Living in a Perfect World

Posted on January 20, 2011 by David Nuottila

Sharing conversation over a cup of coffee, someone recently asked me if I could ever imagine living in a perfect world.  I’ve used the “in a perfect world” phrase plenty in my lifetime, but usually in an anecdotal sense.  Until my friend asked this question in a serious manner, I really had not given much thought to what a perfect world would look like.   Mostly, I guess, because I know that as long as we live in a fallen broken world, we cannot ever fully comprehend living in a “perfect world.”

Case in point:

This morning during my drive into work I was in very good spirits.  The sun was shining and my travel mug was filled with hot and fresh coffee.  Traffic flowed exceptionally smooth for a weekday commute and I made every green light leading to the interstate.  But then the radio station to which I was listening began to fade into static.  Naturally I began to complain, even though no one was there with me.  In a perfect world there would be no static because radio signals would travel infinitely, so there would be no need for complaining.

Finally the station’s clarity returned and I was able to listen to the rest of the news broadcast.  Budget shortfalls, robbery, murder, and unemployment were the headlines competing for top billing.  It seems the more our government tries to “fix” things, the more confusion, contempt and controversy sets in.  In a perfect world there would only be good news because there would be no violence, bigotry, greed or shame and everyone would strive for the same goals, that is, to keep things perfect.

After arriving at my office, I made a bee line for the Keurig coffee maker but noticed someone had consumed that last of my favorite K-Cup coffees.  Oh there were still plenty of the others, but I was looking forward to the final cup of Newman’s Own.  Again, in a perfect world there would be no need to complain because all of the coffee would taste as good as Newman’s Own Extra Bold.  If only we lived in a perfect world.

Come to think of it, when we consider what it may be like living in a perfect world, most of us likely consider our own view of perfection.  We tend to think our way would be best and if everyone and everything were to conform to our standard.  That would be perfect right?  Well, we all know that’s not truly the case; our standards and ideals, no matter how well intended they may be are always subject to our human condition.  They are always riddled with the flaws of inherent sin.  Thankfully, God has something to say about that.

The apostle Paul writes, “For our sake [God] made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:21).  Only one human being ever lived perfectly in this world; not that the world was perfect, he was.  Jesus, fully God yet fully human lived as we live, experienced the human struggle as we experience it, and did so without imperfection.  Jesus remained fully obedient to God even unto death.  Our Lord took the entire weight of sin upon himself and made the final atonement for humanity in the victory of the cross.  For this, God raised him on the third day and exalted him to God’s right hand in glory.  It is through Christ Jesus that we too may one day realize the fullness of God’s kingdom and glory, and dwell in God’s perfect world.  Yet until such time, Christians are called to be in this world, even as through Christ we are not of this world.

No, the world is not perfect, and even in our pettiness and complaining we do our share to keep it that way.  But even as we strive to live according to the laws and promises of God, Christ is with us, enabling and empowering us as disciples living for the sake of others.  We may not be perfect, but God’s love and forgiveness is.  The perfect world of God’s kingdom awaits us, but for now, with God’s help we can strive to make this one a little bit better each and every day.

Now where is that coffee……?

Posted in Grace | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

“…And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Posted on January 19, 2011 by David Nuottila

Certainly, the twenty-third psalm is much beloved by people throughout the Christian church.  Most especially we read this psalm during funeral and memorial services because of the comfort and consolation God provides through these words.  In verse six, we have the assurance that God’s salvation is a certainty for his people, and that death will not be the final word, for we will live forever in God’s eternal kingdom.  But what about this “house of the Lord?”

Again in Psalm 27:4, David says he seeks to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life.  Yet we know that God is not bound by physical walls.  Scripture tells us that God does not live in temples, tents or any other structure built by humans.  God is omnipresent, God is boundless and infinite.  So what are we to make of this house of the Lord in which we seek to dwell?  Do we hope to gain a place in some physical realm beyond our comprehension, or perhaps inside heavenly gates?  Are we hoping that after death we spend eternity in a newly created city of God, or within the bounds of a beautiful garden such as the Garden of Eden?  Perhaps, but as we read these words from Scripture looking only to our life after death, we are limiting the house of the Lord and God’s eternal promise.

Eternal means forever, now and always.  If we seek to dwell in the house of the Lord forever, we must also include our earthly lives in the equation.  Though it is not yet fully revealed, Christians profess the in-breaking of God’s kingdom on earth with the coming of God’s Word incarnate.  Surely as Christ dwelled among God’s people, God’s kingdom burst forth in the earthly realm.  To dwell in the house of the Lord forever; therefore, also must mean living as God’s people in his eternal presence, including the here and now.  At the close of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says “Remember, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20).

As we are baptized into Christ crucified and risen, we realize that his promise of presence is an eternal one, meaning now and always.  Christ has given us the gift of his Holy Spirit to dwell in the hearts and minds of God’s people.  Through his holy and life giving Spirit, Jesus comes to us in our times of need through the faith and witness of others who give of themselves, being as Christ for us.  Living in the presence of God means offering our lives for the sake of others as well, inviting and welcoming all into our midst so that they may also see the goodness of God.  We stand in the presence of God as we gather for worship and thanksgiving, as we pray for and with one another, and even as we forgive others as we are forgiven.  Dwelling in the house of the Lord all the days of our lives means living in the presence of God each and every moment, among God’s people no matter where we might be, for where God’s people are gathered, so also is Christ there with us.

As I look out the window of my office this morning, I see the house of the Lord.  I can see the people of God’s kingdom as they go about their daily tasks, some realizing their vocational ministry while others not yet understanding or knowing that Christ is indeed with them.  Our mission and ministry as Christians is to be among the people of the world, to be as Christ for them, attending to their needs and proclaiming the good news of God’s forever promise through his Son Jesus Christ.  The more we do this, the more we can begin to realize that we not only dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of our lives, but that through our baptism, we are called in a very real way to be a part of this holy house of God.  Let us seek this house now and always.

Posted in Bible Study | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Church and the BCS

Posted on December 31, 2010 by David Nuottila

For so many people, the month of January sometimes brings what is often called the “post-holiday let down.”  Others may call it the “January swoon.”  In either case, the sentiment is the same.  The hustle and bustle of secular Christmas with its light displays and malls filled with frenzied shoppers is over.  The sometimes wild and festive celebrations ringing in the New Year are quickly becoming but a fading memory.  In fact, some will say that if you are not a college football fan, there isn’t much left to look forward to in January.  At least college football fans can look to the January swoon and shout out, “Thanks God for the BCS!” (Bowl Championship Series).  If it weren’t for the BCS, what else would there be to look forward to?  Thankfully, The Church has something to say about that.

During the time following Christmas, Holy Scripture tells the story of God’s light display come to earth.  The season of Christmas concludes with the reading of St. John’s account of God’s Word becoming flesh and dwelling among his people.  John writes, “What has become into being through him was the light and life of all people.  The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1: 4-5).”  The Epiphany season begins with the journey of the Magi as they followed a bright new star Bethlehem where they beheld the newborn King.  For this reason, Epiphany is called the Season of Light.

The lessons of Epiphany (revealing) are in their own way, Holy Scripture’s BCS (Because Christ Saves), for they tell the world exactly who Jesus is and why he came to earth.  During January and throughout the season of Epiphany, we won’t notice radio stations playing extended versions of our favorite carols.  There won’t be television specials scheduled in prime time, and we certainly don’t have to worry about purchasing the perfect gift for someone special.  We will, however, be witness to many of the greatest stories in the Bible.  Christmas may have passed and the novelty of a New Year may soon wear off, but certainly the joy of Christ lives on.

Even as we marvel at the excitement of the shepherds at Christmas, how can we help but feel the excitement and anticipation of Andrew when he tells his brother Peter, “We have found the Messiah!”  There might be a new star for us to follow, but certainly we must feel the wonder of those simple fishermen as they dropped everything, accepting Jesus’ invitation to follow him.  And finally, even as Luke told us of the starry skies and angels singing “Peace, goodwill to those whom God favors” we listen in Matthew’s gospel as Jesus proclaims God’s blessings and beatitudes during his Sermon on the Mount.

December, with its Christmas and New Year celebrations may be over, but the Church has no time for a January swoon.  Through the stories provided by the authors of the gospels, the life, ministry and purpose of Jesus Christ is made known to us.  The joy and amazement continues as God’s light and life dwells among his people.  As we begin this new year together, I encourage everyone to avoid the post-holiday let down and feel the excitement, peace and promise of Jesus.  In January and throughout the seasons of the Church, all are welcome to worship God and sing praise to him for the gift of his Son.  Salvation has come to earth!  God has kept and continues to keep his promises made so long ago.  How can we know this?  The answer is clear; BCS!  Because Christ Saves!

Posted in Bible Study, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Holy Innocents – The Other Side of Christmas

Posted on December 26, 2010 by David Nuottila

This time of year there is no shortage of peaceful images.  The sights and sounds of Christmas are embedded in our hearts and minds.  More than any other time of year, the world strives to find certainty and security at Christmas; we hope and pray for peace and joy for all people.  Searching for these we hold fast to traditions, both in our families and in the church.

At Christmas we tell the old familiar stories and we sing those timeless hymns.  And because of all those long held traditions Christmas is a time for predictability.  But just as suddenly as the angels disappeared and the shepherds returned to their fields, the story takes a drastic and ugly turn.

When we start reading the story of Christmas in Matthew, we find anything but predictability.     Matthew’s story is not one that we want to hear.  Within his account of Christmas, Matthew quotes the prophet Jeremiah:

Thus says the LORD: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.  Jeremiah 31:15

While on Friday evening Luke told us of shepherds and angels, Matthew tells us a part of the Christmas story that we would rather soon forget.  At the beginning of his narrative on Christ’s birth, Matthew tells us that in fact, Joseph was about to dismiss Mary, but God came to Joseph in a dream and instructed him to do otherwise.  While Luke tells us that Christ was born in the City of David, Matthew tells us that during this time, Israel was under the control of Caesar, and the ruthless tyrant Herod sat on the throne of power.

This week, as the church sings “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, Matthew reminds us that, in order that he might kill Jesus, Herod ordered the murder of innocent children in and around Bethlehem. 

The hymn says “Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.” 

But the prophet Jeremiah recalls a different sound, a voice heard in Ramah, at the gates of Bethlehem; a mother’s sobbing; Rachel weeping bitterly and uncontrollably because her children are no more.  That’s not the Bethlehem of our kid’s Christmas pageants, and it’s not the Bethlehem of our hopes and dreams, but it is the Bethlehem of the Bible.

Herod, like so many leaders throughout history, had a keen sense for opposition.  He had been around long enough to know a threat when he saw one.  What the wise men see as a child born to be king, Herod understood as opposition to everything which his kingdom was based upon.  And just as we have seen so many times in the world’s history, Herod took measures to eliminate what he perceived to be a threat to his kingdom and rule.

Even today, we see this taking place in far flung places I the world; places where the people suffer under oppressive leadership.  Greedy and power drunk tyrants impose their will in order to preserve their influence and control.  It also becomes visible in racism; neglect of the poor and homeless, and in the forgotten-ness of those who live on the fringes of society.  The world calls such instances poverty, classism, and bigotry, but Matthew has another name for them, he calls it Bethlehem.

Before the story leaves Bethlehem, those who read the accounts of Jesus’ birth become witnesses of our world at its worst.  We read of corruption and witness senseless brutality, all while we listen to the uncontrollable weeping of mothers who have lost their children.

Yet, as United Methodists Bishop William H. Willimon said in a previous Christmas address at Duke University; “Even though the bloodshed of Bethlehem and the weeping of Rachel are not the Christmas story we want, it is most certainly the Christmas story we need.”  Willimon states that; for all of the world’s brokenness, a god who refuses to come to Bethlehem won’t do any good. Humanity needs a savior who is willing to come to Bethlehem and save us, because we cannot come to God on our own.

Such is the message of Christmas.

Through Jesus, God comes into a world that is anything but peaceful, his cross is already on the horizon; and by age two he was a refugee with a price on his head.  This is the God who dares to come into the world to save it from sin.  This is the God, Emmanuel, who loves the world so much that he takes on human flesh and give his life as the final atonement for our sin. 

Jesus is God; he comes to us as a child destined to die and be raised by the Father, thus defeating death forever.  Jesus is God and comes to us still; he comes to us through the waters of our baptism and claims us as his own.  He comes to us in the bounty of the Lord’s Supper, through the bread that is broken and the wine that is poured out for all people for the forgiveness of sin.

Each year, comments are made by unbelieving people who cannot understand how or why God would allow such a senseless tragedy to happen.  How could a loving God remain idle and watch the innocent babies of Bethlehem die, while his Son Jesus escapes such death?  What these questioning people miss is that, Jesus does not escape.  Jesus is not spared or pardoned.  Jesus also dies, just not during this particular slaughter.

God in Christ Jesus chooses to enter the world as a child, and there is only one suitable outcome stemming from this decision; Jesus must die.  God in Christ Jesus will die, just not in the account we read from Matthew’s gospel telling of the birth of Christ and his first few years.

Why not?  First Jesus must live as God’s people live.  He must grow and experience the same temptations of earthly life as humans do.  Jesus must endure all of the pain of this world, completely, totally, yet perfectly.  Only then will his earthly mission for salvation come to its conclusion.

Finally Jesus, himself, enters death at the hands of yet another powerful tyrant trying to preserve his own regime, his own legacy and his own misguided sense of self fulfillment.  It is this death, Christ’s death on the cross at the hands of Pontius Pilate that makes all of the difference.

While this part of Matthew’s story is not part of the Christmas that we want to hear, it is the part we need to hear.  It is the story of our world, our human struggle, and God’s participation within it.  Through this course of tragedy, we learn that humans have a God who is willing to live as we live; who will weep with us, walk with us, endure pain for us, and even die because of us.  But this Christ who is born unto us conquers death and the grave, so that we may enter his world, and live as he does, experience his joy, live in his peace, and dwell in the glory of God’s kingdom forever and ever.

Posted in Bible Study, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

This is Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2010 by David Nuottila

 

So this is Christmas, what have you done?

Another year over, a new one just begun. (John Lennon) 

I’ve actually heard that song by John Lennon several times this week.  As I listened to the words, I thought about all the joys of Christmas.  All the anticipation, excitement and wonder that goes with the Christmas as I remember it.

Others react differently to Christmas, however, as depicted by verse two of Lennon’s song.

And so this is Christmas, for weak and for strong;
for rich and the poor ones, the world is so wrong.

Considering this reaction to Christmas, one might wonder is the buildup worth it?  Is Christmas still all that you thought it would be?  With so many people stressing over economic concerns, does Christmas still live up to the hype?  For families with loved ones in the military far away from home; is Christmas really the most wonderful time of the year?

The truth is, most everyone loves Christmas; it really is our favorite time of the year.  Problem is, Christmas comes to the world in early November, takes root in our society around Thanksgiving, and stays around until the morning of December 25th.  After the frenzy of opening gifts, many are exhausted and breathe a sigh of relief.

And so this is Christmas.

Yet the Church has a different take on it.  The Christian Church began observing Christmas about 1700 years ago, around the year 325 AD and since that time, Christmas celebrations have grown exponentially.  For centuries the church has told the story of Mary and Joseph as they made their trek into Bethlehem.  We’ve grown up with the story from Luke’s gospel of how there were shepherds in the field keeping their flock.  Looking skyward they saw the angels descending from heaven, bringing with them the glad tidings of great joy which is for all people.  The sky was awash in the most dazzling light, there must have been trumpet blasts, angel choirs singing, and thundering voices proclaiming Glory to God in the highest!

The shepherds were absolutely terrified at the sight.  They had no warning, no liturgical calendar to consult and no television ads featuring the latest got-to-have gift.  The long ago promise and prophetic message was centuries old and not exactly on the tips of their tongues.  And in the history of God’s people, it seemed that God had been silent for over four hundred years.

Under foreign rule by the Romans, most of the Jewish people were living in poverty and the last thing the people expected was a celebration bursting forth from heaven.  Yet that is exactly what happened, and the shepherds who first witnessed it were terrified at the sight and sound of it all.  Terrified that is, until they realized what the message of the angels meant.

The Messiah has come.

They had been given a sign from heaven, a baby wrapped in rags and lying in a manger.  At this news their terror is turned to joy and they cannot contain themselves.  The excitement and joy is too much, and they run to Bethlehem to see everything that the angels had told them.  And when they finally arrive, they find not a king, not a prince, but just as the angels had said, a child born into poverty, lying in an animal’s feeding trough.

And they worshipped him.

So this is Christmas. 

Like most of you, I’ve grown up with this story.  We’ve heard it many times over.  It’s a part of us; as Christians it’s in our DNA.  But have we heard it so many times now that all we recognize is a band of shepherds in the field keeping their sheep at night; lovely songs sung by angel choirs, and the quaint picture of a new family in a picturesque stable, smiles on their faces and farm animals nuzzling one another at the sight?

Is this now Christmas?

Does our Christmas celebration even come close to the roller coaster ride of emotions experienced by the shepherds?  Do God’s people still look toward the sky and feel utter excitement and joy, so much so that we praise God all night long?  Do we strain our senses in order to hear angels singing, or is that the sound of consumerism, modern day Christmas ringing in our ears?

Ever since the Exodus, God has promised to deliver his people from evil, oppression and tyranny.  Ever since the prophets, God has promised his grace.  The scriptures declare, “The people living in darkness, have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned”

The shadow of death no longer has power over the light and life of God’s Messiah.  The shepherds are given the sign, they run to Bethlehem, and there in a manger they finally see the hope for the world.

This is Christmas.

But how can a baby born according to such humiliating circumstances, whose parents were forced by government decree to travel to Bethlehem at such a crucial time in the woman’s pregnancy just to be taxed; how can this child make a difference?

Since the beginning, God placed dominion of the world into human hands, and since that time, since the fall into sin, humanity has been trying to prove to Go that we can do just as good, if not a better job at seeing to our own needs, at getting the most out of our resources.  The world has even turned one of the most holy celebrations into a time where our enjoyment, our pleasure, our peace and serenity is only overcome by the anticipation of having it all, the gifts, the gatherings and of course the food.

And so this is Christmas.

What difference can one more baby born in poverty make?  With all of the difficulties facing our world today, with so many people living either beyond their means, or at the other end of the spectrum of need, what can one simple baby do?  Yet, this poor baby lying in the manger is exactly what we need.

He is Christmas.

Because of sin, we humans are foolish and disobedient.  We are deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.  We live in selfishness and envy.

We can’t fix ourselves. We can’t make our day better by trying harder.  Our common future together does not rest in our hands and we cannot keep promises even unto ourselves.  That’s us! We couldn’t change if we wanted to.  Try as hard as we might.

The good news, however, is that the angels still sing over us.  They still proclaim the good news for all people, “A Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord!”  We need rescuing; God provides the rescuer.  We need delivering; God provides the deliverer.  We need redeeming; God provides the redeemer.  In Christ we are forgiven.  In Christ, our sin is washed away.  In Christ we have reconciliation with God.  A Savior has been born to us!  The angels give us the sign.  You will find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.  He is Christ the Lord.  And so this is Christmas; a time to remember all of the good things of God.  It is a time to praise God and give him thanks for the gift of a Savior.

This is Christmas; a time of hope, a time of joy; a time of peace, in the name of Christ Jesus.  Amen.

(Some points of this sermon were gleaned from a post I had seen online somewhere, at sometime.  To the author whose name escapes me, I give you thanks.)

Posted in Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment