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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion February 15, 2008 Something Different |
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Frontline Devotion for Friday, February15, 2008 by Mike
Martine
Reprinted from August 15, 2003
A reading from Matthew the 9th Chapter: After they had
gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. 33And when the demon had
been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and
said, ‘Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.’ 34But the Pharisees
said, ‘By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons.’
“It is by the prince of demons that he casts out demons.”
Every year, usually in the fall, my Dad tells the same joke.
It’s not a story; it’s a one liner. A joke you have to have ready in your arsenal, so that when the right situation occurs, you can use it.
He makes a statement that turns out to be incorrect, and, when someone in the room points it out he says, “Gee, I guess I’m wrong…that’s the first time this year…”
Of course it’s always worth a chuckle because we would all like to be so infallible. None of us likes to be proven wrong, or likes the insinuation that we don’t have the answers, especially when it comes to religion.
Matthew, the 9th chapter shows Jesus today performing miracle after miracle. These are some of his most famous healings. The raising of the dead girl. The healing of the woman who simply touches his cloak. The healing of two blind men and of the mute. And, in the end, it is just too much for the Pharisees. They have always considered themselves the religious elite, the ones with all the answers, and now…here is this itinerant preacher who, while often disagreeing with them, backs up his version of the truth with mighty acts. Flabbergasted, the Pharisees are left to proclaim that Jesus can only do such wonders because he is in league with Satan.
Remember the movie, “The Buddy Holly Story”? It chronicled the journey of young Buddy Holly, one of the pioneers of rock and roll. The movie opens with Buddy and his band, “The Crickets,” playing a hall (I think it was a roller rink) in Buddy’s hometown. Anyway, it’s Saturday night, and the local radio station is broadcasting the band’s performance.
The next morning, Buddy, like any good son, rolls out of bed and joins mom and dad for church. He’s been feeling good about the night before; happy he’s having so much fun with his music. But he’s not expecting the sermon. The preacher gets up and immediately begins decrying the broadcast he heard on the radio the night before—Buddy’s broadcast. Railing against the “hip-swinging jungle music” creeping into the culture of America’s youth.
Talk about embarrassing. Buddy slinks deep into his pew, longing to disappear.
Now, every Sunday, our church has a service we call “contemporary.” (I often question how accurate that term is, but suffice it to say that the liturgy and hymns are played on guitars, drums, etc.)
At this service, we often play the hymn, “I’m So Glad That Jesus Lifted Me.” And during the hymn, as I (the pastor) play my guitar, I will often play a verse up on the neck in a 1950’s rock and roll style. The same way Buddy Holly would play, “That’ll be the Day,” or “Peggy Sue.” Forty plus years after Buddy Holly’s pastor railed against him in a sermon, the pastor, at least at our church, is playing guitar during worship in the exact same manner.
The point? Sometimes God comes to us with something different. A change, a new way of looking at a situation. And when that change comes, we often want to label it as “not of God.” Whether the subject is guitars and drums in church (for some mainline congregations) or purchasing an organ (for some Orthodox congregations). But when changes are suggested, we need to be careful, for God might indeed be calling us to something different…
Jesus was indeed calling the world, including the Pharisees, to something different. Calling us to freedom in the spirit, to the realization of grace, and to the understanding that God, our loving parent, wants us to demonstrate that love for others. It was not a popular message with some because it was so different, but in the end, it proved to be very much of God.
When my congregation embraced the idea that contemporary liturgy could exist in the same church along with traditional Lutheran liturgy, we experienced rebirth. On a personal note, I experienced rebirth as I was called upon to use my skills as a musician and composer to spread the word of God. Not everyone was happy with this decision when we made it. Some felt it was downright wrong. But now nearly all of us agree that, because of our choice, we have been blessed.
As you live your life, and as you live your life out in the church, watch for the hand of God in change. Not every new idea is a good one, but consider carefully before rejecting a new idea. Otherwise, you might be throwing away new opportunities for your life, and opportunities to spread the gospel as well.
Prayer: Dear God, be with us as we search for what you have called us to do. Enable us to be creative in our lives, looking for new ways to serve your name, and finding new ways to express your love in our lives, through Jesus Christ Our Lord, AMEN.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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