Worship Preview 8.24.25 "Running Some Experiments" Genesis 1-2:4 and Genesis 11:1-9.

The last several weeks, we’ve been working through the Epistle to the Colossians and one of the metaphors I’ve come back to several times is “learning to walk” and “walking with God.” My dad recently had a stroke and, among other things, is having to learn to walk again. At the same time, my son and his wife are expecting their first child and I’ve been reflecting on how quickly our kids went from newborn to walking to full grown! I’m looking forward to revisiting those days when every day is something new! In each case, it's a matter of trying things, seeing what works, stretching our comfort zone and risking the next step.

Recently, I’ve told the congregation that I’ve been “running some experiments.” I’ve been intentional about making this 5^th year appointed to Fort Scott a new beginning. After some deep self-reflection, I’ve rearranged my office, my schedule, and my attitudes. I’ve emphasized “experiments” because things are intentionally in flux. I’m trying things and seeing what makes my life and ministry better, and what is most helpful for others I work with and serve – and I’m asking myself and others to remain flexible to find further adjustments that could be better yet. Some experiments work. Some need to go back to the drawing board. Sometimes goals are accomplished, and sometimes we learn changes are needed, or maybe even the goal needs to be adjusted. 

This week in worship, we’ll hear about God trying some ideas. God says: “let there be light.” Not “there must be…” or “be exactly this way.” but “let.” I’m reading a wonderful book called “Picking Up the Pieces” that I’ll share more about in coming weeks. It begins with a reflection on Genesis 1. The authors say: “’Let’ is a risk-taking verb. To let something happen is quite different from making something happen. To invite whatever a letting brings is to relinquish the control… trusting that whatever may come – fir, firmament, feather, the first whale, as the poet imagines – will be good.” This attitude has guided my recent experiments. I’m seeking to let things happen, while being more flexible and engaged, less controlling and seeking the good. To take a first step, then a next – not necessarily knowing exactly where I’m going but letting the next good thing happen. 

The first creation story has a playful, joyous tone. God is delighted as creation begins participating, growing, multiplying and being fruitful. Over and over, God sees that it is good! And then calls forth, “letting’ the next thing come. As we look at this, we’ll see again my recent point about how the authors of the texts of Scripture did not think in terms of Chapter and verse – those were assigned later. As wonderfully useful as they are – I certainly wouldn’t want to lead a Bible study without them – they do sometimes get in the way of our text. They become too rigid, and we stop letting Scripture flow and speak naturally. So, Sunday, we’ll talk about how Genesis 2:4 could be the end of the 1^st story, or the beginning of the 2^nd, or perhaps is intentionally more than that, a pause and pivot that invites us to join in God’s creativity. We’ll also hear a short story from Genesis Chapter 11. It comes just after the conclusion of the flood narrative of Noah, the Ark and Noah’s descendants. It’s parable, dare I say, fable about why we speak different languages. The people seek to “make a name for themselves” and while the text doesn’t specifically say so, it’s usually described as humanity seeking to be godlike or seeking control. God responds by – doing exactly what the people intended to avoid: scattering them by introducing different languages. It’s usually depicted as a punishment – yet as I reflect on the creation, I think it can be read as God restoring an intentional diversity and variety. We gather on the 11^th Sunday after celebration of Pentecost – a festival which famously offers a scene of “reverse babel” where people from many nations gathered for the festival hear and understand the disciples in their own tongue. Note – the Spirit does not cause them to all speak one language, but instead enables them to hear in their own. The Spirit gives understanding, not uniformity. It is a new beginning. A new chance to learn how to walk in the way God shows us. 

So, Sunday, we’ll play with these stories. We’ll seek to listen, to think about our next steps as people of faith – maybe they’ll be hesitant and shaky, maybe bold and decisive. As we do so, we’ll sing a wonderful hymn from the hymnal but one that will be new to many of us. It’s called “Let There Be Light” (UMH 440) It’s last two lines are “Your kingdom come, your Spirit turn to language, your people speak together, your Spirit never fade. Let there be light, open our hearts to wonder, perish the way of terror, hallow the world God made.” I look forward to sharing some reflections and inviting next steps. If any of the above intrigues you, we invite you to explore the hope and presence of Christ together with us at 10:30am each Sunday. 301 S. National here in Fort Scott. Blessings on your journey!