Compassion of the Lord Who Sees; Luke 7:1-17

 

Rev. George Miller

Feb 9, 2025

Luke 7:1-17

 

Here we are.

 

It’s been days since we followed Jesus and the Disciples through the grainfield, moving forward into a newer day and a newer way of being.

 

Since the moment Jesus opened the scroll in the Synagogue, reading the words from Isaiah, and had the audacity to remind folk about the widow and the man living with leprosy, his ministry has been ripe with conflict and controversy. 

 

How dare Jesus remind folk that God is free to love who God loves; and God cares for those who are different and not like us.

 

Last week we saw these controversies and ill-will cause the Pharisees to spy on him; how folk got upset that Jesus offered healing to a man.

 

I have a theory to share with you today- I believe that after each time Jesus does something, we should think “And that’s another strike of the hammer into his hands and feet.”

 

For so long, we read these stories about Jesus, and we think “How wonderful; how kind; how amazing.”

 

But when we walk deep into the grainfield with Jesus, like really walk into the fields, we discover how revolutionary, extraordinary his kind of outreach really was, and why so many folk despised and rejected him.

 

But you know what- it didn’t stop Jesus. No matter what folk said; no matter what folk tried to do, he and the disciples kept moving forward, be it in the grainfield, by the seashore, atop a mountain, even to the Cross.

 

Since we last met, Jesus has moved.  He gave the Beatitudes, telling the poor that the Kingdom of God is theirs; telling those who are homesick and heartbroken that they will laugh.

 

But…he also says to those who are rich, full, and happy that they will have challenging times.

 

Another strike of the hammer.

 

Still, Jesus moves forward.  He tells those with ears to hear that they are to love their enemies, show kindness to those who dislike them, give to those who asks for assistance, to not judge, condemn, and to be merciful.

 

All of this sounds good…unless if you prefer to divide, punish, shame. Again, another strike of the hammer.

 

Today we get to see how Jesus not only talks the talk, but has the courage to walk the walk.

 

Here we are, out of the grainfield, into the fishing town of Capernaum.

 

 

Here, by the beautiful blue waters is a Centurian, the most powerful person in town.

 

He’s not Jewish, nor a citizen of the country.  He’s more of a colonizer.

 

He’s put there by the Roman government to ensure the locals do not rebel against the Roman invaders.

 

This Centurian oversees about 100 soldiers, and although he has done good things, like help build a synagogue, his job description includes overseeing law and order and executing physical punishment.

 

So imagine what it would be like for the people of this village to see how Jesus was willing to offer this foreign Gentile the gift of household healing.

 

Imagine how the faithful people who have worshipped God for 40, 60 generations feel when they hear Jesus say that the Centurian has greater faith then them.

 

Another strike of the hammer.

 

Then, from the mightiest man in town to the most vulnerable of women, we watch as Jesus moves forward and bring new life to a widow’s only son.

 

This particular story is powerful- it gives us a glimpse into who Jesus is and the God he speaks of.

 

This story starts on the edge of town, the outskirts where the nobodies and noones linger, where death is buried.

 

Jesus meets a woman who has lost her husband, and now her son. 

 

Not just her child, but the one person who could protect her, help her pay her bills, keep her safe from the land- barons and creditors who anxiously wait to take her home away.

 

Here we witness a pivotal moment in Luke’s Gospel.

 

After offering love and mercy to a powerful enemy of the state, Jesus now offers another kind of love and mercy to a woman who has lost it all.

 

And if we ever want to know just who Jesus is; if we ever, ever want to know just who God is, we can look upon Luke chapter 7, verse 13 and hear these mighty, mighty words.

 

“When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’”

 

…“When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’”…

 

You want to know who the Lord is?  Luke 7:13 lets us know.  Only 17 words, but a world of theology.

 

This, right here is the first time that the author refers to Jesus as “The Lord.”  This is the moment the author wants us to know just who Jesus is.

 

The author does not refer to Jesus as Lord when he is baptized or reading Isaiah, calling the disciples, offering healing to a warrior’s household.

 

Luke refers to Jesus as “the Lord” at the moment in which Jesus sees the most vulnerable person in town and shows God’s love and mercy to a woman who has lost it all.

 

Wow- that means if Jesus can see her, the Lord sees us to.

 

Then there is the word “compassion.”

 

In Greek, that word means a visceral emotion you feel deep within your body, in your gut.

 

In Hebrew, the word compassion takes on another level- it means to feel love and mercy within your womb, just as a mother would for the kid she carries.

 

When you hear the word compassion, you should think of the expression “womb love,” maternal love for one’s life and well-being.

 

So here we are, Jesus sees a woman so vulnerable, so broken, so on the outskirts of the city, and the Lord not only sees her, but has womb-love for her, a sense of care deep in his tummy.

 

This means that if Jesus can see her and feel the love of a parent for her, that means that no matter who we are, no matter what we are going through, no matter what loss we have endured, no matter if we are at the far-off gates of the city-

 

The Lord sees us, the Lord cares for us, and the Lord does not want us to suffer without end, but to experience the possibilities of new beginnings, healing, and a way to move forward.

 

Jesus offers the widow that gift by restoring her son to wellness.  There are a multitude of ways in which Jesus can offer us those gifts.

 

Discussing the difficult, seeking self-care, making new friends, welcoming the help and mercy from others.

 

Last week we began our Stewardship Campaign titled “Love Grows Here,” a statement of fact and a prophetic opportunity to till the soil, remove the rocks, and plant seeds that produce heavenly fruit.

 

One way we do that is by hearing and remembering words like today- reminders that the Jesus we follow through the grainfield, the Lord we talk about is one who-

 

-Offers healing and mercy to all, even our enemies.

 

-Sees and feels deep love for us, even if we are the weakest of all.

 

-Invites us to move from tears to joy.

 

-Calls us to rise up and experience the gifts of restored life.

 

-Who is teaching us how to love, not just through words, but also actions.

 

So let us continue to move forward through the grainfields with Jesus and the disciples, excited about where the Lord will lead us.

 

For that, let us say “Amen.”

Moving Forward With Jesus; Luke 6:1-16

 

Rev. George Miller

Feb 2, 2025

Luke 6:1-16

 

Once at Bible Study, Donovan shared an idea - “As people discovered Jesus, he discovers himself.”

 

This made me think- “As we discover Jesus, we discover ourselves.”

 

May this message be one in which we hear how Christ encourages us to discover our best self.

 

Today’s reading involves sacred days, actions of faith, disagreements, controversy, and chances for learning, events that appear whenever two or more are gathered to explore what it means to be a person or body of faith.

 

Today’s reading can apply to the controversy and questions that arose since the announcement of my Installation being postponed.

 

Let us seek the presence of the Holy Spirit as we journey in discovering the why, how and the where to go…

 

…First, let’s discuss a little about me.  Back when the Search Committee met with me on January 19, 2024, it was nothing but love and possibility.

 

The follow-up interview, the initial visit, the trial sermon, all rich with joy and unlimitedness.

 

Then the unexpected happened-  I underestimated how difficult it would be to move from a community, Cozy Cottage, friends, and a boyfriend that I saw as my “forever person.”

 

Homesickness crept in; intense. 

 

Add to that the Election, the weather, with rains resulting in a watery basement, a unique snowstorm, lingering gray skies, long dark nights. 

 

Thank God for all those people who care and have shown their love.

 

Then, St. Lucas- the conflicts, disagreements, issues that have gone on for years, allowing space for and acceptance of behaviors that aren’t always the best way of being.

 

My first week, my first day, folks let these stories be known.

 

I then witnessed meetings in which someone raised their voice, bullied another.   E-mails in which things I said were either misrepresented, misunderstood, or filled with lies. 

 

Add to this the issues with Saturday Night worship , it felt like hosting a festive, celebratory Installation did not feel appropriate…for now.

 

“For now” is the key word, because as people of Christian Faith, rooted in the stories of our Hebrew Ancestors, we know that our God is a God who is full of surprises, possibilities, and ways of transforming the bleakest moment into an era of jubilation.

 

That’s what Resurrection and Easter are about.

 

So, now that we’ve discussed this, what do we do?

 

We take a page from today’s reading- moving forward, just as Jesus and the disciples did in the field, finding ways to rest and be nourished.

 

We honor our worship space and building just as Jesus did- caring for those in need; acts of healing.

 

What do we do?  Just as Jesus called the disciples, we find ways to build upon, grow, surround ourselves with folk who care about the Good News- transformation, Resurrection, healing.

 

As we experienced in today’s reading, controversy and conflict will always exist; the entire ministry of Jesus is surrounded by controversy.

 

Here is a part that is so affirming- Jesus used those moments to teach a lesson and encourage deep thought.

 

Jesus addresses folks with a question about doing good and saving a life, restoring a person to wellness.

 

By responding this way, Jesus allows folk the chance to learn, grow, think in ways that are life affirming.

 

Today we begin our Stewardship Campaign- Love Grows Here; which started off as a statement. 

 

How does Love Grow Here?  The  Yellow Bags going to Feed My People, our work with Habitat for Humanity, our youth as they prepare to travel to Back Bay Mission.

 

“Love Grows Here” is also a Prophetic statement.

 

It is a reminder of why we do what we do, calling us to new ways, brave ways, healthy ways to address and be honest about our conflicts and disagreements.

 

How does Love Grows Here?  By creating space to discuss the things that affect us- loss, fear, grief, moving forward while honoring the past, while not being trapped in it.

 

“Love Grows Here” means that we are prophetically called to nourish and care for the spiritual soil we have been entrusted with by God.

 

We start by acknowledging and addressing the things that can choke out or impede the seeds of hope and possibilities we are planting.

 

We find ways to water the soil, give it sun, through worship, song, acts of compassion, hospitality, kind words, words of forgiveness, acts of grace.

 

Another important  part is allowing time of rest, sabbath, rejuvenation.

 

We discern the seeds we feel called to plant.  Some seeds already exist- the ONA Committee, the Pastoral Care provided through Pastor Janet and the Caring Ministry, the involvement and appreciation of our youth.

 

Friends- there is no denying that we are in a time of transition.

 

It could be long; messy.  It will not end all disagreements and conflicts, nor the issues I personally face.

 

But if we do the work, if we find ways to best communicate with each other, have the honest conversations, be less afraid and more brave to deal with conflict, face disagreements, pray, and to weather  the different storms that come our way, we can experience true transformation.

 

When we do this, we can walk as the disciples with Jesus in the grainfield.

 

We can experience nets being raised up full of fish.

 

We can experience the joy of Resurrection and new beginnings.

 

Let us journey together, planting those seeds, tending the soil, discuss what needs to be discussed, so that we can say with all certainty that “Love Grows Here.”

 

For that, let us say “Amen.”

The Embodied Faith of MLK; Luke 4:14-30

 

Rev. George Miller

January 19, 2025

Luke 4:14-30

 

Christianity is about many things: miracles, majesty, doing justice, humbly walking with the Lord.

 

Things that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. cared about.

 

Christianity is also about God doing new things; still speaking, dreaming, stirring the waters.

 

 

 

We saw this at Christmas, when God came to us a baby, to live amongst us.

 

We see this in Luke’s telling of Jesus’ baptism, in which he is present with the crowds, wading into the same waters, hearing the same words, showing how he identified with us.

 

That is deep, illustrating the very body-ness of Jesus; the incarnate reality that Emmanuel came to us, experiencing the things we do, in human flesh.

 

Not just the cerebral or philosophical things but those that involve our body and senses.

 

The experience of Jesus is not just about ethics or morals.  It is also sensory, involving all of our body.

 

Every week we say we are transforming lives as the hands and feet of Christ. 

 

We use our bodies through the backpack program, Chili cook off, last year’s bike ride to Montgomery.

 

All acts of embodied faith. Why does this matter?

 

Because sometimes we may think that Christianity is only about what you believe or solely the soul.

 

But Biblical faith is three dimensional, showing how the body is essential and of immense value.

 

As we wander through the Gospel of Luke, you begin to notice something- Luke tells a story that is very body and sensory focused.

 

In the first 3 chapters, Luke refers to speech, vision, writing; bringing attention to arms, hands, mouths, wombs, and babies that leap within them.

 

Luke tells us how the body of Jesus is swaddled, laid in a manger, circumcised, held by Simeon, baptized by John.

 

Today’s scripture is very embodied and sensory, involving action, thought, emotions, things that mean to be human.

 

Luke mentions standing, giving, giving back, rolling, and unrolling of the scroll.

 

Jesus sits. All eyes are fixed on him.  He speaks of a widow who is fed; a man with leprosy who is cleansed. 

 

How all who hear are filled with rage.  They get up, drive out, and attempt to hurl Jesus off a cliff.

 

Luke could have told this story in a simpler way, instead there’s so much attention to physical actions and senses.

 

It is almost as if Luke is saying “See and hear how important the human body is to God; is to Jesus.”

 

Luke shows this again and again as we read about hands that are healed, the many mentions of feet, parables about long-lost sons who are hugged.

 

We hear of thousands fed, blood flows that stop, the weeping of Jesus, the kiss of betrayal.

 

The crucifixion, burial, and road to Emmaus in which the resurrected Christ walks, talks, breaks bread, while hearts burn within.

 

He shows his hands and feet to the disciples, asking for something to eat.

 

All this attention to detail within Luke points us to the value of the human body, importance of our senses, how our actions can be holy.

 

Luke shows us that yes, faith involves spirit, ethics, thought, but it also involves caring for and placing value on the body.

 

That’s what Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King  did.

 

He was such a powerful, potent person whose faith wasn’t just theoretical. 

 

He didn’t just discuss faith, justice, and kindness- he embodied it every way.

 

He held meetings to address discrimination.

 

He was present to folk physically, sharing in meals, walking with them, standing shoulder to shoulder, participating in sit-ins, marches, and bus boycott.

 

He didn’t minister in the safety of his office, but traveled across the nation, attending rallies, meeting activists and adversaries.

 

He used his voice as a vessel, dynamic in energy, gestures, facial expressions, embodying what it means to be a prophetic preacher.

 

He'd kneel in prayer with others.  In prison he used his hands to write letters.

 

How often Dr. King turned the other cheek; how often his body bore the consequences of his faith, as he experienced attacks and being arrested over 29 times.

 

Ultimately, how his body was taken from him at age 39 by someone who chose to embody hate, racism, and unjust rage.

 

King’s legacy lives on, a testimony to the faith he lived and embodied.

 

In conclusion, think about how important your body is to God, so much so that Jesus came to show us how every aspect of our humanity matters.

 

How do we live out our faith in not just what we say or believe but in how we use our body?

 

How do we treat and care for the bodies of others?

 

This way of thinking can shape so many things we do:

 

How we live; how we vote.  How we spend our money.  What we do as a church. 

 

How we be the hands and feet of Christ and continue to transform lives, be brave, and plant seeds in good soil.

 

May the spirit of Christmas continue to guide us, knowing that God came to be one of us, and our bodies are holy pathways to experience and share God’s love. 

 

Amen and amen.

Sermon for Jan 12, 2025; Luke 2:41-52

 

Rev. George Miller

Jan 5, 2025 (preached on Jan 12)

Luke 2:41-52

 

Here we are in the Gospel of Luke, with the author’s understanding of the past and unstoppable belief in the future.

 

We have Jesus: Son of Mary, Nephew of Elizabeth, and The happiness of Anna’s eyes.

 

Luke is taking his sweet time to tell us about the Jesus experience, including this tale about a young Jesus told nowhere else.

 

 

Jesus is no longer a babe; he’s not yet a man.

 

He’s a pre-teen boy doing what pre-teens do best-

causing his parents grief; talking back to his Mama.

 

Jesus may be the Lamb of God but he’s also a source of his Mother’s anxiety.

 

He’s with his parents making their yearly trip to the big city. 

 

Instead of going to the Arch or Busch Stadium, they’re at the Passover Festival.

 

Young Jesus is having such a good-time he doesn’t want to leave.  He stays behind while his parents journey home.

 

3 days later they find him in the Temple, astounding the local folk.

 

But Mama and Papa are not impressed.

 

“Boy, if you don’t get back here!”

 

“But Maaaaaa…..”

 

“Don’t ‘But Ma’ me!”

 

 

Well, Luke doesn’t tell the story this way; he tells it alot classier, having Jesus speak like a mini-college professor:   

 

“Why are you searching for me. Didn’t you know I must be in Abba’s House.”

 

But, I don’t go for that sugar-coated holiness put upon pre-teen Jesus.

 

I like to imagine Jospeh saying “Abbas’ House my foot!” and Mary with a wooden spoon in hand.

 

This is a delightful story, offering a glimpse into Jesus, his childhood, and his family relations.

 

One in which he is just like us, growing up, navigating his way from childhood to adulthood, inadvertently hurting his parents along the way.

 

Who here as a parent, uncle, aunt, an Oma or Opa, has experienced that moment in which-

 

the pre-teen you now know is no longer the child you once knew?

 

Who here knows what it is like to watch that child go from being lovingly dependent to becoming vocally independent?

 

And who here knows that THIS is the path all parents, uncles, aunts, Omas and Opas must take if that child is to grow into who they are supposed to be?

 

Yes, we all want our beloved children to stay young, stay innocent,

 

be that kid who once sat under the Christmas tree excited to open each and every present.

 

But eventually that child becomes the same one who rolls their eyes over how boring and silly family gatherings are.

 

Sure, we want to be with our child at all times, but at some point, if we truly love them-

 

we let them stay home alone without a babysitter, we let them go to the corner store unescorted.

 

We let them drive off on their own, standing on the driveway as we watch them pull away, praying to God that they’ll be kept safe.

 

As holy and sacred as we want the family of Jesus to be, most likely they were just like us.

 

As we heard today, Mary and Joseph had their trying moments with young Jesus,

 

and young Jesus definitely tested the limits with his Mom and Dad.

 

But here’s the Good News-

 

this story reminds us that Jesus was just like us.

 

That Emmanuel, God With Us, did not come to Earth to be a robotic vessel of heavenly information.

 

Jesus came to earth in the same flesh as you and me to experience the same life as we do.

 

God entered into human form to experience life the same way most of us do-

 

A complicated family structure, with its rules and expectations, and cultural traditions.

 

Even the boredom of travel that no family vacation is complete without.

 

Jesus lived like us, with us, beside us. 

 

In this way Jesus was empowered to understand  us, represent us, speak to and speak for us.

 

The child we see in today’s reading is tempestuous and wild, and we shouldn’t have it any other way.

 

Because the more human Jesus is and the more human we allow him to be, the more amazing we realize that Jesus is.

 

Because Jesus was born to a family, part of a family tree, Jesus becomes a richer, more developed savior of the family.

 

Through Jesus, God got to know, experience, fully understand the human condition, and what it means to live on earth.

 

Because of Jesus we have a Counselor we can turn to when we are frustrated,

 

when we feel let down,

 

when we are annoyed with our own family.

 

Because of Jesus, we truly know God is with us, not apart, not far away, not aloof, or distant.

 

But right here, by our side.  With us, and for us, forever.

 

Amen.