Saved From Violence
Stories
Object:
Contents
"Saved from Violence" by John Fitzgerald
"Walking the Road Together" by Peter Andrew Smith
* * * * * * *
Saved from Violence
by John Fitzgerald
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
We cannot escape the indictment that our culture has a love affair with violent behavior. Every day it seems there are reminders of living in a culture where innocent victims are gunned down by some deranged madman. One of America's favorite sports, football, encourages full grown men to run into each other at blinding rates of speed. Our entertainment industry pours out television programs and movies that feature sadistic plot lines of people torturing each other.
Of course violent interactions are nothing new. The Bible tells us that early on in human history Cain murdered his brother Abel in cold blood (Genesis 4). This wickedness only increased so that God determined to wipe out all of creation through a great flood (Genesis 6). The renewal of humanity after this destruction came about only on account of Noah being a righteous and blameless man.
A rainbow planted in the sky by God after the flood indicated that human beings would be given another chance on planet earth (Genesis 9). The return of spring each year is a sign of new life and hope for humankind despite our rebellion and waywardness.
We have needed the inspiration of warm weather and green, growing things. It has been a harsh winter and our hearts long for sunshine. Spring is a declaration that God will put up with us even though we practice brutality and beastliness.
In our scripture lesson, Peter preached a sermon about overcoming violence and a decadent society. Saint Peter makes the case that his world had fallen to craven influences. He pleads with his audience in verse 40, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." It sounds very much like out time where daily news reports demonstrate evil in every corner.
The corruption that affected every level of society in Peter's day gave reason for an urgent need to repent. This is at the heart of his message. Peter says starting in verse 38 to his listeners, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him."
The only way to escape bondage to a world gone astray is by receiving forgiveness and a new life wrought in God's Holy Spirit. This is a promise we can count upon and something our children can inherit. If you want to pass on something of value to your children, instruct them about repentance and learning to obey the Holy Spirit.
The book of Acts closes our scripture passage with an interesting revelation. Acts informs us in verse 41 that three thousand people were baptized and receive Christ into their hearts as a result of Peter's preaching. Talk about church growth! Can you imagine a church adding three thousand people due to one sermon?
If you want to build a church maybe the place for beginning is teaching about repentance from a corrupt and violent world. We may not add three thousand new folks in a single day. But my guess is there are many individuals in your community who need help with how to turn toward Jesus and away from violent behavior.
The violence displayed in our culture is not confined to relationships. Mother Earth has been taking a beating from our constant pulling and tearing at creation. We pollute and destroy the goodness of God's earth. Every year our technology produces new avenues to upset the delicate balance of nature.
The message of living in harmony with divine creation may be a prime vehicle to reach our generation. All of us have a duty to be stewards of planet earth. It fits in with a theme of repentance from destructive behavior. Peter found a way to make the gospel of Christ relevant to his generation. Challenging folks with new ways of appreciating the good earth may be the message for our day. With new life springing up all around us it certainly is the appropriate season to issue a call.
The Native Americans were much more in tune with their environment than 21st century Americans. This population had a theology that revered our connection to the good earth. In closing, I want you to hear these words from Chief Seattle: "Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing, and humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people. The sap which courses through the tree carries the memories of the red man. The perfumed flowers are our sisters, the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony, and man all belong to the same family. The reflection in the clear water of the lake tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water's murmur is the voice of my father's father. The shining water that moves in the stream and rivers is not just water but the blood of our ancestors. The rivers carry our canoes and feed our children. We are part of the earth and it is part of us."
John Fitzgerald lives in Leesburg, Ohio, with his wife Carolyn and has served as pastor at the Leesburg Friends Meeting for the past 27 years. Cornfield Cathedral (Fairway Press, 2013) is the second book authored by Pastor Fitzgerald. John has earned a Master's of Ministry Degree from the Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana.
Walking the Road Together
by Peter Andrew Smith
Luke 24:13-35
John sat in the chair with his eyes closed. He knew that Sarah was only trying to help and he appreciated her dropping everything to fly home when he called but honestly she was starting to get on his nerves. Deb always said that they were better as father and daughter when separated by a plane trip. A slight smile touched his lips. His wife knew him better than he knew himself and never hesitated to tell him so. John felt his cheeks becoming wet. He didn't know how he was going to live now that Deb was gone. He wasn't sure he wanted to live. He felt someone touch his arm and opened his eyes to see Sarah hovering over him.
She handed him a tissue. "Are you okay Dad?"
"I'll be fine," John said. "Just tired."
"You've sat in your chair since Mom died. You should do something. Anything." Sarah looked toward the kitchen. "Why don't you have something to eat?"
"Maybe in a little while. I just want to sit here for a few minutes."
Whatever Sarah was going to say was cut off by the ring of the telephone. She rushed to answer it and explain to yet another neighbour the circumstances around Deb's death. John tuned out the conversation. He knew that people were just being nice and that they cared but there was nothing they could say that would make things better. There was no way anyone could know what it felt like to lose the love of your life and your best friend for more than half a century. John slumped down in the chair.
His eyes fell on the open Bible and notes that Deb had left about her funeral. It hadn't been a conversation that John wanted to have that morning but she had insisted. She talked about the hymns and Bible readings for her service. John would do anything to have that morning back and know the hope he saw in her that day. Anything to have her by his side one more time. Anything to not feel so alone. The doorbell sounded and John looked into the kitchen. Sarah was still deep in conversation. John wiped his face with the tissue and opened the front door. Joanna from across the street was standing there with a dish covered in tin foil.
"I'm sorry about Deb." There were circles under her red eyes.
"Thanks." He opened the door wider. "Would you like to come in?"
Joanna shook her head. "I don't want to intrude. I saw Sarah's rental car and know things are busy leading up to the funeral."
"Oh, it's not too bad. Deb made sure everything was planned before she died." John smiled. "All I have to do is let people know her wishes."
"I'm glad." Joanna handed him the dish. "It's a hard enough time without trying to make decisions. I'm thankful you're not by yourself during this time."
"It is hard to be alone with Sarah hovering over me."
"She did always like to fix things even as a little girl." Joanna looked past him into the kitchen and waved at Sarah still talking on the phone. Her voice got softer. "But I'm talking about those quiet times and at night when you are alone with your thoughts and feel like your world has ended."
John felt a lump form in his throat. "It is hard sometimes."
"I know." Joanna put her hand on his arm. "Just remember that I'm praying for you and Sarah."
"Thanks." John said. "I appreciate it and the casserole."
"Chicken pot pie." Joanna smiled. "It won't be as good as Deb's even though it is her recipe."
A tear made its way down John's cheek. "Thank you."
"You're very welcome." Joanna squeezed his arm. "I know it isn't easy."
John swallowed hard. He knew Joanna had lost her husband in an automobile accident shortly before he and Deb moved to the neighbourhood. "How long has Charlie been gone?"
"A little over twenty years."
"Do you still miss him?"
"Every day."
John asked the question he needed to have answered. "Does it get any better?"
"Yes, it does. You will always miss Deb but the pain does go away." Joanna met his eyes. "With faith, family, and friends you can get through this. God never promises us there won't be sorrow in our lives but I'm living proof that his arms are strong enough to carry you when you don't have the strength to take another step."
John felt his throat tighten as she gave him a quick hug and headed back across the street. He thought about her words and felt something happen within him. Standing in the doorway he saw the birds soaring in the sky and felt the spring breeze touching his face. He opened his heart to God and whispered a prayer. John took a deep breath and found himself believing that he could make it through this time.
Sarah appeared at his side. "Are you okay, Dad?"
"No, but I think I will be eventually." John put an arm around his daughter. "How about we go and try some of this casserole."
Peter Andrew Smith is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada who currently serves at St. James United Church in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He is the author of All Things Are Ready (CSS), a book of lectionary-based communion prayers, as well as many stories and articles, which can be found listed at www.peterandrewsmith.com.
*****************************************
StoryShare, May 4, 2014, issue.
Copyright 2014 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
"Saved from Violence" by John Fitzgerald
"Walking the Road Together" by Peter Andrew Smith
* * * * * * *
Saved from Violence
by John Fitzgerald
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
We cannot escape the indictment that our culture has a love affair with violent behavior. Every day it seems there are reminders of living in a culture where innocent victims are gunned down by some deranged madman. One of America's favorite sports, football, encourages full grown men to run into each other at blinding rates of speed. Our entertainment industry pours out television programs and movies that feature sadistic plot lines of people torturing each other.
Of course violent interactions are nothing new. The Bible tells us that early on in human history Cain murdered his brother Abel in cold blood (Genesis 4). This wickedness only increased so that God determined to wipe out all of creation through a great flood (Genesis 6). The renewal of humanity after this destruction came about only on account of Noah being a righteous and blameless man.
A rainbow planted in the sky by God after the flood indicated that human beings would be given another chance on planet earth (Genesis 9). The return of spring each year is a sign of new life and hope for humankind despite our rebellion and waywardness.
We have needed the inspiration of warm weather and green, growing things. It has been a harsh winter and our hearts long for sunshine. Spring is a declaration that God will put up with us even though we practice brutality and beastliness.
In our scripture lesson, Peter preached a sermon about overcoming violence and a decadent society. Saint Peter makes the case that his world had fallen to craven influences. He pleads with his audience in verse 40, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." It sounds very much like out time where daily news reports demonstrate evil in every corner.
The corruption that affected every level of society in Peter's day gave reason for an urgent need to repent. This is at the heart of his message. Peter says starting in verse 38 to his listeners, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him."
The only way to escape bondage to a world gone astray is by receiving forgiveness and a new life wrought in God's Holy Spirit. This is a promise we can count upon and something our children can inherit. If you want to pass on something of value to your children, instruct them about repentance and learning to obey the Holy Spirit.
The book of Acts closes our scripture passage with an interesting revelation. Acts informs us in verse 41 that three thousand people were baptized and receive Christ into their hearts as a result of Peter's preaching. Talk about church growth! Can you imagine a church adding three thousand people due to one sermon?
If you want to build a church maybe the place for beginning is teaching about repentance from a corrupt and violent world. We may not add three thousand new folks in a single day. But my guess is there are many individuals in your community who need help with how to turn toward Jesus and away from violent behavior.
The violence displayed in our culture is not confined to relationships. Mother Earth has been taking a beating from our constant pulling and tearing at creation. We pollute and destroy the goodness of God's earth. Every year our technology produces new avenues to upset the delicate balance of nature.
The message of living in harmony with divine creation may be a prime vehicle to reach our generation. All of us have a duty to be stewards of planet earth. It fits in with a theme of repentance from destructive behavior. Peter found a way to make the gospel of Christ relevant to his generation. Challenging folks with new ways of appreciating the good earth may be the message for our day. With new life springing up all around us it certainly is the appropriate season to issue a call.
The Native Americans were much more in tune with their environment than 21st century Americans. This population had a theology that revered our connection to the good earth. In closing, I want you to hear these words from Chief Seattle: "Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing, and humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people. The sap which courses through the tree carries the memories of the red man. The perfumed flowers are our sisters, the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony, and man all belong to the same family. The reflection in the clear water of the lake tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water's murmur is the voice of my father's father. The shining water that moves in the stream and rivers is not just water but the blood of our ancestors. The rivers carry our canoes and feed our children. We are part of the earth and it is part of us."
John Fitzgerald lives in Leesburg, Ohio, with his wife Carolyn and has served as pastor at the Leesburg Friends Meeting for the past 27 years. Cornfield Cathedral (Fairway Press, 2013) is the second book authored by Pastor Fitzgerald. John has earned a Master's of Ministry Degree from the Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana.
Walking the Road Together
by Peter Andrew Smith
Luke 24:13-35
John sat in the chair with his eyes closed. He knew that Sarah was only trying to help and he appreciated her dropping everything to fly home when he called but honestly she was starting to get on his nerves. Deb always said that they were better as father and daughter when separated by a plane trip. A slight smile touched his lips. His wife knew him better than he knew himself and never hesitated to tell him so. John felt his cheeks becoming wet. He didn't know how he was going to live now that Deb was gone. He wasn't sure he wanted to live. He felt someone touch his arm and opened his eyes to see Sarah hovering over him.
She handed him a tissue. "Are you okay Dad?"
"I'll be fine," John said. "Just tired."
"You've sat in your chair since Mom died. You should do something. Anything." Sarah looked toward the kitchen. "Why don't you have something to eat?"
"Maybe in a little while. I just want to sit here for a few minutes."
Whatever Sarah was going to say was cut off by the ring of the telephone. She rushed to answer it and explain to yet another neighbour the circumstances around Deb's death. John tuned out the conversation. He knew that people were just being nice and that they cared but there was nothing they could say that would make things better. There was no way anyone could know what it felt like to lose the love of your life and your best friend for more than half a century. John slumped down in the chair.
His eyes fell on the open Bible and notes that Deb had left about her funeral. It hadn't been a conversation that John wanted to have that morning but she had insisted. She talked about the hymns and Bible readings for her service. John would do anything to have that morning back and know the hope he saw in her that day. Anything to have her by his side one more time. Anything to not feel so alone. The doorbell sounded and John looked into the kitchen. Sarah was still deep in conversation. John wiped his face with the tissue and opened the front door. Joanna from across the street was standing there with a dish covered in tin foil.
"I'm sorry about Deb." There were circles under her red eyes.
"Thanks." He opened the door wider. "Would you like to come in?"
Joanna shook her head. "I don't want to intrude. I saw Sarah's rental car and know things are busy leading up to the funeral."
"Oh, it's not too bad. Deb made sure everything was planned before she died." John smiled. "All I have to do is let people know her wishes."
"I'm glad." Joanna handed him the dish. "It's a hard enough time without trying to make decisions. I'm thankful you're not by yourself during this time."
"It is hard to be alone with Sarah hovering over me."
"She did always like to fix things even as a little girl." Joanna looked past him into the kitchen and waved at Sarah still talking on the phone. Her voice got softer. "But I'm talking about those quiet times and at night when you are alone with your thoughts and feel like your world has ended."
John felt a lump form in his throat. "It is hard sometimes."
"I know." Joanna put her hand on his arm. "Just remember that I'm praying for you and Sarah."
"Thanks." John said. "I appreciate it and the casserole."
"Chicken pot pie." Joanna smiled. "It won't be as good as Deb's even though it is her recipe."
A tear made its way down John's cheek. "Thank you."
"You're very welcome." Joanna squeezed his arm. "I know it isn't easy."
John swallowed hard. He knew Joanna had lost her husband in an automobile accident shortly before he and Deb moved to the neighbourhood. "How long has Charlie been gone?"
"A little over twenty years."
"Do you still miss him?"
"Every day."
John asked the question he needed to have answered. "Does it get any better?"
"Yes, it does. You will always miss Deb but the pain does go away." Joanna met his eyes. "With faith, family, and friends you can get through this. God never promises us there won't be sorrow in our lives but I'm living proof that his arms are strong enough to carry you when you don't have the strength to take another step."
John felt his throat tighten as she gave him a quick hug and headed back across the street. He thought about her words and felt something happen within him. Standing in the doorway he saw the birds soaring in the sky and felt the spring breeze touching his face. He opened his heart to God and whispered a prayer. John took a deep breath and found himself believing that he could make it through this time.
Sarah appeared at his side. "Are you okay, Dad?"
"No, but I think I will be eventually." John put an arm around his daughter. "How about we go and try some of this casserole."
Peter Andrew Smith is an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada who currently serves at St. James United Church in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He is the author of All Things Are Ready (CSS), a book of lectionary-based communion prayers, as well as many stories and articles, which can be found listed at www.peterandrewsmith.com.
*****************************************
StoryShare, May 4, 2014, issue.
Copyright 2014 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to the StoryShare service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons, in worship and classroom settings, in brief devotions, in radio spots, and as newsletter fillers. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 5450 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45807.
