The King & His Kingdom
Perhaps it is fitting that the events that have transpired today (and those that continue to unfold) in our nation's capital have taken place on Epiphany. This is by no means meant to diminish those acts, which I think are rightly deemed disgraceful and worse. But entering Epiphany today we are reminded of the darkness of this world and the light of God.
A well-known royal psalm, psalm 72 praises the Lord for he will provide his King to establish justice, righteousness, and goodness in this world. That the Lord will (and must!) provide his King is a critique of every candidate humanity might put forward of its own accord. Though some rulers and leaders are better than others–"better" here can be understood in a variety of ways–they all will fail in some measure. And when they do fail, idolatry is exposed. That last line cuts cleanly across America's political landscape, not favoring either/all parties. The Lord's Kingship offends equally; it shows no partiality. And only because of this–that it is the Lord's King and he carries out justice without partiality–can hope exist.
The Kingdom of God has come and in the same breath it is coming still. The classic theological language is: the kingdom is already (here) and not yet (here). Throughout the Scriptures we read descriptions of the character of God, his concern for justice, his love of this world, and his desire that all might be saved. It is to his Body, the Church, that God has handed over this work. This is not work to be done independent of him, but by relying on his Spirit to lead and to guide. As we await the final installation of the King and his full reign, we are to be found doing the King's work: to sow peace where there is discord; to stand up for justice where injustice abounds; to proclaim truth in halls of lies; to love all with the love characteristic of Jesus in spaces of hate.
Pastor Paul sums this up well: "Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful." (Col 3:12-15)
Grace & Peace,
Fear & Joy
New beginnings can be a welcomed relief because with them comes freshness, renewed energy, and excitement of the unknown. Along with the entire world, we have just underwent a new beginning with the entire earth now in the New Year, 2021. We also experience freshness daily as we encounter God, he providing for us the things needed for that 24hr window of time.
Morning Prayer during Christmas welcomes you with this greeting from Luke 2: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Fear and Joy.
As alarming as it was to have the skies illuminated by the angel of the Lord, and in short order the heavenly hosts, the shepherds were guided to "fear not". It was their joy that was to eclipse their fear and so remove the sting from the latter, their joy at the words they were hearing sung: the Messiah is here.
Though we are not confronted with the heavenly hosts in our PNW skies, there are sufficient experiences that we all undergo (or are currently undergoing) that may elicit fear from us. And it is only sensible that fear is a response to some circumstances. But may we pause and consider joy: the joy of the love of God for his people, the joy of his guiding hand, the joy that Death and all his friends are defeated, the joy that Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again. Such joys are not magic wands that easily dispel the stressors in our life that bring about fear. But, those joys can remove the sting of that fear as it did shepherds on a hillside on a dark night many years ago. May this year be one of joy.
Peace & Joy
God Proximate
Bryan Stevenson, lawyer, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative spoke at a church in NYC some years ago. Speaking on his work and solutions to injustices that run rampant, he proposed several things that we can do to help create more justice in this world. The first item on his list is: be proximate. Be close(r) to areas of injustice, not fleeing from them. Being proximate is not a panacea; it does not cure all the ills of the world. But it is a step in the justice-making direction rather than another step away areas of injustice which only grants it further immunity.
This isn't merely a strategy that sounds good as a marketing scheme or PR stunt. It is birthed from and grows out of the very precious truth and reality that we celebrate as Christmas dawns. The Incarnation of God in the person of Jesus is God proximate. We see the proximity of God played out in the closeness of Jesus to the spiritually afflicted (including the mentally distraught). We see Jesus proximate to the socially ostracized because of various diseases. We see Jesus proximate to those whose bodies are broken. (See Mark's Gospel, ch 1.)
Jesus is proximate to sin and sinner alike. And may that be said of us, not out of guilt or feeling sorry for another. But may our proximity be an expression of our love, for Jesus' closeness to the people of this world–to you–is his love proximate.
Grace & Peace
Humble Mary
Nearer and nearer we draw to Christmas, that paradoxical day when the might of heaven was found in the helpless infant. How is it that you receive that gift of God? What is the manner and attitude operating in your heart? Is it one of annoyance or irritation that God would be so helpless (hapless?)? Do you find yourself motivated to manage God or to do him a favor, because he is so weak?
When we look to Mary, the young Jewish mother of Jesus, we see a different picture. There is no agitation in her speech or overbearing (s)mothering because this little one to come is too weak. Neither do we hear any frustration that God has wrecked her weak, year, or life with the announcement of the coming savior through her womb. Rather we read her response of humble trust: "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word." (Lk 1:38) Trusting, she received from God and thus presents the world a picture and life of humility. Humility changes the world because it reflects, knowingly or not, the heart of Jesus.
May it be that we are a humble people, a people and parish like Mary who humbly, and with joy, received from God without bitterness, resentment, or angst. Those attitudes of the heart are small deaths leading to a much larger death. But a humble heart proceeds on the path to life, finding Jesus along the way.
Grace & Peace
The Small Signs
"I keep expecting loud and impressive events to convince me and others of God's saving power...Our temptation is to be distracted by them...When I have no eyes for the small signs of God's presence–the smile of a baby, the carefree play of children, the words of encouragement and gestures of love offered by friends–I will always remain tempted to despair. The small child of Bethlehem, the unknown man of Nazareth, the rejected preacher, the naked man on the cross, he asks for my full attention. The work of our salvation takes place in the midst of a world that continues to shout, scream, and overwhelm us with its claims and promises." –Henri Nouwen
Throughout the history of the world, the Lord has worked in grand and marvelous ways. That is, in fact, where our eyes and hearts are taken during the season of Advent with its apocalyptic emphasis. But these awesome acts are not the only ways the Lord works. More often, as Henri highlights, we see the goodness of God in the less-than-glamorous work, the "small signs" that illuminate the nearness of God.
During this Advent we as a parish are taking the time to be these small signs to those at Aurora Commons. Details are below in the announcements, but I want to encourage you with this as well: use this opportunity to also connect with friends, neighbors, classmates, and co-workers in this act of love and care. Though intended to be a small sign to those at the Commons, it may also be a small sign to your neighbors and others invited to join this work.
Grace & Peace
God is Stable
Throughout the course of time God's people have constantly moved because God himself moves. When David sought to build a fixed temple, God responded, "I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day" (2 Sam 7:6). Jesus, when people expressed their desire to follow him replied, "Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" (Lk 9:58). Certainly there are places where God provides stability and a place for his people, but that place is only stable because God is with them. And, thankfully, God is with us.
The governor's recent increased restrictions are a response to the increased caseload of Covid-19 in our area. Our leadership team has discussed and prayed about what is best for Emmanuel, taking everything into account. So that we may not bind another's conscience, we have decided to move our Sunday service online for the next 2 (maybe 4) weeks. There is plenty more to say about this, so I'll record a brief video to provide a fuller explanation, thought, and our plan going forward. Once posted, you can find that on our Facebook page or on our Youtube channel.
A few more comments for the next few Sundays: We will meet online at our usual time, 3p. You can find the Zoom info below in the announcements section. Last Sunday we distributed wafers for communion. If you are in need of some, please email me.
Nothing about these decisions is easy and there is no playbook for how we navigate these things, other than this: let us love the Lord our God with our heart, soul, mind, & strength; and let us love our neighbors as ourselves. If biblical love for God and others animates our lives, it will keep us from spite and keep our hearts understanding. As questions or thoughts arise in light of these updates, or you want to discuss any of this, please reach out to me. I'm available.
Lastly, as the Lord brings people to your mind throughout the day, make a point to send them a quick email, text, phone call, or video message, encouraging them. This act, though small, can bring about much good. The PNW is certainly not overwhelmed by encouragement; there is always room and need for more.
Grace & Peace
The Powerful Word
Several days ago I read through 2 Ki 22-23 which tells of king Josiah and the reforms he brought to Judah, including demolishing idols, deposing corrupt priests, and restoring the Passover. These were sweeping reforms and ones that were sorely needed. What struck me more than the reforms themselves was the impetus of them: God's Word.
Hilkiah, the high priest, was rooting around in the temple and stumbled upon a copy of Deuteronomy that had inadvertently been misplaced. How it had been misplaced, lost, and forgotten is another discussion. But on finding God's Word, his instruction, guidance, and letter of love to his people, the heart of Josiah was moved. It began with lamentation and repentance, and then moved into action. God's Word is that powerful. His Word is that powerful still.
We are all living stories and examples of the power of God's Word, powerful enough to call the dead to life. Emmanuel, it is a joy and privilege we have to encounter God weekly, as his body gathered, to hear yet again from his Word. Would you prepare your hearts and lives, and come with expectancy that God will use his Word once more in your life.
Grace & Peace
The Warmth of Light
I want to express my thanks to you and to God for our worship last week. As a parish, we have been planning and preparing for Bishop Ken's visit with us, which included my installation and confirmation of several parishioners. Both were moving to me and I am grateful to have a part in what the Lord is doing in Emmanuel.
I was encouraged by the time I had with Bishop Ken, walking Green Lake as we talked about the parish. Sitting down to dinner on Sunday evening he continued to express how encouraged he is for our parish and what the Lord may do with us in the months and years ahead. Additionally, Laura (my wife) and I were wonderfully encouraged by your cards and words after our worship last week! The gift of hospitality is alive and well in this parish, something we knew but continue to experience. It is a gift that we as a parish should continue to pour out to others around us, especially in Seattle with its known "Seattle Freeze". To take a line from Jean Valjean: "to love another person is to see the face of God." Our care for others has a reciprocal effect on our own hearts and lives.
As we enter the darker months ahead, the metaphoric and real "freeze" may seem all the more real. That is normal in most years, but perhaps magnified in 2020 due to the election, the pandemic, and continued injustice. As a parish, let us have eyes open and ears listening for ways we can be the love of Jesus to those nearby. As his love has warmed our hearts, may that warmth emanate from us to others. If you yourself are going through a darker than normal time, please say something. Darkness loves darkness and hates the light, yet light provides warmth, sight, and health. There is always an open invitation to seek me out and I know that is also true for others in our parish.
Grace & Peace
Hope During Election
The psalm for today's Morning Prayer was 146, a song of praise. There we pray:
"put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation...Blessed is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry."
Timely words. The folly of placing one's trust in a "prince" is seen in that as a human, that leader is not able to save; "his breath departs". In contrast stands the Lord, the eternal God. His might is seen in the immensity and beauty of his creation. His compassion is seen in his carrying out justice for the oppressed. The psalm continues, describing the Lord's care of the prisoners, the blind, those bowed down, and others besides.
I realize that we are now less than a week away from 03 Nov. Perhaps reading that date stirs up some anxious thoughts, wherever you are politically. I am grateful that we live in a democratic society, though it is far from perfect. The cracks we see in it should lead us to engage in redeeming it where we can, but also join Abraham and others "as they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one" (Heb 11:16), thus placing our hope in God and not in human leaders.
Whatever the outcome will be for this presidential election, let us practice, even now, not placing our ultimate hope in our political leaders. We belong to the God who made heaven and earth, a God of justice. This is also a time to be mindful of those who are without hope because they are without God. For them, they can do no other than to place trust in leaders of this world. But you, you may be a source of comfort, light, joy, and peace, even in such times as these, because you are a daughter or son of the God of all creation.
I realize that these next few weeks may be trying, difficult, or joyous for you. Please know that I am available for whatever you might need so please do not think that your joy or sorrow is too little.
Grace & Peace
For He Comes
We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of the earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the wonder of your creatures, large and small; and for all the loveliness that surrounds us. –BCP
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. –Ps 19
Let the sea roar and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the Lord, for he comes. –Ps 98
There are countless other passages of Scripture and books of prayer I could cite, but these suffice. The Lord has made all things and his Creation is a reflection of his creativity, beauty, love, and joy. We live in a unique place in America where we experience both the seas and the mountains, along with forests and all their creatures. The psalmist uses the language of the created world to express the wonderfully inordinate praise offered to God. It is not only humanity, those made in the image of God, that hymn his praise. All creation joins in the chorus. The hymn reminds us this praise is not even confined to the earthly sphere, but the heavenly voices join as well.
O ye heights of heav'n, adore him;
angel hosts, his praises sing:
all dominions, bow before him
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
ev'ry voice in concert ring,
evermore and evermore!
Why all this praise? In the words of Psalm 98 it is: for he comes. Tomorrow (Sunday) we gather as the people of God–in person or online–to join this heaven-and-earthly chorus. What a joy.
Grace & Peace
Take Root Downward
On Sunday, toward the beginning of the sermon, I took up the biblical metaphor of a tree to depict what is to be true of all our lives: we are to take root downward that we might bear fruit upward. We are to continually grow and mature in our union with Jesus, that his life may continue to flow in us through the Spirit. Peter, the famed apostle, helps us in this regard.
When I come across Peter, whether in the Gospels, Acts, or in his letters, I always find myself grateful that his actions and words are recounted for the Church. He is far from a polished character, yet loved all the same. So it is with us. In his second letter, he provides a short list of qualities that, "if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful..." (1:8). He continues his exhortation by stating, "be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall." (1:10) His qualities are these: "...supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love." (1:5-7).
It is too easy to skip through that list, acknowledging that these are "good things", and move on. But, to pick up the tree metaphor again, I'd ask you to pause at these trees and observe them one at a time. This needn't take forever; a few minutes will suffice. Which of these is the Lord drawing you toward? Which pricks your heart? Which is a known area of weakness?
It is easy for the reality and presence of our weaknesses to push us to shame. Don't let them push you in that direction; but let them push you to Christ. For all of Peter's weak moments, he kept returning to Christ, he kept coming back to the light.
Grace & Peace
Sewing Peace in Soil of Discord
Tuesday evening was nothing short of a spectacle as it was illuminating. Throughout this week I have gone back and forth on whether I comment on the presidential debate since I am so new to this community, but refraining from saying anything would proceed from a fearful heart and not one that desires our health and growth. Moreover this is an opportune time for us to practice the faith that we all confess.
Before I go any further, I would ask that you take a moment to think of someone you know who is on the other side of the political aisle, maybe a friend, co-worker, family member, or parishioner. Would you now take a minute and pray for them, not that "they would come to their senses," but pray that the Lord would encourage them by his Spirit, that he would meet them in their distress, that he would renew for them the joy of their salvation and life with God? Such prayer is for the other as much as it is for you, for in praying for those with whom you disagree, you offer to the Lord your own heart, that he might continue reshaping it to beat like the heart of Jesus.
Having begun with prayer, consider James 3:16-18: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
Adding to 2020, we have entered the homestretch of the presidential political process and there will be infinite possibilities for you to speak and act out of selfish ambition or anger which will only promote disorder. In so doing you will simply rehearse what many saw on Tuesday evening. Rather than sew discord, seek first wisdom from above in your conversations and debates. Should we have debates and discussions on important issues, certainly so. But enter into them with this in mind: each human being has received the privilege by God himself to be made in his image, however marred it may now be.
It continues to be my prayer that the Lord will grant us unity of mind and spirit as we walk together as his people. There are near-infinite assaults made on the Church by our Enemy who is only delighted at sewing strife and discord, and dismantling the Church brick by brick. Let us hold fast to Jesus who has brought us together and not provide a foothold for the Enemy.
Grace & Peace
God is Enough
As I write this note, rain continues to fall from the skies, a much welcomed relief to our area in light of the wildfires a week ago. Though we now experience some reprieve, let us not forget that many are only now beginning to sort out their lives due to damage and destruction from the fires.
Julian of Norwich (14th c.) penned a most beautiful prayer that has made its way into our Book of Common Prayer (2019) entitled, "Satisfaction in Christ". There we pray: "O God, of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are enough for me. I can ask for nothing less that is completely to your honor, and if I do ask anything less, I shall always be in want. Only in you I have all." Amen.
She's right and yet the truth in that prayer may feel as if it would break us, for we seek after a great many other things in order to be satisfied. We place that burden, the weight of our affections and the desire of our souls, on the backs of others, a task they can never bear. Yet there is one who is willing, one who is able to bear all your burdens, to keep you from falling. May we find our satisfaction in him. Should we be delighted in a great many things in this world? Absolutely! But only as an abundance, an overflow of gifts flowing from our satisfaction in God alone.
As this week comes to a close and we prepare to gather virtually on Sunday, let us pray with Julian: "O God, give me yourself, for you are enough for me".
Grace & Peace
Draw Near to Jesus
I am thankful to the Lord for the ways in which he has brought me and my family to Emmanuel. Though I have had interactions with only some of you so far, I am encouraged by the love you have for God, the hospitality you share, and the desire you have to love our neighbors. I am thankful for the years of service of Fr. Dan and have an expectant joy for the work the Lord will continue to do.
We are currently experiencing trial upon trial with a sizable amount of uncertainty: Covid-19, unprecedented wildfires, a presidential election year, and evident injustices of many sorts. This is a lot to digest, perhaps it is too much. In the Epistle to the Hebrews, the author tells us of Jesus Christ who is the Son of God, the greater Moses, the greater sacrifice, and the greater high priest. In chapter four we read, "since then we have a great high priest...let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
There are many of us who are in need and because of that we have all the more reason to draw near to the throne of grace in prayer. Would you do that? As worry, doubt, or fear assail you, draw near to Christ. Ask a friend to draw near with you. When you are aware of another who is struggling, draw near to Christ on their behalf. And draw near in confidence for it is Jesus to whom you draw near, our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend.
Grace & Peace