Are We Still God's Favorite?
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For June 15, 2025:
Are We Still God’s Favorite?
by Mary Austin
Psalm 8
Shh! Don’t ask recent college graduates what they’re going to do next. The job market is terrible, thanks in part to AI filling roles that used to be entry level positions. Hiring “firms are making rapid progress toward automating entry-level work, and that AI companies are racing to build “virtual workers” that can replace junior employees at a fraction of the cost. Corporate attitudes toward automation are changing, too — some firms have encouraged managers to become “AI-first,” testing whether a given task can be done by AI before hiring a human to do it.”
Are people on the way to being unnecessary? Layla, the AI travel assistant, can plan your trip for you, solving all those questions about where to catch a train, or which order of sightseeing is best. Dating is simpler when AI sends your flirty text messages, and AI cultivates witty banter for you. There’s even the aptly named Sophie for faith-related matters.
The psalmist’s question is even more poignant now: what are human beings that God is mindful of us? Or, like corporate America, has God replaced us with AI? Does God prefer the way AI learns quickly, unlike we humans, who are so slow? Does God enjoy a chat with the faith and Bible assistant? Would God rather have AI’s quick results than our plodding faith?
In the News
Unemployment rates “for recent college graduates has jumped to an unusually high 5.8 percent in recent months, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York recently warned that the employment situation for these workers had “deteriorated noticeably.” Oxford Economics, a research firm that studies labor markets, found that unemployment for recent graduates was heavily concentrated in technical fields like finance and computer science, where AI has made faster gains.”
Fields like software engineering, where there are clear markers of success and failure are ripe for AI. “In these fields, AI systems can be trained using a trial-and-error process known as reinforcement learning to perform complex sequences of actions on their own. Eventually, they can become competent at carrying out tasks that would take human workers hours or days to complete.”
AI is affecting more than entry levels jobs, and Forbes warns that “experts converge on a transformative window of 10 to 30 years for AI to reshape most jobs. A McKinsey report projects that by 2030, 30% of current US jobs could be automated, with 60% significantly altered by AI tools. Goldman Sachs predicts up that to 50% of jobs could be fully automated by 2045, driven by generative AI and robotics.”
Tech entrepreneur Joe Suh essentially replaced his pastor with AI. “After one of Mr. Suh’s longtime pastors left his church, he had the idea of uploading recordings of that pastor’s sermons to ChatGPT. Mr. Suh would then ask the chatbot intimate questions about his faith. He turned the concept into a business.”
Is there another vision of the future? Luke Drago and Rudolf Laine say, “We can build our way out of this problem.” They propose that we “accelerate human-boosting AI over human-automating AI. Steve Jobs once called computers “bicycles for the mind,” after the way they make us faster and more efficient. With AI, we should aim for a motorcycle for the mind, rather than a wholesale replacement of it.” “Good institutions and governance are more important than ever. We need to strengthen democracy against corruption and the pull of economic incentives before AGI [Artificial General Intelligence] arrives, to ensure regular people can win if we reach the point where governments and large corporations don’t need us.”
In the Scriptures
In contrast to all of this AI-generated excellence, the words of the Psalm sound so…simple. The psalmist starts with a reminder of God’s glory, shown all around us. Then we hear that we carry holiness and stardust in our being, and that we are set among other living creatures. In our time, we wouldn’t imagine such a hierarchical model, with God above and creation below our feet. We exist in a world where God, humanity and other creatures are all connected. As God cares for us, we carry an obligation to care for other creatures. Our lives hold the magnificence of God, even when we fail to see it. God is always attentive, even when we don’t recognize it.
What does that mean for us, in a world filled with inventions never mentioned in the Psalm? The psalmist’s world was easier than ours, we’re tempted to think. Does this message still apply?
Is AI a way to grow closer to God? As spiritual leaders use AI for their work, are we tarnishing our unique, internal image of the divine, the very spirit that allows us to relate to other unique human beings? “For centuries, new technologies have changed the ways people worship, from the radio in the 1920s to television sets in the 1950s and the internet in the 1990s. Some proponents of AI in religious spaces have gone back even further, comparing AI’s potential — and fears of it — to the invention of the printing press in the fifteenth century.” Could AI be a good partner with God and humanity?
Echoing the themes of the Psalm, author Cole Arthur Riley says we can’t go wrong with a turn back to awe. “Wonder includes the capacity to be in awe of humanity, even your own. It allows us to jettison the dangerous belief that things worthy of wonder can only be located on nature hikes and scenic overlooks. This can distract us from the beauty flowing through us daily. For every second that our organs and bones sustain us is a miracle. When those bones heal, when our wounds scab over, this is our call to marvel at our bodies — their regeneration, their stability or frailty. This grows our sense of dignity. To be able to marvel at the face of our neighbor with the same awe we have for the mountaintop, the sunlight refracting — this manner of vision is what will keep us from destroying each other…Wonder requires a person not to forget themselves but to feel themselves so acutely that their connectedness to every created thing comes into focus. In sacred awe, we are a part of the story.” (from This Here Flesh)
Sermon possibilities
The sermon could explore the psalmist’s worldview of awe and wonder, and what that means for us on a daily basis. Can we stop worrying about the future, and live in this moment, joyfully knowing our place as part of God’s connected world? Can we use our call to dominion, or stewardship, to nurture the world we want to live in? What does the psalmist tell us about our vocation as people of faith?
Or, the sermon could focus on what this word means for the church, looking to the future. The church is a living, dynamic organism that reflects the network of relationships in the Psalm. We are one example of the connected world that the psalmist describes. We can understand God’s call to all of us, and see how churches are embracing the work of connecting God and human beings, no AI needed. “Across the United States groups of enthusiastic clergy and mentors are not only assuming there will be a future, but embracing it — a phenomenon that perhaps often goes unnoticed among the torrent of distressing stories about clergy struggles and congregations in conflict.”
The sermon could also explore the moral complexity of AI. Is it fine to use it for tuning up an email? How about writing a sermon? Scripting a difficult conversation where there’s a conflict? What if AI is better at pastoring than we are? After all, AI never gets tired and aggravated with people. “Some churches have already started to subtly infuse their services and websites with AI. The chatbot on the website of the Father’s House, a church in Leesburg, Florida, for instance, appears to offer standard customer service. Among its recommended questions: “What time are your services?” The next suggestion is more complex. “Why are my prayers not answered?” The chatbot was created by Pastors.ai, a start-up founded by Joe Suh, a tech entrepreneur.”
What if Psalm 8 is the text we need to understand our place in the world? When we’re fretful about the future, unnerved by all the uncertainty ahead, we can come back to our place, rooted among our fellow creatures and connected to God. With or without AI, the psalmist is calling us back to a posture of wonder, as we ponder the universe and our own place in it. The Psalm calls us back to awe, at God’s work and our own. The psalmist leads us back to the gift of understanding our place in the world. The writer of Psalm 8 never heard of AI, imagined a rocket ship to the moon in the sky, punched the buttons of a microwave, or carried a phone in their pocket. And, still, they have a timeless word to us. God may or may not love AI; God does love us.
As Cole Arthur Riley says, “In sacred awe, we are a part of the story.”
SECOND THOUGHTS
Sophia’s Song
by Dean Feldmeyer
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Knowledge can exist independent of wisdom. Wisdom is built upon knowledge.
A knowledgeable person knows there’s a storm coming. A wise person knows to prepare for it. Conversely, if we don’t know a storm is coming, we can’t prepare for it.
People — politicians, business leaders, religious leaders — who want to limit what we are allowed to learn and know are also attempting to limit our search for wisdom. They want to set limits on knowledge so they can set limits on wisdom. The last thing a despot or oligarch wants is a wise, knowledgeable populace. A true and appropriate Christian faith encourages us to gain knowledge so that by blending it with our faith, we can become wise as well.
In the Scripture
Proverbs 8:1-4 and 22-31 presents “wisdom” as an active, divine force that calls out to humanity. This passage anthropomorphizes and personifies wisdom (Sophia) as a woman who stands in public places, inviting people to listen and follow her ways. She sings offering guidance and insight that is rooted in understanding and discernment.
She calls out in the streets and at the city gates. Telling her disinterested audience that wisdom is accessible to all. Wisdom is not merely intuition or a mysterious gift that is given from heaven and anoints an elite few. She offers knowledge and understanding to those who seek her because wisdom requires knowledge. Those who would be wise must first seek knowledge, for without knowledge, wisdom has no foundation.
What, we ask, is the source of wisdom? Sophia/Wisdom says that she has been present since “before creation,” working alongside God in establishing the world. She rejoices in creation and delights in humanity, showing that wisdom is deeply connected to the order and purpose of life. So, wisdom is not just about knowing facts but about understanding the deeper meaning and purpose behind them.
Wisdom is about knowing how to apply knowledge in a way that aligns with truth and righteousness. Wisdom is divine (it comes from God), foundational (human life is built upon it), and essential (necessarily for true and righteous living). Without knowledge, wisdom would have no substance.
In the News
A person can memorize scientific theories, historical events, or mathematical formulas, yet lack the ability to use that information to make sound decisions. A person can know facts about healthy eating and still make unhealthy choices about the food they eat. We all know that it is dangerous to smoke and not wear seat belts, yet some people still smoke and some don’t wear their seatbelts.
Wisdom involves the ability to analyze, synthesize, and apply knowledge to various situations. But without the requisite knowledge as a foundation, wisdom has no material to work with. A wise leader, for instance, relies on knowledge of history, psychology, and social dynamics to make informed decisions. A wise preacher/pastor relies on knowledge of scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.
Recently, however, politicians and their supporters in business and evangelical/fundamentalist Christianity have sought to limit the knowledge of students in schools, colleges, and universities. They want ideas that they don’t agree with or that make them uncomfortable removed from curriculums. Or, perhaps worse, they want theories and ideas based in superstition and ignorance taught alongside theories and ideas based in historic experience and the scientific method as “alternative theories.”
By limiting what students know, they can limit their thinking and by limiting their thinking they can reduce the wisdom that those students might use to ask questions and seek answers outside of the church or the classroom, in the library or laboratory.
Wisdom asks questions and seeks answers. It transforms knowledge into insight and action, making it far more valuable in the real world. Some leaders, however, don’t want people who ask questions the answers to which might give them insight and kindle them into action.
That is why many fear that the current political war against Harvard and other colleges and universities is a war against learning, knowledge and, subsequently, a war against wisdom.
In the Sermon
Knowledge is the accumulation of facts, information, and skills gained through education and experience. A person can possess vast knowledge without necessarily understanding how to apply it effectively.
Wisdom, on the other hand, is the ability to apply knowledge in a meaningful, responsible, and thoughtful way, often shaped by experience, judgment, and understanding.
An ancient Persian proverb might provide grist for the sermon mill on this topic:
Those who know not and know that they know not are children. Teach them.
Those who know not and know not that they know not are fools. Avoid them.
Those who know and know not that they know are asleep. Wake them.
And those who know and know that they know are wise. Follow them.
ILLUSTRATIONS
From team member Tom Willadsen:
Trinity Sunday
Take a breath. We have endured Lent, the season of Easter, and Pentecost. Trinity Sunday is a hinge between those seasons and the next season of the church year, Advent. The next 24 Sundays are “Ordinary Time,” with a couple special days like World Communion Sunday (October 5 this year) and All Saints’ Day (observed November 2). Ordinary Time begins with the only Sunday of the church year whose focus is a point of doctrine, or theology: The Trinity.
I am not a big fan of the Trinity. Not because it’s a mystery, I’m fine with mystery, uncertainty and paradox. I just do not understand why believing in the Trinity is regarded as essential for being a Christian. Nice, helpful, yes, essential no. Every year I tell my congregation that if they ever want to get rid of me, they’ve got the goods to take to Presbytery for my heresy trial.
The church I am currently serving as Transitional Pastor is named “Trinity.” Our history is that the largest, oldest Presbyterian church in town was “steeple-jacked” ten years ago and turned too far right for the comfort of a significant segment of the membership. These people found one another, banded together and within two weeks became a new church. The former church got to keep the building, endowment, and name. My people needed a new name, and “Trinity” got the most votes. I have yet to hear any passion about the selection of the name. This is a far cry from the stories I had to read in Christian history class in seminary, in which wars were fought and blood spilled over whether the Spirit proceeded from the father to the son. More than 20 years ago, Bill Placher wrote an article that appeared in Christian Century called “God is triune — so what?” which nicely captures the depth of my indifference to the Trinity.
* * *
Still, preach the Trinity!
Hallmark will tell you that June 15 is Father’s Day.
June 14 is Flag Day. The Continental Congress adopted the design that is the basis for the current flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. The Flag Resolution stated “That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” At this writing the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers have the best records in their leagues, which suggests the possibility of a rematch of the World Series of 1907, 1908, 1935, and 1945. C’mon, preacher! It’s only one day a year, take a crack at explaining the Trinity to twenty-first-century American Protestants. Here’s a decent start, I know it’s true, I just lifted it from Wikipedia:
As the Fourth Lateran Council declared, it is the Father who begets, the Son who is begotten, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds. In this context, one essence/nature defines what God is, while the three persons define who God is. This expresses at once their distinction and their indissoluble unity. Thus, the entire process of creation and grace is viewed as a single shared action of the three divine persons, in which each person manifests the attributes unique to them in the Trinity, thereby proving that everything comes “from the Father,” “through the Son,” and “in the Holy Spirit.”
* * *
God in three persons
Of course, you’re singing “Holy, Holy, Holy!” because it contains this line:
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Careful. “Holy, holy, holy” comes from Isaiah 6, and is not in any way a reference to the Trinity. The three “holies” are for emphasis. The scriptural basis for the Trinity that some Christians have found in what they call the Old Testament, is an imposition of a concept that was not in the minds of the authors of Isaiah or Genesis.
And be careful with the word “persons.” The modern American hears that word as though God can be conceived as Flo, Alice, and Mel. “Persons” in this case is more closely rooted to the Latin “persona,” which conveys a theatrical sense in which one actor (person) may represent three distinct characters or personas.
* * *
Okay, some scripture, Proverbs 8
Note that wisdom is personified as female. The Greek name for her is Sophia. Wisdom speaks in this passage and was present at Creation. Note that the text is clear in v. 22 that wisdom was herself created by God the creator, before God the creator got around to creating the earth as we know it. Orthodox Christian theology contends that God the creator, God the savior, and God the spirit have all existed throughout eternity. So, if you’re being rigorous and orthodox, this text could not be used to equate wisdom with the Holy Spirit.
* * * * * *
From team member Nazish Naseem:
John 16:12-15
Navigating the Journey of Faith in the Present World
Recalling my journey from a small town in a developing Asian country to the other end of the world is full of adventures and humps as a migrant on this vital journey through the diverse and complex landscape of today’s United States. In every direction, a myriad of paths stretches out before me, representing a nation filled with a rich tapestry of cultures, beliefs, and opinions. I witnessed challenges such as racial inequality, political polarization, and economic disparity. Yet, amidst this diversity, there is a strong sense of unity, a shared journey on which we all embark. While maps of the past have guided previous generations, the terrain you face now is changing rapidly, filled with opportunities and challenges.
As you prepare to step forward, a seasoned guide, an elder in the community, heavy with experience and wisdom, leans in closer. This elder, a respected figure in your faith community, has weathered many storms and is now ready to share their knowledge with you. Their voice resonates with urgency and wisdom, ‘The road ahead will be unpredictable. You will face breathtaking vistas of hope but also encounters with storms of confusion and division. Some routes may seem blocked by obstacles and challenges before you may test your resolve and commitment. But take heart, for I will provide you with a compass of your faith. Let this compass guide you toward unity and understanding, even when the way seems obscured.’ This elder is not just a guide but a pillar of support, a beacon of light in the darkness, ready to walk with you through every twist and turn of your journey.
This moment reflects the assurance offered in the teachings of Jesus in John 16:12-15. Just as he promised his disciples the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide them through uncertainties, we, too, have a Spirit imbued with wisdom that helps us navigate the complexities of our lives today. This divine guidance is not a set of rules or instructions, but a deep understanding of our faith and its teachings, encouraging us to seek connection rather than conflict in a time when division can seem all-consuming.
As you journey through the United States, you may encounter differing viewpoints that challenge your beliefs. The air is thick with questions about justice, equality, and the future of the community. Yet, just like the disciples, you are reminded that you are not alone on this path. The Holy Spirit is a guiding presence in our society, urging us toward compassion, empathy, and a deeper understanding of one another.
This powerful image captures the essence of faith in the modern American context. It’s not about having all the answers in a polarized world but trusting that there is a greater purpose in our shared humanity. As we engage in dialogues, build bridges, and seek solutions, we are called to navigate this journey with courage and hope.
In the ever-evolving narrative of our nation, each step we take contributes to a story filled with significance. By drawing on our faith as a compass, we stand united, ready to face uncertainties together, propelled by the belief that a brighter, more inclusive future awaits us. With every shared struggle and celebrated triumph, we move toward a greater understanding of one another and the divine purpose that connects us all. These shared experiences bind us together, making us part of a larger community, each of us contributing to the collective journey of faith. Remember, you are not alone. We are all in this together, supporting and guiding each other.
* * *
Romans 5:1-5
The Journey of Faith: Navigating Life’s Storms with Hope
My mother bestowed upon me the name ‘Nazish,’ which exudes uniqueness and cultural significance in Pakistan. As a child, I was the only person with this name in my school and college, a fact that always filled me with a sense of admiration. The name ‘Nazish,’ with its Persian roots, carries meanings such as ‘proud,’ ‘something to be proud of,’ and ‘delicate’ or ‘soft.’ While the exact reason for my name remains a mystery, one thing is certain: for much of my life, I struggled to find reasons to feel proud.
Imagine a sturdy boat named ‘Hope,’ gently bobbing on the vast sea of life. This boat, crafted from resilient wood, symbolizes our faith and serves as a testament to the meticulous work of the Holy Spirit. It is he who shapes and strengthens us, preparing us for the tumultuous waters that lie ahead, guiding us with his divine wisdom and love. His guiding presence reassures us that we are never alone on our journey.
As storms churn and waves crash, the boat of faith stands firm not because it is free from the storm, but because it is built to endure it. Each setback, every gust of wind and surge of water serves as a lesson in resilience and tenacity. Just as the boat grows stronger with each wave, our faith is not only tested but transformed by our afflictions, turning us into stronger, more resilient believers. This transformative power of faith is a source of inspiration and hope for us all.
The waters may be rough, with dark clouds looming overhead, but it is in these moments of struggle that our hope shines the brightest. With the Holy Spirit as our guide, we learn to navigate through challenges, finding joy in the process. Our hope becomes a beacon, illuminating the way through adversity and reminding us that every trial produces perseverance, character, and ultimately, hope.
As Christians, we take pride in this journey not because we seek hardship for its own sake, but because we understand that our struggles are not meaningless. They are crucial parts of our faith story, and through them, we witness the profound work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, steering our boat safely toward the promise of calmer waters. Ultimately, this gives me a reason to boast and feel proud.
* * *
Psalm 8
Stars and Pebbles: A Reflection on Our Place in the Universe
In a vast and starry night sky, a child and their parent sit on a grassy hill, gazing up in awe. The stars twinkle like diamonds scattered across a deep blue canvas, each one a distant sun that holds secrets of the universe, a beauty that transcends our understanding.
As they look up, the child asks, “Why are we so small in comparison to all of this?” The parent smiles, gesturing to the beauty surrounding them. “Look at how immense the universe is. Yet here we are, sharing this moment.”
The parent picks up a small pebble from the ground and holds it up. “This pebble is tiny, almost insignificant against the backdrop of the universe, just like we seem compared to the stars. But think of it this way — each star has its own story, and so do we. Just as this pebble has its place on this hill, we have our place in this world.”
The child nods, beginning to understand. “So, we matter even if we’re small?”
“Exactly,” the parent replies. “Just as the universe is vast and magnificent, our lives, with our joys, struggles, and love, hold profound significance. We are not forgotten; we are cherished and essential.”
It reflects the essence of Psalm 8, reminding us that even amidst the grandeur of creation, we are loved and valued. Humans may seem small in the scope of the universe, but each life carries meaning and purpose, connected to a greater story of creation, evolution, and interconnectedness.
* * *
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
In the Heart of the Desert: A Quest for Wisdom
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the vast Dubai desert in a serene palette of gold and amber, you felt the soothing warmth of the sand wrapping around you like a gentle embrace. The towering dunes, like ancient sentinels, stood in silent vigil, their tranquil presence inviting you to spend a day or two in this peaceful expanse, away from the noise of the world.
As you ventured deeper into the desert, you found yourself navigating through a dense thicket where shadows danced playfully. Suddenly, your eyes met those of a wise old guide, resting on a moss-covered sand rock. His features, etched with the stories of ages past, exuded a calm and serene aura, embodying the essence of wisdom, or Sophia. His presence was an invitation to draw closer, to bask in the light of his profound knowledge.
“Why have you been here all this time?” you questioned, a hint of frustration coloring your tone. The guide’s mouth curled into a knowing smile, his weathered face a roadmap of experience. “I have always been here, waiting for those who seek me amidst the clamor of life,” he replied, his voice rich with the weight of countless truths.
With curiosity piqued, you leaned in as the guide began to unravel a profound lesson. “Wisdom often resides in the shadows, hidden in the fabric of our daily lives,” he explained. “Many rush through life, chasing fleeting goals, oblivious to the signs around them the rustle of leaves, the bubbling brook nearby, the melodic chorus of birds singing. These are the whispers of wisdom, subtle yet steadfast, waiting patiently for those who dare to pause and listen.”
He gestured toward a sunny clearing, where the light cascaded, illuminating the surrounding beauty. “Real insight blossoms from moments of stillness — observing, absorbing, and learning from the world woven around you. I am here, intricately connected to the essence of existence, awaiting your discovery of deeper truths.” His words echoed the importance of stillness, urging you to pause and reflect.
As the guide’s words weaved through the silence, peace settled within you. The sun’s warmth, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the distant bubbling brook converged into a powerful symphony that resonated with the essence of wisdom. In that sacred moment, you recognized that wisdom had been a silent partner in your journey, patiently waiting for you to engage, explore, and embrace a deeper understanding of life’s mysteries.
Much like Proverbs 8, this journey into the quiet spaces of existence invites you to listen for wisdom’s voice — a call woven into the fabric of stillness and reflection. In a world that often prioritizes haste over reflection, the ultimate question lingers: Will you choose to slow down, acknowledge her presence, and welcome her guiding light into your life?
* * * * * *
From team member Chris Keating:
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Is anyone listening to wisdom’s cries?
President Donald Trump deployed an additional 2,000 troops into Los Angeles on Monday, doubling the amount of force he has authorized to counter protests over immigration policies. Yet Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass countered that the Trump administration’s efforts were unwise. Bass told reporters that she had suggested to the White House that the increased presence of the National Guard and Marines “would be like a deliberate attempt to create disorder and chaos in our city. It was very predictable what was going to happen, and it was completely unnecessary. This was a solution in search of a solution.”
New York Times columnist David French wrote that “it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that the Trump administration is spoiling for a fight on America’s streets.” French noted that any violence damages the credibility of civil disobedience. “But so far, thankfully, the violence has been localized, and crucially, well within the capacity of state and city officials to manage. But don’t tell that to the Trump administration.” Trump advisor Steve Miller somewhat ironically called it “insurrection,” a label he has refused to apply to the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
* * *
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Wisdom comes from listening
Keith Allen, writing for the American Bar Association in 2021, explores the possibilities protests have for creating meaningful change. While it takes patience and is often uncomfortable, Allen believes that the free speech guarantees of the First Amendment can often lead to win-win solutions for both protestors and their critics.
“America does not assume that every protester is correct,” Allen wrote. “Instead, it recognizes protests warn of areas where meaningful dialogue is absent. When the country heeds this warning, the resulting dialogue has the power to strengthen the union and change the course of history.”
* * *
Psalm 8
Rethinking dominion
Scholar Walter Brueggemann, who died June 5, 2026, celebrated Psalm 8 as a exhortation of praise and wonder that delighted in God’s good gifts, but which also offered a reminder of human responsibility for being stewards of creation.
In his short volume The Spirituality of the Psalms (Fortress Press, 2002), Brueggmann wrote that “the community that composes and sings these (creation) psalms readily affirmed that this experience is ordained and sustained by God. A proper response is one of gratitude. The world is God’s way of bestowing blessing upon us,” Such knowledge is a reminder that we are “safe and free.”
Yet in gratitude we are also challenged to the ongoing work of caring for God’s gift. In his commentary on Psalm 8 in the New Cambridge Bible Commentary, Brueggemann suggests that the “dominion” granted to human beings is not a pass to do whatever we like. He notes:
Dominion here does not indicate permission to exhaust the creation’s resources but suggests that God grants to humans the honor of representing God in caring for all of creation. Humans receive the gift of caring for creation as the shepherd king cares for the kingdom. ‘Glory and honor’ suggest divine presence and activity in the world demonstrated in human care for the creation.
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Romans 5:1-5
I’ll Take “Explaining the Trinity” for $500
At times, being a pastor means straining to see signs of hope. Sometimes as I walk from the sanctuary doors to the donut table, I sense the tension in people’s voices. They aren’t interested in asking questions because, in a sort of strange twist to the television game show Jeopardy, they assume they have the answers. Sometimes they’re quite confident. “A Pride banner doesn’t belong in church,” (“What is misguided theology?”) Other times, they mutter something under their breath like “It’s Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve,” or “The Bible says to ‘love the sinner, but hate the sin.’” (“What are things Jesus never said?”)
Last Sunday, a young person grabbed me at the door and asked if I had a minute to talk. The person had dropped out of confirmation class four years ago after a lesson about the Trinity. They came back to be honored as a high school graduate, but I assumed they were actually looking for me to be a theological punching bag.
That didn’t happen at all. The person, who identifies as both queer and nonbinary, instead asked me if they could make an appointment with me to talk. “I want to learn about religion,” they said. “Not just Christianity, but all sorts of religions.”
They didn’t want to play stump the pastor. Instead, humbly, quietly, they asked if I would be up for a conversation about religion.
The encounter makes me think of Paul’s words in Romans 5:1-5 in new ways, especially for Trinity Sunday. The Triune God comes offering peace, grace, and love—even if we trip over our attempts at explaining “homoousian.” This teenager was clearly wrestling with the understanding how endurance produces hope. They told me they needed a new place to play “Dungeons and Dragons.” “We can’t play at my house anymore because my friend’s parents forbid him from coming over because I’m gay.”
We agreed to make time to meet again soon. They walked away, and I suddenly had new insight into the wondrous, mysterious, grace-filled movement of the Triune God dancing in our midst.
Who would have guess, I said to myself, that of all the people in church on Pentecost Sunday the one person who truly wanted to talk about theology was a gay teenager who long ago walked out of confirmation class and had spent four years keeping the church at arm’s length. “I’ll take the win,” I laughed, and then remembered that hope does not put us to shame.
* * * * * *
WORSHIP
by George Reed
Call to Worship:
One: O LORD how majestic is your name in all the earth!
All: You have set your glory above the heavens.
One: What are we humans that you are mindful of them?
All: What are we mortals that you care for them?
One: You have given us dominion over the works of your hands.
All: O LORD how majestic is your name in all the earth!
OR
One: Wisdom calls and lifts up her voice all around us.
All: We would welcome wisdom into our lives.
One: Wisdom is based on love and not on might and force.
All: Let wisdom teach us the ways of love and mercy.
One: Remember that wisdom calls to all who live.
All: We will share God’s wisdom, love and grace with all.
Hymns and Songs
God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens
UMH: 150
H82: 580
PH: 268
GTG: 24
NCH: 556
CH: 651
LBW: 463
ELW: 771
W&P: 644
Morning Has Broken
UMH: 145
H82: 8
PH: 469
GTG: 664
CH: 53
ELW: 556
W&P: 35
STLT: 38
For the Beauty of the Earth
UMH: 92
H82: 416
PH: 473
GTG: 14
NNBH: 8
NCH: 28
CH: 56
LBW: 561
ELW: 879
W&P: 40
AMEC: 578
STLT: 21
Open My Eyes, That I May See
UMH: 454
PH: 324
GTG: 451
NNBH: 218
CH: 586
W&P: 480
AMEC: 285
Breathe on Me, Breath of God (Pentecost sure, but also Wisdom)
UMH: 420
H82: 508
PH: 316
GTG: 286
AAHH: 317
NNBH: 126
NCH: 292
CH: 254
LBW: 488
W&P: 461
AMEC: 192
Be Thou My Vision
UMH: 451
H82: 488
PH: 339
GTG: 450
NCH: 451
CH: 595
ELW: 793
W&P: 502
AMEC: 281
STLT: 20
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
UMH: 465
PH: 321
NCH: 63
CH: 241
LBW: 257
ELW: 398
O Word of God Incarnate
UMH: 598
PH: 327
GTG: 459
NNBH: 296
NCH: 315
CH: 322
LBW: 231
ELW: 514
W&P: 670
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
UMH: 64/65
H82: 362
PH: 138
GTG: 1
AAHH: 329
NNBH: 1
NCH: 277
CH: 4
LBW: 165
ELW: 413
W&P: 136
AMEC: 25
STLT: 26
Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing
UMH: 671
H82: 344
PH: 538
NCH: 77
LBW: 259
ELW: 545
W&P: 748
AMEC: 46
Open Our Eyes, Lord
CCB: 77
Renew: 91
For the Gift of Creation
CCB: 67:
Open the Eyes of Our Heart, Lord
GTG: 452
Music Resources Key
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982
PH: Presbyterian Hymnal
GTG: Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal
AAHH: African American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
ELW: Evangelical Lutheran Worship
W&P: Worship & Praise
AMEC: African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal
STLT: Singing the Living Tradition
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day/Collect
O God who is in love created wisdom:
Grant us to use wisdom in loving ways
so that all your children may be crowned with glory and honor;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
We praise you, O God, that in love you created wisdom. In crowning us with glory and honor you gifted us with wisdom. Help us to use that wisdom in love so that you are praised in all we do. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
One: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins and especially when we use knowledge in foolish selfish ways proclaiming we are wise.
All: We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. We have taken the glory and honor you crowned us with and used it in unloving ways. We have used knowledge as a weapon instead of as a gift of love for us to share. We claim to be wise, but we are foolish when we act in ways that separate and divide your children. Forgive us and renew your Spirit within us that we truly be crowned with glory and honor. Amen.
One: God desires wisdom to be fully present in all creation so that all God’s children shine with glory and honor. Receive God’s loving forgiveness and wisely choose love.
Prayers of the People
We adore you, O God, because in love you created wisdom before you created all else. All creation is filled with your love and wisdom.
(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confession has not been used.)
We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. We have taken the glory and honor you crowned us with and used it in unloving ways. We have used knowledge as a weapon instead of as a gift of love for us to share. We claim to be wise, but we are foolish when we act in ways that separate and divide your children. Forgive us and renew your Spirit within us that we truly be crowned with glory and honor.
We give you thanks for the wondrous ways in which all nature reflects your wisdom. There is neither chaos nor rigidity in nature, but it flows in ever creating ways. We have been blessed with many who have seen your wisdom and shared it with us.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We pray for all your children in their need. We pray for those who have been harmed by those who have used knowledge against others. We lift up to you those who have mistaken knowledge for wisdom. May all that we do reflect your wisdom as we share the love of Christ with all.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
Hear us as we pray for others: (Time for silent or spoken prayer.)
All these things we ask in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father....Amen.
(Or if the Our Father is not used at this point in the service.)
All this we ask in the name of the blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
* * * * * *
CHILDREN’S SERMON
Wisdom and Mystery
by Katy Stenta
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
God and the Holy Spirit like to play this game
Where God created the whole world
And everything in it.
When God created the earth,
Guess who was there? The Holy Spirit.
When God made the water and the clouds and skies,
Guess who was there?
(Let children slowly start to answer.)
The Holy Spirit.
When God made the mountains so high and the oceans so deep,
Guess who was there?
The Holy Spirit!
When God made space and all the stars,
Guess who was there?
The Holy Spirit!
When God created math, sunflowers, seeds, seashells
And light that only travels a certain speed, and other wonders,
Guess who was there?
The Holy Spirit.
You know what else is amazing? Even with all of the things we know, the universe is still amazing.
There is a lot of mystery out there! 15,000-18,000 new species are discovered every year. We haven’t explored about 75% of the ocean. We don’t even know where space ends. We still do not even understand how human brains work.
So, although God created the world, and the Holy Spirit was there for all of it, we also can be okay with the fact that we don’t know everything, and some things are mysterious!
Let’s Pray.
Dear God,
we thank you
for a beautiful,
amazing,
and mysterious
creation.
We are thankful
for the Holy Spirit
who walks with us
and reminds us
that it is okay
that we do not
know everything.
May we continue to
appreciate
your creation
and your mystery.
Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, June 15, 2025 issue.
Copyright 2025 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
- Are We Still God’s Favorite? by Mary Austin based on Psalm 8.
- Second Thoughts: Lost And Found: A Narrative Sermon by Dean Feldmeyer. You can have knowledge without wisdom, but you can’t have wisdom without knowledge.
- Sermon illustrations by Tom Willadsen, Chris Keating, Nazish Naseem.
- Worship resources by George Reed.
- Children’s sermon: Wisdom and Mystery by Katy Stenta based on Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31.
Are We Still God’s Favorite?by Mary Austin
Psalm 8
Shh! Don’t ask recent college graduates what they’re going to do next. The job market is terrible, thanks in part to AI filling roles that used to be entry level positions. Hiring “firms are making rapid progress toward automating entry-level work, and that AI companies are racing to build “virtual workers” that can replace junior employees at a fraction of the cost. Corporate attitudes toward automation are changing, too — some firms have encouraged managers to become “AI-first,” testing whether a given task can be done by AI before hiring a human to do it.”
Are people on the way to being unnecessary? Layla, the AI travel assistant, can plan your trip for you, solving all those questions about where to catch a train, or which order of sightseeing is best. Dating is simpler when AI sends your flirty text messages, and AI cultivates witty banter for you. There’s even the aptly named Sophie for faith-related matters.
The psalmist’s question is even more poignant now: what are human beings that God is mindful of us? Or, like corporate America, has God replaced us with AI? Does God prefer the way AI learns quickly, unlike we humans, who are so slow? Does God enjoy a chat with the faith and Bible assistant? Would God rather have AI’s quick results than our plodding faith?
In the News
Unemployment rates “for recent college graduates has jumped to an unusually high 5.8 percent in recent months, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York recently warned that the employment situation for these workers had “deteriorated noticeably.” Oxford Economics, a research firm that studies labor markets, found that unemployment for recent graduates was heavily concentrated in technical fields like finance and computer science, where AI has made faster gains.”
Fields like software engineering, where there are clear markers of success and failure are ripe for AI. “In these fields, AI systems can be trained using a trial-and-error process known as reinforcement learning to perform complex sequences of actions on their own. Eventually, they can become competent at carrying out tasks that would take human workers hours or days to complete.”
AI is affecting more than entry levels jobs, and Forbes warns that “experts converge on a transformative window of 10 to 30 years for AI to reshape most jobs. A McKinsey report projects that by 2030, 30% of current US jobs could be automated, with 60% significantly altered by AI tools. Goldman Sachs predicts up that to 50% of jobs could be fully automated by 2045, driven by generative AI and robotics.”
Tech entrepreneur Joe Suh essentially replaced his pastor with AI. “After one of Mr. Suh’s longtime pastors left his church, he had the idea of uploading recordings of that pastor’s sermons to ChatGPT. Mr. Suh would then ask the chatbot intimate questions about his faith. He turned the concept into a business.”
Is there another vision of the future? Luke Drago and Rudolf Laine say, “We can build our way out of this problem.” They propose that we “accelerate human-boosting AI over human-automating AI. Steve Jobs once called computers “bicycles for the mind,” after the way they make us faster and more efficient. With AI, we should aim for a motorcycle for the mind, rather than a wholesale replacement of it.” “Good institutions and governance are more important than ever. We need to strengthen democracy against corruption and the pull of economic incentives before AGI [Artificial General Intelligence] arrives, to ensure regular people can win if we reach the point where governments and large corporations don’t need us.”
In the Scriptures
In contrast to all of this AI-generated excellence, the words of the Psalm sound so…simple. The psalmist starts with a reminder of God’s glory, shown all around us. Then we hear that we carry holiness and stardust in our being, and that we are set among other living creatures. In our time, we wouldn’t imagine such a hierarchical model, with God above and creation below our feet. We exist in a world where God, humanity and other creatures are all connected. As God cares for us, we carry an obligation to care for other creatures. Our lives hold the magnificence of God, even when we fail to see it. God is always attentive, even when we don’t recognize it.
What does that mean for us, in a world filled with inventions never mentioned in the Psalm? The psalmist’s world was easier than ours, we’re tempted to think. Does this message still apply?
Is AI a way to grow closer to God? As spiritual leaders use AI for their work, are we tarnishing our unique, internal image of the divine, the very spirit that allows us to relate to other unique human beings? “For centuries, new technologies have changed the ways people worship, from the radio in the 1920s to television sets in the 1950s and the internet in the 1990s. Some proponents of AI in religious spaces have gone back even further, comparing AI’s potential — and fears of it — to the invention of the printing press in the fifteenth century.” Could AI be a good partner with God and humanity?
Echoing the themes of the Psalm, author Cole Arthur Riley says we can’t go wrong with a turn back to awe. “Wonder includes the capacity to be in awe of humanity, even your own. It allows us to jettison the dangerous belief that things worthy of wonder can only be located on nature hikes and scenic overlooks. This can distract us from the beauty flowing through us daily. For every second that our organs and bones sustain us is a miracle. When those bones heal, when our wounds scab over, this is our call to marvel at our bodies — their regeneration, their stability or frailty. This grows our sense of dignity. To be able to marvel at the face of our neighbor with the same awe we have for the mountaintop, the sunlight refracting — this manner of vision is what will keep us from destroying each other…Wonder requires a person not to forget themselves but to feel themselves so acutely that their connectedness to every created thing comes into focus. In sacred awe, we are a part of the story.” (from This Here Flesh)
Sermon possibilities
The sermon could explore the psalmist’s worldview of awe and wonder, and what that means for us on a daily basis. Can we stop worrying about the future, and live in this moment, joyfully knowing our place as part of God’s connected world? Can we use our call to dominion, or stewardship, to nurture the world we want to live in? What does the psalmist tell us about our vocation as people of faith?
Or, the sermon could focus on what this word means for the church, looking to the future. The church is a living, dynamic organism that reflects the network of relationships in the Psalm. We are one example of the connected world that the psalmist describes. We can understand God’s call to all of us, and see how churches are embracing the work of connecting God and human beings, no AI needed. “Across the United States groups of enthusiastic clergy and mentors are not only assuming there will be a future, but embracing it — a phenomenon that perhaps often goes unnoticed among the torrent of distressing stories about clergy struggles and congregations in conflict.”
The sermon could also explore the moral complexity of AI. Is it fine to use it for tuning up an email? How about writing a sermon? Scripting a difficult conversation where there’s a conflict? What if AI is better at pastoring than we are? After all, AI never gets tired and aggravated with people. “Some churches have already started to subtly infuse their services and websites with AI. The chatbot on the website of the Father’s House, a church in Leesburg, Florida, for instance, appears to offer standard customer service. Among its recommended questions: “What time are your services?” The next suggestion is more complex. “Why are my prayers not answered?” The chatbot was created by Pastors.ai, a start-up founded by Joe Suh, a tech entrepreneur.”
What if Psalm 8 is the text we need to understand our place in the world? When we’re fretful about the future, unnerved by all the uncertainty ahead, we can come back to our place, rooted among our fellow creatures and connected to God. With or without AI, the psalmist is calling us back to a posture of wonder, as we ponder the universe and our own place in it. The Psalm calls us back to awe, at God’s work and our own. The psalmist leads us back to the gift of understanding our place in the world. The writer of Psalm 8 never heard of AI, imagined a rocket ship to the moon in the sky, punched the buttons of a microwave, or carried a phone in their pocket. And, still, they have a timeless word to us. God may or may not love AI; God does love us.
As Cole Arthur Riley says, “In sacred awe, we are a part of the story.”
SECOND THOUGHTSSophia’s Song
by Dean Feldmeyer
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Knowledge can exist independent of wisdom. Wisdom is built upon knowledge.
A knowledgeable person knows there’s a storm coming. A wise person knows to prepare for it. Conversely, if we don’t know a storm is coming, we can’t prepare for it.
People — politicians, business leaders, religious leaders — who want to limit what we are allowed to learn and know are also attempting to limit our search for wisdom. They want to set limits on knowledge so they can set limits on wisdom. The last thing a despot or oligarch wants is a wise, knowledgeable populace. A true and appropriate Christian faith encourages us to gain knowledge so that by blending it with our faith, we can become wise as well.
In the Scripture
Proverbs 8:1-4 and 22-31 presents “wisdom” as an active, divine force that calls out to humanity. This passage anthropomorphizes and personifies wisdom (Sophia) as a woman who stands in public places, inviting people to listen and follow her ways. She sings offering guidance and insight that is rooted in understanding and discernment.
She calls out in the streets and at the city gates. Telling her disinterested audience that wisdom is accessible to all. Wisdom is not merely intuition or a mysterious gift that is given from heaven and anoints an elite few. She offers knowledge and understanding to those who seek her because wisdom requires knowledge. Those who would be wise must first seek knowledge, for without knowledge, wisdom has no foundation.
What, we ask, is the source of wisdom? Sophia/Wisdom says that she has been present since “before creation,” working alongside God in establishing the world. She rejoices in creation and delights in humanity, showing that wisdom is deeply connected to the order and purpose of life. So, wisdom is not just about knowing facts but about understanding the deeper meaning and purpose behind them.
Wisdom is about knowing how to apply knowledge in a way that aligns with truth and righteousness. Wisdom is divine (it comes from God), foundational (human life is built upon it), and essential (necessarily for true and righteous living). Without knowledge, wisdom would have no substance.
In the News
A person can memorize scientific theories, historical events, or mathematical formulas, yet lack the ability to use that information to make sound decisions. A person can know facts about healthy eating and still make unhealthy choices about the food they eat. We all know that it is dangerous to smoke and not wear seat belts, yet some people still smoke and some don’t wear their seatbelts.
Wisdom involves the ability to analyze, synthesize, and apply knowledge to various situations. But without the requisite knowledge as a foundation, wisdom has no material to work with. A wise leader, for instance, relies on knowledge of history, psychology, and social dynamics to make informed decisions. A wise preacher/pastor relies on knowledge of scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.
Recently, however, politicians and their supporters in business and evangelical/fundamentalist Christianity have sought to limit the knowledge of students in schools, colleges, and universities. They want ideas that they don’t agree with or that make them uncomfortable removed from curriculums. Or, perhaps worse, they want theories and ideas based in superstition and ignorance taught alongside theories and ideas based in historic experience and the scientific method as “alternative theories.”
By limiting what students know, they can limit their thinking and by limiting their thinking they can reduce the wisdom that those students might use to ask questions and seek answers outside of the church or the classroom, in the library or laboratory.
Wisdom asks questions and seeks answers. It transforms knowledge into insight and action, making it far more valuable in the real world. Some leaders, however, don’t want people who ask questions the answers to which might give them insight and kindle them into action.
That is why many fear that the current political war against Harvard and other colleges and universities is a war against learning, knowledge and, subsequently, a war against wisdom.
In the Sermon
Knowledge is the accumulation of facts, information, and skills gained through education and experience. A person can possess vast knowledge without necessarily understanding how to apply it effectively.
Wisdom, on the other hand, is the ability to apply knowledge in a meaningful, responsible, and thoughtful way, often shaped by experience, judgment, and understanding.
An ancient Persian proverb might provide grist for the sermon mill on this topic:
Those who know not and know that they know not are children. Teach them.
Those who know not and know not that they know not are fools. Avoid them.
Those who know and know not that they know are asleep. Wake them.
And those who know and know that they know are wise. Follow them.
ILLUSTRATIONS
From team member Tom Willadsen:Trinity Sunday
Take a breath. We have endured Lent, the season of Easter, and Pentecost. Trinity Sunday is a hinge between those seasons and the next season of the church year, Advent. The next 24 Sundays are “Ordinary Time,” with a couple special days like World Communion Sunday (October 5 this year) and All Saints’ Day (observed November 2). Ordinary Time begins with the only Sunday of the church year whose focus is a point of doctrine, or theology: The Trinity.
I am not a big fan of the Trinity. Not because it’s a mystery, I’m fine with mystery, uncertainty and paradox. I just do not understand why believing in the Trinity is regarded as essential for being a Christian. Nice, helpful, yes, essential no. Every year I tell my congregation that if they ever want to get rid of me, they’ve got the goods to take to Presbytery for my heresy trial.
The church I am currently serving as Transitional Pastor is named “Trinity.” Our history is that the largest, oldest Presbyterian church in town was “steeple-jacked” ten years ago and turned too far right for the comfort of a significant segment of the membership. These people found one another, banded together and within two weeks became a new church. The former church got to keep the building, endowment, and name. My people needed a new name, and “Trinity” got the most votes. I have yet to hear any passion about the selection of the name. This is a far cry from the stories I had to read in Christian history class in seminary, in which wars were fought and blood spilled over whether the Spirit proceeded from the father to the son. More than 20 years ago, Bill Placher wrote an article that appeared in Christian Century called “God is triune — so what?” which nicely captures the depth of my indifference to the Trinity.
* * *
Still, preach the Trinity!
Hallmark will tell you that June 15 is Father’s Day.
June 14 is Flag Day. The Continental Congress adopted the design that is the basis for the current flag of the United States on June 14, 1777. The Flag Resolution stated “That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” At this writing the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers have the best records in their leagues, which suggests the possibility of a rematch of the World Series of 1907, 1908, 1935, and 1945. C’mon, preacher! It’s only one day a year, take a crack at explaining the Trinity to twenty-first-century American Protestants. Here’s a decent start, I know it’s true, I just lifted it from Wikipedia:
As the Fourth Lateran Council declared, it is the Father who begets, the Son who is begotten, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds. In this context, one essence/nature defines what God is, while the three persons define who God is. This expresses at once their distinction and their indissoluble unity. Thus, the entire process of creation and grace is viewed as a single shared action of the three divine persons, in which each person manifests the attributes unique to them in the Trinity, thereby proving that everything comes “from the Father,” “through the Son,” and “in the Holy Spirit.”
* * *
God in three persons
Of course, you’re singing “Holy, Holy, Holy!” because it contains this line:
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Careful. “Holy, holy, holy” comes from Isaiah 6, and is not in any way a reference to the Trinity. The three “holies” are for emphasis. The scriptural basis for the Trinity that some Christians have found in what they call the Old Testament, is an imposition of a concept that was not in the minds of the authors of Isaiah or Genesis.
And be careful with the word “persons.” The modern American hears that word as though God can be conceived as Flo, Alice, and Mel. “Persons” in this case is more closely rooted to the Latin “persona,” which conveys a theatrical sense in which one actor (person) may represent three distinct characters or personas.
* * *
Okay, some scripture, Proverbs 8
Note that wisdom is personified as female. The Greek name for her is Sophia. Wisdom speaks in this passage and was present at Creation. Note that the text is clear in v. 22 that wisdom was herself created by God the creator, before God the creator got around to creating the earth as we know it. Orthodox Christian theology contends that God the creator, God the savior, and God the spirit have all existed throughout eternity. So, if you’re being rigorous and orthodox, this text could not be used to equate wisdom with the Holy Spirit.
* * * * * *
From team member Nazish Naseem:John 16:12-15
Navigating the Journey of Faith in the Present World
Recalling my journey from a small town in a developing Asian country to the other end of the world is full of adventures and humps as a migrant on this vital journey through the diverse and complex landscape of today’s United States. In every direction, a myriad of paths stretches out before me, representing a nation filled with a rich tapestry of cultures, beliefs, and opinions. I witnessed challenges such as racial inequality, political polarization, and economic disparity. Yet, amidst this diversity, there is a strong sense of unity, a shared journey on which we all embark. While maps of the past have guided previous generations, the terrain you face now is changing rapidly, filled with opportunities and challenges.
As you prepare to step forward, a seasoned guide, an elder in the community, heavy with experience and wisdom, leans in closer. This elder, a respected figure in your faith community, has weathered many storms and is now ready to share their knowledge with you. Their voice resonates with urgency and wisdom, ‘The road ahead will be unpredictable. You will face breathtaking vistas of hope but also encounters with storms of confusion and division. Some routes may seem blocked by obstacles and challenges before you may test your resolve and commitment. But take heart, for I will provide you with a compass of your faith. Let this compass guide you toward unity and understanding, even when the way seems obscured.’ This elder is not just a guide but a pillar of support, a beacon of light in the darkness, ready to walk with you through every twist and turn of your journey.
This moment reflects the assurance offered in the teachings of Jesus in John 16:12-15. Just as he promised his disciples the coming of the Holy Spirit to guide them through uncertainties, we, too, have a Spirit imbued with wisdom that helps us navigate the complexities of our lives today. This divine guidance is not a set of rules or instructions, but a deep understanding of our faith and its teachings, encouraging us to seek connection rather than conflict in a time when division can seem all-consuming.
As you journey through the United States, you may encounter differing viewpoints that challenge your beliefs. The air is thick with questions about justice, equality, and the future of the community. Yet, just like the disciples, you are reminded that you are not alone on this path. The Holy Spirit is a guiding presence in our society, urging us toward compassion, empathy, and a deeper understanding of one another.
This powerful image captures the essence of faith in the modern American context. It’s not about having all the answers in a polarized world but trusting that there is a greater purpose in our shared humanity. As we engage in dialogues, build bridges, and seek solutions, we are called to navigate this journey with courage and hope.
In the ever-evolving narrative of our nation, each step we take contributes to a story filled with significance. By drawing on our faith as a compass, we stand united, ready to face uncertainties together, propelled by the belief that a brighter, more inclusive future awaits us. With every shared struggle and celebrated triumph, we move toward a greater understanding of one another and the divine purpose that connects us all. These shared experiences bind us together, making us part of a larger community, each of us contributing to the collective journey of faith. Remember, you are not alone. We are all in this together, supporting and guiding each other.
* * *
Romans 5:1-5
The Journey of Faith: Navigating Life’s Storms with Hope
My mother bestowed upon me the name ‘Nazish,’ which exudes uniqueness and cultural significance in Pakistan. As a child, I was the only person with this name in my school and college, a fact that always filled me with a sense of admiration. The name ‘Nazish,’ with its Persian roots, carries meanings such as ‘proud,’ ‘something to be proud of,’ and ‘delicate’ or ‘soft.’ While the exact reason for my name remains a mystery, one thing is certain: for much of my life, I struggled to find reasons to feel proud.
Imagine a sturdy boat named ‘Hope,’ gently bobbing on the vast sea of life. This boat, crafted from resilient wood, symbolizes our faith and serves as a testament to the meticulous work of the Holy Spirit. It is he who shapes and strengthens us, preparing us for the tumultuous waters that lie ahead, guiding us with his divine wisdom and love. His guiding presence reassures us that we are never alone on our journey.
As storms churn and waves crash, the boat of faith stands firm not because it is free from the storm, but because it is built to endure it. Each setback, every gust of wind and surge of water serves as a lesson in resilience and tenacity. Just as the boat grows stronger with each wave, our faith is not only tested but transformed by our afflictions, turning us into stronger, more resilient believers. This transformative power of faith is a source of inspiration and hope for us all.
The waters may be rough, with dark clouds looming overhead, but it is in these moments of struggle that our hope shines the brightest. With the Holy Spirit as our guide, we learn to navigate through challenges, finding joy in the process. Our hope becomes a beacon, illuminating the way through adversity and reminding us that every trial produces perseverance, character, and ultimately, hope.
As Christians, we take pride in this journey not because we seek hardship for its own sake, but because we understand that our struggles are not meaningless. They are crucial parts of our faith story, and through them, we witness the profound work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, steering our boat safely toward the promise of calmer waters. Ultimately, this gives me a reason to boast and feel proud.
* * *
Psalm 8
Stars and Pebbles: A Reflection on Our Place in the Universe
In a vast and starry night sky, a child and their parent sit on a grassy hill, gazing up in awe. The stars twinkle like diamonds scattered across a deep blue canvas, each one a distant sun that holds secrets of the universe, a beauty that transcends our understanding.
As they look up, the child asks, “Why are we so small in comparison to all of this?” The parent smiles, gesturing to the beauty surrounding them. “Look at how immense the universe is. Yet here we are, sharing this moment.”
The parent picks up a small pebble from the ground and holds it up. “This pebble is tiny, almost insignificant against the backdrop of the universe, just like we seem compared to the stars. But think of it this way — each star has its own story, and so do we. Just as this pebble has its place on this hill, we have our place in this world.”
The child nods, beginning to understand. “So, we matter even if we’re small?”
“Exactly,” the parent replies. “Just as the universe is vast and magnificent, our lives, with our joys, struggles, and love, hold profound significance. We are not forgotten; we are cherished and essential.”
It reflects the essence of Psalm 8, reminding us that even amidst the grandeur of creation, we are loved and valued. Humans may seem small in the scope of the universe, but each life carries meaning and purpose, connected to a greater story of creation, evolution, and interconnectedness.
* * *
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
In the Heart of the Desert: A Quest for Wisdom
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the vast Dubai desert in a serene palette of gold and amber, you felt the soothing warmth of the sand wrapping around you like a gentle embrace. The towering dunes, like ancient sentinels, stood in silent vigil, their tranquil presence inviting you to spend a day or two in this peaceful expanse, away from the noise of the world.
As you ventured deeper into the desert, you found yourself navigating through a dense thicket where shadows danced playfully. Suddenly, your eyes met those of a wise old guide, resting on a moss-covered sand rock. His features, etched with the stories of ages past, exuded a calm and serene aura, embodying the essence of wisdom, or Sophia. His presence was an invitation to draw closer, to bask in the light of his profound knowledge.
“Why have you been here all this time?” you questioned, a hint of frustration coloring your tone. The guide’s mouth curled into a knowing smile, his weathered face a roadmap of experience. “I have always been here, waiting for those who seek me amidst the clamor of life,” he replied, his voice rich with the weight of countless truths.
With curiosity piqued, you leaned in as the guide began to unravel a profound lesson. “Wisdom often resides in the shadows, hidden in the fabric of our daily lives,” he explained. “Many rush through life, chasing fleeting goals, oblivious to the signs around them the rustle of leaves, the bubbling brook nearby, the melodic chorus of birds singing. These are the whispers of wisdom, subtle yet steadfast, waiting patiently for those who dare to pause and listen.”
He gestured toward a sunny clearing, where the light cascaded, illuminating the surrounding beauty. “Real insight blossoms from moments of stillness — observing, absorbing, and learning from the world woven around you. I am here, intricately connected to the essence of existence, awaiting your discovery of deeper truths.” His words echoed the importance of stillness, urging you to pause and reflect.
As the guide’s words weaved through the silence, peace settled within you. The sun’s warmth, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the distant bubbling brook converged into a powerful symphony that resonated with the essence of wisdom. In that sacred moment, you recognized that wisdom had been a silent partner in your journey, patiently waiting for you to engage, explore, and embrace a deeper understanding of life’s mysteries.
Much like Proverbs 8, this journey into the quiet spaces of existence invites you to listen for wisdom’s voice — a call woven into the fabric of stillness and reflection. In a world that often prioritizes haste over reflection, the ultimate question lingers: Will you choose to slow down, acknowledge her presence, and welcome her guiding light into your life?
* * * * * *
From team member Chris Keating:Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Is anyone listening to wisdom’s cries?
President Donald Trump deployed an additional 2,000 troops into Los Angeles on Monday, doubling the amount of force he has authorized to counter protests over immigration policies. Yet Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass countered that the Trump administration’s efforts were unwise. Bass told reporters that she had suggested to the White House that the increased presence of the National Guard and Marines “would be like a deliberate attempt to create disorder and chaos in our city. It was very predictable what was going to happen, and it was completely unnecessary. This was a solution in search of a solution.”
New York Times columnist David French wrote that “it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that the Trump administration is spoiling for a fight on America’s streets.” French noted that any violence damages the credibility of civil disobedience. “But so far, thankfully, the violence has been localized, and crucially, well within the capacity of state and city officials to manage. But don’t tell that to the Trump administration.” Trump advisor Steve Miller somewhat ironically called it “insurrection,” a label he has refused to apply to the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
* * *
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Wisdom comes from listening
Keith Allen, writing for the American Bar Association in 2021, explores the possibilities protests have for creating meaningful change. While it takes patience and is often uncomfortable, Allen believes that the free speech guarantees of the First Amendment can often lead to win-win solutions for both protestors and their critics.
“America does not assume that every protester is correct,” Allen wrote. “Instead, it recognizes protests warn of areas where meaningful dialogue is absent. When the country heeds this warning, the resulting dialogue has the power to strengthen the union and change the course of history.”
* * *
Psalm 8
Rethinking dominion
Scholar Walter Brueggemann, who died June 5, 2026, celebrated Psalm 8 as a exhortation of praise and wonder that delighted in God’s good gifts, but which also offered a reminder of human responsibility for being stewards of creation.
In his short volume The Spirituality of the Psalms (Fortress Press, 2002), Brueggmann wrote that “the community that composes and sings these (creation) psalms readily affirmed that this experience is ordained and sustained by God. A proper response is one of gratitude. The world is God’s way of bestowing blessing upon us,” Such knowledge is a reminder that we are “safe and free.”
Yet in gratitude we are also challenged to the ongoing work of caring for God’s gift. In his commentary on Psalm 8 in the New Cambridge Bible Commentary, Brueggemann suggests that the “dominion” granted to human beings is not a pass to do whatever we like. He notes:
Dominion here does not indicate permission to exhaust the creation’s resources but suggests that God grants to humans the honor of representing God in caring for all of creation. Humans receive the gift of caring for creation as the shepherd king cares for the kingdom. ‘Glory and honor’ suggest divine presence and activity in the world demonstrated in human care for the creation.
* * *
Romans 5:1-5
I’ll Take “Explaining the Trinity” for $500
At times, being a pastor means straining to see signs of hope. Sometimes as I walk from the sanctuary doors to the donut table, I sense the tension in people’s voices. They aren’t interested in asking questions because, in a sort of strange twist to the television game show Jeopardy, they assume they have the answers. Sometimes they’re quite confident. “A Pride banner doesn’t belong in church,” (“What is misguided theology?”) Other times, they mutter something under their breath like “It’s Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve,” or “The Bible says to ‘love the sinner, but hate the sin.’” (“What are things Jesus never said?”)
Last Sunday, a young person grabbed me at the door and asked if I had a minute to talk. The person had dropped out of confirmation class four years ago after a lesson about the Trinity. They came back to be honored as a high school graduate, but I assumed they were actually looking for me to be a theological punching bag.
That didn’t happen at all. The person, who identifies as both queer and nonbinary, instead asked me if they could make an appointment with me to talk. “I want to learn about religion,” they said. “Not just Christianity, but all sorts of religions.”
They didn’t want to play stump the pastor. Instead, humbly, quietly, they asked if I would be up for a conversation about religion.
The encounter makes me think of Paul’s words in Romans 5:1-5 in new ways, especially for Trinity Sunday. The Triune God comes offering peace, grace, and love—even if we trip over our attempts at explaining “homoousian.” This teenager was clearly wrestling with the understanding how endurance produces hope. They told me they needed a new place to play “Dungeons and Dragons.” “We can’t play at my house anymore because my friend’s parents forbid him from coming over because I’m gay.”
We agreed to make time to meet again soon. They walked away, and I suddenly had new insight into the wondrous, mysterious, grace-filled movement of the Triune God dancing in our midst.
Who would have guess, I said to myself, that of all the people in church on Pentecost Sunday the one person who truly wanted to talk about theology was a gay teenager who long ago walked out of confirmation class and had spent four years keeping the church at arm’s length. “I’ll take the win,” I laughed, and then remembered that hope does not put us to shame.
* * * * * *
WORSHIPby George Reed
Call to Worship:
One: O LORD how majestic is your name in all the earth!
All: You have set your glory above the heavens.
One: What are we humans that you are mindful of them?
All: What are we mortals that you care for them?
One: You have given us dominion over the works of your hands.
All: O LORD how majestic is your name in all the earth!
OR
One: Wisdom calls and lifts up her voice all around us.
All: We would welcome wisdom into our lives.
One: Wisdom is based on love and not on might and force.
All: Let wisdom teach us the ways of love and mercy.
One: Remember that wisdom calls to all who live.
All: We will share God’s wisdom, love and grace with all.
Hymns and Songs
God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens
UMH: 150
H82: 580
PH: 268
GTG: 24
NCH: 556
CH: 651
LBW: 463
ELW: 771
W&P: 644
Morning Has Broken
UMH: 145
H82: 8
PH: 469
GTG: 664
CH: 53
ELW: 556
W&P: 35
STLT: 38
For the Beauty of the Earth
UMH: 92
H82: 416
PH: 473
GTG: 14
NNBH: 8
NCH: 28
CH: 56
LBW: 561
ELW: 879
W&P: 40
AMEC: 578
STLT: 21
Open My Eyes, That I May See
UMH: 454
PH: 324
GTG: 451
NNBH: 218
CH: 586
W&P: 480
AMEC: 285
Breathe on Me, Breath of God (Pentecost sure, but also Wisdom)
UMH: 420
H82: 508
PH: 316
GTG: 286
AAHH: 317
NNBH: 126
NCH: 292
CH: 254
LBW: 488
W&P: 461
AMEC: 192
Be Thou My Vision
UMH: 451
H82: 488
PH: 339
GTG: 450
NCH: 451
CH: 595
ELW: 793
W&P: 502
AMEC: 281
STLT: 20
Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
UMH: 465
PH: 321
NCH: 63
CH: 241
LBW: 257
ELW: 398
O Word of God Incarnate
UMH: 598
PH: 327
GTG: 459
NNBH: 296
NCH: 315
CH: 322
LBW: 231
ELW: 514
W&P: 670
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
UMH: 64/65
H82: 362
PH: 138
GTG: 1
AAHH: 329
NNBH: 1
NCH: 277
CH: 4
LBW: 165
ELW: 413
W&P: 136
AMEC: 25
STLT: 26
Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing
UMH: 671
H82: 344
PH: 538
NCH: 77
LBW: 259
ELW: 545
W&P: 748
AMEC: 46
Open Our Eyes, Lord
CCB: 77
Renew: 91
For the Gift of Creation
CCB: 67:
Open the Eyes of Our Heart, Lord
GTG: 452
Music Resources Key
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982
PH: Presbyterian Hymnal
GTG: Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal
AAHH: African American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
ELW: Evangelical Lutheran Worship
W&P: Worship & Praise
AMEC: African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal
STLT: Singing the Living Tradition
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day/Collect
O God who is in love created wisdom:
Grant us to use wisdom in loving ways
so that all your children may be crowned with glory and honor;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
We praise you, O God, that in love you created wisdom. In crowning us with glory and honor you gifted us with wisdom. Help us to use that wisdom in love so that you are praised in all we do. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
One: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins and especially when we use knowledge in foolish selfish ways proclaiming we are wise.
All: We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. We have taken the glory and honor you crowned us with and used it in unloving ways. We have used knowledge as a weapon instead of as a gift of love for us to share. We claim to be wise, but we are foolish when we act in ways that separate and divide your children. Forgive us and renew your Spirit within us that we truly be crowned with glory and honor. Amen.
One: God desires wisdom to be fully present in all creation so that all God’s children shine with glory and honor. Receive God’s loving forgiveness and wisely choose love.
Prayers of the People
We adore you, O God, because in love you created wisdom before you created all else. All creation is filled with your love and wisdom.
(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confession has not been used.)
We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. We have taken the glory and honor you crowned us with and used it in unloving ways. We have used knowledge as a weapon instead of as a gift of love for us to share. We claim to be wise, but we are foolish when we act in ways that separate and divide your children. Forgive us and renew your Spirit within us that we truly be crowned with glory and honor.
We give you thanks for the wondrous ways in which all nature reflects your wisdom. There is neither chaos nor rigidity in nature, but it flows in ever creating ways. We have been blessed with many who have seen your wisdom and shared it with us.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We pray for all your children in their need. We pray for those who have been harmed by those who have used knowledge against others. We lift up to you those who have mistaken knowledge for wisdom. May all that we do reflect your wisdom as we share the love of Christ with all.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
Hear us as we pray for others: (Time for silent or spoken prayer.)
All these things we ask in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ who taught us to pray saying:
Our Father....Amen.
(Or if the Our Father is not used at this point in the service.)
All this we ask in the name of the blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
* * * * * *
CHILDREN’S SERMONWisdom and Mystery
by Katy Stenta
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
God and the Holy Spirit like to play this game
Where God created the whole world
And everything in it.
When God created the earth,
Guess who was there? The Holy Spirit.
When God made the water and the clouds and skies,
Guess who was there?
(Let children slowly start to answer.)
The Holy Spirit.
When God made the mountains so high and the oceans so deep,
Guess who was there?
The Holy Spirit!
When God made space and all the stars,
Guess who was there?
The Holy Spirit!
When God created math, sunflowers, seeds, seashells
And light that only travels a certain speed, and other wonders,
Guess who was there?
The Holy Spirit.
You know what else is amazing? Even with all of the things we know, the universe is still amazing.
There is a lot of mystery out there! 15,000-18,000 new species are discovered every year. We haven’t explored about 75% of the ocean. We don’t even know where space ends. We still do not even understand how human brains work.
So, although God created the world, and the Holy Spirit was there for all of it, we also can be okay with the fact that we don’t know everything, and some things are mysterious!
Let’s Pray.
Dear God,
we thank you
for a beautiful,
amazing,
and mysterious
creation.
We are thankful
for the Holy Spirit
who walks with us
and reminds us
that it is okay
that we do not
know everything.
May we continue to
appreciate
your creation
and your mystery.
Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, June 15, 2025 issue.
Copyright 2025 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
