Donkey Power

Palm Sunday (April 13, 2025)

What does it mean to have power?

The Roman Empire displayed a type of power we know:  The ability to get what you want, when you want it.  Their imperial parades were the example of power, as the leaders rode in on majestic horses.  You could call this horse power.

Jesus offered a different vision of power: The ability to help others.  His parade, as he rode on donkey, showed what this power looks like.  You could call this donkey power.  Helping others through acts of love, humility and service.  Definitely not as glorious in the eyes of the world.  (I mean, really, look at the picture of the donkey.  Not the most inviting!)

A reflection on Horse power and Donkey power. 

Hint: Horse power isn’t all bad, but it finally takes the back seat.

The donkey comes from a blogpost called “Donkeys, Kings and Outcasts“

Rejoice with those who rejoice

 Lent V (April 6, 2025)

Who are people with whom you can share your joy and happiness? 

In our world of work, school, activities and even family, this kind of friendship and community is surprisingly rare.  Too many relationships have competition, jealousy and shame for this to happen readily.

As we wrap up the book of Ruth, we encounter a rejoicing Naomi.  She is holding a grandson.  Admittedly, it is not directly her grandson, but after the chaos, grief and loss of her life, she is rejoicing at this baby in her arms.  She is also surrounded by the women of the village, who rejoice with her.

A reflection on how the community of Jesus, the community of the cross and empty tomb, can provide this community of rejoicing for a hurting and lonely world.

The artwork comes from Gospel Images, https://www.gospelimages.com/paintings/115/naomi-receives-a-grandson  It was chosen because it emphasizes the whole community around Naomi and Ruth.

When Fairness isn’t enough

 

Lent IV (March 30, 2025)

We know well the look of the older brother in the painting.  His whole body shouts:  “It’s not fair!”

He is not wrong.  As the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-35) plays itself out, the story is unfair.  Which justifiably angers the older brother.

As humans, we all protest when we don’t think things are fair.  In order to make life together work, we need their to be fairness. 

Yet…  It turns out in life that we encounter situations in which we need more than fairness.  Sometimes the wounds and situations call for compassion, an unfair extension of mercy, an intentional bending of the rules to help someone.

A reflection on when life together needs compassion and where to go for the at compassion.

The painting is by Rembrandt, The Return of the Prodigal.

Life Together: Outsiders and Insiders

Lent 3 (March 23, 2025)

Life Together — our Lenten theme — sounds great, but what about the times we found ourselves as an outsider?

Pastor Rob reflects outsider-insider dynamics by looking at the book of Ruth, as Ruth begins her new life in Bethlehem (Ruth 2:1-7).  As we work with the story, we see that at certain points in our lives, we are like Ruth, an outsider; at other points, we are like Naomi, a bridge builder; at other points, we are like Boaz, the insider.  As it turns out, each role can be a sacred role.

Perhaps though this story isn’t just about our lives though, but also foreshadows the work of Christ, who becomes an outsider for us that we might become an insider with him.

The image comes from a leadership website about insider/outsider dynamics.

Life Together: In the Face of Death

Lent 2 (March 16, 2025)

Naomi, Ruth and Orpah are three women who are grieving (Ruth 1).  The deaths they have encountered force them to make tough decisions that include both separation but also deeper connection.

When we experience loss, through death, break-ups or illness, it often impacts our relationships.  Some come to an end; others are new or renewed in a profound way.

We find that even in the face of death and loss, God is still the God of easter and resurrection, who gives us life together.

This painting is likely actually a poster by Veronica McDonald.  

You can find it here.

Two truths and a lie

 

Lent 1 (March 9, 2025)

Two truths and a lie – a game we’ve probably all played.

Today, the devil plays a far higher stakes version of the game, sowing a lie amidst the truth as he tempts Jesus.

This Lent we are focusing on Life Together; there is nothing more toxic to life together than lies.  And while lying has always been part of the human story (the prince of lies is always at work!), our modern world’s technology makes it so hard for us to figure out how to distinguish between truth and lies.

A reflection on what it means to build a community of truth.

Eat Less Fear; Behold More Glory

Eat Less Fear; Behold More Glory

We eat a LOT of fear in daily lives.  This works disease in our souls, blinding us to God’s glory and blocking us from living as disciples.

In the Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-38), we learn another path of dealing with fear and beholding the glory of God:

Going to the mountain, praying and listening to Jesus.

What might it mean to go to the mountain?  One example:  Watching children at the church’s early learning center fascinated by a visiting dog.

A reflection on how to eat less fear and behold more glory; wrapping up with the promises of Jesus, who listens to us, prays for us and gives us his glory.