to see our end. Waiting to see the beginning of God's Kingdom.

As Christ died, they waited -- for the Sun to come up again, so they could anoint him at his end.  They wept and they pled with the Father. They journeyed beside one another, walking to the end, but found the beginning. The darkness of the tomb brought the light of new life.

As Christ said his goodbyes, they greeted the new story.

Today, we stand with them -- Christ's followers of ages past -- waiting as we look into the future, preparing the way for Christ to come again. We wait as we 

prepare the way for the followers yet to come.

We wait in peace.

                             We wait in chaos.

                                                              We wait in fear.

                                                                                          We wait in grace.

                   We wait, because we know that we wait for the One who is.

Ego Eimi, The Lord said, I AM.

I AM the God of your ancestors who crossed the dry deserts and parted the waters. I AM the God of your children who will bring me to their own in a new way.

Ego Eimi, The Lord said, I AM.

I AM coming, just as I have come.

Ego Eimi, The Lord said, I AM.

I AM the one who ALL will look to-- those who followed, those who persecuted -- those lept for joy, those who ran in fear -- those who came to believe in their first breath, those who believed in their last.

Today, we wait.

                   Today, we pray.

                                      Today, we yearn.

                                                                Today, we remember.

                  

Today, we come together in our brokenness and leave unified.

Today, we are the Church of the past, the present, and the future.

Today, we celebrate the beginning of the story.

Today, we act to usher in the end of the story.

Christ taught us in the beginning, so we can teach others in the beginning of the end.

                   Our words and our silence,

                                      Our refrain and our action,

                                                         continue the story as we wait.

We do not wait in silence.

          We wait in exaltation!

                                      We do not wait in mourning.

                                                We wait in celebration!

                                                                                 We do not wait in fear.

                                                                                 We wait in anticipation!

GOD is the One.

CHRIST is the One.

The HOLY SPIRIT is the One.

WE, filled with the love of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, share the One with the world.

Today, as we wait --

          Today, as we prepare --

                   Today, in the end --

                             Today, in the beginning --

                                              We are made one in the ONLY One

                                                     Who is the true beginning and the true end.

When God Calls

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying,  "Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you."  So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days' walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's walk. And he cried out, "Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.
When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

Jonah 3: 1-5, 10

1:14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Mark 1: 14-20

All too often it is thought that if God calls us to do something, it will be easy. If God calls us, everything will fall into place and we won't struggle. If God calls us, we shouldn't question it. If God calls us, everyone will benefit from our work and the world will be a wonderful place. After all, what God would call someone to do something hard, or terrible, or impossible... right? What good can come of all of that?

During the first few months of seminary, the background image on my phone was a quote that a friend sent to me just before I moved to Richmond- "God doesn't call the equipped, God equips the called." I am convinced that this little reminder was one of the reasons I was able to push through my first summer language course and into a full semester of biblical and theological studies. I wasn't called to seminary because I had done all of the prep courses or knew every book of the Bible- I was actually far from that. I remember sitting in classes next to people who knew they would be ministers from the age of 8 years old, could pinpoint any scripture cited, and had taken what seemed like hundreds of religious classes. When I felt ill-prepared and completely out of place, I simply remembered- God called me, and God was going to give me everything I needed in time. This didn't mean that those sitting around were not called because they had more tools than me, but rather it just meant that we were just "ill-equipped" in different ways. Did I like this? Most of the time, no. Most of the time, I wanted the answer right then and to know that it was all going to work out and be wonderful. I didn't want to struggle through my Old Testament notes or study Greek until I fell asleep. But God called me, so it must turn out ok at some point... that is what I kept telling myself.

Remembering my own struggle with God's call, and reflecting on what I have heard from many others as they change jobs, move their families around, stay in a job that they don't necessarily like, or  those who celebrate in all that they do- I love to look to the call stories that we find throughout the Bible. In this morning's reading we find five different people responding to God's call. The call that we are most familiar with is that of the disciples. Here we find Simon, Andrew, James, and John all fishing when Jesus tells them to put down their nets and follow him so that they may become fishers of men. Jesus called, they went. But then we look to the story of Jonah, the call to which I want to direct our focus this morning.

The opening verses of Jonah go like this- "Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, ²“Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.” ³But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid his fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord." BUT JONAH SET OUT TO FLEE. This morning's reading gives us the pretty bow on the package, but what is inside is that Jonah FLED. God's call to Jonah was not as simple as "drop your nets and follow me". God's call to Jonah was one that put him in a very uncomfortable position and quite frankly, probably in danger as he spoke out against the city of Nineveh. To say the least, Jonah was not a fan.

But sometimes, that is just how it is. When God calls, a lot of the time we just don't get it. Why are WE being called for THAT? Why not that other person? Why not something that looks a bit better? Why now? God calls us to all sorts of things. God calls us to different times and places numerous times throughout our lives. Sometimes we flee just as Jonah did, sometimes we are able to drop everything and go just as the Disciples did... and I would argue that neither response is better than another.

When God calls, God knows that it isn't easy on us. God sees all that we are currently doing and all that gets left behind, yet God still calls. This isn't a disregard for our lives and our preference, but instead regard for all that our life can be! Looking at this morning's scripture reading, that quote from my friend rings out loud and clear: "God doesn't call the equipped, God equips the called". Jonah did not feel like he was ready to take on the call that God gave, a call to proclaim the overthrow of a great city. God saw something in Jonah though, something that even Jonah probably didn't know was there, and God knew that Jonah was the guy for the job and this morning's reading tells us why.

Despite the fact that JONAH was not ready for God's call, he did end up going to Nineveh which is where we find him today. In five very brief, very direct words Jonah carries out God's call. In five short, direct words Jonah causes the Ninevites to change their actions so drastically that God changes the plan and does not destroy Nineveh. Jonah's call was one that when answered, changed the course of history. It didn't require him to teach in hundreds of towns as the Disciples did. Jonah's call didn't require him leave everything behind and begin a new life. Jonah's call DID require him to trust in God in what was probably a terrifying situation and do as God said even though Jonah had no idea what the outcome would be.

For many of us, our call is not one that sends us down the road to dig into the Greek and Hebrew texts and study the confessions in great detail... and trust me, if that isn't your call you can breathe a deep sigh of relief. However, every single call in this room can and probably does seem just as terrifying and stress-inducing as the way I remember my first few months.... okay, my three years of seminary. Any time we are told to leave our comfort zone, we question it.

I want you to take a moment to think back through your life. Where are the different places God has called you? Having spoken to Brint and a few of you, I can only imagine where you have been called! This past Monday we remembered the incredible actions and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King- maybe some of you were called to be an active part in the Civil Rights movement. Maybe others of you have been called to tell those stories and so many other rich moments of our countries history in the classroom, teaching today's children about yesterday's children. Some might have been called to what I see as quite possibly the hardest job in all of history- being a parent and opening the world up to your own children, guiding them through your own faith in God and life experience.

The most incredible thing about these calls is that we don't just receive a single call in our life. One of the most influential people whom I met while a student at Union Presbyterian Seminary was a student just a year or two ahead of me, but a student who was 83 years old. This student was a role model for so many of us as she told us stories of her numerous teaching jobs and years as a student. This woman who stood at the steps of Washington to hear Dr. King and in front of college students through the years, was responding to another call in her life. She wasn't necessarily looking to be a "full fledged minister", but she heard God's call to go into deeper theological study and despite the many hurdles thrown her way, she completed her Masters of Divinity and graduated to a standing ovation two years ago.

So, where has God called you in your life? Where is God calling you today?

Jonah didn't know that God was going to call him that day. The disciples had no idea that they wouldn't finish their day of fishing. We have no idea when or where God will call us. All we can do is be ready... and that is definitely easier said than done.

How do we prepare for the unknown? How do we tell ourselves that despite what every questioning thought we have, it will all be ok?  My honest opinion is this... we can't. Many people might argue with me, but hear me out.

We can't prepare for what we don't know. Imagine how hard it is to pack for a trip when you have no idea where you are going.... trying to prepare for God's call is infinitely harder than that! We can't pack our bags and sit at the ready. We can however look to God and trust in God in our everyday lives. We can live our lives so that they continually reflect the teachings of Christ that serve as our ultimate, 24/7, 365 days a year call. When we live our daily lives fully relying on and trusting in God as we respond to that ultimate call to love one another, we are preparing ourselves for when God gives us an additional call. So yes, I guess we do prepare, but not in the sense that so many might want or expect.

Before attending seminary, I was spending every waking moment responding to another call as a musician. I have played trumpet for what seems like all of my life and I majored in music during college. The life of a music major is spent in a small, windowless practice room. Every day, every hour not in the classroom it is expected that the music student is practicing. The idea is something along the lines that as we spent these endless hours practicing, it would inevitably mean that the upcoming recital or concert would be no problem because we would be ready. When I practiced with my accompanist we even stood in the same place that we would months later for the recital. Every breath, every note, every movement was done in such a way that we wouldn't have to think about it when the big day came and our nerves hit. It felt like so much then... too much even. Why did I need to spend that many hours practicing? Why did we have to be so thorough every single time? But then the day came and my nerves made me want to be sick and I regretted so much the times that I didn't practice or take things as seriously as I should have. I made it through but I have always had that thought- what if I had done more?

When God calls, we don't want to think "maybe I should have done more". When God calls, we want to be able to drop everything and go. We don't want to question or wonder "why us". But, we most likely will and I am pretty sure there is no changing that. Some part of us will be afraid or uncertain... and that is OK! When God calls, I expect that the plan is to repeat that call a few times before we really hear it and are ready. Just look at Jonah, the one who was so unsure that he fled, yet God still called and Jonah eventually went... and just look at how it turned out! Simply by letting go of his fear enough to give control to God, Jonah changed the lives of thousands with five words.

What I think is the most incredible part of all of this is that God sees us as the right ones to call, never gives up on us, puts people in our lives to help us hear and respond to the call, and loves us even when we try to fight back. I don't know about how you have felt when hearing God's call, but when I felt called to music I thought that something must be wrong with me to go spend so much time in such a small room... after all, musicians don't make money and there is nothing glamorous about the lifestyle unless you are famous. However, throughout my life and even more so since starting my music studies, my music has brought joy and peace to hundreds as I have played for worship services, funerals, recitals, concerts, and plays. I fully believe THAT is why God called me to music during that time in my life and I am pretty sure I wouldn't have seen that when I needed to if it weren't for my professor and accompanist who helped me to always find God in my music, even on the worst days. When I felt the call to follow another path, putting music on the back burner but never getting rid of it, I thought that God really had gone crazy. Like I said earlier, I didn't have any religion classes on my resume and I definitely couldn't name all the books in the Bible. Sure, I had spent almost every Sunday of my life in Sunday School or youth group but surely that wasn't enough to go be a minister!  Thankfully though, in 2009 I got an email saying that a Rev. Brint Pratt Keyes would be in town talking to college students on behalf of Union PSCE and I set up a meeting with him.  During those few hours sitting at a Chipotle, Brint served as the first and definitely not last person from Union to help me see the purpose in my call. Now, six years later I am still questioning and occasionally fearful, but I am responding to this new and ever changing call from God.

"God doesn't call the equipped, God equips the called." It is very rare that we are ready when God calls but if we live a life that is reflective of that of Christ, we might at least feel 99% caught off guard rather than the full 100%. Rather than giving God a blank canvas with no paints, we might at least be able to provide a few of the primary colors so God can get to work. With that in mind, I have one final question as you reflect on the many places that God has called you in your life- are you living life so that you are ready to be equipped when God calls? 

Out of the Water

Psalm 29

You, divine beings! Give to the Lord—

    give to the Lord glory and power!
² Give to the Lord the glory due his name!
    Bow down to the Lord in holy splendor!

³ The Lord’s voice is over the waters;
    the glorious God thunders;
        the Lord is over the mighty waters.
⁴ The Lord’s voice is strong;
    the Lord’s voice is majestic.
⁵ The Lord’s voice breaks cedar trees—
    yes, the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
⁶ He makes Lebanon jump around like a young bull,
    makes Sirion jump around like a young wild ox.
⁷ The Lord’s voice unleashes fiery flames;
⁸     the Lord’s voice shakes the wilderness—
        yes, the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
⁹ The Lord’s voice convulses the oaks,
    strips the forests bare,
        but in his temple everyone shouts, “Glory!”
¹⁰ The Lord sits enthroned over the floodwaters;
    the Lord sits enthroned—king forever!

¹¹ Let the Lord give strength to his people!
    Let the Lord bless his people with peace!

Mark 1: 4-11

John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. ⁵ Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins.⁶ John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. ⁷ He announced, “One stronger than I am is coming after me. I’m not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals. ⁸ I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

⁹ About that time, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. ¹⁰ While he was coming up out of the water, Jesus saw heaven splitting open and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him. ¹¹ And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.”

I remember my baptism very clearly. I grew up in the Disciples of Christ denomination so I was baptized by immersion at age 8 on a beautiful Easter morning.  I remember walking into the baptistery to stand with my minister. He placed a very comforting arm around my shoulders knowing my fear of being under water, reminded me that he wouldn't let go, placed his second hand over mine as I held my nose shut and he slowly lowered me backwards into the water. After the water washed over me, he lifted me up and after wiping my face off and frantically catching my breath, I looked out into the congregation. I saw my parents, my sisters, my grandparents, my aunts and uncles, my cousins... everyone was there and smiling at me. As I looked into their faces, the fact that I was standing in water up to my chest left my mind and I quickly felt an incredible amount of love surround me.

All too often, I feel that we focus on a single event in its own time and place. We may look at what led up to that event, but we rarely look at what that event causes. I don't know that I would be too far off if I said that we are especially guilty of this when it comes to something like Baptism. A recent song by country singer Carrie Underwood has had me thinking about this for a few weeks now. In the chorus of "Something in the Water", Carrie sings the words- "Now I'm changed and now I'm stronger. There must have been something in the water."

As I came up from the water and looked out into the faces of my family, friends, and teachers I felt stronger. I was excited. I wanted to run out and hug everyone. I didn't quite understand it all then, but as I look back I can't help but imagine that what I felt and saw when I came out of the water was a bit like the dove coming down from the heavens when Jesus was baptized.  In our baptism we leave the wilderness as we confess our sins and praise the majestic God that we read about in Psalm 29. What is so incredible to me though is what happens when we come out of the water.

Baptism is a physical sign of God's love and grace. It is through our own baptism that we become engrafted into the life of Christ as we receive the same Spirit that Christ received and take part in Christ's life, death, and resurrection. When we are baptized, we commit ourselves to this life and we commit to live and walk with all others who have made this same commitment. We begin to change, inside and out. Just as Carrie Underwood said, "Now I'm changed, now I'm stronger."

As I read the text for this morning in my preparation, I drew a picture of what I see happening after baptism. I will spare you my poor artwork, but in short I drew a picture of water and had words coming OUT of the water as if they were fish. These words came from what I read in this morning's text- what I saw as being a result of baptism. The list included change, strength, happiness, peace, forgiveness, and love. This is what scripture sets forth as the effect of baptism... the part that I think we forget all too often... this is what we receive as we come out of the water.

Out of the water, we receive forgiveness. God tells us "Look- I know everything about you, and it is OK!" Before baptism, we confess our sins and leave the wilderness behind. As the water washes over us, we receive that forgiveness that can be given by no other. This forgiveness is the starting point for a whole new life.

Out of the water, we become stronger. This is not be the strength that you might be working for if you are one of the few people that is still following through on New Year's resolutions. This strength is an internal, emotion, FAITH based strength. Strength through baptism comes from knowing that WE ARE NOT ALONE. Not only are we surrounded by all of those who witnessed our baptism, but we are surrounded by the Church at large, and most importantly the teachings of Christ and God! Christ came to us and was baptized just like us so that God could be WITH us and through our participation in baptism, God REMAINS with us giving us a strength that no gym or vitamin supplement can offer.

Out of the water, we receive happiness. This happiness is like no other. This is a happiness that comes from knowing that God is with us and has given us unconditional love and grace despite our own shortcomings. This is a happiness that is always with us, reminding us in the best and the worst of times that WE ARE NOT ALONE. Sometimes we have to dig deep, sometimes we have to look to those who are walking with us, and sometimes we are the ones being looked to for this happiness but it is always there. This happiness is not one sided either- even God said "in YOU I have found happiness" and I am of the belief that this was not just meant for Jesus. Through our baptism, God is reminding us that God has found happiness in US.

Out of the water, we receive peace. This is a peace deeper and stronger than any other. This peace enters our souls, opening our eyes and our hearts to the world around us. When we let this peace settle and take over our souls, we see the world as God sees it. We are able to see God within all whom we meet. We know that God is in control and God is protecting us.

Out of the water, we receive love. An unending, unconditional love that only God can give. This love came to us in the form of Jesus Christ and endures within each one of us for no greater reason than the simple fact that God loves us, no matter what. This love was present before baptism and will remain present, we only need to accept it through our baptism.

Out of the water, we receive Christ. We receive everything that Christ received. We receive all that Christ gave. Out of the water, we receive God in such a way that we can more easily understand all that God is and does. God loves us so much that God gave us everything in Christ and gave us a way to be with Christ, out of the water.

Over the course of the liturgical year, we will travel through scripture learning about who God is and all that Christ did. Out of the water, we are a part of that! So, what do we do with all of this? My approach? Live OUT OF THE WATER!

John called the people from their everyday lives to come to the river to be baptized. Jesus came from his everyday life to be baptized. At the close of the Gospels, in what we now call the "The Great Commission", Jesus calls the Disciples originally and then once again to leave their everyday life to go out into the world to continue baptizing all people. With that in mind, I would argue that the first thing we should do OUT OF THE WATER is to leave our everyday life behind.  This does not mean dropping everything, quitting your job, and going on some crazy journey. This DOES mean leaving our fear, loneliness, hatred, anger... anything that separates us from God, behind. In order to live out of the water, we must open our lives up to all that we have received.

When we open our lives, we share our lives. Former PC(USA) moderator, Bruce Reyes Chow, once told a group of college students "live your life so that people want to ask questions". His goal in telling the students this was to get them thinking about how they are living into their baptism, encouraging them to live in a way so that people ask them WHY they live that way. Living in a way that embraces the forgiveness, strength, happiness, peace, and love that we receive in our baptism can and WILL cause people to want to know why we live that way. It isn't easy though.

In today's world, we are faced with too many temptations. The many different forms of media almost encourage us to be overly critical of one another and how we live our lives. Our overly packed schedules add an element of stress that makes us less patient than ever. The availability to have almost everything outside of food and water available in one small device that fits in our pocket or on our wrist takes us away from what is most important. And then there is the simple fact that we are human and will inevitably find something that will try to get us off track. Take a moment to think about your own life- what is it that steers you away from a focus on God and living in the way that Christ taught? Personally, I have trouble when I am tired after a long day... it seems that even the smallest things can easily frustrate me, and if you ask my husband, it is best to just give me a glass of water and leave me alone for a bit.

My New Testament professor loves to tell the story of two seminary flag football teams playing in a tournament. When things got heated over a bad call, two students from opposite teams ended up yelling at each other until one yelled out "Remember your baptism!". Such a simple thing to do, but we too often forget it. Remember your baptism. When we live out of the water, we must always remember our baptism. Many people may not remember their baptism if they were baptized as an infant, but we can remember the baptisms that we have witnessed. We can remember the baptism that we read about- the one that all baptisms connect to. Our baptism connects us to one another in a way that no blood line can, creating the world's largest family tree (I'm sure ancestry.com would crash if they tried to make all of the connections!). Remembering our baptism and living out of the water means that we live out Christ's teachings, taking part in his life, death, and resurrection.

I can sit here and spend a few hours outlining the thousands of teachings of Christ and all that he did in his life, but I think they are best summed up in a single verse- love God and love your neighbor as yourself. The ultimate thing that we receive out of the water is Love. Love is the cause of all things and love is affected by all things. Because God loves us, God forgave us. Because God forgave us, we are stronger and can love more freely. Because we are stronger, we are happier and can love more freely. Because we are happier, we are at peace and we can love more freely. Baptism is a sign and seal of God's unconditional, infallible love for each one of us and in turn, baptism calls each one of us out of the water to share that love with all whom we encounter.

My question today is how will YOU live out of the water? How will you remember your baptism and the promises you have made during other baptisms? How will you share God's incredible love with all whom you encounter?

As we all continue to think on this question that can't be answered for any person in a matter of seconds, let us start by remembering our baptism as we stand and respond to the questions asked at a baptism:

Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world? I do.

Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior, trusting in his grace and love? I do.

Will you be Christ's faithful disciple, obeying his Word and showing his love? I will, with God's help.

"Seize the Day"

8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some men for us and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.12 But Moses’ hands grew weary; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; so his hands were steady until the sun set. 13 And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the sword.

Exodus 17: 8-13

We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. 3 For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15: 1-7

One of my favorite movies which has carried over from my childhood is Disney's "The Newsies", recently adapted into a Broadway musical.  This story tells of young orphaned boys who are struggling to make a living at the turn of the century, ultimately leading to the historical New York City newsboy strike of 1899.  When the boys are exploited beyond reason and can no longer make any kind of a living, they have to figure out how to look out for one another and overcome this challenge. The story outlines their struggles and their triumphs, complete with an energizing and motivating song for almost all major aspects... just like any good musical.

I imagine that the feelings felt by the newsies are not terribly unlike those felt by the Israelites in this morning's text.  The Israelites have been travelling for some time and have definitely had their share of doubts and complaints along the way.  Prior to this battle with the Amelekites which we have just read about, Moses and the Israelites fled bondage in Egypt. This was when they encountered the plagues, the pass over, consecration of their first born, and began to follow the pillar of clouds by day and pillar of fire by night. The Israelites crossed the Red Sea, wandered in the wilderness, cried and complained to Moses, and ate quail and manna from the Lord.  They were exhausted! Despite the death of the Pharoah and their struggles in their escape, they have found themselves in a battle with the Amelakites who seem to always have a grudge against the Israelites.  It is as if the carpet has been taken right out from under them once again.

How would you feel in this situation? I hate to tell ya, but as Christians we are very much in a similar battle today.  Granted, we aren't necessarily fighting a hike in distribution costs like the newsies, even though as individuals it does seem like it when we go to the grocery store. We aren't in physical battle with a group who seems to have it in their genetics to hate us.  We are, however, in our own form of battle.  The 21st century has not been kind to Christianity... or religion in general.  Schedules are so slam packed that few make the effort or are able to find time to come to worship on Sunday morning.  Social Media is providing an illusion of the community that was once provided by local churches. Celebrities such as Bill O'Reilly, author of "Killing Jesus", and comedian Bill Mahar who was recently quoted as saying that God is a "psycotic mass murderer",  are speaking out and writing against not just Christianity, but most (if not all) forms of religious practice. As many people watch the nightly reports of religious based wars and rumors of war, such as the current ISIS attacks, and hear of the millions of refugees all over the world who have been forced out of their home country because of their religious affiliations, they begin to question the validity of most religions. The 21st century has made it far more easier to claim no religion than the formerly popular "spiritual but not religious", and the Church is feeling the effects like a blow to the head.

What stands out most to me from this morning's reading, however, is not that the Israelites are in battle.  The image that has stuck with me since the first time I came across this text is the image of Moses standing on the hill with his arms outstretched and holding the staff of God in his hand.  This image of outstretched arms is one that is commonly associated with praise and prayer today and seems to bring a form of confidence and peace with it. This is the pose commonly used when trying to make yourself seem larger as you make a point or to build confidence, just like in this memorable image from The Newsies.  This position completely opens the body to the world thus bringing with it a sense of vulnerability as well.  In this image of Moses, the leader, with his arms outstretched and visible to all around, Moses also becomes just as vulnerable as those fighting the battle. After hours of holding his arms out and opening himself for the Lord to work through, Moses struggles to keep his arms raised as he has grown weary. As his arms begin to fall, the Amalekites begin to prevail.  When he is able to raise his arms once again, the Israelites prevail. It wasn't that Moses was working any kind of magic- rather he was serving as the visual reminder of the hand of God, continually encouraging the Israelites who looked to him.

When Aaron and Hur saw that Moses was struggling, they stood on either side and helped him to keep his arms raised until the sun set. One song from The Newsies that has always inspired me, and actually served as the inspiration for this morning's sermon, speaks of this unity in struggle shown by Moses, Aaron, and Hur-

            Now is the time to seize the day 
            Stare down the odds and seize the day 
            Minute by minute that's how you win it 
            We will find a way But let us seize the day 
            Courage cannot erase our fear 
            Courage is when we face our fear 
            Tell those with power safe in their tower 
            We will not obey! 
            Behold the brave battalion that stands side by side 
            Too few in number and too proud to hide 
            Then say to the others who did not follow through 
            You're still our brothers, and we will fight for you 

In Paul's letter to the Romans, he also speaks to the call to stand side by side which the newsies sing of, recognizing that some of us are stronger or weaker than others.  We don't stand by our neighbor for our own benefit, even if that element is present.  Instead, we stand by our neighbors in order for their benefit and most importantly to praise the Lord.  When the Newsies came together, not just from New York City but from all over the east coast, it wasn't for their own benefit- it was for the benefit of the whole.  When Aaron and Hur stood on either side of Moses to hold his arms up, it wasn't of any benefit to them... they could have left if they wanted to.  Their presence on either side of Moses strengthened that visual reminder and encouragement until the battle was over.

In a time when it seems that everyone is against us as Christians, it can be all to tempting to hide in a corner until it seems to be over. Or we can hand it over to that other church or trust that the people up high will do something about it. Or we can look around us and realize that we are not alone in this, or in any other aspect of our lives.  As a student at Union I was constantly faced with a challenge- whether that was a Hebrew exam or trying to find students to help lead worship during mid-terms.  I remember agonizing over these and many other hurdles during my three years, but more importantly I remember those who sat by my side studying or checked in with me every week before worship to find out how they could help me. Even in my loneliest moments, I was never alone. When I was given a job description for the Church Relations position, I saw very quickly that this position is one step in a journey as the seminary takes its place beside our congregations in both praise and struggle. I knew that I had to return to the community that served as my own Aaron and Hur and step into this role for our own neighboring congregations.

The trick, however, is this- as a whole, we are only as strong as our weakest member. My question to each person here today, including myself, is how are you supporting one another- both within this congregation and the neighbors encountered each and every day? This can be as simple or difficult a task as you wish. Sometimes we can support one another by simply smiling and say "Hi" as we walk past someone on the street.  Other times we might actually be holding our neighbors hand through a struggle. However, I don't think that this congregation is a stranger to supporting one another- I can see the love and support each one of you shows for the congregation from here. I think what many people, including myself, struggle with is ACCEPTING support.

I would have been very interested to find out how Moses reacted when Aaron and Hur showed up by his side.  Did he try to convince them that he was ok, telling them that he could make it? Did he tell them that they should go back into the battle and help the others? How long did it take for Aaron and Hur to convince him to let them help? One of the things that I remember most from my time spent as a hospital chaplain was the constant reminder that I gave my patients, "it is ok to ask for help". This is a reminder that I believe I was telling them as much as I was telling myself. I remember crying when one of the other chaplains looked me in the eye and told me, "Jordan, you can talk to me. I will listen." I had spent all summer trying so hard to be strong that I forgot that I too could be weak.

Brace yourselves- here comes my cheap plug for the seminary. We are not only for those looking to be Christian Educators, whether that be as a Pastor, Chaplain, Social Worker, or Sunday School teacher.  The seminary is open to all who have a desire to delve deeper and increase their knowledge and strengthen their faith and relationship with God.  We offer public lectures and book talks both in person and live-streamed on our website.  We offer workshops for a range of aspects of worship and ministry.  We have studies on DVD and can even bring a faculty member to your church to lead a discussion or give a lecture. And we want to do more. We want to hear from you what your needs and desires are so that just as Paul charges us to do, and Aaron and Hur show us how to do, we can support you just as you support us through prayer, involvement in our student's lives, and by sharing your own resources. In fact, that is what this weekend has been about as we led workshops yesterday and communed around the dinner table last night before sending our students, faculty, and staff throughout the Presbytery to lead, teach, and preach this morning.  This weekend has been a very mutual act of support and I would like to personally thank you for your involvement in it, and urge you to reach out and let us know how we can continue to support you as you support us.

As individuals we all have our strong and weak times.  As a congregation there are both strong and weak times. As a community, denomination, religion, we DO have strong and weak times. As much as I love the rest of the song from the Newsies, the line that captures the spirit of support as all of the newsies come together to sing "once we've begun, if we stand as one, someday becomes somehow and our prayer becomes our vow".  When we sit passively as day to day life sends struggles of every kind our way, and as the 21st century presents its own struggles for religious institutions of all shapes and sizes (including  everything from small congregations to large seminaries), little to nothing will happen to move forward.  However, when we both give and ACCEPT support from our neighbors just as we read about in the account of Moses, Aaron and Hur and in Paul's letter to the Romans, our word filled prayers become action filled prayers and vows.

Yesterday, the seminary's president, Brian Blount, spoke of building community through the Eucharist. Even if I had the time to say everything he did, I couldn't do it justice, so I will just leave you with this thought-  The Lord's Supper is about finding wholeness in the brokeness. I interpret this as when we come together as broken and hurting individuals, yet individuals who are helping to hold up the arms of our neighbors while allowing them to do the same for us, we become a whole. Our arms are intertwined creating braces that make us stronger, and running through each brace is the power and grace of God. Our wholeness brings strength to face whatever challenge comes our way.

And so I ask you- what are YOU praying for today in your own life? What are you praying for in the life of this congregation? What are you praying for in the surrounding communities and out into the world? There are definitely a few options to pick from. Now, how are you standing with your neighbors in both your prayers and theirs? How are you adding action rather than just words? How are you accepting those actions of others into your own life?

            Behold the brave battalion that stands side by side

            Too few in number and too proud to hide
            Then say to the others who did not follow through
            You're still our brothers, and we will fight for you
            Once we've begun, if we stand as one
            Someday becomes some how
            Our prayer becomes our vow

As our first step to seize the day and stand side by side in our celebrations and our

struggles, let us stand and hold our neighbors hand like Aaron an Hur or hold our arms out

to the Lord just as Moses did, knowing that just as God acted through Moses' tired arms,

God acts through us today and all days. Now, together as a whole in word and action filled

prayer, let us confess what it is that we believe using the Apostle's Creed...