Friday, March 26, 2021

March 28, 2021 Palm Sunday “What Are You Doing?” Pastor Jacqueline Hines

 The gospel of Mark finds the disciples on the way to Jerusalem. Oh Jerusalem! It was and is the city of God. No matter where you were, North, South, West or East, so many times in the bible, those on their way to Jerusalem, are said to be “going up” to Jerusalem. For going to meet the Lord is to go upward and onward.

Jesus and his disciples were said to be near Bethphage – which we know very little about accept the name. Names and places go in and out of style and in and out of usage. For example, most of us have never heard a Chester County neighborhood named after Jerome Titlow from North Coventry. Titlow was a second generation abolitionist who housed slaves fortunate enough to have escaped. The Corner of New Hanover Street and Cedarville Road is known to some Bethel members as “Titlow’s Corner!”

Bethphage was probably a little neighborhood village. One source suggests it was known for growing a certain fig that never appears to look ripe. They were a reminder that you cannot judge a book by its cover. Bethphage was close to Jerusalem just as Titlow’s home on the Underground Railroad was close to Bethel UMC.

Not only does Mark tells us that the Disciples and Jesus were near the barely known Bethphage, but they were near Bethany the home of Lazarus who was raised from the dead. One modern name for Bethany is “Azariyeh” an Arabic derivative of “Lazarion” referring to the place of Lazarus. 


According to Mark, Jerusalem was also near the Mount of Olives at Gethsemane where Jesus prayed with drops of blood – a sign of stress, before he was falsely arrested then executed by crucifixion. Jesus and the disciples were near these three places on their way to Jerusalem, the city of God. Bethphage, Bethany, the Mount of Olives all real places, regardless of how true to any facts.

Jesus sent, not one, but two of his disciples on ahead for “donkey duty.” The bible says two is better than one. Many times, disciples are sent in teams of two. Go get a donkey and if anyone asks you, “What are you doing?” tell them, the Lord needs it. They did as they were instructed. They found a colt. As they were untying it, bystanders did ask, “What are you doing?” They answered as Jesus instructed, “The Lord needs it.” And those questioning, did not try to stop them. It was as simple as that.

Life is simpler when we follow Jesus’ instructions! We might say, the Christian’s life has some clear challenges, and that is true. Yet, without Jesus, life is much harder in the end. We may all have our share of donkey duty, our mess to endure and clean up. We may have to tame unridden, unbridled spirits of fear, shyness, but we also get to walk in the victory parade!

Verse 7 tells us when they brought the colt to Jesus, they threw their cloaks on it; and Jesus sat on it. It was now fit for a king, more comfortable than riding bare back. In those days coats were as important as they are today, and to turn them into a saddle for Jesus was not only an honor, but a sacrifice. It is not like they had five more coats at home in those days.

First Century clothes came at a very steep price. By the time you fleeced a sheep for its wool, groomed an ox for his leather, a fox for his fur, harvested a plant for its fiber, or a worm for silk, you had spent weeks just to get the materials to make the clothes.  


Finding sea creatures and plants to make dyes and crafters to decorate a piece of clothing involved even time. One could appreciate having only one coat, and one pair of shoes would be no reason to complain.

Just having a warm, sturdy blanket was so valuable in ancient times that it could be pawned or put up as collateral for a loan. Exodus 22.26 warns any Jewish loan officer to do justice and show mercy and return the coat before sunset, to give it back – no doubt, regardless of what was still owed. One blanket was all some had to keep warm and covered in the cool of the evening.

Even in this modern industrial age when machines and robots can do anything we can do, and do it faster, cheaper, and flawlessly, we still recognize, appreciate and delight in many things made by hand from scratch. Often a meal made from scratch is more nutritious and delicious than one from a box, can, or bag. A quilt made with care and love, passed down from generation to generation, is priceless and uniquely beautiful.

Experts say we have paid too high a price for conveniences. Fast food, for example has ruined our health. 


The US may be the wealthiest country in the world, though, ironically, we research and develop more medicines, use more pharmaceuticals, and have the highest medical costs in the world. It has gotten to the point that we avoid the cost of going to the doctor and some cannot even afford to pay for medications, and they are  costing a great deal more than they are worth. 


 

That’s why we must pray. Only a miracle working God can save us from our greedy, price gouging, immoral hearts that are so lacking in compassion. During this pandemic while others lost their jobs and their homes overnight, billionaires gained another 913 billion more. Yes. We are grateful for unemployment benefits, the Payroll Protection Act, stimulus checks, new laws that safeguard the interest of citizens, and churches and communities working together. Yes, we are grateful. God has indeed blessed America. However, the statistics testify that there is still much work to do.

The disciples fetched the colt and put their cloaks on it so Jesus could ride like royalty. What are we doing? The world of fabric has changed since the times of Jesus. Leather, silk, cotton, flax and other natural materials don’t allow us to fill our closets to the brim. It’s too expensive. Instead, we find labels that say - polyester, nylon, acrylic, manmade, spandex, lurex, viscose, and other. Advocates for a greener planet tell us that these human made fabrics contaminate us, effecting our lungs and throwing our hormones out of balance. Still, it is hard to imagine our world without Micky Dees that keeps us from spending hours in the kitchen instead of on Facebook with friends or on the job making more money. What can we do without wash and wear clothes that look perfectly pressed unlike cotton and linen that stay wrinkled? 

Every generation struggles with how to get back to basics, to faithfully cooperate and care for this beautiful earth God has created for us to meet our needs and enjoy. We may not be able to go back to the “good old days.” We may not be able to repair the damage all at once. But, if bystanders ask “What are you doing?,” In the midst of this cacophony of conversation, we want to be doing what Jesus tells us to do. What is Jesus telling you to do? If we are listening, surely Jesus has something to say to every one of us! What do you hear?

The disciples put their coats on the donkey while others, according to verse 8, put their coats on the road as they shouted Hosanna for the coming of the king. What an outrageously bold and humble way to show respect. Every culture has a way. Like his extraordinary mother Mary, Jesus was blessed and highly favored. They were honoring him as worthy of sacrifice and praise. They were honoring him as more valuable than even their prized possession. 



Those without cloaks cut leaves from the fields and – again with no factory made machines to plant and harvest – those fields were tended solely by the sweat of someone’s brow. What we have in our hands to honor Jesus is not to be taken lightly.

“Hosanna, Hosanna,” they cried out as Jesus rode by. It seems that day everything that had breath began praising the Lord, God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, were praised without restraint.

“Hosanna.” You are the blessed one. “Hosanna.” You are the one who saves. “Hosanna.” In the highest, the highest heavens. The highest honor and the highest hopes were in those loud “Hosanna’s.” The highest praise and the highest joy and happiness and desire for deliverance are in the cross made from palm leaves that we wave while echoing the age old “Hosannas.”

The world is watching and waiting as Jesus rides by. What are you doing? What prized possession can you lay down in order to show the honor and respect due to the wonderful name of Jesus? What are you doing? Amen.

 

 

 

 

Friday, March 19, 2021

March 21, 2021 Rev. Bumkoo Chung, West District Superintendent “New Teaching” Mark 1.21-28

On this fifth Sunday of Lent, I hope you have heard the voice of God and have renewed your faith and trust in the God who can make us new. Our messenger today is the District Superintendent of the West District of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church Rev. Bumkoo Chung.


The Word of God comes from the Mark 1.21-28

21They went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

23Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.

25But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.

27They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

28At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

Sermon - “A New Teaching.” Rev. Bumkoo Chung, West District Super Intendent

In today’s Scripture reading, we see Jesus teaching in the synagogue, and the people who are listening to Jesus’ teaching are very amazed. Verse 22 says like this “ 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the scribes.”

The contemporary Bible “the Message” translates the same verse in a bit different expression. It says, “They were surprised at his teaching – so forthright, so confident- not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars.”

The people who listened to Jesus words were amazed because his teaching was not like the scribes teaching.

The scribes were the experts of the law and they were recognized as the religious scholars, so that they interpreted God’s words and taught people in the synagogue.

As today’s scripture says, there were people at the synagogue as usual; however, these people were experiencing something new that they never had experienced before. They were amazed by Jesus’s teaching. They were surprised by Jesus’s teaching. They were touched by Jesus’s teaching. They were moved by Jesus’s teaching. They were excited by Jesus’s teaching. They were changed by Jesus’s teaching.

Because, Jesus’ teaching had power, Jesus’ teaching was so forthright, Jesus’ teaching had a real authority, Jesus’ teaching was authentic, and Jesus’ teaching was alive.

The scribes were the religious scholars; however, they were false teachers. They used God’s words to justify their own interests and benefits.

They were hypocrites; they acted differently from what they were taught. Their teaching was enough to make people feel guilty about what they were doing, but it did not have power to bring the salvation into their lives.

Their teaching provided people with some useful standards to judge and criticize other people’s lives but it did not work to find their own problems.

As we are Christians, as we are readers and interpreters of the Bible, we always have to be aware of the possible mistakes that we could make like the scribes did. When we read the Bible, we have to apply God’s words to our own lives not to others. When we read the Bible, we have to use what we read as a mirror to reflect on our own lives, not other people’s lives. We don’t have to criticize other people using the Bible. God is the only one who judges people.

For this reason, we have to first listen to God before we talk about God. We have to carefully study God’s words to interpret the God’s words. We have to spend enough time praying and asking the Holy Spirit to help us understand what we read. We have to be more listeners than speakers in front of God.

Jesus taught people and the people were amazed by his teaching. And, suddenly Jesus met a man with an “unclean spirit.”

Kids like to say “you’re so evil.” When I was a youth pastor, I told kids not to say those words to their friends, but they still said “you’re so evil.”

One day, I was wondering myself about the meaning of the “evil.”

Many theologians define “evil” as the negative and destructive power that opposes and resists the will of God and the plan of creation.

When we say “you’re so evil,” it does not mean that you are the evil being but it means that you are controlled and driven by evil forces.

As Jesus was teaching at the Synagogue, there was a man with an unclean spirit.

So Jesus met a man who were controlled by evil forces.

There are many different kinds of evil forces in the world. Evil is a force to block brining justice into the world.

The evil powers seek war to destroy the society and the world. The evil powers will do whatever it takes to destroy the Church, the body of Christ. The evil powers exploit children, women and elderly people who are very vulnerable. The evil powers are the “wrong” economic systems which create a deep gap between poor and rich.

This is the evil that Jesus wants to cast out from us.

Look at the first reaction of the man with “an unclean spirit,” when he saw Jesus. v. 24, he says, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-- the Holy One of God!"

This “evil spirit” recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God. However, he does not welcome Jesus.

Just right before this event, (Mk 1:14-20), Simon, Andrew, John and James met Jesus and were called by Jesus. After they met Jesus Christ, they left everything-- their lives, jobs, and family, and they immediately followed Jesus Christ.

However, when this man with “an unclean spirit” met Jesus, he reacts very differently. Instead of accepting and following Jesus, he rejects Jesus and he complains against Jesus, saying “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? “have you come to destroy us?”

Yes, Jesus came to us to destroy our sinful attitudes, and sinful minds. Jesus came to us to destroy our old sinful life and give us a new life.

Jesus came to us to destroy our sin, and give us salvation and an eternal life.

How many times have we refused Jesus coming into our lives? How many times have we been afraid of being destroyed our status quo by Jesus Christ? How many times have we said “no” to Jesus when Jesus came to change our lives? How many times we said “no” to Jesus when Jesus came to destroy our past sinful lives and give us a new life?

In the verse 25, “Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’” And, finally, the unclean spirit came out from him.

In this story, we can experience the love of God, one more time. First, Jesus embraces the man who was controlled by “an evil spirit.” Even though the society excluded him, Jesus embraced him with love and care. Jesus didn’t ignore the man with an unclean spirit.

Secondly, Jesus heals this man casting out the “evil spirit” from him. Jesus gives him a new life. Jesus gives him a new hope of life. Jesus brings him the salvation. Jesus brings him the liberation. Jesus loves us this much.

After seeing all these things, people were amazed one more time, and they asked themselves, saying, in verse 27, “What is this? A new teaching….” Yes, this is a new teaching. Jesus’ teaching is a new teaching. It is very different from the scribes’ teaching.

Jesus teaching has the power. Jesus’ teaching is so forthright. Jesus’ teaching has the authority. Jesus’ teaching is authentic. Jesus’ teaching is alive.

Jesus teaching changes our lives. Jesus teaching touches our hearts. Jesus teaching liberates us from our old sinful life. Jesus teaching brings us a new hope. Jesus teaching brings us the salvation.

 Are we ready to accept Jesus’ new teaching? Amen.

 

Lord, you make all things new. Create is us ears that listen and hearts that care. Bless those in need this day – the persecuted, the homeless, the scattered, the hungry, the hopeless, the addicted, the afraid, the caregivers, the lonely, those sick at heart or body or mind. Draw us close to you, receive us as we sit at your feet, lead us to the rock that is higher than us. We pray as you taught us…

Our father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

May the God who can, make us new!

Next week is Palm Sunday and we go to the gospel of Mark chapter 4. Our 10 a.m. service will feature a young guest musician, a violinist named Jody Goodhart. The message is “What Are You Doing?”

 

  

If you would like to make your contribution to the great ministry and mission of Bethel, the website is 


Or you can send it to 952 Bethel Church Road, Spring City, Pa. 19475.  


God bless you!   



 

Friday, March 12, 2021

March 14, 2021 Rev. Evelyn Kent Clark, South District Superintendent “Called For Such A Time as This” Esther 4.14, Mark 1.14-20

And this is the fourth Sunday of Lent! We trust your journey has been one of delightful fellowship with the God who cares!  Our District Superintendent Rev. Evelyn Kent Clark is brand new on our South District, and she is one of the most spirit-filled and spirit focused prayer warriors you will ever meet. Prepare your hearts for a blessed word from the Lord. 

The Word of God reads from the book of Esther 4.14

Esther 4:14 NKJV

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Let us also hear from Mark 1.14-20 where Jesus calls the disciples.

14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.

20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

 

“Called for Such A Time as This.” Ready your hearts for a glorious message!

Called for Such a Time as This


Rev. Evelyn Kent Clark, South District Superintendent

I give praise to God and honor to Bishop Peggy Johnson, the Cabinet and all the clergy and laity of the Eastern PA Conference. I am Rev. Evelyn Kent Clark, District Superintendent of the SUPER South, where the people minister with faithfulness and service. I am so happy to be with you and I’m grateful for God’s presence with us uniting us all over the Conference through this Cabinet sermon series. The sermon today is entitled “Called for Such a Time as This”. I am reading from the Old Testament in the NKJ version from the book of Esther 4:14. “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

I am also reading from the Gospel according to Mark 1: 14-20 also in the NKJ version. “Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. The Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in the boat mending their nets. And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.” This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Won’t you pray with me.

I have often heard the phrase used, “Called for such a Time as This”. In fact, I’ve probably used it myself on more than one occasion. But who knew such a time as this would come to us? And yet we, clergy and laity, have been called by God to proclaim the still living Gospel in such a time as this. The proclamation of such a time as this is used when times are dire and arduous, when the strong, the bold, and those who will take their stand at the front of the confrontation step forward. Those persons are called leaders for a reason! They lead when leadership is needed without hesitation! It’s in their DNA.

But wait! Those with the DNA to run to the front lines are not the only ones who receive the urgent message crying out about ‘such a time as this”. It is the everyday, ordinary person who rarely leads, never runs to the front line, who questions ‘why me’ and asks what about those other persons who have the DNA of leadership.

In both of the examples which were highlighted in the Scripture readings, the times were dangerous. The persons to whom the statements were directed, Esther and the fishermen, were persons who would probably wait for someone else to take the lead and maybe, just maybe, follow them. They were not the ones who would raise their voices to rally others! This is the whole point! There comes a time when those who are the ones on the sidelines or in the rear of the crowd are called to move forward for God, for righteousness, for peace, for justice.

It is in this light that we find the text from Mark so poignant. It is at this point in time when the work of God had come under assault. We understand that from the very beginning Jesus started His public ministry in difficult times. John, Jesus first cousin, who baptized Jesus and whose mission was to prepare the way for the coming Messiah, was imprisoned! The outspoken voice of God had been, if not silenced, at least quieted. Well, if John was imprisoned, who would speak, Jesus? Yes, but not alone. Jesus would need others to help and to be prepared for the time when His voice would no longer be heard in the gathering places. Despite the fact that John is no longer the voice crying in the wilderness, the plan of God began to unfold right there in the midst of all the mess.

For such a time as this, Jesus called His first disciples, Peter, Andrew, James and John. These regular men would share the ministry of proclaiming the Gospel and continue to expand the ministry after Jesus had ascended into heaven. These common men, these ordinary people were fishermen. Seemingly, they were unprepared for the journey and work Jesus called them for. It would appear that there was a huge difference between the work they were called from and the work they were called to. They would no longer catch fish; they would be fishers of people!

Maybe the work was not so different!? Fishing is not a simple task. Have you ever watched the series ‘River Monsters”? The central character in the series is Jeremy Wade, who is referred to as an “extreme angler”. It was because of this series that I came to know a little bit about the complexities of fishing.

The first thing about fishing has to do with context. One must be clear about what you are trying to catch.  Fish lead very different lives. Some are salt water dwellers, and others live in fresh water. Some fish live in oceans, while others live in lakes, rivers or streams. The context dictates the type of equipment required to catch the fish. Ocean dwellers are usually large and strong fish and require heavy fishing rods and reels, while fish found in lakes, rivers and streams don’t need that.  You must be knowledgeable about the setting and the environment in which you are fishing. It’s the same with people. People live in so many different environments and contexts that not all types of personalities, attitudes, concerns, etc. will make you an effective angler to catch men and women, boys and girls in their particular places.

In addition, the bait you use to catch your target fish is also crucial. It all depends upon the types of fish you want to catch. Flies or insects will catch some fish. Maybe worms will be better for other fish. For larger fish meat or other fish of smaller sizes is more appealing. Fishermen have to be able to get that baited hook into the mouth of the fish. Disciples have to be able to get the Word of God into the hearts of people. Not every evangelistic approach or ministry plan will get the attention or interest of every person. We have to continue to try different approaches.

The discipling person must get to know the concerns, needs, desires, problems and issues facing the persons with whom you are sharing the Gospel. Get to know the people you’re trying to reel in. It’s all about relationship. I’m sure you heard that before, but it warrants repeating.

When Jesus came to John the Baptist at the Jordon, John told Jesus effectively, ‘I’ve been waiting for you. It’s time for you to take over’. It sounds like John was tired. I hear disciples all over the connection saying they’re tired, but this is not the time to give up. Jesus essentially told John, ‘Patience my friend; it has to be this way for now”. When you’re doing the Lord’s work, when we’re fulfilling the call to be fishers of people, keep fishing and be patient. Anybody who loves fishing will tell you it takes a lot of patience to be successful at it.

These are perilous times. You know that. We are God’s people called to accomplish the plan God in these perilous times. Be an extreme angler. Your buildings may be closed, but you have been deployed to go out of the walls of your church and fish for people. Use every means you have to increase the Kingdom. Bait the hook. People are hungry and searching for food, help, connection, relationship, someone to talk to and someone to listen. Use this time to increase your knowledge, plan and organize for this new post pandemic season. Change your community; change the world. So, now let’s get to it! Let' do it. Let’s go fishing!

God of us all, our times and seasons are in your hands. You are in control. You are in charge. We surrender. We submit to your glorious will and your way that leads to life. Help us from day to day to listen and to hear that we might please you, walk with you and be a blessing.  We pray as you taught the disciples.

Our father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

May the God who can, make us new!

Next week we go to the book of Mark chapter 1 and our West District Superintendent Rev. Bumkoo Chung will bring the message “A New Teaching.”

If you would like to make your contribution to the great ministry and mission of Bethel, the website is


Or you can send it to 952 Bethel Church Road, Spring City, Pa. 19475.


God bless you!   



 

 

Friday, March 5, 2021

March 7, 2021 Communion Sunday Bishop Peggy Johnson “Observing A Long Lent” Psalm 42.1-5

To God be the glory on this third Sunday of Lent! Great things God has done! Our Bishop of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church is preparing to retire soon, so it is good that we get another chance to hear the inspiring message that God has given to edify our congregation. 

The Word of God comes from the Psalms, number 42 verses 1-5.

1 As a deer longs for flowing streams,

   so my soul longs for you, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God,

   for the living God.

When shall I come and behold

   the face of God?

3 My tears have been my food

   day and night,

while people say to me continually,

   ‘Where is your God?’

 4 These things I remember,

   as I pour out my soul:

 how I went with the throng,

   and led them in procession to the house of God,

with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving,

   a multitude keeping festival.

 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,

   and why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

   my help.

 

This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Our message title is “Observing a Long Lent.”

 It is difficult to believe that the Season of Lent is upon us once again. It seems like it was just Christmas.  I continue to receive delayed Christmas cards every day so it still feels like the holiday season.

 

But here we are in the Season of Lent 2021.  It includes the 40 days, excluding Sundays, between Ash Wednesday and Easter.  During this time, we mediate about the life of Jesus and consider how our life can be more in line with his character and holiness.  It is a time of penitence and improvement: what we need to stop doing and start doing for the better.

 

The season of Lent is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. It is a part of church tradition in which these 40 days were set aside to prepare new converts for baptism and church membership.  There are many times in Scriputure when great preparation has been done for 40 days such as Moses on the mountain, Elijah in the cave, Jesus in the wilderness,

 

The word Lent comes from a German word, “lango” which means “long.” It references the “lengthening of the days that are characteristic of the season of spring. The days continue to get longer. Sunset is no longer at dinnertime, and sunrise happens before I get to the office nowadays.

 

In that spirit of “long,” let’s observe a “Long Lent” this year. What are some of the ways we might do that?

 

Long-suffering – This word comes from two Greek words that literally denote having a “long-temper.”  That means self-restraint when one is stirred to anger, and not giving into the temptation to retaliate.  More than that, longsuffering calls us to be long in mercy (II Peter 3:9) and love.  No matter the circumstances, it means having patience with those who are difficult or suffering long ordeals for the sake of the Kin-   dom. Lent is a good time to examine how we respond to challenges.

 

Long view – Lent is also a time to have a long view of the future of God’s kin-dom.  I love the hymn “For all the Saints.” (BOH 711)  The fifth verse speaks to this: “And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again and arms are strong. Alleluia.”  We need to step back sometimes and remember that God has a plan for the future with hope. Good will triumph over evil, love will cast out hate, and life will conquer death.  During the season of Lent, look for the long view of the good that is to come by noticing what is good before you now. Isaiah 41 reminds us, “O Zion, that brings good tidings, get up on the high mountains.”  I say the same to you: get on the high mountain and see God’s view of eternal things and be encouraged.

 

Long for God - Psalm 42:1 declares, “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God.”  This kind of “long” has to do with deep, almost desperate desire. Another translation of the word is “pant” or “thirst.”  Longing for God is an important aspect of our Lenten journey.  Taking time for prayer, study, meditation in an attitude of “thirsting” for God’s Spirit is the key. Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us “when you seek God, you will find God, when you seek God with all your heart.”  Spiritual resources give you the life-giving water of strength for longsuffering and long-view thinking.


May you observe a long and holy Lent.

  Amen.

 

God of hope, justice, and mercy, by your grace we take this journey through Lent. With joy we have drunk deep from the waters of salvation. We give you the honor and glory, for great things you have done. You have not forsaken us nor forgotten us. Our lives overflow with many blessings. Show us with whom to share the delights of your goodness. Deliver us in our desperation. Strengthen us in our resolve to especially invite to your table, the least, the last, the lost. May we be pleasing in your sight.

On this day, many celebrate communion around the world. So we too behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. As you commanded us, we remember that on the night Jesus was betrayed he took bread. He broke it, gave thanks to God, shared it with the disciples saying this is my body broken for you. Likewise, he took the cup, and after he had given thanks he gave it to the disciples, saying drink all of this, for this is my blood shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. We remember…and we pray as you taught the disciples.

Our father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

May the God who can, make us new!

Next week we go to the books of Esther chapter 4 as well as the gospel of Mark chapter 1 for a message from our South District Superintendent Rev. Evelyn Kent Clark with the message entitled “Called for Such a Time as This.”

If you would like to make your contribution to the great ministry and mission of Bethel, the website is 


Or you can send it to 952 Bethel Church Road, Spring City, Pa. 19475.



God bless you!