From the Pulpit-Feb. 26, 2012

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Genesis 9:8-17
Mark 1: 9-15

Today has us studying again the baptism of Jesus and the story of Noah. Both great stories.  Especially in the newest version of the Noah story told in the movie Evan Almighty ....

In this movie, a modern day newscaster gets a job as a Congressman, at which point he wants to celebrate with the dance. But God forces him to quickly get grounded in reality when He asks Evan to build an ark to save the people and animals from the upcoming flood.

Yes, we love a good story, but we are also sometimes forced quickly into reality by events in our world.  This was the case at the HUB Community Awareness Banquet held last night in Habersham County. Honorable Judge Rusty Smith spoke about the problems of the community that are driven by drug abuse and Dr. Charles Roesel followed up by describing the way his community in Florida decided to attack the problems that they were up against.  He began by suggesting that what we all really want to know is---What is going to be on the final?  We've been asking that question since we were in school and many of us still want to know some form of that same question. 

Lent is like preparing for "the final".  And a low grade is not going to be caused by what you know or what you do, but a low grade is caused by what you don't know or what you don't do.  These are sins of omission.  When faced with our realities in our lives and the lives around us what we don't do is as important as what we do.  We have to look for opportunities hiding within the realities.  For instance, the reality is that the person who stole copper last week from the church has been caught.  Another reality is that we are planning to prosecute.  But we also see an opportunity here-an opportunity to pray for this person who obviously has issues in life that are causing bad decisions and perhaps an opportunity to love in a more personal way, as well.  Only God knows where that relationship will lead. 

In our new testament story, Jesus is preparing to begin his ministry.  He has been baptised and now goes out into the wilderness for 40 days.  Here is where the temptations of the world met him.  Here is where Satan gave him plenty of reasons to not do.  Not unlike the way Satan tempts us with many excuses to not get involved--I'm too old, I'm too young, I don't have enough money to give any away, I'm too busy already....
But Jesus didn't take the bait.  He remained committed.  But don't you think that was easier for Him?  Not only was He the Son of God, with God right there beside Him (oh wait, God is beside us too!), but He also was being served by angels! Oh wait, we are surrounded by each other--we are each other's angels! So, maybe our part in His ministry is simply taking care of each other and holding each other accountable and on track!  And we have 40 days until Easter to prepare with each other.

Funny how Noah had 40 days on the ark as well.  And those 40 days led up to the rainbow.  The reminder of the covenant that Noah had with God. And we have a covenant with God, too.  Know what it is?  To please Him.  That's all.  Just please Him.  But sometimes that might mean to do something that others are going to say is crazy.  To do something that others say is not possible.  But we must focus on God's request, not what others think or say.  And the result will be a rainbow.  Now, the science of a rainbow is pretty cool.  You probably know that it is the refraction of light and that it is actually a circle, but we can only see half or part of that circle at a time.  So even though the folklore of gold at the end of the rainbow is cool too; we know that can't be true because a true rainbow doesn't have an end--it is a complete circle.  And that is why the symbolism that God intended is really the coolest thing about a rainbow.  Our covenant with God IS that unseen, but complete circle. The giving and taking that makes the loving relationship never-ending.  Pretty poetic, huh?

So, how are you doing with that final exam?  Want a "cheat sheet" so you know what's on it?  Well, it's right there in MATTHEW 25: 31-46.  And here at Hebron we are ready for our progress report: 

I was hungry, you gave me food--well, that's easy we eat meals together, but we also feed our spirits with Sunday School for adults and youth and our Women's Bible Studies.

I was thirsty, you gave me drink--We thirst for alot of things in life and Hebron tries to meet them with concerts on the lawn, communion each first Sunday, a meditation trail, and special services like our upcoming Maundy Thursday service.

I was a stranger, and you welcomed me--We love to hold events like our weekly Wednesday Coffee and special events like our Sons of the Confederacy tomb rededication ceremony and our Meet the Candidates events!  And we have several regular yearly events like our Easter Egg Hunt, our Community Christmas Program, our summer Homecoming Sunday, VBS and Jumping July, so that anyone feels welcome to join us in fun, fellowship, and praise. And there's usually food and drink at those too!

I was naked, you clothed me--We just opened our Coat Closet and are hoping it will grow.
Sick--our prayer board is updated weekly
In prison--we have even helped out there in a literal sense, but we also try to help us all conquer whatever type of "prison" is keeping us "bound".

At Hebron, we have alot of pieces in place, but to really pass the test, we've got some work to do.  We have room to grow and places to go.  We have the faith in place and we just need one more thing---you!  We hope you will consider joining us in person soon! That final exam may be coming soon and we sure could use you in our "study group"!  We really want you to pass the test, too!  And hey--we may even order pizza!!

God Bless You and the reading of this word!  Amen!