Rev. George Miller
Nov 24 , 2024
Jeremiah 31:31-34
“Words Matter.”
This is our 17th Sunday
together, and if there’s one thing I hope we are discovering is just how much
words matter.
At meetings, words of hope or words of
despair can shape the decisions we make.
Today’s baptism we welcomed Jack Robert into
God’s family with water and words.
Words Matter- God created with the words
“Let there be light.”
John’s Gospel calls Jesus “The Word” that
was in the beginning.
Words Matter. That’s something we discussed at Monday’s
Bible Study when 15 people showed up to Explore God’s Story.
Explore we did, having lively conversation
about today’s text.
What I love about Bible Study is that it
is often the participants who teach and inspire me, planting seeds for sermon
ideas.
The seed that was planted on Monday is from
verse 32. God says “I took them by hand
to bring them out of the land of Egypt- a covenant they broke, though I was
their husband.”
One person asked “Why is God referred to as
a husband?” BUT, someone else’s Bible
had another word. Their Bible said
“Master.”
Why would one Bible refer to God as
“husband” and another as “master”? We
discussed this on Monday, and you’re invited to think about it today.
Think of how you refer to God. The words we use to describe God can define our
relationship with God, our beliefs, and our collective way of being church.
“Husband” is a very relationship
orientated word. Walking hand and hand
with God as a spouse could be a leisurely stroll with sightseeing and hablas[i],
enjoying the cool breeze of the afternoon or evening stars.
The word “master” can sound like a power
dynamic. A master could be someone you
see as above you, in control, dominator.
What does walking hand and hand look like
with a master? Are they in front, dragging
you; telling you to “hurry up and keep pace?”
What kind of God do you want to take your
hand? Of course, it matters the
situation, location.
“Husband” has a different connotation
depending on the era and culture you live in, or if you are in an abusive marriage.
For one person “Master” can stir up images
of slavery, while for another, Master may mean a person who lovingly cares for
those they’re responsible for.
Words matter as they shape and affect how
we think of God.
What if other words were used?
Last Thursday, while meeting the family of
Marian Preis, they spoke about how much she loved music and movement, so a new
word for God came to my mind- “Dancer.”
What if God said “When I took the hand of
their ancestors, I danced with them out of Egypt as their dance partner.”
Think of that- God as Ginger Rogers or
Fred Astair. Twirling, guiding, leading,
elegant, playful.
Imagine God as Gene Kelly, taking our
hand, singing in the rain, jumping in puddles.
Think of God as a dancer from a country like
Kenya- taking your hand to do the Mwomboko- a fox-trot style dance used to
celebrate independence.
Or God taking your hand to do the Adumus
dance of the Massai in which you joyfully jump high?
Words Matter. So let’s share one more word- “Friend.”
What if in Jeremiah 31:32 God said “When I
took the hand of their ancestors, I brought them out of Egypt as their friend.”
Friend is a wonderful word that can evoke
deep emotion within your heart and spirit.
A friend is someone we can be totally
honest with, sharing our deepest sadness and greatest joy.
A friend is someone who listens to you
regardless if you are in the pit of despair or soaring high with great news.
A friend is someone you may not see for
days, weeks, months, but the moment you’re reunited it feels as if no time has past.
Like those times you may stray from God or
stop attending church because you’ve been bogged down by grief or feel wracked
with guilt over some tragic mistake you’ve made.
What if you referred to God as
friend? How would that shape the way you
interact with God?
Words matter- they brought forth life; they
were in the beginning.
Words said at the baptism of a baby or at
the funeral of a beloved wife and mother matter.
The words we read and use to describe God
matter as they shape how we see God, see ourselves, see our relationships, our
place, and our faith.
Husband, master, dancer, friend- imagine
all the many more words we can use.
Regardless if you are from Kenya or
Germany, Sebring or St. Louis, Colombia Missouri, or Colombia the Country-
Words matter, for words will forever
create and shape and inspire and empower.
Words matter for they can affect how we
can grow, walking hand and hand with God just as our ancestors did, just as our
future generations will do.
For that, let us say “Amen.”
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