Easter Message 2023

 

Rev. George Miller

April 9, 2023

Matthew 28:1-10

 

In all the years of ministry, crafting the Easter message is always the single hardest thing of each year.

 

But not this time. 

 

This year, in my very soul, the spirit of Easter couldn’t be clearer than if you and I were there on that first new day beside Mary Magdelene, feeling the morning sun of the Resurrection on our faces and skin.

 

Why is this time so different? For starters, following the Gospel of Matthew has made it so clear. 

 

But more than that- this year, ministering beside you, with our hands wide, wide open, has made this the most beautiful time of my life.

 

Emmanuel UCC- YOU are amazing and every day, every week, every month I see how YOU embody the ministry, message and meaning of the Resurrection.

 

YOU have not been afraid.

YOU have not fallen back.

YOU have been filled with joy.

 

YOU have expressed greetings.

YOU have shown Christ to all who are around.

 

Have there been reasons to live in fear?  Yes.  Have there been moments that shook us to the core?  Yes.

 

Have there been reasons to doubt?  Yes.  Has there been death, sadness, loss?  Yes, yes, and yes.

 

And yet- YOU are still here.  I am still here.  WE are still here.

 

Why?  Why are we still here?  Why are we still learning with integrity, worshiping with integrity, ministering with integrity?

 

Because we know just who Jesus is and we have all had an experience with the Risen Christ.

 

Who is this Jesus that God raised?  Who is this Jesus that God dared to Resurrect?

 

Since January we’ve seen Jesus born into a perfectly imperfect family of strong women like Rahab, Ruth and Tamar who did what was needed to be done to maintain the blessing.

 

Jesus who taught us what it looks like to be accountable to God, how to face temptation, and to pray for our daily bread.

 

It is Jesus who said the broken hearted, the teary eyed and the gentle spirits are blessed because God comforts them.

 

It is Jesus who shook our world and dared us to be so uncomfortable that we would care for people in Somali that we will never meet.

 

It is Jesus who trusted that we were smart enough to deal with parables we wrestled with, parables we hated, parables that made us to think.

 

It is Jesus, who with no weapon in his hand, who rode into our lives and said we’re worthy of heaven because we have fed, clothed, visited and cared for others.

 

It is Jesus who had the audacity to look at us and say “If you want to be made well, pick up your matt and walk.”

 

And not only did we walk, we ran, we danced, we skipped, we fell, we got back up, and we have lived.

 

THIS is the Jesus that God raised.

 

Not a minister who sowed fear; not a politician who sowed hate; not a mogul who divided or a governor who banned thought.

 

The person that God raised is the person who dared to dine with sinners, held hands with the hated, and spoke up for the bodily autonomy of women.

 

All without a spear, a sword, or a shield in his hand.  All without a need to bribe, or lie, or backtrack his words of witness.

 

What is the Resurrection and why is it so easy to preach about today?  

 

Because the Resurrection is God’s “Yes” to a world that says “no.”

 

The Resurrection is God’s Freedom to a world that wants to take our rights away.

 

The Resurrection is God’s Daily Bread in a world that wants to charge you $6 for eggs.

 

The Resurrection is God’s soft light of a brand new day when the world tried to end the week with darkness and desertion.

 

The Resurrection is where injustice falls in the face of God’s quake, and the righteous stand tall, secure and can’t wait to share the Good News.

 

Jesus is not dead.  Jesus’ mission was not a joke.  Jesus’ care for the world is so great that not even a cross can stop the work of Heaven.

 

Nor can a grave hold back the greatness of God.

 

The God who creates.  The God who frees.  The God who holds us accountable. 

 

The God who invites us to love our neighbor as much as we love ourselves.

 

And love never, ever dies….

 

Amen and amen.

Gentle Hands of Jesus; Matthew 21:1-11

 

Rev. George Miller

April 2, 2023

Matthew 21:1-11

 

March 11 marked 3 years since COVID related shutdowns.  April 1 when FL began restrictions. Around that time we held our 1^st Percussive Worship service. 

 

The inspiration came from the realization that we were all so filled with fear, anxiety, and doubt that one way to express those emotions was through our hands.

 

So we gathered with coffee cans filled with coins, drums, wooden spoons and boxes and we just allowed our hands to worship God, offer up sounds of lament, and physically release all we felt.

 

Now, here we are, participating in our Annual Percussive Palm Sunday Service.

 

Using our hands to keep a beat, fill the sanctuary with sound, allowing ourselves to be free and ONE.

 

So often we worship with our mouths, our songs, our silence, but today, we worship with our hands.

 

Our hands.  Recently, there’s been research revealing how essential our hands are in terms of daily life and communication.

 

Scientists say that when we meet someone, the first place we look is not their eyes or smile, but their hands.

 

Why?  Because the primitive cave person inside of us needs to know if they have come in peace or if they’ve come with a weapon.

 

So our eyes instinctively look at their hands to figure out if they are safe or a danger.

 

This played out during COVID.  Handshakes seen as death threats; hugs as harbingers of death.

 

3 years ago if someone coughed or sneezed and extended their hand, you’d back up as if they had an UZI.

 

Whoa to all the Church Mothers who could no longer hold you to their bosom; whoa to our elderly folk in which hugs were the few forms of touch they got all week.

 

Hands.  Think of the role they play in today’s story, the final week of Jesus’ life.  He comes to Jerusalem during the busiest time of the year.

 

The Who’s Who of royalty has come riding in on mighty steeds, carrying weapons of steel and bronze, flanked by guards and dignitaries.

 

But Jesus is not that kind of King.

 

Instead of a steed, he comes riding in on a humble donkey. 

 

Instead of armored security he has his 12 disciples and 2 previously blind men he just healed.

 

Instead of dignitaries, he’s surrounded by common folk. 

 

They have no gold, they have no silver.  No white roses or red carpet, but crowds of every-day people, ready to sing “Hosanna!”

 

Perhaps what is so amazing about this story is their hands.

 

Scientists say that not only do we look at people’s hands when first meeting them, but we see those who speak with their hands as the most effective communicators.

 

So, pay attention to the hands in this story.

 

First, Jesus.  He has no weapon.  No sword. No rod.  No spear.

 

This signals to the people that he came in peace.  He did not come to punish; he was not afraid.

 

With no weapon in his hands, Jesus is sending a message “I am gentle, I can be trusted.  I am vulnerable.”

 

There are the hands of the people.  See how they communicate-

 

-the hands of the people taking off their cloaks

-the hands of the people cutting branches from the trees

-the hands of the people spreading garments and greenery along the path.

 

As the people sing songs from their heart and shout “Hosannas”, their hands do the true communication.

 

It is their hands that offer comfort to the colt as it carries Christ upon the clothes.

 

Their hands hold the memory of their ancestors who laid down cloaks for previous kings.

 

Their hands wave branches just as their grandparents did for all the past religious festivals.

 

Their hands do not greet Jesus with swords, spears, hammers or nails.  Their hands greet Jesus with gifts of greenery and garments, clothe and compassion.

 

It is a beautiful scene in which Jesus rides into Jerusalem not saying a single word- he doesn’t have to.  His hands say it all. 

 

He is a King of Peace, a King of Gentleness, a King of Humility.

 

It is a beautiful scene because while the people praise with song, it is their hands that show Jesus just how much he is loved.

 

It is melancholy because soon Jesus will experience other hands-

 

Hands that will arrest him.

  Hands that will strip him.

    Hands of Pilate that will wash themselves of Jesus.

        Hands that will nail him, son of Mary, to the cross.

 

Hands- Scientists say we look at the hands of others to see if they are safe.

 

All throughout the Gospel, what have we seen?

 

How Jesus used his hands to bring wellness to others.

 

How Jesus stretched out his hands to bring folk back into community.

 

How Jesus used his hands to feed the crowds.  

 

How he used his hands to hold nothing when the rest of the world was expected to carry a sword.

 

Hands.

 

Think of how we at Emmanuel have used our hands.

 

Hands to build homes in Biloxi and gardens that are accessible to all.

 

Hands to extend signs of welcome and grace, even to those from afar.

 

Hands to feed the hungry.

 

Hands that welcome the immigrant, the LGBTQ, the Black and the Brown when the state of Florida and members of America world would rather condemn, silence or ban.

 

Hands. 

 

They help us know if we are safe.  They are ways in which we communicate.  They are ways we minister. 

 

They are ways we make Heaven real and ways we praise our God and honor our Savior.

 

What will your hands say to others this week?  How will your hands welcome the light of Christ into your life? 

 

Amen.

Integrity; Matthew 25:31-46

 

Rev. George Miller

March 26, 2023

Matthew 25: 31-46

 

Integrity.

 

That was the word of the day at Tuesday’s School Board Meeting.  The student who presented on integrity attend the Virtual School, so this word had extra meaning. 

 

Their presentation began and ended with a quote from C.S. Lewis- “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

 

Integrity.  That’s what Jesus discusses today.  Doing what is just, what is right, just because it is right, and it is just.

 

Not because others are watching or so you get a grace plus plus.

 

Integrity’s complexity comes when what you see as right and just may not be just and right to others.

 

I found that out Wednesday at Council.  We discussed a topic that I thought was a no-brainer and would be a unanimous vote.

 

Turns out for Council it was a no-brainer, it was a unanimous vote, just not in the direction I thought.

 

So being me, I was emotional, vocal, defensive.  Was even called a bully, for which I apologize for.

 

It was truly one of those moments that breaks a pastor’s heart, and could break a pastor’s spirit.

 

Wondering, like a parent, “How did they come to this conclusion?” but knowing it was their decision to make.

 

And truth is, the decision Council made was a decision made with integrity, the kind of integrity that comes from answering the call to church leadership in which very few matters are black and white, and almost all matters have to be done from a fiscal, communal eye.

 

Integrity.

 

Looking at today’s reading, which is instrumental in forming the UCC’s identity, we have the last public teaching of Jesus before his arrest.

 

And what a teaching it is.

 

Jesus sets the scene of the whole world coming before the King.

 

The King says “I was hungry, and you gave me some corn bread.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a cool glass of lemonade.” 

 

“I was a Haitian, a Cuban, a Filipino immigrant and you welcomed me.  I was wearing rags and you gave me a tshirt, underwear and socks.”

 

“I was at Adventist Health and the County Jail and you visited me.  Come into the Land of Blessings, for my Father’s joy covers you.”

 

But the people you receive this invitation are dumbfounded, confused.  They say “But Great Creator, when did we ever do any of those things for you?”

 

You see, the people did not know.  They had not planned.  They were not scrupulous or trying to earn extra points for Heaven. 

 

They just “were.”  They had…

 

Integrity.

 

To which the King says “Anytime you gave anyone a slice of hot cornbread, a cool drink, a warm hello, a tshirt, a “thinking of you” text or contacted someone in jail, you were actually feeding, greeting, clothing, caring for me…and I am so, so thankful.”

 

This message is so beautiful, so pure.  It is so free of bylaws and committee work and obligations and deadlines.

 

And it is so obtainable by anyone with an open heart and a truly generous spirit. 

 

“Did you do anything, big, small or medium sized to show someone that the Heaven of God is real and at hand?”

 

If so, experience the good road that God has placed before you.

 

Integrity- God is saying “I see you and all that you do and have done just because it was the right thing to do, and I am so proud of you.”

 

I think this is what last week’s message was really about- those 10 women with the 10 lamps.

 

Those lamps can be the good that we do. 

 

The kindness we do without thinking, the justice we do when no one is watching.

 

The compassion we show when it seems like no one even cares.

 

Perhaps what Jesus was really saying last week is “No matter how dark things get, no matter how pointless things may seem, don’t stop doing what you do that brings light into the world.”

 

Jesus doesn’t always make things easy, he doesn’t always make things clear, but at this moment, before he is arrested, before everything goes dark and dangerous for him, Jesus leaves a final lesson. 

 

This lesson ties everything else together.

 

When we do for the least, we do for God.  When we are just and we are kind, we are blessed. 

 

When we are generous, we receive the greatest reward.

 

When we care for another, we are caring for God.  And that makes God so happy.

 

Amen and amen.

Jesus Gets it Wrong; Matthew 25:1-13

 

Rev. George Miller

March 19, 2023

Matthew 25:1-13

 

Being an adult is not easy.  Bills.  Morning aches and pains.  The infamous “Hurry Up and Wait.”

 

Hurry up to get to get to the dentist for your 9 am appointment but they may not see you until 9:15.  Hurry up to get to Quest after 12 hours of fasting but you may have to wait an hour more.

 

Hurry up and wait is no fun.

 

It was no fun as a child when Mom rushed us out of the house so she could get her favorite seat 45 minutes before worship began.

 

Hurry up and wait is no fun at Disney World where it make take 2 hours to get on a ride.

 

Hurry up and wait is certainly no fun in today’s reading, perhaps my least favorite of all parables.

 

Parables were Jesus’ preferred way of teaching.  Short, confusing tales made to make us think about God, faith, and the ways of heaven.

 

Well, I hate this story. I find it unfair, misogynistic, and abusive.

 

10 maidens with 10 lights on their way to attend an evening wedding.

 

Trouble is, the groom is nowhere to be found.  He shows up when he shows up.  Some women are referred to as foolish, some of the women are called wise.

 

The groom has taken so long to make an appearance that the foolish women have run out of oil, the wise women refuse to share. 

 

Out into the cold dark night 5 of the women go searching for supplies and when they get back the door is shut and the women are treated as nobodies.

 

“Keep awake,” is the moral of the story.

 

I’m sorry- what about “Show up when you’re supposed to show up!”

 

What a bunch of nonsense.  The women are punished because the groom couldn’t commit to a time?

 

Know what this reminds me of? Back before cell phones when women were expected to sit by the phone waiting for it to ring.

 

Is this the image we want of God?  Is this the image we want of heaven? 

 

That’s God’s going to make an appearance but we don’t know when but it’s our job to be prepared and if you run out of supplies, tough?

 

Nope.  Not me.  So we’re going to tear this story apart.  Jesus taught in parables to make us think.  So, we’re going to thank.

 

First, the misogyny.  We have 10 women who are described in just 2 ways- the foolish and the wise. 

 

Men may not realize it, but so often women must contend with being seen as binary beings. 

 

Either you’re old or young, virgin or whore, weak or a witch.

 

Why does Jesus have to label the women these 2 ways?  Why does he set up a story in which women are pitted against women?

 

Not to mention- why are 5 of the women called foolish?  Are they foolish because they trusted the groom to show up when he was supposed to show up and they brought just enough?

 

Were they really foolish or were they trusting?  Were they wrong to assume that an adult man would be a grown up and arrive at his own wedding at the set time?

 

Were the other 5 really wise? 

 

Did bringing extra oil mean that deep down they didn’t trust the groom, nor did they expect the groom to show up on time?

 

And what does it say about the groom if he can’t be trusted by the bridesmaids?

 

Talk about major red flags.

 

Then we have these 10 women being made to sleep outside at night.  You mean there was no one there to let them in? 

 

Did no one look outside the banquet window and say “Hey! We got 10 women sleeping outside in matching bridesmaid outfits and their lamps have one out!”

 

Didn’t the groom think ahead and explain to the staff that just  in case he runs late, let the guests in, especially of they are 10 women in the middle of the night?

 

And what about the 5 supposedly “wise” women refusing to share their oil with the other women? 

 

Didn’t Jesus just spend all this time teaching and preaching  and turning little into much and making miracles happen?

 

Wouldn’t Jesus want the women to share the oil they have?

 

Since when did Jesus teach us to hoard it all and only think of ourselves?

 

This whole entire parable is just a mess.  Misogynistic, mean spirited.

 

Is this what being a Christian is meant to look like?  Waiting for some absent man to show up when he chooses to show up?

 

Is that what Church is meant to look like?  Stay outside in the cold and only the ones who are smart and with resources are allowed in?

 

Is this what the Kingdom of Heaven is meant to look like?  That after waiting hours upon hours, going out into the cold dark to get more supplies, you come to a locked door and a voice saying “I do not know you?”

 

Nope, nope, nope.  This is not what I envision…and maybe that’s the point.

 

Maybe Jesus is once again making us uncomfortable so we can figure out for ourself how do we view God, how do we view God’s kingdom, and how do we view our relationships with one another.

 

What if Jesus told us this fractured fairy tale so that we can in try to create our own?

 

So here it goes- what if the Kingdom of Heaven is like this…

 

10 bridesmaids of all shapes, ages, abilities, skin tones, economic and educational backgrounds walked together carrying 10 lamps.

 

Though the bridegroom was delayed because he was finding a lost sheep, he arranged for them to be warmly greeted into the banquet hall.

 

While waiting, the women fell asleep, and upon waking up 5 women discovered their lamps had burned out. 

 

Before they could even ask for assistance the other 5 women said “No worries, we will gladly share some of ours as we wait together.”

 

When the groom finally appeared, the banquet hall was full of guests from all nations, places and times and he greeted each and every person by name.

 

Now- that’s a story I could get behind, but it’s not the story we have. 

 

So once again, Jesus leaves us feeling uncomfortable, Jesus leaves us feeling unsure.

 

And once again, isn’t that what being an adult is about? 

 

Facing that which is uneasy, facing that which is difficult, living with so much that is unknown.

 

Jesus is trying to tell us to be prepared, to let our light shine.

 

And he’s telling us in a world that is more fractured than it is a fairy tale; he’s telling us in a world that is more disjointed than it is Disney.

 

So we listen to what Jesus has to say, we wrestle, we wonder, and we continue with Jesus on the way.

 

On the path to Cross, and on the path with God.        

Amen.