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Worship Preview 1.2.25 "Six Stone Jars: Fill my Wounds with Healing."

FIRST UNITED METHODIST 

 

This Sunday: 10:30am – “Six Stone Jars: Fill My Wounds with Healing” Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching. Scriptures: 1 Kings 17:8-16  and Luke 4:20-32 (References to Isaiah 61, 2 Kings 5, and Galatians 3).      

 

“And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him…”

 

Last week we heard the text of Isaiah 61, which Jesus reads the first few verses of in Luke 4. This week we pick up with the shocking turns of the story. Jesus claims the prophetic voice, declares Isaiah’s promises fulfilled. That in itself is a bit scandalous, but the crowd, here in his hometown synagogue, is pleased. They are basking in importance and pride by association – but Jesus isn’t done. He calls them out for what he knows is in their hearts and minds, a desire to claim, control, and limit his mission. So he quotes a couple proverbs and names it – “Doctor… heal yourself.” “Now do here what you have done in Capernum.” That in itself, on the surface, is innocuous, certainly we all hope for healing and signs - but the people don’t intend to share. So Jesus continues But he then says “no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town and names two stories from what we call the Old Testament, quoting 1st and 2nd Kings stories about God's expansive love, mercy, and provision - a rich, powerful (foreign) general and a poor, nearly destitute (foreign) widow - both of whom interact with prophets (Elijah and Elisha) and both of whom receive God's grace, mercy, and healing. Both stories are subtly critical of the "insiders" who would exclude them or, especially in 2nd Kings, would use their position for private gain. And suddenly the people that just moments ago were praising him are enraged. They seek to drag him to a nearby cliff and throw him over (a form of stoning…). Imagine people being enraged by a call to mercy and inclusion... (yeah, these stories from 2000 and maybe 2800 years ago sure speak to the moment, eh?).

 

Jesus puts a fine point on it - the people of his hometown want to monopolize and control him for their own benefit rather than truly hearing and following him. They are enraged because the “abundance of their heart” is revealed - in moments they turn on him - from voicing approval to seeking to toss him over a nearby cliff (a form of stoning...).

 

But instead of being cast over, Jesus walks away through the crowd. Maybe it's a miracle - maybe he "cheats" and becomes insubstantial. But frankly I don't think that’s it. I think it's a moment to be equated to and experienced as similarly powerful to his drawing in the dirt in John 8 . He doesn't react and escalate - he simple IS.. and his presence challenges and changes. I think he walks through the crowd with the help of others who don't join in the madness, who lament what is happening with their neighbors, who hear - maybe not yet even completely - but hear what Jesus is saying, what the Spirit is saying. Who are willing to ask questions that lead to discipleship instead of arrogance, to yielding and cooperation rather than harshness and attempts to control. I think... I hope... that I am one of those folks in the crowd.

The desire of the stone throwers and cliff pushers doesn't change here. But Jesus knows who he is and continues on his way despite it. Our call is to see Christ in one another and to exemplify him in all we do. Our call is to know who we are and follow despite the costs.

 

This chapter in Luke ends with a couple of healing stories and, given the theme of “fill my wounds with healing” it would see like we’d read those. But I think this story of a cliff and Jesus’ walking on is also one of healing and a call to fundamental change in our hearts, minds, and ways. The world is full of division and competition. Jesus calls us to liberation – for both the oppressed and the oppressor. To a different way of being. I call on us to examine closely who among us exhibits and seeks love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness and self-control – walking with Christ and who seems to be mining quarries for ever harsher rocks and steeper cliffs. Who is being cast out, scapegoated, turned on and targeted today and why? What are the fruits of our choices and where is Jesus leading. Will we make way? Will we follow him where he leads? We’ll talk about it all in worship Sunday at 10:30am as we continue the season of Epiphany with our “Six Stone Jars” series. I hope you’ll join us. Come as you are, wear what you have, and join with others as we sing, pray, and seek to find our path and share our journey!  - Pastor Christopher Eshelman.

 

Upcoming Events: 

 

Wednesday, February 5th  – Feeding Families in His Name: A “to-go” meal is distributed under the portico at 301 S. National. This free meal is available to everyone without obligation. A reminder: Please do not block nearby driveways while waiting. Thank you. If you would like to support this ministry, you can make donations online at: www.firstumcfortscott.org/onlinegiving

 

Fellowship Soup Luncheon Friday, February 28th. We will again have soups and chilli along with dessert for a freewill donation beginning at 11:30am. This month our proceeds will benefit Feeding Families in His Name. Mark your calendar and invite a friend for food and fellowhship. Then join us again on March 14thfor a Potato Bar to celebrate St. Patrick’s and benefit United Women in Faith’s programs and ministries.

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