Seeing, Hearing, Discovering
Children's sermon
Illustration
Preaching
Sermon
Worship
Object:
This week's lectionary texts feature the story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and the epilogue from John's gospel where Jesus cooks fish for the disciples and questions Peter three times about the depth of his love (recalling Peter's threefold denial during Jesus' trial). In this installment of The Immediate Word, team member Ron Love suggests that the common thread linking these accounts is their emphasis on new ways of seeing, hearing, and discovering the world. Both Paul and Peter are called to experience the world and themselves in fundamentally new ways, and they are deeply changed -- in contrast to the incremental change that we are so often told we should be satisfied with. Are we willing to embrace a similarly fundamental change in our own lives? And more importantly, how are we to know the genuine voice of God as opposed to false prophets leading us astray? Ron reminds us that the gift of discernment is crucial in distinguishing between them. Team member Mary Austin offers some additional thoughts on an often overlooked aspect of Paul's conversion experience -- the support offered by his fellow disciples in making this drastic change in outlook part of his daily life. Mary notes that this makes Paul's story far easier for us to relate to, since it more closely mirrors how most of experience change in our own lives.
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering
by Ronald H. Love
John 21:1-19; Acts 9:1-20
THE WORLD
It is difficult to entertain a new idea, especially when it challenges long-held preconceived notions. It is difficult to see that things have changed, especially when we stay focused on the seeming security of the past. It is difficult to hear a new message, especially when it contradicts that which we held previously to be true. It is difficult to participate in a new discovery, especially when it requires us to broaden the boarders of our comfort zone.
The challenge to contemplate the new is inevitable as we move forward in time. From new scientific discoveries to new-age philosophies, from revisionist history to evolving current events, there is the ever-present and unavoidable challenge to see, hear, and discover. It is a question of discerning from the way things are to the way things should be. It is a question of remaining stagnant or progressive. All that is old is not bad, but neither is all that is new.
In the news this week, as with every week, we are faced with the question of how we are going to interpret the unfolding events before us. How shall we discern truth from falsehood? How will we determine if the information reported is true, skewed, or false? How can we separate personal prejudices from fact? Then, having processed this, will we disavow it or accept the opportunity of being a part of the new? If the new is true, will we preach it? If the new is false, will we denounce it? As Christians this is our calling. This is one of the roles from which we cannot evade.
The following are some of the many current issues that we must be aware of, and directly or indirectly are obligated to acknowledge and address:
* The Right Reverend Kieran Corny, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, is the first bishop in England and Wales to speak out about the sexual abuse crisis in the United Kingdom. The crisis is so serious that the Catholic church is "holed beneath the waterline" and it may take generations for the church to re-establish its integrity. After listing the possible causes of the situation, he firmly stated, "I think what we will find is the number of cases will grow. We can't pretend it is something we can ignore or dismiss." This is an example of accepting the challenge of doing the unpopular -- that is, telling the truth as one speaks out against a social injustice. But who is hearing these words?
* The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History has established a permanent exhibit that explores human evolution over 6 million years. The exhibit is displayed in the newly furbished $21 million Hall of Human Origins. The museum is the most popular of all museums in the United States, with over 7.4 million visitors a year. But such an exhibit on evolution is not absent of protestors who uncompromisingly hold fast to creationism or its counterpart intelligent design. The curator, Rick Potts, refuses to remove or compromise the exhibit, believing that science and religion can coexist. This is an example of an individual who understands that truth is complex and multifaceted. The question is: Who will be willing to participate in this new discovery?
* Jennifer Love Hewitt returned from Cabo San Lucas after a visit there with some friends. Having just broken up with a boyfriend, the dominant topic of discussion between the actress and her friends was dating and relationships. Once home, she hand-wrote extensively on dating, penning multiple pages of random thoughts. She then put the pages aside, until four and a half years later when she was departing from another dysfunctional relationship -- this time with her Ghost Whisperer co-star Jamie Kennedy. Seeking her own advice, Hewitt took the previously recorded pages, and in her words "I went back and read it." These notes became the basis for her book The Day I Shot Cupid. This is an example of an individual who was willing to listen to others and her own heart, and then share what she heard. Are we willing to listen, learn, and share?
* Erlyndon Joseph "Joey" Lo is facing federal charges after threatening to kill doctors who perform abortions. In his written statement he expressed the justification for his action: "My religious beliefs include the beliefs that an individual is alive at the moment of conception, abortion is murder and is the worst murder of all murders possible because these babies are completely defenseless, and I am entitled under my religious beliefs to use deadly force if necessary to save the innocent life of another." This is an example of an individual who is not properly listening. Are we able to distinguish between the voice of the divine and the voice of the demonic?
* Kimora Lee Simmons is debuting her new perfume, Dare Me. The tagline for the product is "Dare to be me." Yet there somehow seems to be a disconnect between the message and the messenger. On the advertising page in which she prominently appears, the model and designer has been extensively airbrushed to shed the noticeable body weight she gained while pregnant. This is an example of someone who wants you to see the ideal rather than the real. Are we able to distinguish between what is real and what is just a facsimile of reality?
* Tennis great Martina Navratilova has recently gone public about the fact that she has breast cancer. She was going to remain silent until she realized that by speaking out she might be able to help countless other women. About learning she had breast cancer, Navratilova said, "It was my 9/11." Is "9/11" going to become part of our lexicon, meaning any life-changing experience? What is your 9/11 experience?
Daily in the televised news and print media we are confronted with stories that require discernment. Paramount in the process is the ability to see and hear accurately. Much of what is placed before us is trivial. Other stories, especially those regarding social justice, must be entertained with utmost seriousness. The supreme challenge is in the realm of our religious convictions, when we are forced to discover the will of God and then act accordingly.
THE WORD
In our readings for this Sunday we encounter a number of biblical characters, all future leaders of the church, who had to discern the will of God. Some heard. Others saw. But all had to discover.
Paul heard the voice of God on the road to Damascus. Was he willing to listen and authenticate the voice? Peter saw Jesus standing on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Was he going to believe that he was truly seeing the resurrected Christ? Was each willing to act upon the new discovery -- the revelation -- before them?
In reviewing the lectionary texts for this Sunday you may want to focus on biblical encounters where individuals saw and heard, and then look at how they responded.
CRAFTING THE SERMON
I) Introduction
* You may want to begin by discussing what it means to have a "9/11" moment -- a life-changing experience that completely transforms who we are as an individual.
* You may want to discuss how these encounters come to us in many different ways. They have varying messages but one common theme, which is how to be a more Christ-like individual.
* Especially emphasize the spiritual aspects of these experiences and how they give us a new understanding of our relationship to God and our call to service.
* Discernment is foremost in receiving the message. We must be sure it is God's message and not one that is self-fabricated to justify a selfish act.
II) Body
* Review the encounters that Paul and Peter had with Jesus.
-- Discuss how their understanding of God was changed.
-- Share how the course of their lives was changed.
-- Other biblical figures from the Old and New Testament may be examined, regarding the transforming experience of hearing and seeing God.
-- You may want to illustrate some of these stories from items you have read in the newspaper or heard on the news. Describing a character in a movie currently being shown or a popular television show would provide a common reference point. The movie The Blind Side would be an appropriate representation.
-- Be sure to share your own personal experiences of individuals who have heard or seen God and have become new persons in Christ.
* Like Paul and Peter, we must be willing to hear and see anew.
-- Share ways in which we can hear and see God.
-- Offer ways in which we can act with prudence and discernment that the encounter is truly from our Lord. We need to protect ourselves from the hidden demonic influence coupled with our own selfish desires.
-- A common question asked in classes and counseling is "What is God's will for my life?" Share your personal experiences about when this question was posed to you.
-- Equally important is the follow-up question: "How can I discern God's will for my life?"
-- You may want to share some readings from church fathers and theologians regarding God's calling for an individual.
* Having heard and seen God, it is now time to discover what God is calling us to do.
-- Share how biblical characters received instructions to embark upon uncharted missions in service to God.
-- Discuss some of the areas of ministry into which we may be sent.
-- The challenge before us is this: Will we follow like Paul and Peter?
III) Conclusion
* Review what it means to hear and see God as he encounters us on our personal road to Damascus or on the private shore at the Sea of Galilee.
* Excite the congregants with how this new discovery can be transforming, fulfilling, and life-changing.
ANOTHER VIEW
by Mary Austin
Acts 9:1-20
An immediate change of heart or lifestyle a radical transformation in a relationship -- a promise that "it will never happen again." In real life, it all seems too good to be true. Real, lasting change might begin in an instant, but it takes time and work to make it permanent. The story of Paul's experience on the road to Damascus has always hit me in the same way. It's a great story, and of course, God can do all things, but it feels so far away from most of our experience with change.
Paul's story is the movie version, condensed for effect it seems. In ordinary, everyday life, people change their minds more slowly. Many conversations go into developing a new viewpoint, if we ever manage to change. Quitting drinking is a matter of one decision, and then countless 12-step meetings to keep the decision alive. We may need to change our friends, habits, and hobbies along the way to stick with the program. Battered spouses often leave their abusers several times before the final time, when they're really ready, prepared for a whole new life. A change of address and a change in beliefs go hand in hand, and one won't stick without the other.
Cultural prejudices also die hard. Many older people have told me, reflecting the mores of their upbringings, that they don't like black people -- but they happen to love the new family that moved in next door. People who hold strong views about gay and lesbian people may change their minds when a niece or nephew, son or daughter comes out of the closet. Personal experience, plus time, adds up to change.
All along the road to change, we need other people -- to get us started with just the right observation or ultimatum -- to hold our hand and strengthen our resolve in the rough patches -- to celebrate the milestones as we travel toward transformation. The process is slow. Psychologists advise us to make one change at a time, and they tell us that any lasting change takes at least three weeks, and often longer, to take hold.
That's why Paul's story has always seemed like a great story of faith, but distant from how we ordinary people experience change. On the road to sobriety, or safety, or equality, change comes gradually. We need the support of other people. And it's hard work.
Reading this story again, and the comments of a colleague, revealed a detail in the story that I hadn't really noticed before. After Paul sees the light from heaven and falls to the ground, when he gets up he can't see anything. His spiritual blindness is now reflected in a physical lack of sight, and he's helpless to do anything. The story recalls that his companions took the blind, battered, bewildered Paul and "led him by the hand."
What has always seemed like a spectacular and instant transformation for Paul suddenly became more accessible, for me, and more connected to the experiences we all have in trying to follow God's leading. All of us need wise friends to lead us by the hand at times, to help us through rough patches in life or faith, to show us a way we can't find on our own. All of us need places of community, where others are strong when we are not, where people pray for us when we can't find the words or the faith for ourselves.
The second part of Paul's conversion happens through the wisdom of Ananias and the other disciples who, in the Spirit, finish the work that began on the road. That instantaneous conversion looks a lot like change as we experience it -- a big beginning, and then the support and guidance of the people who travel with us to make it really stick.
Part of our vocation as people of faith is to follow where God is leading us into something new -- but change is hard. The road to change is one of many steps, often slow ones, with even a few going backward. Sometimes we need someone to lead us by the hand, and other times we are the ones charged with doing the leading. Even when change is slow or unspectacular or seems incremental that leading by the hand is also God's leading into something new.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Most of us remember the story of Paul's conversion for the sudden violence of it. He is knocked about, scared, and blinded. He hears the voice of Jesus and makes a 180-degree turnaround in the direction of his life.
If we read it again, however, we see that the 180-degree change didn't take place until his traveling companions took him by the hand and led him to Damascus.
Deep, radical change in an institution or a person can come suddenly and violently, but there is almost always some hand-holding also involved.
Tiger Woods has been in the news for making serious mistakes and bad choices in his personal life. The exposure of these failures has created a violent upheaval in his relationships and his career. He seems to be making an effort at a deep change in his behavior as well as the way he relates to the people around him -- the other players, the press, the gallery, and, of course, his family.
The public and the press, however, aren't so quick to let him change. They question his sincerity. In the opening days of last week's Masters tournament, Augusta National club chairman Billy Payne wrapped himself in a robe of self-righteousness and held a press conference to criticize Tiger for his "failure as a hero." (This is the same Billy Payne who in 2002 steadfastly defended male exclusivity at the private golf club. And this is the same tournament that is held at a club that steadfastly refused to allow African-American members until 1990.)
One wonders how many players and officials of the PGA could, if their private lives were made public, retain their "hero" status. Who among them would be first to cast that stone?
Even as Tiger was playing on the first day of the tournament, someone hired an airplane to fly over the golf course criticizing Tiger's behavior AND his religion.
Where are the Christians in this little drama? There is no shortage of accusers. Who will take him by the hand? Who will lead Tiger to Damascus?
* * *
I was thinking about buying a netbook -- a handy little computer that just drops into my briefcase. Just right for surfing the internet, handling email, and doing word processing while on the go.
But then last week they came out with the iPad. It's even handier and littler -- and you can download ebooks on them. But can you do word processing?
Maybe I should just get a laptop -- or a netbook and a Kindle.
So I have to choose: netbook, iPad, Kindle, laptop, or some variation on one of these or a combination of several.
I have an MP3 that I don't use. And a digital camera I don't know how to use. It's like learning to drive all over again every time I take a vacation snapshot of my wife. Will I use one of these other things if I buy it? Will I have time to learn how? I have a computer at home and one at work, and I don't know how to do half the things they are capable of doing. And I don't have time to learn.
Maybe I should just forget about it and get a Tomtom or a Garmin for my car.
You know the really crazy thing? Twenty years ago, maybe ten years ago, I was not using any of these words -- and I didn't really want to. Had you told me that I would be using them today I would have laughed at you.
Life doesn't ask permission to change the road in front of us. The road changes without consulting us, and often we feel buffeted and beaten up by these rapid changes.
We need someone to take us by the hand and lead us through the technological wasteland. Someone from the "Geek Squad" -- or maybe one of my grandchildren.
-- Dean Feldmeyer
* * *
Paul's experience on the road to Damascus came as a demand from God for deep change. God required of him nothing short of an immediate, 180-degree reversal in the way Paul was living his life. Incremental change would not do.
Robert E. Quinn is the Margaret Elliot Tracy Collegiate Professor of organizational behavior and human resource management at the University of Michigan's Graduate School of Business. He is the author of the book Deep Change, Discovering the Leader Within (Jossey-Bass, 1996).
Here are some of the things he has to say on this subject:
" -- we can change the world only by changing ourselves." (p. 9)
"Excellence -- never lies within the boxes drawn in the past." (p. 11)
"Each of us has the potential to change the world. Because the price of change is so high, we seldom take on the challenge. Our fears blind us to the possibilities of excellence -- and yet another formidable insight. This insight concerns the price of not making deep change. That price is the choice of slow death, a meaningless and frustrating experience enmeshed in fear, anger, and helplessness, while moving surely toward what is most feared." (p. 11)
"When a system faces the challenge to make a deep change, individuals will usually create an alternative scenario. It is usually the scenario of the painless fix. It is an early stop on the road to slow death." (p. 94)
"Deep change requires more than the identification of the problem and a call for action. It requires looking beyond the scope of the problem and finding the actual source of the trouble. The real problem is frequently located where we would least expect to find it, inside ourselves." (p. 103)
"Visionaries are internally driven leaders. -- They also exhibit an unusual characteristic -- they do not view personal survival as a driving internal force. Their main objective is the realization of their vision. The leader and the vision are so integrated that if the vision lives, it matters not if the visionary should die -- " (p. 127)
"Organizational change always begins with a personal change." (p. 156)
"If you are not risking your job, you are not doing your job." (p. 156)
"The land of excellence is safely guarded from unworthy intruders. At the gates stand two fearsome sentries -- risk and learning. The keys to entrance are faith and courage." (p. 165)
"Excellence is a dynamic state, not part of a routine process -- . Furthermore, you do not reach peak levels by repeating exactly the same process that worked in the past." (p.164)
* * *
Although almost everyone remembers Helen Keller and can tell her story, the name of her teacher who endured much to stick by her and bring her to understanding how she could communicate and know her world is not so well known. Anne Sullivan was the one who stood by Helen when she was struggling with her blindness and deafness and striking out at all around her. It was Anne who took her by the hand and taught her that the world could be expressed in words.
In fact, George Buttrick tells the story of an experience that happened when he was chaplain at Harvard. It was announced that Harvard would give an honorary degree to the first woman in its history. At that time the recipients of those degrees were always kept a secret until the day of commencement. On graduation day, the president of Harvard announced that Helen Keller would receive that honor. The crowd went wild. Helen sat there in silence until Anne Sullivan drummed the wonderful message into her hands. Helen was led to the platform and received that great distinction. As they were leaving, Dr. Buttrick turned to the president and said, "You know, we made a mistake today. We should have given two awards -- one to Helen and another to Anne Sullivan. There would never have been a Helen Keller without her great teacher."
* * *
Martin Luther was oppressed by his fear of thunderstorms and of God's vengeance. He struggled with his desire to follow God and his terror of facing God. It was only through his willingness to face his terror and to face his God that he was able to eventually work through what it was that God was calling him to proclaim. Although the obvious result was the split of the Church, his proclamation eventually led to the reformation of not only the Protestants but the Roman Catholics as well.
* * *
Susanna Wesley is not the most recognized name of the Wesley family. Most people remember her son John, and the musicians remember her son Charles. But it was their mother, who took the time to pray each day with all of her many children that laid the foundation for their future greatness. It was she who took them by the hand and led them. It was she who fed her little lambs and produced the boys who became the men who led the Wesleyan revival in England and America.
* * *
Simone Weil (1909-1943), a French social philosopher, religious thinker, mystic, and political activist, was the darling of intellectuals after her death. She identified with human suffering of every kind. She worked with women in an auto factory to be in solidarity with them, participated in French worker strikes, and even joined the Loyalists in the Spanish Civil War, though she refused to fire her rifle. Her refusal to eat more than the ration of food allowed in German-occupied France contributed to her death. Born a Jew, she tells in her autobiography Waiting for God how she never sought God, but was sought by him. It was while she attended services during Holy Week in Solesmes, France, that the thought of Christ's Passion entered into her being once and for all. In the quiet of the French countryside, Christ came and took possession of her.
C.S. Lewis, in his autobiography Surprised by Joy, tells how he became a Christian in 1929. He had been an atheist and had tried many other religions. He says that on the evening when he got down on his knees and believed in God and Jesus Christ, he was probably the most dejected and reluctant convert in England. He says, "The Prodigal Son at least walked home on his own feet. But who can duly adore that love which will open the high gates to a prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape?"
Saint Paul's conversion was dramatic. On the way to Damascus, a blinding light and the voice of Jesus stunned him and brought him to faith in the Savior he had persecuted.
Dramatically or matter-of-factly, suddenly or over a period of time, memorably or imperceptibly, the Holy Spirit of God transforms us into children of God, believers in Christ Jesus, and heirs of eternal life.
* * *
The motivational speaker and writer Win Arn was once making a short film titled Circus. Starring in the film were some young people who also happened to be real, live trapeze artists. During a break in the filming, one of the young stars went up to the producer, pointed up to the trapeze, and said, "Why don't you try it, Mr. Arn?"
After some further prodding from his young stars, he did -- although the thought of climbing one of those high towers terrified him. Fifty feet above the sawdust of the circus ring, Win crawled out onto the tiny platform, looked down, and noticed that the safety net was all but invisible.
He almost went back down the ladder, but the shouted encouragement of the young performers convinced him. He grabbed the swing and launched out into space, grabbed the second one in mid-air, and before he knew it, landed on his feet on the opposite platform. His young actors cheered.
Writing about this unique experience later, Win Arn recalled that he made three important discoveries that day:
* Discovery number one: You can't hold onto the old bar while you reach for the other.
* Discovery number two: You don't have forever to make up your mind.
* Discovery number three: It is a frightening experience to make that kind of commitment.
The commitment we make in resolving to follow Jesus Christ is equally risky.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
by George Reed
Call to Worship
Leader: O God, you brought up my soul from death.
People: You restored my life from those who have died.
Leader: Sing praise to God, you faithful ones.
People: We give thanks to God's holy Name.
Leader: God has turned our mourning into dancing.
People: We will give thanks to God forever.
OR
Leader: Come into the presence of the Holy One.
People: It scares me to come before God.
Leader: It is right and good to fear the presence of God.
People: Should I fear because God is angry?
Leader: No. You should fear because God is love. You should fear because God wants us to grow and change.
People: It is scary to change, but I can with God's help.
Hymns and Sacred Songs
"Take My Hand, Precious Lord"
found in:
NNBH: 305
"Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me"
found in:
LBW: 333
"Lead Me, Lord"
found in:
UMH: 473
AAHH: 145
NNBH: 341
CH: 593
Renew: 175
"Have Thine Own Way, Lord"
found in:
UMH: 382
AAHH: 449
NNBH: 206
CH: 588
"Jesus Calls Us"
found in:
UMH: 398
H82: 549, 550
NNBH: 183
NCH: 171, 172
CH: 337
LBW: 494
"Close to Thee"
found in:
UMH: 407
AAHH: 552, 553
NNBH: 317
"Dear Lord, Lead Me Day by Day"
found in:
UMH: 411
"Change My Heart, O God"
found in:
CCB: 56
Renew: 143
"Create in Me a Clean Heart"
found in:
CCB: 54
Renew: 181, 182
Music Resources Key:
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982 (The Episcopal Church)
AAHH: African-American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day / Collect
O God who desires to draw us with cords of love: Grant us the grace to allow you to lead us by the hand and to be open to those you send to lead us to you; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
We come to worship you, our God and our Guide. We sing your praises and we look to you for the direction our lives need. We lift our hands both in praise and so that we can take your hand that leads us. Receive our praises and help us to walk with you in humility. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Leader: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins, and especially our unwillingness to be led by you or by anyone.
People: We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. We are a strong-willed and stubborn people who often insist that things must be done our way. We want to be leaders, and we chafe at the idea that we may have to be followers. We even resist your efforts to lead us to a life of joy and peace. Forgive our foolishness, and grant that by the power of your Spirit we may learn to quietly take your hand and follow where you lead us. Amen.
Leader: God desires nothing more than our good. Whenever we are willing to let go of the reins and let God lead, God will take us where we need to go. Follow God with confidence and joy.
Prayers of the People (and the Lord's Prayer)
We glorify your Name, O God, for you are the one who loves us and cares for us more deeply than we could ever understand. You are the one who leads us to a life full of joy and peace.
(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 are a strong-willed and stubborn people who often insist that things must be done our way. We want to be leaders, and we chafe at the idea that we may have to be followers. We even resist your efforts to lead us to a life of joy and peace. Forgive our foolishness, and grant that by the power of your Spirit we may learn to quietly take your hand and follow where you lead us.
We give you thanks for all the ways in which you have given us direction. We thank you for those who had a clearer view or who heard more precisely or who felt more deeply what you would have us to do to grow in your love, and who then faithfully shared that good news with us.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We pray for ourselves and for all, anywhere, who need to feel your loving hand leading them.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
All these things we ask in the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray together, saying:
Our Father... Amen.
(or if the Lord's Prayer is not used at this point in the service)
All this we ask in the Name of the Blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
Visuals
a collage of hands; a picture of people following in a line while holding hands
Children's Sermon Starter
Have blindfolds for the children. Ask them to follow you. When that results in general chaos, help them link up to one another and have the first child to take your hand. Lead them to another spot. Have them take off their blindfolds, and then share with them that it is very difficult to follow if you can't see and you are out of touch with others. But even when we can't see, if we hold hands and stay connected with a leader we can get where we need to be. That is what happens at church. We stick together and follow Jesus, who leads us by the hand.
CHILDREN'S SERMON
Follow His Directions
John 21:1-19
Object: a Bible
One time the disciples of Jesus were out fishing. They had fished all night and caught nothing. Do you think after fishing all night and catching nothing that they were discouraged? (let them answer) Yes, I imagine they were. It's disappointing to fish and fish and catch nothing. Have you ever done that? (let them answer)
Well, Jesus saw them out there and he told them to throw the net on the right side of the boat and they would catch some fish. Do you think they did what he told them to do? (let them answer) Yes, they did what he told them to do, and what do you think happened? Did they catch any fish? (let them answer) They surely did! They caught 153 big fish!
What do you think this tells us about following God's directions? Do you think we should always follow God's directions? (let them answer) Of course we should! And where do we find God's directions? (let them answer) Well, God's directions are found right here in this book (show the Bible). God gives us directions on what we should do and should not do in the Bible. That's where we need to go to find out how he wants us to live.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father: We thank you for giving us the Bible so we can follow your directions. Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, April 18, 2010, issue.
Copyright 2010 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.
Seeing, Hearing, Discovering
by Ronald H. Love
John 21:1-19; Acts 9:1-20
THE WORLD
It is difficult to entertain a new idea, especially when it challenges long-held preconceived notions. It is difficult to see that things have changed, especially when we stay focused on the seeming security of the past. It is difficult to hear a new message, especially when it contradicts that which we held previously to be true. It is difficult to participate in a new discovery, especially when it requires us to broaden the boarders of our comfort zone.
The challenge to contemplate the new is inevitable as we move forward in time. From new scientific discoveries to new-age philosophies, from revisionist history to evolving current events, there is the ever-present and unavoidable challenge to see, hear, and discover. It is a question of discerning from the way things are to the way things should be. It is a question of remaining stagnant or progressive. All that is old is not bad, but neither is all that is new.
In the news this week, as with every week, we are faced with the question of how we are going to interpret the unfolding events before us. How shall we discern truth from falsehood? How will we determine if the information reported is true, skewed, or false? How can we separate personal prejudices from fact? Then, having processed this, will we disavow it or accept the opportunity of being a part of the new? If the new is true, will we preach it? If the new is false, will we denounce it? As Christians this is our calling. This is one of the roles from which we cannot evade.
The following are some of the many current issues that we must be aware of, and directly or indirectly are obligated to acknowledge and address:
* The Right Reverend Kieran Corny, Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, is the first bishop in England and Wales to speak out about the sexual abuse crisis in the United Kingdom. The crisis is so serious that the Catholic church is "holed beneath the waterline" and it may take generations for the church to re-establish its integrity. After listing the possible causes of the situation, he firmly stated, "I think what we will find is the number of cases will grow. We can't pretend it is something we can ignore or dismiss." This is an example of accepting the challenge of doing the unpopular -- that is, telling the truth as one speaks out against a social injustice. But who is hearing these words?
* The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History has established a permanent exhibit that explores human evolution over 6 million years. The exhibit is displayed in the newly furbished $21 million Hall of Human Origins. The museum is the most popular of all museums in the United States, with over 7.4 million visitors a year. But such an exhibit on evolution is not absent of protestors who uncompromisingly hold fast to creationism or its counterpart intelligent design. The curator, Rick Potts, refuses to remove or compromise the exhibit, believing that science and religion can coexist. This is an example of an individual who understands that truth is complex and multifaceted. The question is: Who will be willing to participate in this new discovery?
* Jennifer Love Hewitt returned from Cabo San Lucas after a visit there with some friends. Having just broken up with a boyfriend, the dominant topic of discussion between the actress and her friends was dating and relationships. Once home, she hand-wrote extensively on dating, penning multiple pages of random thoughts. She then put the pages aside, until four and a half years later when she was departing from another dysfunctional relationship -- this time with her Ghost Whisperer co-star Jamie Kennedy. Seeking her own advice, Hewitt took the previously recorded pages, and in her words "I went back and read it." These notes became the basis for her book The Day I Shot Cupid. This is an example of an individual who was willing to listen to others and her own heart, and then share what she heard. Are we willing to listen, learn, and share?
* Erlyndon Joseph "Joey" Lo is facing federal charges after threatening to kill doctors who perform abortions. In his written statement he expressed the justification for his action: "My religious beliefs include the beliefs that an individual is alive at the moment of conception, abortion is murder and is the worst murder of all murders possible because these babies are completely defenseless, and I am entitled under my religious beliefs to use deadly force if necessary to save the innocent life of another." This is an example of an individual who is not properly listening. Are we able to distinguish between the voice of the divine and the voice of the demonic?
* Kimora Lee Simmons is debuting her new perfume, Dare Me. The tagline for the product is "Dare to be me." Yet there somehow seems to be a disconnect between the message and the messenger. On the advertising page in which she prominently appears, the model and designer has been extensively airbrushed to shed the noticeable body weight she gained while pregnant. This is an example of someone who wants you to see the ideal rather than the real. Are we able to distinguish between what is real and what is just a facsimile of reality?
* Tennis great Martina Navratilova has recently gone public about the fact that she has breast cancer. She was going to remain silent until she realized that by speaking out she might be able to help countless other women. About learning she had breast cancer, Navratilova said, "It was my 9/11." Is "9/11" going to become part of our lexicon, meaning any life-changing experience? What is your 9/11 experience?
Daily in the televised news and print media we are confronted with stories that require discernment. Paramount in the process is the ability to see and hear accurately. Much of what is placed before us is trivial. Other stories, especially those regarding social justice, must be entertained with utmost seriousness. The supreme challenge is in the realm of our religious convictions, when we are forced to discover the will of God and then act accordingly.
THE WORD
In our readings for this Sunday we encounter a number of biblical characters, all future leaders of the church, who had to discern the will of God. Some heard. Others saw. But all had to discover.
Paul heard the voice of God on the road to Damascus. Was he willing to listen and authenticate the voice? Peter saw Jesus standing on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Was he going to believe that he was truly seeing the resurrected Christ? Was each willing to act upon the new discovery -- the revelation -- before them?
In reviewing the lectionary texts for this Sunday you may want to focus on biblical encounters where individuals saw and heard, and then look at how they responded.
CRAFTING THE SERMON
I) Introduction
* You may want to begin by discussing what it means to have a "9/11" moment -- a life-changing experience that completely transforms who we are as an individual.
* You may want to discuss how these encounters come to us in many different ways. They have varying messages but one common theme, which is how to be a more Christ-like individual.
* Especially emphasize the spiritual aspects of these experiences and how they give us a new understanding of our relationship to God and our call to service.
* Discernment is foremost in receiving the message. We must be sure it is God's message and not one that is self-fabricated to justify a selfish act.
II) Body
* Review the encounters that Paul and Peter had with Jesus.
-- Discuss how their understanding of God was changed.
-- Share how the course of their lives was changed.
-- Other biblical figures from the Old and New Testament may be examined, regarding the transforming experience of hearing and seeing God.
-- You may want to illustrate some of these stories from items you have read in the newspaper or heard on the news. Describing a character in a movie currently being shown or a popular television show would provide a common reference point. The movie The Blind Side would be an appropriate representation.
-- Be sure to share your own personal experiences of individuals who have heard or seen God and have become new persons in Christ.
* Like Paul and Peter, we must be willing to hear and see anew.
-- Share ways in which we can hear and see God.
-- Offer ways in which we can act with prudence and discernment that the encounter is truly from our Lord. We need to protect ourselves from the hidden demonic influence coupled with our own selfish desires.
-- A common question asked in classes and counseling is "What is God's will for my life?" Share your personal experiences about when this question was posed to you.
-- Equally important is the follow-up question: "How can I discern God's will for my life?"
-- You may want to share some readings from church fathers and theologians regarding God's calling for an individual.
* Having heard and seen God, it is now time to discover what God is calling us to do.
-- Share how biblical characters received instructions to embark upon uncharted missions in service to God.
-- Discuss some of the areas of ministry into which we may be sent.
-- The challenge before us is this: Will we follow like Paul and Peter?
III) Conclusion
* Review what it means to hear and see God as he encounters us on our personal road to Damascus or on the private shore at the Sea of Galilee.
* Excite the congregants with how this new discovery can be transforming, fulfilling, and life-changing.
ANOTHER VIEW
by Mary Austin
Acts 9:1-20
An immediate change of heart or lifestyle a radical transformation in a relationship -- a promise that "it will never happen again." In real life, it all seems too good to be true. Real, lasting change might begin in an instant, but it takes time and work to make it permanent. The story of Paul's experience on the road to Damascus has always hit me in the same way. It's a great story, and of course, God can do all things, but it feels so far away from most of our experience with change.
Paul's story is the movie version, condensed for effect it seems. In ordinary, everyday life, people change their minds more slowly. Many conversations go into developing a new viewpoint, if we ever manage to change. Quitting drinking is a matter of one decision, and then countless 12-step meetings to keep the decision alive. We may need to change our friends, habits, and hobbies along the way to stick with the program. Battered spouses often leave their abusers several times before the final time, when they're really ready, prepared for a whole new life. A change of address and a change in beliefs go hand in hand, and one won't stick without the other.
Cultural prejudices also die hard. Many older people have told me, reflecting the mores of their upbringings, that they don't like black people -- but they happen to love the new family that moved in next door. People who hold strong views about gay and lesbian people may change their minds when a niece or nephew, son or daughter comes out of the closet. Personal experience, plus time, adds up to change.
All along the road to change, we need other people -- to get us started with just the right observation or ultimatum -- to hold our hand and strengthen our resolve in the rough patches -- to celebrate the milestones as we travel toward transformation. The process is slow. Psychologists advise us to make one change at a time, and they tell us that any lasting change takes at least three weeks, and often longer, to take hold.
That's why Paul's story has always seemed like a great story of faith, but distant from how we ordinary people experience change. On the road to sobriety, or safety, or equality, change comes gradually. We need the support of other people. And it's hard work.
Reading this story again, and the comments of a colleague, revealed a detail in the story that I hadn't really noticed before. After Paul sees the light from heaven and falls to the ground, when he gets up he can't see anything. His spiritual blindness is now reflected in a physical lack of sight, and he's helpless to do anything. The story recalls that his companions took the blind, battered, bewildered Paul and "led him by the hand."
What has always seemed like a spectacular and instant transformation for Paul suddenly became more accessible, for me, and more connected to the experiences we all have in trying to follow God's leading. All of us need wise friends to lead us by the hand at times, to help us through rough patches in life or faith, to show us a way we can't find on our own. All of us need places of community, where others are strong when we are not, where people pray for us when we can't find the words or the faith for ourselves.
The second part of Paul's conversion happens through the wisdom of Ananias and the other disciples who, in the Spirit, finish the work that began on the road. That instantaneous conversion looks a lot like change as we experience it -- a big beginning, and then the support and guidance of the people who travel with us to make it really stick.
Part of our vocation as people of faith is to follow where God is leading us into something new -- but change is hard. The road to change is one of many steps, often slow ones, with even a few going backward. Sometimes we need someone to lead us by the hand, and other times we are the ones charged with doing the leading. Even when change is slow or unspectacular or seems incremental that leading by the hand is also God's leading into something new.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Most of us remember the story of Paul's conversion for the sudden violence of it. He is knocked about, scared, and blinded. He hears the voice of Jesus and makes a 180-degree turnaround in the direction of his life.
If we read it again, however, we see that the 180-degree change didn't take place until his traveling companions took him by the hand and led him to Damascus.
Deep, radical change in an institution or a person can come suddenly and violently, but there is almost always some hand-holding also involved.
Tiger Woods has been in the news for making serious mistakes and bad choices in his personal life. The exposure of these failures has created a violent upheaval in his relationships and his career. He seems to be making an effort at a deep change in his behavior as well as the way he relates to the people around him -- the other players, the press, the gallery, and, of course, his family.
The public and the press, however, aren't so quick to let him change. They question his sincerity. In the opening days of last week's Masters tournament, Augusta National club chairman Billy Payne wrapped himself in a robe of self-righteousness and held a press conference to criticize Tiger for his "failure as a hero." (This is the same Billy Payne who in 2002 steadfastly defended male exclusivity at the private golf club. And this is the same tournament that is held at a club that steadfastly refused to allow African-American members until 1990.)
One wonders how many players and officials of the PGA could, if their private lives were made public, retain their "hero" status. Who among them would be first to cast that stone?
Even as Tiger was playing on the first day of the tournament, someone hired an airplane to fly over the golf course criticizing Tiger's behavior AND his religion.
Where are the Christians in this little drama? There is no shortage of accusers. Who will take him by the hand? Who will lead Tiger to Damascus?
* * *
I was thinking about buying a netbook -- a handy little computer that just drops into my briefcase. Just right for surfing the internet, handling email, and doing word processing while on the go.
But then last week they came out with the iPad. It's even handier and littler -- and you can download ebooks on them. But can you do word processing?
Maybe I should just get a laptop -- or a netbook and a Kindle.
So I have to choose: netbook, iPad, Kindle, laptop, or some variation on one of these or a combination of several.
I have an MP3 that I don't use. And a digital camera I don't know how to use. It's like learning to drive all over again every time I take a vacation snapshot of my wife. Will I use one of these other things if I buy it? Will I have time to learn how? I have a computer at home and one at work, and I don't know how to do half the things they are capable of doing. And I don't have time to learn.
Maybe I should just forget about it and get a Tomtom or a Garmin for my car.
You know the really crazy thing? Twenty years ago, maybe ten years ago, I was not using any of these words -- and I didn't really want to. Had you told me that I would be using them today I would have laughed at you.
Life doesn't ask permission to change the road in front of us. The road changes without consulting us, and often we feel buffeted and beaten up by these rapid changes.
We need someone to take us by the hand and lead us through the technological wasteland. Someone from the "Geek Squad" -- or maybe one of my grandchildren.
-- Dean Feldmeyer
* * *
Paul's experience on the road to Damascus came as a demand from God for deep change. God required of him nothing short of an immediate, 180-degree reversal in the way Paul was living his life. Incremental change would not do.
Robert E. Quinn is the Margaret Elliot Tracy Collegiate Professor of organizational behavior and human resource management at the University of Michigan's Graduate School of Business. He is the author of the book Deep Change, Discovering the Leader Within (Jossey-Bass, 1996).
Here are some of the things he has to say on this subject:
" -- we can change the world only by changing ourselves." (p. 9)
"Excellence -- never lies within the boxes drawn in the past." (p. 11)
"Each of us has the potential to change the world. Because the price of change is so high, we seldom take on the challenge. Our fears blind us to the possibilities of excellence -- and yet another formidable insight. This insight concerns the price of not making deep change. That price is the choice of slow death, a meaningless and frustrating experience enmeshed in fear, anger, and helplessness, while moving surely toward what is most feared." (p. 11)
"When a system faces the challenge to make a deep change, individuals will usually create an alternative scenario. It is usually the scenario of the painless fix. It is an early stop on the road to slow death." (p. 94)
"Deep change requires more than the identification of the problem and a call for action. It requires looking beyond the scope of the problem and finding the actual source of the trouble. The real problem is frequently located where we would least expect to find it, inside ourselves." (p. 103)
"Visionaries are internally driven leaders. -- They also exhibit an unusual characteristic -- they do not view personal survival as a driving internal force. Their main objective is the realization of their vision. The leader and the vision are so integrated that if the vision lives, it matters not if the visionary should die -- " (p. 127)
"Organizational change always begins with a personal change." (p. 156)
"If you are not risking your job, you are not doing your job." (p. 156)
"The land of excellence is safely guarded from unworthy intruders. At the gates stand two fearsome sentries -- risk and learning. The keys to entrance are faith and courage." (p. 165)
"Excellence is a dynamic state, not part of a routine process -- . Furthermore, you do not reach peak levels by repeating exactly the same process that worked in the past." (p.164)
* * *
Although almost everyone remembers Helen Keller and can tell her story, the name of her teacher who endured much to stick by her and bring her to understanding how she could communicate and know her world is not so well known. Anne Sullivan was the one who stood by Helen when she was struggling with her blindness and deafness and striking out at all around her. It was Anne who took her by the hand and taught her that the world could be expressed in words.
In fact, George Buttrick tells the story of an experience that happened when he was chaplain at Harvard. It was announced that Harvard would give an honorary degree to the first woman in its history. At that time the recipients of those degrees were always kept a secret until the day of commencement. On graduation day, the president of Harvard announced that Helen Keller would receive that honor. The crowd went wild. Helen sat there in silence until Anne Sullivan drummed the wonderful message into her hands. Helen was led to the platform and received that great distinction. As they were leaving, Dr. Buttrick turned to the president and said, "You know, we made a mistake today. We should have given two awards -- one to Helen and another to Anne Sullivan. There would never have been a Helen Keller without her great teacher."
* * *
Martin Luther was oppressed by his fear of thunderstorms and of God's vengeance. He struggled with his desire to follow God and his terror of facing God. It was only through his willingness to face his terror and to face his God that he was able to eventually work through what it was that God was calling him to proclaim. Although the obvious result was the split of the Church, his proclamation eventually led to the reformation of not only the Protestants but the Roman Catholics as well.
* * *
Susanna Wesley is not the most recognized name of the Wesley family. Most people remember her son John, and the musicians remember her son Charles. But it was their mother, who took the time to pray each day with all of her many children that laid the foundation for their future greatness. It was she who took them by the hand and led them. It was she who fed her little lambs and produced the boys who became the men who led the Wesleyan revival in England and America.
* * *
Simone Weil (1909-1943), a French social philosopher, religious thinker, mystic, and political activist, was the darling of intellectuals after her death. She identified with human suffering of every kind. She worked with women in an auto factory to be in solidarity with them, participated in French worker strikes, and even joined the Loyalists in the Spanish Civil War, though she refused to fire her rifle. Her refusal to eat more than the ration of food allowed in German-occupied France contributed to her death. Born a Jew, she tells in her autobiography Waiting for God how she never sought God, but was sought by him. It was while she attended services during Holy Week in Solesmes, France, that the thought of Christ's Passion entered into her being once and for all. In the quiet of the French countryside, Christ came and took possession of her.
C.S. Lewis, in his autobiography Surprised by Joy, tells how he became a Christian in 1929. He had been an atheist and had tried many other religions. He says that on the evening when he got down on his knees and believed in God and Jesus Christ, he was probably the most dejected and reluctant convert in England. He says, "The Prodigal Son at least walked home on his own feet. But who can duly adore that love which will open the high gates to a prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape?"
Saint Paul's conversion was dramatic. On the way to Damascus, a blinding light and the voice of Jesus stunned him and brought him to faith in the Savior he had persecuted.
Dramatically or matter-of-factly, suddenly or over a period of time, memorably or imperceptibly, the Holy Spirit of God transforms us into children of God, believers in Christ Jesus, and heirs of eternal life.
* * *
The motivational speaker and writer Win Arn was once making a short film titled Circus. Starring in the film were some young people who also happened to be real, live trapeze artists. During a break in the filming, one of the young stars went up to the producer, pointed up to the trapeze, and said, "Why don't you try it, Mr. Arn?"
After some further prodding from his young stars, he did -- although the thought of climbing one of those high towers terrified him. Fifty feet above the sawdust of the circus ring, Win crawled out onto the tiny platform, looked down, and noticed that the safety net was all but invisible.
He almost went back down the ladder, but the shouted encouragement of the young performers convinced him. He grabbed the swing and launched out into space, grabbed the second one in mid-air, and before he knew it, landed on his feet on the opposite platform. His young actors cheered.
Writing about this unique experience later, Win Arn recalled that he made three important discoveries that day:
* Discovery number one: You can't hold onto the old bar while you reach for the other.
* Discovery number two: You don't have forever to make up your mind.
* Discovery number three: It is a frightening experience to make that kind of commitment.
The commitment we make in resolving to follow Jesus Christ is equally risky.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
by George Reed
Call to Worship
Leader: O God, you brought up my soul from death.
People: You restored my life from those who have died.
Leader: Sing praise to God, you faithful ones.
People: We give thanks to God's holy Name.
Leader: God has turned our mourning into dancing.
People: We will give thanks to God forever.
OR
Leader: Come into the presence of the Holy One.
People: It scares me to come before God.
Leader: It is right and good to fear the presence of God.
People: Should I fear because God is angry?
Leader: No. You should fear because God is love. You should fear because God wants us to grow and change.
People: It is scary to change, but I can with God's help.
Hymns and Sacred Songs
"Take My Hand, Precious Lord"
found in:
NNBH: 305
"Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me"
found in:
LBW: 333
"Lead Me, Lord"
found in:
UMH: 473
AAHH: 145
NNBH: 341
CH: 593
Renew: 175
"Have Thine Own Way, Lord"
found in:
UMH: 382
AAHH: 449
NNBH: 206
CH: 588
"Jesus Calls Us"
found in:
UMH: 398
H82: 549, 550
NNBH: 183
NCH: 171, 172
CH: 337
LBW: 494
"Close to Thee"
found in:
UMH: 407
AAHH: 552, 553
NNBH: 317
"Dear Lord, Lead Me Day by Day"
found in:
UMH: 411
"Change My Heart, O God"
found in:
CCB: 56
Renew: 143
"Create in Me a Clean Heart"
found in:
CCB: 54
Renew: 181, 182
Music Resources Key:
UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
H82: The Hymnal 1982 (The Episcopal Church)
AAHH: African-American Heritage Hymnal
NNBH: The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH: The New Century Hymnal
CH: Chalice Hymnal
LBW: Lutheran Book of Worship
CCB: Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew: Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day / Collect
O God who desires to draw us with cords of love: Grant us the grace to allow you to lead us by the hand and to be open to those you send to lead us to you; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
We come to worship you, our God and our Guide. We sing your praises and we look to you for the direction our lives need. We lift our hands both in praise and so that we can take your hand that leads us. Receive our praises and help us to walk with you in humility. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Leader: Let us confess to God and before one another our sins, and especially our unwillingness to be led by you or by anyone.
People: We confess to you, O God, and before one another that we have sinned. We are a strong-willed and stubborn people who often insist that things must be done our way. We want to be leaders, and we chafe at the idea that we may have to be followers. We even resist your efforts to lead us to a life of joy and peace. Forgive our foolishness, and grant that by the power of your Spirit we may learn to quietly take your hand and follow where you lead us. Amen.
Leader: God desires nothing more than our good. Whenever we are willing to let go of the reins and let God lead, God will take us where we need to go. Follow God with confidence and joy.
Prayers of the People (and the Lord's Prayer)
We glorify your Name, O God, for you are the one who loves us and cares for us more deeply than we could ever understand. You are the one who leads us to a life full of joy and peace.
(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 are a strong-willed and stubborn people who often insist that things must be done our way. We want to be leaders, and we chafe at the idea that we may have to be followers. We even resist your efforts to lead us to a life of joy and peace. Forgive our foolishness, and grant that by the power of your Spirit we may learn to quietly take your hand and follow where you lead us.
We give you thanks for all the ways in which you have given us direction. We thank you for those who had a clearer view or who heard more precisely or who felt more deeply what you would have us to do to grow in your love, and who then faithfully shared that good news with us.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We pray for ourselves and for all, anywhere, who need to feel your loving hand leading them.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
All these things we ask in the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray together, saying:
Our Father... Amen.
(or if the Lord's Prayer is not used at this point in the service)
All this we ask in the Name of the Blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
Visuals
a collage of hands; a picture of people following in a line while holding hands
Children's Sermon Starter
Have blindfolds for the children. Ask them to follow you. When that results in general chaos, help them link up to one another and have the first child to take your hand. Lead them to another spot. Have them take off their blindfolds, and then share with them that it is very difficult to follow if you can't see and you are out of touch with others. But even when we can't see, if we hold hands and stay connected with a leader we can get where we need to be. That is what happens at church. We stick together and follow Jesus, who leads us by the hand.
CHILDREN'S SERMON
Follow His Directions
John 21:1-19
Object: a Bible
One time the disciples of Jesus were out fishing. They had fished all night and caught nothing. Do you think after fishing all night and catching nothing that they were discouraged? (let them answer) Yes, I imagine they were. It's disappointing to fish and fish and catch nothing. Have you ever done that? (let them answer)
Well, Jesus saw them out there and he told them to throw the net on the right side of the boat and they would catch some fish. Do you think they did what he told them to do? (let them answer) Yes, they did what he told them to do, and what do you think happened? Did they catch any fish? (let them answer) They surely did! They caught 153 big fish!
What do you think this tells us about following God's directions? Do you think we should always follow God's directions? (let them answer) Of course we should! And where do we find God's directions? (let them answer) Well, God's directions are found right here in this book (show the Bible). God gives us directions on what we should do and should not do in the Bible. That's where we need to go to find out how he wants us to live.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father: We thank you for giving us the Bible so we can follow your directions. Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, April 18, 2010, issue.
Copyright 2010 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.
