“Jesus Prays”

John 17:1-11, May 21^st, 2023

Sermon by Pastor Tim Woodard

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“Hear now this accounting of a prayer Jesus is recorded as having offered ‘for’ his disciples before he was unjustly executed.  The writing is from the gospel according to John, chapter seventeen, verses one through eleven.”

John 17:1-11

1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5 So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

6” I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8 for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them.

11 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.

“Having listen to the reading of our lesson today, let us now consider its meaning for us in our day to day lives here in our current time.”

“Jesus Prays.”

There is so much misery and hardship in our world today, especially after the difficult years just passed.  Poverty and hunger are on the rise.  We hear of tensions, rifts and harsh disagreements between groups which need repair.  Violence, racial discrimination, bigotry, and increased incidents of mass shootings are repeated ‘over’ and ‘over’ again. Nations pitted against nations and the tensions continue to increase. Cyber-attacks, gun violence, and economic unrest, each of these increase tension and discontent. Climate change is now a fact; but of course, we know facts are attacked every day. Lies and lack of integrity have become center stage. So, what can we do! How do we find relief and how do we become part of the solution, and not part of the problem through our lack of response?

Jesus offered up a prayer. Can our prayers bring about change?

Yet, many times we find ourselves wringing our hands together in frustration, and at other times shaking our heads, or raising our clenched fists behind closed doors, or behind another’s back because of chasms, ‘wide divides’ between us as citizens of the world.  What can you and I do about all of this?  Can there possibly be anything in this morning’s scripture lesson that can help us?  Wouldn’t that be great!  An answer to fear, anger, and distrust during worldwide crisis!  Wow!  That would be fantastic!  Let us take a closer look and see if there is any hope contained in an old ancient writing, a prayer; a prayer offered selflessly for the good of others.

Jesus prayed. Surely that isn’t enough!

Our scripture is a portion of one of the final prayers attributed to Jesus during his ministry here on Earth – back in ancient times.  It is a selfless prayer which sets an example for others to follow.  He asks for their protection, they, ‘being’, his early disciples.  This writing helps us realize that prayer is an important tool for us believers and for non-believers alike.  Our scripture today gives us some real clues as to how we might use prayer to intercede for the needs of others. 

Ought we not ‘mind our own business? Jesus often prayed for others.

Surely, we each need to have someone that cares for us enough to offer a prayer for us.  I know my father and my mother prayed for me.  My father especially!  You see he was a very religious man.  He believed strongly in the power of prayer. I knew this growing up as he would always take time to pray and read devotional books to us children, especially when we sat down to eat a meal together.  He liked long prayers too!  We… we use to joke, as children, that the food would get cold on the dinner table in the evenings, while Dad prayed on and on.  Well, if it did and sometimes it really did get cold, it was well blessed!  Jesus surely was pleased, I suspect! 

Was my dad wrong to pray so much? Surely it didn’t make a difference.

Jesus prayed often.

I know that when I got out of the military and was having trouble adjusting to life without “all the negative habits or crutches” which I had developed while over in Southeast Asia. ‘My dad and my second Mom, Eleanor, prayed for me a lot.’ When I got back on my feet – I went to their Baptist church and learned a whole bunch of folks – I learned that they had prayed for me as well.  Thankfully, they knew I loved God and had been reborn, so to speak, in the Spirit of God’s image… before they passed from this life to the next.  My prayer is that I will continue to do for others – as they did for me.  It did make a difference.

Yes, my dad, his church and my second mom – their prayers made a difference in me! Subsequently, we can say: prayers made a difference.

My mom prayed for me a bit too.  She was a preacher’s kid and knew all about what preachers talk about and the stories, the accountings, and the lessons from the Bible.  She was a bit more practical than my dad and looked for tangible results. Sometimes, as I have learned as an adult, one may have to wait a ‘really’ long time before such proof of a prayer’s worth or value can become tangible!  My Mom had to wait a good long time before her prayers were answered, thereby surrounding me, and greatly enhancing my becoming a responsible adult.  Ultimately and without a doubt, God was working in the background to answer my mother’s prayers.  Way back when I was first getting ordained, I invited her to participate in the ritual of the ‘laying on of hands’ in the ordination process.   You see, I was clear where much of the “Holy Spirit” had been stored in my family… and I wanted it to be part of the ministry that God was and has called me to! 

Mom, like my dad, prayed. But did it quietly and was seldom seen doing so! Jesus said that private, selfless prayers were and are good!

The last time I spoke with my mom she was on her final journey, to the Hospice house near her home on Cape Cod.  We talked for several minutes.  I understood everything she was saying to me, but to those standing near her, she was not able to form clearly audible words.  That miraculous ability to understand her has occurred several other times, especially when people I have been close to… have had strokes or are near death’s doors.  I was the only one who was able to understand them.  I tell you this to express to you how strongly I believe in the power of prayer and the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 

Between my father and my mothers, and my grandfather, and my uncle, I had a lot of exposure to prayer!  I am sure I have spoken of this before; my grandfather Dixon and my uncle were both ordained pastors in the Congregational Church which became part of the United Church of Christ.  They both took after my dad, they loved to pray, long prayers and at any and every occasion.  I suspect that if I had been a bit older, more mature, or even had a passing interest in becoming a pastor while I was a young man, I would have paid more attention to all of that which they said.  Despite my youthfulness and arrogant foolishness, I am still able to hold each up, as powers of examples, especially around the subject of prayer.

What I remember most about how they each prayed, was their sincerity and obvious belief that it works!  That is a very important lesson for all of us to grasp onto.  The quality of our grammar or the preciseness of the structure of our sentences will not impress God.  Yes, those are good tools for communication with other humans.  But our God, listens to our hearts, and not necessarily in English.  You see… Jesus spoke in Aramaic, not a language many currently have much acquaintance with.  So, when talking with God, be sure to have your heart in it and speak from that spot; mixing it with some faith that God will hear you, truly, that always helps!

Why do so many feel… that prayer will help us get through these difficult times in our lives?  Why would Jesus make such a big deal about praying for others like his disciples?  Clearly, he prayed out loud with his disciples, or we would not have this lesson passed down to us to read, regarding what he said in the prayer!  Clearly Jesus thought it was important that we learn how to pray, how to talk with God.  My faith, my experiences have affirmed for me that prayer makes a difference.  It is apparent that many here today, online and living here in our beautiful sanctuary know this to be true as well.  We can also say, with certainty, that there is ‘always,’ ‘always’ a change that comes about based on prayer.  First and foremost, it will change you, the one offering the prayer! 

You will need to trust that this is a well-accepted fact among those who have tried this!  Personally, I have been working with this concept for a great many years and over time I have changed a great deal!  There are many miraculous things that have occurred because of the power of prayer.  However, I do not want you to focus on this too much.  As most of the time, we shall find that God’s timing, in answering prayer, is not the same as our own.  Likewise, what God believes, and feels is best for us…. may not be what we have envisioned either.  This can lead to our pulling away from our relationship with God, as we humans, especial we Americans, we expect ‘instant’ results like we often get because of the modern technologies we have at our fingertips!

As we reflect on all that we ought to pray about – let us remain hopeful and faithful to our rituals of prayer, whether planned and written out or spontaneously spoken from our hearts.  Joyfully, a great deal of the time things will change for those we pray for; yet there shall be times and moments when our prayers seem to go unanswered.  That is the irony of prayer.  Our talking to God about what we want, or feel is best for others may not be in sync with what God believes is best for our loved ones, or are friends, nor that of our neighbors.  This is where trust and faith come into play.  God is like a good parent.  God makes the hard decisions as to what is the best answer.  Also, we have been given free will, all of us.

Therein lies the dilemma. 

Good parents give their children choices and too often we children make bad choices.  And as a parent we know that children only learn if there are consequences to wrong or selfish choices.  Yes, sometimes it is hard being parents and likewise us children know it seems harsh that we must pay the price for our bad behaviors and wrong choices.  Yet, this is what being an adult is about.

Therefore, and consequently, as we look at all that needs fixing, or it would seem needs God’s intervention, are primarily things that are occurring because of humankinds’ poor choices, bad behaviors, and decisions. 

Much is caused by our human nature, which has not changed much at all over the ages!  That is a harsh truth!  Clearly, as a people, we need to spend more time talking with God; both privately and out loud so that others can hear what we say to God.  We are responsible to help the messages of Jesus – reach the ears of others.  Our human dilemma revolves around our self-centeredness. Our “me first” mentality. When we combine these with human greed. Then add the thirst, the lust for power and control, these are central to the problems, problems which humankind faces.  Let us not forget our fear driven actions and the anger that overtakes humankind – way too often.

Yes, absolutely, Jesus prayed out loud in front of his disciples so that they and likewise, we, we would learn how to selflessly pray for the needs of others.  Try to imagine if everyone spoke with God like this!  If we did then prayer would truly change the lives of millions, tens of millions and this could ultimately change how we approach the problems of the world. 

Let us pray that this concept flourishes, increases and blossoms!

Amen.   

“A Promise”

Psalm 78: 1-8, & 52-54, & 69-72, May 14th, 2023

Sermon by Pastor Tim Woodard

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“Mother’s Day”

“Listen to these words from the Seventy-eighth Psalm, verse one thru eight, fifty-two thru fifty-four and sixty-nine thru seventy-two.

Psalm 78: 1-8, & 52-54, & 69-72,

1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from old, 3 things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

5 He established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children; 6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;  8 and that they should not be like their ancestors, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.

52 Then (Moses) he led out his people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.

53 He led them to safety, so that they were not afraid; but the sea overwhelmed their enemies. 54 And he brought them to his holy hill, to the mountain that his right hand had won. 69 He built his sanctuary like the high heavens, like the earth, which he has founded forever. 70 He chose his servant David and took him from the sheepfolds; 71 from tending the nursing ‘female sheep’ (ewes) he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel, his inheritance. 72 With an upright heart he tended them and guided them with skillful hands.

“Having listened to the words of this ancient psalm, how shall we apply the message contained within the lesson we have just heard, in this present time!”

“A Promise”

My mother passed away from this life over ten years ago. I was sixty-five years of age. She was ninety-four. I loved her with all my heart. I like to think I got that from the way she showed her love towards me throughout my whole life. Which began long before I took my first breath on my own power. She loved me, even as she ‘felt’ those first labor pains of my birth. Where did she get the stamina, and the grit, the fortitude, and the tenacity, to go through all she went through to carry me and bring me to that first moment? Was it passed to her from her mother, who in turn, received it from her mother?  Did that process begin back then?  I have never followed the branches of our family tree back beyond my grandparents. But from my father’s parents came the Woodard’s and the Smiths. From my mother came the Dixons and the Bancroft(s). Did they get what it takes to be a good parent, a good mother, from their parents and grandparents? The theologian in me causes me to say they passed forward to my generation that love which first began with God’s love. The grandson in me wants to say it came from my grandmothers, the daughters of a preacher and a farmer, and from hard working mothers who knew what it took to nurture and protect their offspring. The origins of love are truly and surely – in the heart of the beholder.

What about the words of the ancient Psalms? Let us explore a few. What does the image of the Shepherd, in psalm 23, which we discussed just last week give us? Surely, we grasped a few points that will help us!  As we ponder the love of our mothers, our caregivers and those who raised us from the time of our birth? They continued to love us, as-long-as they had breath to feed the desire and strength to do… all that they did do for us! How do we honor both the poetic beautiful of the Shepherd of the Psalmist and the love of our Parents? The ancient Psalms were meant to be a part of worship. As their poetic rhyme and verse made an easy chant or hymn of adoration and praise. Hymns of faith, confidence and trust in the devotion and loyalty of the Shepherd. For a shepherd cares for the flock at all costs. The Shepherd must care for ‘ALL’ the needs of the sheep in his care. The stories of the length Shepherds go to protect their flocks by day and night from all forms of predators are plentiful. It is quite clear that the Psalm, as much of scripture, is meant to be an – allegory. Lifting-up the Shepherd’s role in parallel to the role of our Heavenly Father’s role in our lives, as the ‘children of God.” In Like manner the role of a parent, a devoted mother or caregiver is held up in parallel, comparable and or matching to that of the Shepherd in the Psalms.

There are numerous stories contained in scripture depicting the role of a shepherd and all the perils they encounter while tending to the needs of their flock. In Psalm 78, verse 52 we hear: “Then (Moses) led out his people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. He led them in safety, so that they were not afraid; but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.” Then there is the lament from the Psalmist in Psalm 80, verse one: “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock!” From the Prophet Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 11, we hear: “He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.” In Second Samuel chapter 5, verse 2: “It is you (David) who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.” Our last lesson is among the first: Genesis 48, verse 15; He blessed Joseph, and said, “The God before whom my ancestors Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day” Clearly, the imagery of the Shepherd has been used to speak of a shepherd’s role as caregiver, overseer, and protector of the sheep, from the very beginning of recorded scripture. Each speaks to the role of the shepherd as these examples indeed parallel the role of parent, and caregiver!

Listen again to the first eight verses of our scripture lesson for today from Psalm seventy-eight. “Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from old things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us.  We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children; that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;  and that they should not be like their ancestors, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.” These verses bring it into line with our theme of today: Mother’s Day. “Our Mothers are our shepherds. And our caregivers. Our parents lead us in right paths for God’s name’s sake.” Mothers dedicate their lives to bear up their children and see that we are set on the right pathways. She comforts her offspring. She carries this process forward, with the aid of her spouse; to be sure that the children learn about the scriptures. Learning about God’s love and the stories of old. Mothers, truly good mothers, are living examples of compassion and love!

It is Mother’s Day. Many of the Psalm are about the Lord our God being our protector; we acknowledge God’s love for us as we praise and worship together each Sunday. Today, we also pause to express our gratitude for our mothers, our caregivers, and parents. We honor them for the love they have passed forward to us. As we reflect on those who have cared for us, tending to our needs, we give thanks by following their lead. We honor them best by “passing forward” to the generations which shall follow us into the future. It is what those how have loved us have done. We do not raise our voices in praise to those who have not done so. We save our praise and thanks for those who have lived into the image of our Creator. Our Creator, like a loving Mother, and parent, has supported our needs throughout our lives. We each know the names of those who have been there for us – when we needed a helping hand. May the havens resound with our jubilant praises.

Many of the psalms, such as psalm seventy-eight and the twenty-third Psalm, were written to remind the Israelites of the faithfulness of The God of the Hebrews. A nation of peoples that surely knew the agony of the life of Nomads, wanderers through the arid and scorched desert. For they wandered for a long, long time in the wilderness between Egypt from whence Moses led them to freedom. We also celebrate the one true God; the God of many names and faces throughout the history of the Bible. Yet, it was and still is a difficult journey, this journey of life. It is needed and it is good that we remember the love of God. God made the promise to be with us, to be with the Israelites. And at a time, such as this time in history… we need to cling to the promise of God to be with us. We need to be reminded that our parents, our God, our mothers committed themselves to be there for their children. This is a covenant they made as they ‘bear up’ their children. Truly a promise is given, implied at the very least! It is fitting that the Psalms were written for a people who had seen disappointment and struggles too difficult to bear; and truly understood the need for God’s love, as we fully appreciate today the need for mothers who live into the implied commitment, the promise of motherhood itself!

Yes, we must remember the Good Shepherds who journey alongside us on our journeys. They take on various personalities and have diverse attributes and they fill assorted roles. We have seen their faces, and we remember their names and the love we received from them. 

So where did all this love come from? Surely both the clergyman and the grandson in me ‘know’ that there is a connection that binds these together. The common connection is Love. A love that can only come from God. Yet a love that must pass through the hearts of real people facing all that life offers.  This includes the good, the bad and the ugliness of humanity. Love can and does overcome. Living through the words and deeds of faithful parents, compassionate caregivers and of course; the bountiful love of parents, mothers, and fathers that give their all for their offspring! Indeed, it is times like these that we must be reminded of God’s faithfulness. We must be reminded of what those who raised us from the cradle have given us. We must never forget the gifts they gave us before they too lay down to rest in their own graves. Now it is our time to carry the mantle of ministry, the ministry of God’s eternal love which has no end. 

Praise God for the Good Shepherd’s in our lives. Mothers, Fathers, Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents.

Thanks be to God!

Happy Mother’s Day! 

Amen.

“Knowing God”

John 15:1-8, May 7^th, 2023

Sermon by Pastor Tim Woodard

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“Hear now these words from the gospel according to John, chapter fifteen, verses one thru eight.”

John 15:1-8

1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

“Having listened with your ears to this ancient writing, believed to be the very words… the teaching of Jesus himself, let us now open our hearts to allow the Spirit of God to prepare us as we seek the deeper meaning in our lives today.”

“Knowing God”

Do We, do you and me, do we truly know God? To do so we need to rely on the scriptures to help us. We also need the experiences of our lives to affirm the scriptures. Which means we shall need to use our intelligence and knowledge to process the data we have collected. Let us use the knowledge we discuss each Sunday. Let us begin with last week.

“Like the (Ultimate) Good Shepherd of last week’s lesson which was used to illustrate and develop the message of that day, this week’s image is another expanded allegory, which also borrows from and adapts Old and New Testament scripture for our use.  Even as we reflect on the text from these previous weeks, we (you and me) we still seek God’s guidance… as we beseech our God: “Show me, show us the way!”  And we thank our past preachers for their willingness to share their understandings of holy scripture!  Truly, in order, to grasp, fully grasp the imagery of the ultimate vine from our scripture lesson today, we shall need to build on the concept of the “Many faces of Jesus spoken of in the recent past.”  Yes, we need to mix the metaphors and ask our God to ‘Show us the Way’… thereby opening our hearts and our minds to a clearer understanding of who God is in our lives, as we seek to follow in the example of the ‘The Ultimate Master Gardener!’

Jesus calls himself the true vine, thus the primary vine and his Father is the vine-grower.  Jesus is inviting us to be part of his vineyard and clarifying that we are the branches which grow out from the main vine.  Also, in this illustration Jesus is saying that branches are meant to bear fruit and those that do not will be ‘removed.’  Even with this said Jesus is saying that we shall be ‘pruned’ so that we shall bear even more fruit!  Our vision of the Good Shepherd is taking on a new persona, a new and expanded personality in this allegory.  Yes, Jesus is assuring us that we shall be cared for, nurtured, and cultivated with an expectation that we shall grow and grow bearing fruit, nourishment, and sustenance for others to grow also.  Yes, we are saved by grace, saved by our faith, however the way, the pathway ahead is to truly follow the example which Jesus left for us to follow; and therefore, we are to be pruned and clipped, trimmed and cut back making room for those that are willing to fully trust and follow the will of God!  This may seem a bit harsh yet, as every farmer and gardener know… that this process is necessary.  

One day… when I retire, I shall cultivate a portion of my back yard and turn it into a garden.  I will build a fence around it to keep out all that are not invited, thereby being a good shepherd and gardener by caring for that which I seek to nourish and grow.  The ground is hard and uncultivated, and it shall take effort to turn over the soil, fertilize it and prepare it for gardening.  It is not easy work, and it shall need constant care.  My grandfather Woodard was a great gardener, a genuinely good shepherd as well, as he had cattle, pigs and two hen houses with chickens that produced much needed nourishment for others.  He planted corn and an assortment of vegetables.  He bartered with other farmers for fruit and other sustenance needed to keep the farm properly nourished and cultivated.  He had hired hands to help manage the farm; yet he relied on his family, his offspring, to be his arms and feet as the years went by.  Teaching us how to tend to the animals, milk the cows and collect the eggs each day.  The crops needed planting and the weeds were removed so that the primary plants might flourish and bear more fruit.  Then there were those assigned the duties that turned the cream into butter and various forms of cheese were produced.  The potatoes and other root vegetables were placed in the root cellar as were surplus fruit and such. 

So, you see, planning my retirement will not be a vacation but a change in venue and a new challenge for me and those around me to experience.  Relying on past experiences and that which has been gleaned from family and friends will be the basis of a new garden, yet there shall be a need for more pruning and cultivation of new thoughts and new avenues of expansion.  As I began my thoughts for how to speak of today’s message, I spoke with an acquaintance and received valuable feedback.  I opened the conversation saying I was to speak about growing a garden and felt that the need to pull weeds from my lawn was a good place to start!  She cautioned me saying: “Some plants seem to be weeds… but wait… they may be, perhaps they are the nectar, the food for butterflies.”  So, as we go about weeding out our gardens, our vineyards, we need to step back and consider the ultimate fruits these vines may bear!   My wife’s good friend continued to offer suggestions, after I told her I may use ‘gardening’ as a metaphor in my sermon today, and that also I thought I might illustrate the importance of pulling out, yanking out all the weeds: she cautioned me… first with the reference to the food which butterflies thrive on and then she said, “Even porcupines need a hug!”  Her reference here threw me for a moment, but she went out to clarify, for the novice gardener which she correctly assumed I am, by inferring perhaps I might need to learn what causes one plant to be, and what it nourishes before I hastily ripe its roots from off the vine upon which it thrives. 

The ‘hug a porcupine’ remark suggests we ought not judge a plant or any living creature without carefully examining its value in the structure, the very realm of creation!  What may look like an ugly weed to an amateur gardener like me, may look like a scrumptious meal to a honeybee or a butterfly or even a hummingbird or any variety of other songbird in the neighborhood.  We can more fully open our metaphors to include added concrete examples, examples which we humans may identify with more easily.  Yet, staying with the metaphorical a bit longer… tell me why one would shy away from hugging a porcupine?  Surely, it is that prickly and spiky coat of spines, or better known as quills, which they use to protect themselves from predators!  Coming back into our human relationship’s issues, whom would you label as being the porcupine(s) in your life?  A neighbor who has a drinking problem that spills out into the occasional patrol car that must referee a domestic dispute. Or is it that cranky older fellow that dislikes you because he blames you for what other pet owners allow their pets to leave on his front lawn?  What about that tough-looking fellow that refuses to the rules when he comes into the store you are shopping in?  Don’t you want to give him a big hug?  We all have someone who has ruffled our feathers and seem to cloud up our otherwise sunshiny day.  Surely, you know that someone. My wife’s friend is right.  No question about it.  Even a porcupine needs a hug every now and then!  The hard part is figuring out how to do it.

Let us go back to our scripture lesson.  Our scripture tells us that Jesus wants us to know that once we are a branch of the vine, meaning of course that we are part of the body of Christ, we shall have access to powerful tools!  Jesus is quoted as saying: “If you abide in me, (if you stand with me) and my words abide in you, (if you accept what I say, thereby living and trusting in me) ‘then you may’ ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” /John 15:7/ That, my friends, is the ultimate!  We can do anything, in the name of Christ Jesus, if we fully trust and live within the teachings of Jesus! 

When I do retire, I pray I shall bring what I have learned about being part of the vineyard of which our scripture today speaks.  I pray that I will gather around me a support group like those that now journey with me as followers of Christ.  My prayer is that we have been cultivating, turning over the soil preparing it for a new crop.  We are not about planting flowers and growing tomatoes in the back yard.  We, you, and me, we are the Church!  Not this building!  We the people, we are the branches to which Jesus refers.  We have been pruned and the weeds have been uprooted and are not here amongst us.  We have stuck together through tough times. Let us continue to cling to the vine, allowing that the nourishment from our God continues to flow free amongst us. 

As we take time to reflect on this lesson regarding the vineyard, adding it to the teachings of the Good Shepherd lesson and the words surrounding the lesson from the Acts of the Apostles Paul.  Remembering that Paul was given the gift of healing.  He was given this gift because he had and has become one of the branches of the ministry of Christ!  Therefore, he has had access to the nourishment and the strength of all that Jesus, as the Son of God, Christ’s Living Spirit, ‘the Spirit which shows the Apostle Paul’ the way!  I pray we shall all continue to work on the gardens which we are called to cultivate!  May our efforts nourish and feed all who seek to be in union with God.  When our time of retirement comes, let us pray that those who ‘will follow us’ and we shall know that we worked hard in the garden.  We trusted God to lead us ever forward to do the will of the Living ministry – as envision by Christ himself!  May others come to take our places on the branches that have grown out of this place, which has at its center the root, the branches, and the Living Spirit of Christ at its center.  Retirement, my friends, is only a rearrangement of our energy and our talents whereby we continue to use the tools of ministry now at our fingertips!   

Amen.

“My Shepherd”

Psalm 23, April 30^th, 2023

Sermon by Pastor Tim Woodard

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“Hear now these words from the Book of Psalms, chapter 23.”

Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters,

3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, (the valley of death,) I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long, (forever).

“Having heard this ancient Psalm let us consider who is our shepherd, who is it that guides us through our lives.”

“My Shepherd”

How can something so old still be so powerful?  The Twenty-Third Psalm was used in worship by ancient Hebrews of old.  It was sung during Sabbath meals.  Modern Pastors have used it as part of their final blessings for those near death and during funerals and memorial services.  Rabbis have been using this Psalm since ancient times, as a part of worship rituals of all kinds!  During difficult times, this psalm can be used as a form of meditation and prayer, reminding us that God is with us, especially in our darkest hour and at the time of our passing from this life to the next. We, you, and me, can use it to seek guidance through this perplexing time in which we find ourselves.  Its power still guides many through the darkest valleys of life!

We all need guidance, we all need someone in our lives that helps us through the night; for life is not all bright shining moments upon the mountaintops that we all pray for, that we even long for at times!  When we need that extra guidance, prayerfully, we have hung our allegiance on to the one who is truly dedicated to assisting us in times of trouble, in times of despair and most certainly when peril lurks ahead!  Many have entered a truly ‘disquieting time’ and it is easy to get confused and lost in the noise of it all.  If we are being cared for by a guide, a leader, who has influenced us and cared for us along our pathway to this point – most probably we know the shepherd to which today’s Psalm refers.  If not, we may need to make a change.   

In the analogy of sheep and shepherds, sheep always follow the shepherd and when they wander off or go astray the shepherd is the one that brings them safely home.  In human reality, some of that responsibility to care for ‘us’ – falls squarely upon our shoulders.  You and me, we get to choose our guides.  We get to pick our role models.  We do not need to follow those who have their personal ‘best’ interests always ahead of our own.  This is our responsibly, to follow a ‘guiding light’ which will truly care for our needs.  Yes, this can be confusing and difficult at times.  Yet, we need to look carefully at our choices.  If we are following in the pathway of a guide who always picks the easier softer way, we may be led down a pathway which shall leave us unprepared for times of peril.  As we grow older, we may need to choose someone to be the one who shall care for us or will oversee our care. To do so, you will need to have a deep faith that that one will choose wisely with your best interest in mind.  

If you have shared love, compassion, and care for those around you, prayerfully, you will have a good selection of friends and family that will strive to be that trusted surrogate that will make those decisions that you may no longer be able to make. They will be acting as your Good Shepherd. Let us pray that you and they both know the Good Shepherd the twenty-third Psalm speaks of. For in the end only the ultimate Shepherd in our lives will be there for us!  

Let us reflect on this a bit.

When we were children, prayerfully, we had good caring parents or at least a caregiver who was there for us in good times and in bad times.  As adults, we have learned that everything we want is not necessarily what we need.  Some of the things we wanted were not healthy or appropriate either!  We were fortunate indeed if there was someone who was willing to say ‘NO’ to us.  No is a word which is oftentimes hard to hear.  Yet, mature adults learn the benefit of having someone who is willing to say no, now and then when necessary!  

Many who have gone on and gotten a good education, and even a great many who have come to understand these principles of good common sense, surround themselves with folks who, support them, yes, of course; but, also, are willing to tell them when they are wrong.  It is crucial to be able to recognize that we all need a little help; especially being we are human and all!

The question for each of us is ultimately the same.  Ask yourself this: “Who is my shepherd?”  “Who can I put my trust in?” “Who will be there for me when my plans fall apart?”  “Who will show me how to live a worthy life in the midst of chaos, turmoil and seeming madness?”  Let us be reassured, we are not the first to find ourselves needing to ask these questions.  You see, we are not the first to have put our trust in the wrong things or the wrong guides.  Sadly, many of us in this present time, and many in historical times, times which came before us, have put their trust in the wrong models, the wrong standards and most assuredly they became influenced by people, places and things that took them on the wrong pathways, to their peril!  We, therefore, need to pay heed to what, and to whom, we put our trust in!

The Psalmist of old understood all this.  It is believed that the Psalmist was inspired by God to write as he did.  Surely, the writer of these ancient writings believed this to be true.  The results are there for us to ponder as we reflect on the influence, and the inspiration which they offered the people of God.  Especially those who listened and sang and meditated upon these ancient words.  The Psalms, like the one in which we study this day, gave people more than inspiration!  The Twenty-Third Psalm offers hope!  “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” /Palm 23:1/ We all desire to be guided and led by others who will not leave us wanting!  If we get lost upon the pathway, we want someone or something to put us back on the right path!  This Psalm gives us some pertinent clues as to what a good leader or guide might possess: credibility, character, selflessness, and faithfulness.

Oh, if only there were such a litmus test for all leaders. No, I am not naïve. Leaders sometimes need to step above the fray. And like a good health care surrogate… they shall be called upon to make hard choices, life, and death choices. Let us pray they too have a good relationship with the Ultimate Good Shepherd!

Does all this mean that: our world, our country and our communities would not be struggling so, if we had made better choices.  It is not that simple to answer this question, yet there are some things we might consider as we seek the guidance necessary to move forward.  “A timeless thought really.”

Humankind has been struggling with how to deal with the free spirited, ‘I’ focused, choices of humankind, since the concept of an Adam and Eve was considered! Consequently, we must act like adults and learn to accept life, on life’s terms!  This is not always easy.  Right now, this all too real humanness, is causing a lot of real-life pain, grief, and dismay.  In current times, there is an array of things which are happening all around the world, that are contingent upon accepting the realities of this moment in time. 

It is not an easy time. 

Somewhere along the course of life, many have come to realize that facing difficulty is not a choice; but how we respond to it is! (Yes, I know! The pandemic is no longer the focal point of our troubles.) Currently, we are only facing racism, homophobia, suppression of women’s rights, and rising tensions between the world powers; with one recognized war razing ever forward! And no… hunger, homelessness, poverty, and gun violence are not declining in these United States!  Many are hiding their heads in dark isolation as they consume more alcohol, drugs and things that are not healthy for them.  How can we say this?  Easy, alcohol sales have been reported to have skyrocketed.  It is easy to assume that if more people are turning to alcohol to escape life’s hardship, then the same is true for drugs.  On the other hand, there are millions of people who are using the current changes in their lives… to increase their time of exercise and catch up on chores and other things that needed attention! 

The question for us all – is still who or what are we turning to during our times of distress?  The Twenty-Third Psalm widens our options, that is for sure!

Let us now avail ourselves of this powerful tool, which will help us move through every phase of our journey, reassured of God’s faithfulness, compassion and love.  This is available to all – who are willing to trust in God’s steadfastness. 

“God is our Guide, through all the trials, tribulations and stumbling blocks along the way.” “Our Creator leads us to green pastures and still waters, quenching our hunger and thirst, while restoring us to the depths of our emotions, our passions and our empathy for humanity, thereby upholding life for righteousness’ sake!”  “Fear has lost its grip upon us as God guides us through the darkness, pointing us to the light of compassion and kindness in all things.”  The Living Spirit of Christ walks with us in the night, stabilizing and comforting us.” 

“Christ has welcomed us to the table, even as our enemies look on, the Risen Christ is anointing, blessing us with abundant life.” 

“With assurance, our God has showered us with mercy throughout our lives and promises us a place in Heaven, for ever and ever.” /Psalm 23, adapted/

People of God – let us turn to our faith for the answers we seek after.

The ancient ones were led to uplift the Twenty-Third Psalm... in song and in praise! The Lord is our Shepherd; we shall not want!  Our Creator causes us – to lie down in green pastures. The Good Shepherd leads us beside still waters. The God of Mercy restores our souls. The Word of God guides us in right paths – for his name’s sake. Even though we walk through the valley of death, we fear no evil; for God, you are with us; your rod and your staff – they comfort us – one and all! You prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies; you anoint our heads with oil; our cups overflow. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us – all the days of our lives. And we shall dwell in the house of the Lord – forever and ever!

(23 Psalm adapted)

Amen!