Devotional 4-23-10

“Comfort Food”
Lectionary Readings: Acts 9:36-43; Psalm 23; Revelation 7: 9-17; John 10: 22-30

I was very pleased when I looked at the lectionary readings for this week and realized that one of my favorites was on the list. Like many of you, I think that the 23rd Psalm is one of the most inspired writings attributed to David. The psalm is widely known and deeply loved. This psalm has provided the lyrics for many songs and anthems written for children of all ages. One version is found in the Rutter Requiem that we sang during Lent. It has also been used as a prayer, a message of comfort for the dying, a sign of hope for the grieving and as the topic of many sermons. It is also the topic of a book, “Traveling Light”, by Max Lucado. Mr. Lucado has a way with words and I highly recommend this book for his insights into these well-loved words.

I have to tell you that the words of this psalm are an oft repeated “mantra” for me. My brain has finally mastered the memorization of the psalm and saying it over and over helps me to go to sleep. I even bought the bracelet that has multiple shaped stones and symbols of the words. I take this bracelet with me when I’m traveling, to remind me of the words of the psalm when I’m trying to sleep in an unfamiliar place. I also find it very comforting to repeat the words aloud as part of a worship service. We are all sheep, but there is but One shepherd—thus, these become words of celebration and exultation when repeated with many voices.

So it occurred to me that the 23rd Psalm is comfort food for our souls. We need it just like those who are calmed by chocolate, sugar cookies or peanut butter. The words wrap around us as snugly as grandma’s hand-stitched quilt in the big old rocking chair. There is something in this psalm for every soul. Maybe the phrase that means the most to you is: “He restores my soul.” Maybe it is: “I shall not want”. Maybe you need the entire psalm to feel God’s message for you. Whatever you need, the shepherd provides for his sheep—even comfort food.

So as a prayer for yourself and your loved ones, for those who are suffering, for those who are grieving, for our churches and the world, I invite you to say out-loud these love-filled words with me:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside still the waters, He restores my soul.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. NRSV
AMEN.
Chyrl Budd

Devotional 4-16-10

Peter’s call to discipleship, to be a fisher of people, came after he confessed Jesus as Christ after a night of unproductive fishing. (see Luke 5:1-11). In response to Jesus’ invitation to “follow me,” Peter left his nets and committed himself to Jesus and his ministry. Later, Peter would boldly promise to follow Jesus even unto death.

Today’s gospel passage of a post-resurrection breakfast on the beach echoes that earlier account of a miraculous catch of fish. This time, Peter and the other disciples had gone back to fishing. It had been a strange few weeks; during the celebration of their last Passover celebration with Jesus, he would warn them of things they didn’t want to hear, of betrayals, denials, crucifixion, death, and, YES, resurrection.

It seems strange that after witnessing Jesus’ victory of live over death, the disciples would not be able to go back to their old ways. But then again, what else were they to do? Jesus had not yet given them any instructions as to how to continue his ministry.

I can imagine Peter rehearsing over and over again in his mind the events of the garden the night Jesus had been arrested. How could he, “the Rock,” have denied Jesus not once or even twice, but THREE times? And Jesus had called it. How could Jesus have known? How could he have let his friend down?

And I can imagine that Peter probably felt that, as a fisher of people, he was a complete failure, so he might as well go back to something he knew how to do.

“I think I’ll go fishing.”

“Me too!” the other disciples chimed in, each wrestling with his own doubts and fears.

In that context, Jesus makes his appearance on the beach as a stranger. He is revealed when his friendly fisherman’s advice yields another miraculous catch. The impetuous Peter doesn’t even wait to haul in the catch. He dives in and rushes to greet Jesus, who is broiling some fish.

After breakfast, Jesus and Peter have a conversation in which Jesus three times asks Peter, “Do you love me?” to which Peter three times responds that he does. I can imagine Peter, hearing the question the third time, recalling the third denial in the garden just before the cock crowed. Recently, I learned that our English translations limit the meaning of the conversation because of the different Greek words for love. In Jesus’ question, the Greek word “agape” is translated as love. In Peter’s responses, the Greek word “phileo” is also translated love. Agape love is unconditional; it is a full commitment, the highest form of love. Phileo, in contrast, is brotherly love.

Whatever we may make of the questions and answers, let’s not forget the three commands of Jesus after each of Peter’s responses.

“Feed my lambs.”
“Tend my sheep.”
“Feed my sheep.”

The subtle differences in the words of the commands suggest that Jesus is calling Peter to all of the duties of a shepherd. Peter’s human frailty and failures were no obstacles for Jesus.

As one who identifies with Peter’s impulsiveness and pride, as well as his failures and the limitations of his ability to fully commit, I find hope in this passage. In spite of my shortcomings, God can use me. Jesus doesn’t demand or ask for perfection—he calls us to love him.

Jeff Taylor

Devotional 4-9-10

Show Me
The Easter bunny has hopped away. The baskets are filled with wrappers, all the candy devoured. The colored eggs have been found and discarded, and the bonnets put on a shelf for another year. What remains? Nothing remains – the tomb is empty. Yet everything remains – He remains. WV is called Wild and Wonderful. Ohio gets to be the Buckeye State, and Kentucky the Bluegrass State. As an Army brat I spent a little time in Missouri – the Show Me State. My boss likes to say, in response to an idea put forth, “I’m from Missouri, show me!” He’s not, but it gets the point across. Do we all have a little Thomas in us? Show me! John 20:24-29 tells of Thomas wanting to see the marks. Jesus did show, and Thomas did believe. 2000 years later we are still doubting, and he is still showing. Did you smell the beautiful garden in our sanctuary Easter Sunday? Have you seen the daffodils in manicured yards, in the interstate median, growing in the middle of a parking lot? Did you notice the Red Bud – full glory OVERNIGHT? Have you prayed for someone lately? Have you been prayed for recently? Do you love someone – are you loved? That’s Jesus showing you the marks of His existence. From behind closed doors, when we think nothing and no one can enter, He does.

Psalm 150 is a short six verses. It begins; Praise the Lord and ends; Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.

Amen

Steve Matthews