Mary

A young girl, barely in her teens, standing in a quiet corner of her home.  She’s just been told something extraordinary—something that would terrify most of us.  She’s going to carry the hope of the world in her body.  The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the risks are overwhelming.  Yet she doesn’t run, she doesn’t argue.  Instead, she simply says, ‘Let it be to me according to your word.’

Mary’s ‘yes’ to God has echoed through generations, not just because of what it meant for the birth of Jesus, but because of what it tells us about courage, faith, and trust.  As theologian Karl Rahner observed, Mary’s fiat ('Let it be to me according to your word') represents the perfect human response to divine grace—an openness that enables God’s transformative work in the world.

Today, I want to talk about Mary—not as a distant figure in a nativity scene, but as a young woman who faced unimaginable challenges with strength and grace.  What can we learn from her? And how does her story invite us to see the overlooked and underappreciated roles in our own lives differently?

The story of Mary and Elizabeth is not just a tale of shared joy—it’s a radical declaration of how God moves through the unexpected and the overlooked.  Mary, a young girl from a humble village, carries the hope of the world.  Elizabeth, long considered barren, becomes the mother of the one who will prepare the way, continuing a legacy of faithfulness that stretches back through three generations.  Together, they embody a truth that shakes the foundations of power: God’s greatest works often begin in places and people the world disregards, weaving a legacy where every detail is intentional and transformative.

Here we are, in the fourth week of Advent, often called Mary Sunday.  For the second year in a row, it falls on the fourth Sunday.  I hadn’t preached about Mary before last year, and to be honest, I’m not sure I fully appreciated her story until recently.  My work with Catholic Charities in the past gave me a new perspective on her, especially on the prominent role she plays in the Catholic Church.  I say "outsized" because it’s a role I wasn’t familiar with, and it’s one that often goes unnoticed in my own tradition.

What stands out to me most is that this role is deeply gendered.  Often, we elevate figures or concepts to the point where we forget their true significance.  As Protestants, we may be particularly prone to glossing over some of these traditions entirely.  In my own faith journey, my relationship with God has always been central.  I’ve often felt skeptical about organized religion.  In fact, that’s something my big sister once said to me.  When I invited her to Nottingham, I told her, "We’re not all that organized."

Maybe I get some of my skepticism from my first role models; my sisters.  Women in this world really are in a more complicated situation.  Science researchers certainly have agreed over the last century.  Most medical research has been done on men because they are so much simpler.  I don't know that I have ever been afraid.  Most women know a type of fear that I will never know.  One thing we can say about Mary she knew this fear. 

Several years ago, when I started giving these messages, I made a point to write them down.  There were a few reasons for this.  The first was practical: creating a message is no small task, and it seemed wasteful to use one only once.  The second reason was more personal.  I have sermons my grandfather took the time to type out, and through those words, I got to know him even better after he died.

When my daughter passed the bar, he helped me with the gift I gave them.  The doctor in Serbia seemed to know more than anybody when he looked at the ultra sound and said, "I don't see anything of his."  Being human can be tough enough.  It is more important that you work than how.  You either believe in creation or you don't.

I passed on one of the clocks I had inherited from my grandfather—a very special wall clock.  This clock, designed by Seth Thomas and manufactured by the Ball Watch Company, carries with it a world that my grandfather knew well. 

On the Ball

The Ball Watch Company was more than just a name.  Clocks were among humanity’s first computers.  Agreeing on what time it was unlocked a whole new level of order and possibility.  You Might even argue the beginning of the modern world.  

That phrase—"on the ball"—is a gift from this era.  To us, it’s a simple expression, but back then, it carried the weight of a world synchronized and in motion.  If you were on the ball, you weren’t just punctual—you were aligned, reliable, and ready.

It makes me think of my Sara.  They have always been “on the ball,” and I believe this will continue to serve them well, though the world changes around us.

God Is On the Ball

Debbie two weeks ago spoke about how God is “on the ball,” actively working for good in ways we can’t always see. We don’t know what’s coming, but we know it will be good.

Something curious has happened.  I’ve discovered something surprising.  I haven’t repeated a message.  Huh?

The context might be the same—the scripture unchanged—but the message is singular.  It evolves because we evolve.   A message, like Mary, is always singular.  Mary, in her visit to Elizabeth, shows patience and trust in divine timing.  Mary's acceptance and Elizabeth’s affirmation model community support and solidarity.  Traditions, skills, and faith are passed through generations.  A simple story from an old world.  Mary this new start can feel very modern.  Her strength we recognize.  The threes we take notice: community support and solidarity -  traditions, skills, and faith.

Mary’s story is a profound invitation to all of us, regardless of gender or background, to see our own lives reflected in her journey of faith and trust.  She was an ordinary young woman called into an extraordinary purpose, yet her response—“Let it be with me according to your word”—resonates as a model of courageous surrender to God’s will.  In her story, we find the universal human experience of facing uncertainty, wrestling with doubt, and ultimately stepping forward in faith.

This old world straining to be modern.

Established systems of power and social order are failing, while alternatives have yet to fully materialize.  Mary the first modern woman?  Mary’s story transcends the ancient world, offering timeless lessons for our modern struggles.  Her willingness to embrace the unknown, despite the enormous risks, mirrors the courage seen in today's leaders who confront uncertainty with faith and resilience.  Whether it's the young women challenging oppressive systems or individuals taking stands for justice in their communities,  Mary’s ‘yes’ to God calls us to examine how we respond to the divine invitation in our own lives.  Her journey isn’t just about motherhood or gender—it’s about discipleship, trust, and the power of saying ‘yes’ to God’s call, even when the path ahead is unclear.  In this way, Mary’s example continues to inspire all of us—regardless of gender or background—to trust in God’s plan and take courageous steps toward justice, compassion, and hope.

Today, as we reflect on Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, we see not just a meeting between two relatives but a profound moment of affirmation and trust.  Mary, carrying the promise of the Messiah, finds solace and support in Elizabeth, whose own miraculous pregnancy is a testimony to God’s faithfulness.

Luke 1:39-45 I read from the Amplified Bible

39 Now at this time Mary arose and hurried to the hill country, to a city of Judah (Judea), 40 and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by Him. 

-The best thing about being pregnant is feeling a deep connection to new life growing inside you.  What we have here is even more remarkable.  I doubt that these are the only two women to have this experience, but I mean wow.

42 And she exclaimed loudly, “Blessed [worthy to be praised] are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed [spiritually fortunate and favored by God] is she who believed and confidently trusted that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her [by the angel sent] from the Lord.

This encounter is a bridge between generations—a younger woman seeking confirmation from an elder who understands the weight of the divine.  I’ve come to appreciate the human precision it takes to trust God's plan, especially when the path ahead is uncertain.

Mary’s visit reminds us that faith is not a solo journey.  It is enriched by community, by those who walk with us and remind us that we are part of something far greater.

In Mary and Elizabeth, we see the power of shared faith and mutual support—a timeless reminder that God’s promises are never late but arrive with perfect precision.  Beverly Roberts Gaventa, in Mary: Glimpses of the Mother of Jesus, notes that this meeting exemplifies the deep bonds of kinship and covenant, recalling the Old Testament narratives of faithful women like Ruth and Naomi, who found strength in solidarity.

The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55 AMP)

46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 “For He has looked [with loving care] on the humble state of His maidservant;

For behold, from now on all generations will count me blessed and happy and favored by God!

-We all would like to leave a legacy, but this simple woman is right as we think of her primarily blessed and happy.  Some go as far to say that Mary had no pain with pregnancy.  But I think of her

49 “For He who is mighty has done great things for me; And holy is His name [to be worshiped in His purity, majesty, and glory].

50 “And His mercy is upon generation after generation

Toward those who [stand in great awe of God and] fear Him.

51 “He has done mighty deeds with His [powerful] arm;

He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

-Mary had experience with those people she is telling us clearly here.  She did not come through life without complications, but she has seen the work of the Lord in her very presence.    

52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

And exalted those who were humble.

- In the Magnificat, Mary speaks words that bridge the infinite and the immediate.  She is singular—chosen to bear the Word made flesh—and yet isolated, holding within her a truth no one else can yet see or fully understand.  Her song is an act of both expression and faith, words given shape to magnify what is otherwise beyond human comprehension.  My soul magnifies the Lord. It is a phrase that carries the weight of paradox: humility and exaltation, isolation and connection, the finite body holding the infinite God.

53 “He has filled the hungry with good things;

And sent the rich away empty-handed.

- Mary had experienced hunger and wanting.

54 “He has helped His servant Israel,

In remembrance of His mercy,

55 Just as He promised to our fathers,

To Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

56 And Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and then returned to her home.

Abraham reminds me of Sara and her own miraculous birth here.  In Genesis 18:12 from the Amplified Bible:

12 So Sarah laughed to herself [when she heard the Lord’s words], saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure and delight, my lord (husband) being also old?” 

(Gen 17:17)  17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? And shall Sara, who is ninety years old, bear a child?”

It is not a straight path but it goes through Sara and Mary.  Mary was like an answer to the laughter of Sara.  Progress would come slowly, but it would come.  People go to great lengths to say that Mary did not suffer and how that is important.  They talk of special grace.  I think that Mary must have suffered not the least when her child was killed.

Instead of believing that God makes it easy for a chosen few, it seems to me a chosen few make it easier for all of us. 

It is hard to look on Mary without are modern eyes.  That perhaps is not always a terrible thing.  We imagine a world that Mary did not live in, but Mary lives in this world.  There are many things we know that Mary knew.  It is easy to dismiss the role of women in the church.  It is easy to dismiss the complications of women in health research.

But we create a world out of balance.  Knocked off the ball we run on satellites.  We run faster but we get nowhere fast.  It is hotter.  !.5 degrees Celsius to be precise.

Women’s contributions are still often overlooked today. From unequal pay to the lack of women in leadership roles, society continues to undervalue their skills and perspectives.  Yet, examples of their resilience and excellence stand out—whether in movements like climate activism, with leaders like Greta Thunberg, or in healthcare and education, where women often play vital roles in their communities.  Even in faith settings, where traditional roles can persist, women lead with strength and wisdom, reflecting the virtues praised in Proverbs 31.  By sharing these stories, we can connect ancient teachings with modern life and encourage everyone to support full participation in building a better world.

Greta Thunberg, a young Swedish environmental activist, has been pivotal in raising global awareness about climate change.  Her work highlights the often-underestimated role of youth, particularly young women, in shaping global discourse on environmental justice. Her activism challenges the status quo, showing that even a single individual can spark global movements.  Much like Mary, who was young and from a humble background, Thunberg’s voice was not one that the world initially expected to make an impact, but her courage and dedication have reshaped how we think about climate activism.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus demonstrated a deep love and respect for his mother, Mary, while also using moments involving her to teach profound spiritual truths.  At the wedding in Cana, Mary’s trust in Jesus led to his first public miracle, transforming water into wine.  Her quiet confidence—“Do whatever he tells you”—reveals her understanding of his divine purpose.  Yet even in this intimate moment, Jesus subtly reminds her, “My hour has not yet come,” pointing beyond the immediate need to the greater mission ahead. This balance of care for his mother and focus on his divine calling is a recurring theme in their relationship.

Jesus also challenged traditional notions of family, broadening them to include all who follow God’s will.  When told his mother and brothers were seeking him, he responded, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?  Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”  This wasn’t a dismissal of Mary but an invitation for all to see themselves as part of a larger spiritual family.  Similarly, when a woman praised Mary from the crowd, Jesus shifted the focus to obedience:  “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”  In these moments, Jesus honored Mary’s role while emphasizing that faith and action bind us to God’s family more deeply than biological ties.

At the cross, however, we see the tenderness of a son who never forgot his mother.  In one of his final acts, Jesus ensured Mary would be cared for, entrusting her to his beloved disciple, John: “Woman, here is your son.”  Even as he bore the weight of the world’s sin, Jesus’ concern for Mary was deeply human, a reminder that divine mission and personal love coexist in God’s kingdom.  Together, these moments paint a picture of Jesus as both the Son of God and a devoted son to Mary, expanding our understanding of family and faith while never neglecting the bonds of love.

Mary’s Magnificat, her song of praise, is remarkable not only for its theological depth but for its revolutionary vision.  It speaks of a world turned upside down, where the humble are lifted, the hungry are fed, and the powerful are brought low.  These are not mere words of comfort—they are a proclamation of God’s justice and mercy, a declaration of hope for all who feel unseen, unheard, or forgotten.

Mary’s story, her song, and her faith, all three, are timeless reminders that God’s work often begins in the most humble and unexpected places.  Through her, we see learn these three: how faith transforms fear, how trust in God’s promises brings strength, and how the ordinary can carry the extraordinary.

As we move through Advent, let us reflect on Mary’s legacy—not just as the mother of Jesus but as a model of discipleship, courage, and unwavering trust in God.  Her story invites us to see our lives as part of a greater narrative, to trust in divine timing, and to magnify God’s presence in all that we do.

May we, like Mary, carry God’s promise into the world, even when the path is uncertain.  May we find strength in community, as Mary did with Elizabeth.  And may we remember that God is always “on the ball,” working through us to bring light into the darkness, hope into despair, and love into the world.

There are more women in Mary's community.  Starting from the most humble of places and the only two people to laugh directly at God in the Bible.  Do you think that is significant who the two people in the bible are who laugh at God?  The Christian community that developed from Abraham and Sara told themselves a story of three women.

The stories of Lilith, Eve, and Mary can be radically reinterpreted as a triad exploring humanity’s evolving relationship with power, freedom, and transformation.  Lilith, often cast as a villain in traditional folklore, represents a primal demand for equality and autonomy, rejecting both hierarchy and submission.  In her defiance, she becomes a shadow figure—a reminder of what humanity exiles when it fears the unyielding call for justice and self-definition.  Eve, positioned as the archetypal "fallen" figure, is not merely a symbol of weakness but of curiosity and risk.  Her decision to eat the fruit can be reframed as a courageous step into the unknown, a necessary rupture that sets the stage for human growth and the pursuit of wisdom, albeit through pain and toil.  Together, Lilith and Eve embody the paradoxes of rebellion and consequence, revealing that creation’s truest challenge lies in negotiating the boundaries between freedom and interdependence.

Mary, in this radical lens, emerges not as a docile counterpoint but as the harmonizer who reclaims the power of choice on her own terms.  Her "yes" to God is neither passive nor predestined but an act of radical trust in the possibility of transformation.  Unlike Lilith and Eve, who grapple with systems of exclusion and consequence, Mary transcends these cycles by offering a vision of integrated humanity—where autonomy and surrender coexist in a creative tension.  In her, the divine meets the human not in domination or judgment but in partnership and grace.  Seen through this lens, Lilith, Eve, and Mary together form a continuum of human striving: from raw independence, through the struggle of brokenness, to the redemptive embrace of purpose and renewal.  Their stories invite us to confront not just the roles we are given, but the ones we can choose to redefine.

Mary reminds us that greatness often begins in humility and faith, not in power or privilege.  Her story challenges us to recognize the overlooked and honor the contributions of those often dismissed.  Like Mary, may we respond to God’s call with courage, trusting that even our smallest acts of faith can be part of something extraordinary.  As we await the coming of Christ this Advent, let us also prepare our hearts to magnify the Lord through our own lives, lifting up the lowly and filling the hungry with good things

This week, I challenge you to take a moment to recognize and uplift someone whose role often goes unnoticed—whether it’s a caregiver, a volunteer, or a colleague working behind the scenes.  Let them know their work matters, and in doing so, reflect the love and recognition that God shows to all of us, no matter how small our part may seem.

Like Mary, may we recognize the power and dignity in every role we play, embracing our callings with faith and courage, knowing that even the smallest acts of trust can echo through eternity.  Let us go forward, inspired by Mary’s example, not only to trust in God but to actively build the community, justice, and hope that this world so desperately needs.  And as we do, may we find courage in the knowledge that the work of the Lord, though often unseen, is always at hand.

Let Us Pray:

God of infinite love and timeless precision, we come before You with hearts open to Your guiding light.  You have called each of us into a life of purpose, woven with faith, courage, and trust in Your promises.  In Mary’s story, we see our own call to surrender to Your will, even in uncertainty.  Strengthen us to walk paths of compassion, justice, and humility, always seeking to uplift and support one another.  Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may magnify Your name in our words and actions, carrying Your hope into the world. Amen.

Benediction:

Go forth into the world with hearts attuned to the call of grace.  In every encounter, may you bring kindness, in every challenge, perseverance, and in every moment, peace.  Go now, carrying the light of hope and love to all you meet.  Amen.

Nottingham UMC 12/22/2024

Words

We put our faith in words
The reason they exist is not what we use them for

In the beginning was the word

A unified theory of expression

I would like to say something helpful

We live on different planets

The many worlds interpretation of memory

If we all remember in slightly different ways

Billions of planets right here

How much does the universe contain?

None of the words will tell you

Mary

 The story about Mary is about Marry.  You know several years ago when I started giving these messages I wrote them down for several reasons.  I have been preaching now mostly the third week of the month for longer than I can remember.  We were all on zoom I know that.  

The first reason I wrote them down was maybe I could re-use them.  Making a message is hard enough it seemed silly to use it once.  Another reason: I have sermons my grandfather took the time to type out.  I want my children and grandchildren to have that.  I got to know my grandfather even better after he died,

He was an incredible man and even more if you know him then he ever showed you.  He is still providing for his family.  When my daughter passed the bar he helped me with my gift for them.  I gave them one of the clocks I had got from him.  It is a very special wall clock.  Designed by Seth Thomas and manufactured by the Ball Watch company.  This comes from a time when everything was made in Cleveland.  My grandfather knew this world well.  When he wanted to buy an instrument for his son to play he went to the local manufacturer of trombones.  

Yes we used to make trombones here in Cleveland, but before I get too far off track I want to tell you the story of the Ball Watch Company.  This was a time before computers as we know them.  Clocks were our first real computers.  We don't appreciate the world we create when we all just agree what time it is.  Time pieces allowed ships to chart their course with increasing accuracy leading them round and round the world.  Everything in that world ran on the Ball.

That expression on the Ball.  It is like the context we lose from the scriptures.  The things people just knew.  To my modern ears being on the ball is just a simple expression of someone like my Sara who has always been on task.  Will this strategy continue to serve them well?  I believe it will.  Well now to the story of The Ball Watch Company of Cleveland, Ohio.  If you were on the ball you were on time.  As Debbie discussed two weeks ago God is on the Ball actively working for good.  We don't know what is coming, but we know it will be good.

A funny thing happened these last years even as I arrived to the same spot on the liturgical calendar.  Now this takes years for it to happen that the third Sunday of the month is the same scripture in the calendar, but now it has happened many times to me.  I find myself not repeating even one message.

A message is singular as is Mary.

Won

The more you win the harder it is
When I think of what we were

Champions of everything

Where battle cries tears of joy

Victory forever elusive

When we won

We are playing by different rules

When I sum the result non-zero

You may count different yet one answer

We can change our definitions

Were always ours

At home with victory 

Trophy hunter wins fade

Something to endure is  the winning

Loss

The more you lose the easier it is

That first one maybe sixth grade

Gone were my football cards

42 years later I am an old pro

Loss leads you to places you were not going

Some are larger than others

When certain people go it is like living on a different planet

I have lost more than I remember

My victories is what is around me

Not where I was going

No where I would rather be

Bound

Jesus’ kingdom is "not of this world" and belongs to a reality beyond the physical world, beyond our understanding of time, space, and even the Big Bang.  When Jesus tells Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world,” he is referring to a realm governed by values, authority, and a reality that differs from those of earthly kingdoms.

Christ the King Sunday, celebrated on the final Sunday of the Christian liturgical year, is a moment to reflect on the sovereignty of Christ over all creation.  For Methodists, this day, sometimes called "Christ Reigns Sunday," emphasizes Jesus’ spiritual kingship, which transcends earthly power and points to a reign rooted in truth, justice, and love.  It marks the culmination of the church calendar, serving as a bridge between the reflections of the liturgical year and the anticipation of Advent, when believers prepare to welcome the Christ child.

The theme of Christ's reign invites us to contemplate a kingdom "not of this world", one defined by compassion, humility, and divine truth.  It challenges us to reimagine authority—not as a force of domination but as a call to service and unity under God’s eternal and inclusive rule.  On this day, we celebrate not only the promise of Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and death but also our role as participants in building a world that reflects his transformative love.

Christ's reign transcends earthly constraints, not bound by material existence or the limits we understand through science.  Jesus might be understood as pointing toward a kingdom that originates from the divine, which encompasses and exceeds not just our world but the whole cosmos—indeed, the entirety of creation, including the Big Bang and everything that flowed from it.

Jesus’ words emphasize that his mission, purpose, and kingdom go beyond physical power, earthly kingdoms, or any human construct.  The “kingdom not of this world” calls us to look beyond the visible material reality toward a more profound spiritual truth;  the divine, eternal perspective .  This gives us a broader spiritual perspective that stretches beyond the Big Bang, even beyond the universe, toward something fundamentally divine and infinite.

The best physics researcher will tell you they have only identified about 5% of the universe.  It is made up of ordinary matter that physics can currently explain, while the remaining 95% is comprised of dark matter and dark energy, which are largely unknown and not fully understood by physics.  There is a context of the word beyond all of this.

Yes, all energy we use today ultimately originates from the Big Bang.  That initial event, we understand, set in motion the creation and distribution of all the matter and energy in the universe, fueling stars, forming planets, and creating the conditions for life.  Energy from the Big Bang created stars, which in turn generate energy through nuclear fusion.  The sun converts hydrogen into helium, releasing energy that powers almost all life and processes on Earth.  Oil, coal, and natural gas are essentially stored solar energy.  Ancient plants captured sunlight through photosynthesis, and over millions of years, this organic material transformed into fossil fuels.

Elements like uranium were formed in supernovae (exploding stars) after the Big Bang.  The energy we release from nuclear reactions taps into the force that holds atomic nuclei together, a consequence of processes that began with the Big Bang.

The Earth’s core is still cooling from the energy and gravitational compression that formed the planet, with some additional radioactive decay contributing.  This heat links back to the Big Bang, as it’s part of the overall energy distribution in the universe.  Energy manifests in diverse forms, but it's all derived from the initial cosmic "budget" of the Big Bang.

What would it mean if that was all there was?

People might struggle with a sense of purposelessness without a higher power to give life direction.  Shared beliefs about a divine unify communities.  Without them, ethical frameworks could feel arbitrary, risking social fragmentation.  Many find meaning in traditions tied to belief.  If seen as purely social constructs, they might lose personal and cultural value.

Even if belief systems evolved to meet certain cognitive or social needs, they can still foster well-being, purpose, and ethical behavior, and can be adapted meaningfully in a secular context.  Without a divine framework there’s a deeper responsibility to ourselves and to each other, to shape a meaningful existence here and now.  We become co-creators of our world, with the freedom to imagine and pursue ideals that unite us.  There's an invitation to embrace our time here with urgency, understanding that life’s brevity can intensify the value of each moment.

If evolution were to continue indefinitely without major extinctions, life forms could conceivably reach levels of intelligence, awareness, and capability that might resemble what we imagine as "divine" qualities: omniscience (through unlimited knowledge), omnipotence (through advanced control over energy and matter), and omnipresence (through expansive reach across the universe).  In such a scenario, the divine wouldn’t come from outside the universe but would emerge gradually, as a natural progression of complexity and consciousness.

In this view, the “divine” could be seen as a potential within the universe, not an external creator but rather the highest evolution of life, representing unity, understanding, and even compassion on a cosmic scale. It could transform our idea of divinity from something separate and absolute to something deeply connected with life’s potential and the universe’s natural unfolding.

The Alpha and the Omega

Jesuit priest and paleontologist Teilhard de Chardin proposed the concept of the "Omega Point," a stage in evolution where consciousness and complexity reach their peak, effectively forming a collective consciousness or divine state.  According to de Chardin, evolution moves toward higher complexity and consciousness, ultimately converging into a unified, divine point.  His idea has been discussed as a spiritual, scientific, and philosophical framework for an "emergent divinity."

Some futurists, like Ray Kurzweil, posit that humanity will reach a "Singularity," where artificial intelligence and biotechnology evolve to surpass human limitations.  This transition might involve life forms with intelligence, power, and presence that surpass what we currently comprehend.  Though not divine in a theological sense, these beings would exhibit god-like qualities, and some have speculated about them as a form of secular or “engineered divinity.”   If evolution is a fundamental force in the universe, then the universe and all of life could be part of a divine whole that unfolds over time.

Each of these theories approaches the idea of a “natural” divinity—a divinity that evolves through the universe’s own mechanisms, rather than being external or supernatural.  It reimagines “God” as the endpoint or peak of evolutionary potential, shaped by the forces already present in the cosmos.

In contrast to earthly kings who rely on strength, force, or military power to rule, Jesus presents a spiritual kingship, where leadership is not about asserting control over people, but about embodying and revealing the truth that others can freely choose to follow.  The "king" in this context is not a ruler who imposes authority, but one who inspires through truth, inviting people to live in alignment with that truth.

The key distinction here is that in Jesus' definition, a king is someone who serves the truth, and that truth is what ultimately draws people to follow.  This is a radical shift from traditional kingship, where power is often used to enforce obedience and rule.  Jesus’ kingdom is one where those who seek truth willingly listen to his words, following him because they recognize the truth he represents, rather than being compelled by force or fear.

In this sense, Jesus' kingship is transformative—it invites people into a relationship with truth itself, rather than subjugating them through power or violence.

For Jesus,

A ruler shares truth,

Not by force, but by his voice—

Souls listen, not bow.

Today's scripture John 18:33-37 I will read from the Amplified Bible:

33 So Pilate went into the Praetorium again, and called Jesus and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus replied, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own people and their chief priests have handed You over to me. What have You done [that is worthy of death]?” 36 Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world [nor does it have its origin in this world]. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting [hard] to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this world.”

Jesus had been betrayed, but he's indicating a kind of strength that Pilate cannot fully grasp—it's a power that doesn’t need armies or conflict to assert itself.  This is indeed a rare, if indirect, "boast" in the Gospels, where Jesus alludes to an unbreakable strength in his mission and identity that no earthly ruler can overcome or even comprehend.  It's a powerful, understated way of conveying his authority.

I imagine Jesus and God sharing a laugh over how Pilate—and, by extension, many people—fail to grasp the full, cosmic scale of things   Human limitations: while people worry over control and dominance, they’re often unaware of the far larger, inevitable forces at play.   Here Pilate was, grasping at control, while his world is hurtling through space on a timeline he can’t see or change. 

Pilate thinks he holds all the cards—meanwhile, the ground he’s standing on spins through the cosmos like a speck.  If only he knew he’s just a bit player in a drama that stretches past the stars!  huh? Jesus appreciating the irony that Pilate, so fixated on earthly power, misses the reality of his own smallness in the grand, divine scheme.  Pilate is not less than, but he certainly isn't greater.

Power in his hands—

yet the earth beneath his feet

drifts through endless night.

 37 So Pilate said to Him, “Then You are a King?” Jesus answered, “You say [correctly] that I am a King. This is why I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth [who is a friend of the truth and belongs to the truth] hears and listens carefully to My voice.”

This defines a king not as a figure of power through force but one whose authority comes from truth, which is central to the nature of leadership as Jesus defines it.  This concept contrasts with typical human leaders who rely on coercion or power dynamics.

When applied to human interactions and leadership, symbiosis (a mutually beneficial relationship) mirrors the biblical idea of leadership based on truth, compassion, and respect, rather than dominance.  Human progress  might eventually result in a society where truth, cooperation, and leadership without oppression become the norm. 

The principle that leadership and authority based on truth—where people listen to and follow based on alignment with truth—is ultimately more effective and ethically sound than coercive or parasitic systems of rule.  This leads to a logical exploration of what makes true leadership and authority.  

In Matthew 20:25-28  Jesus teaches his disciples that true greatness is not about lording over others but serving them.  This directly contrasts worldly power with divine leadership, which is rooted in humility and service. It's a foundational passage for understanding leadership based on truth and compassion.

“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave...” 

Christ’s humble nature, who, though being in the form of God, chose to become a servant.  This act of humility and self-sacrifice embodies divine leadership that transcends worldly power, aligning with themes of compassion and truth in leadership.

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself...” (Philippians 2:5-7)

Jesus lays out his mission: to bring good news to the poor, proclaim freedom for prisoners, and bring recovery of sight to the blind.  This aligns with the leadership of compassion and truth, showing that leadership in God’s kingdom is focused on justice, mercy, and the healing of brokenness in society.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor...” (Luke 4:18)

Jesus outlines the nature of divine leadership—one that is gentle, just, and rooted in the care of the oppressed and marginalized.

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.” (Isaiah 42:1)

Leadership is compassionate, humble, just, and centered in truth, reflecting the divine authority that transcends worldly power.

This can be all very overwhelming.  We need to focus on different things at different times.  This is what the liturgical calendar helps us to remember as we keep moving through the years.  There are practical steps we can take as we tarry.  It takes a long time for God to save everyone that is going to be saved.  The process hold intrinsic value.  The miracle of the loaves really does feel like an example of abundance through sharing, where everyone received something, and yet the total blessing far exceeded the original amount. This perspective brings an everyday sense to that miraculous story—highlighting how even small contributions, when shared, can multiply in impact and meaning.

I will close this message with something a bit unique.  I read recently about a study on how rats can learn to drive small vehicles to reach treats, shedding light on animal cognition, motivation, and emotional expression.  Researchers found that when housed in enriched environments—with toys, social companions, and extra space—rats not only learned to drive faster but also showed signs of heightened engagement and motivation.  Interestingly, these rats displayed behavior that went beyond simple reward-seeking; they often seemed to enjoy the experience itself, sometimes opting to drive rather than take a direct path on foot, as though the process held intrinsic satisfaction.

In a second phase, researchers introduced a “Wait For It” protocol, testing how delayed rewards affected the rats’ behavior and cognitive flexibility.  The results were striking: rats that learned to wait for treats showed more optimistic and resilient problem-solving styles, alongside unique physical indicators of positive emotion.  Observers noted that the rats expressed emotion through their entire bodies, particularly through tail posture, which changed in ways associated with dopamine release and pleasure.  This study highlights the powerful effects of environment and positive anticipation on learning and emotional resilience.

Rats in tiny cars,

tails curled in joyful motion—

a journey unfolds

As we prepare to leave this space of worship, let us carry with us the charge of Christ’s truth—a truth that does not merely call us to believe but compels us to act.  Each of us is invited into the work of God’s kingdom, not as passive onlookers but as active participants.  This means living with integrity, showing mercy, and advocating for justice in every corner of our lives.  In Christ, we see that true leadership is not rooted in power but in service, not in control but in compassion.  What steps can we take this week to embody this truth in our families, workplaces, and communities?

The path of discipleship is not always easy, but it is transformative.  When we choose to align our lives with the truth of Christ, we become bearers of hope in a world that often feels adrift.  We proclaim, through our actions, that His kingdom is alive and active—not bound by borders or politics but flourishing wherever love reigns.  Let us go forth boldly, knowing that we walk not in isolation but as part of the body of Christ, empowered by His Spirit to bring light to the darkness.  

I will leave you with something my grandfather wrote about compassion:

"There remains one final problem. You may not pretend to experiences you have not had, and all of us know quite well that there are ills in the world that lie beyond our experience. No two lives coincide, and given the totality of man's experience, what any of us may know and feel is very little. How then, are we to match a limited life to the limitless occasion's for sympathy.

The best we can do is try to cultivate patiently that unselfishness of mind and heart which we know as imagination. When human relationships break down, that break down always implies failure on someone's part to put himself in the place of another. Thus a student of social affairs says, "The broken link between classes in the modern world is a fundamental defect of imagination."  

(wfmsermons.blogspot.com/2009/11/virtue-of-compassion.html)

Let us Pray

Divine Source of truth and light,

We come before you, grateful for the boundless love that transcends all understanding.

Guide us to embrace your kingdom, one not bound by the limits of this world,

but rooted in truth, compassion, and the eternal.

Help us to lead with humility, serve with purpose,

and find unity in the shared calling to care for one another and all creation.

May your truth be the foundation of our actions,

and your love the strength that carries us forward.

In the name of your infinite wisdom and grace,

we give thanks and seek your peace. Amen.

Benediction

Go now into the world with hearts full of truth and hands ready to serve.

May the boundless grace of the Divine guide your steps,

the unshakable truth of love shape your actions,

and the eternal light of compassion lead you always.

Amen.

Nottingham UMC 11/24/2024

Bound

Bound by old starlight,
we trace finite paths, while streams
pour boundless beyond

Haiku's short form leaves no room for anything but the essentials, yet that very constraint makes it powerful—kind of like trying to fit infinite ideas into a few drops of ink.  Like the Big Bang it makes every syllable count

Power in his hands—
yet the earth beneath his feet
drifts through endless night

Waves

Then they came to Jericho...this is how our scripture from Mark begins.  People have always been coming to Jericho.  When we think of Jericho we often think of the walls that Joshua brought tumbling down.  Jericho has the earliest examples of city fortifications.   Around 8000 BCE, the city was surrounded by massive stone walls, and it even had a tower over 25 feet high. is considered the oldest known human-made stone tower in the world.

Jericho is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of settlement dating back to around 9000 BCE.  Archaeologists have uncovered remains of at least 20 successive settlements in Jericho over millennia, making it one of the earliest centers of human civilization.

Jericho is located near the Ein es-Sultan spring, which has provided a consistent water source for thousands of years.  This reliable water supply was critical in the ancient world, as it made Jericho a fertile oasis in the harsh desert region, allowing for early agriculture and sustained settlement.  Despite being situated in the middle of an arid desert, Jericho’s consistent water supply has made it a lush, fertile area.  The city is more than 800 feet below sea level, making it the lowest city on Earth, and its unique climate has supported continuous human habitation.

Jericho is located in a natural oasis and perhaps as good as any opportunity.  When we talk about the depth of the material we are dealing with it is not an exaggeration to say we could construct a complete sermon from just one line.  They came to Jericho.  The people recording these stories certainly understood the context of Jericho.

In the Battle of Jericho, the Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership, conquer the city by following God's command to march around its walls for seven days.  This victory is seen as a result of God’s intervention and the Israelites' obedience.    In Joshua 6, the Israelites are commanded to march around the walls of Jericho for seven days, blowing trumpets and shouting.  Their persistence, even when it might have seemed fruitless, is rewarded when the walls miraculously fall.  This required great faith in God’s promise.

In Mark 10, Bartimaeus persists in calling out to Jesus despite being rebuked by the crowd.  His faith in Jesus' ability to heal him drives him to continue, and his persistence is rewarded when Jesus restores his sight.  Faith and perseverance in the face of opposition lead to a miraculous outcome.  Jericho’s story parallels Bartimaeus’ journey of seeking and finding healing.  Just as Jericho represents layers of renewal and the overcoming of barriers, Bartimaeus' call to Jesus reveals a personal journey of breaking through obstacles

We can not find anything when we look

There are no theories that test time

The duality of our existence

There are things we know to 105 trillion decimal places

Among the things that do not repeat

We know many infinities

In the Battle of Jericho, the physical walls of the city represent barriers that stand in the way of the Israelites' success and possession of the promised land.  God’s intervention brings down these walls, symbolizing the breaking of obstacles to their divine inheritance.  The Israelites’ conquest of Jericho represents the fulfillment of God’s promise to give them the land of Canaan. God delivers the city into their hands, as long as they faithfully obey.

Jericho is considered one of the sites where the Neolithic Revolution occurred; when the shift from hunting and gathering to farming took place.  Archaeological evidence shows the inhabitants of Jericho were practicing early forms of agriculture, including the cultivation of barley and wheat.  The city’s development is linked to one of the first instances of organized farming and permanent settlement.

One of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Jericho is the plastered human skulls found in the ancient ruins, dating back to around 7000 BCE.  These skulls were part of burial customs, where the skulls of deceased ancestors were preserved, plastered with clay to create facial features, and sometimes decorated with shells for eyes.  This practice suggests a form of ancestor veneration or early religious beliefs.

Jericho was a significant city during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.  It became part of the Hasmonean kingdom around the 2nd century BCE and later fell under Roman control.  Herod the Great built a winter palace in Jericho and developed the city with Roman architecture and infrastructure.  Jericho was an important center during this period, known for its production of dates and balsam

Jericho has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over its long history . Its location as a strategic and fertile oasis made it a target for conquerors, but it also enabled the city to rise again after destruction.  Throughout ancient history, Jericho was a site of conquest, including by the Babylonians and later the Persians.  

Today, Jericho is a part of the West Bank and is under the control of the Palestinian Authority.  It continues to be a site of historical interest and tourism due to its rich archaeological history.  Jericho’s ancient ruins, particularly the Tell es-Sultan archaeological site, attract visitors and scholars from around the world.

In math at the edge we deal in probabilities

The language of science

This should tell you something

Why can we find a thought

Even the electron sometimes alludes us

Things do not scatter how we would have them

Then they came to Jericho.  They came to this opportunity that breeds success.  As long as there have been places.  We read in Mark 6 46-52 how Bartimaeus Receives His Sight.  I read  from the amplified Bible.

46 Then they came to Jericho. And as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting beside the road [as was his custom]. 

People had survived in this place as long as there had been places to survive.   Spiritual success, like physical healing, is often tied to recognizing and seizing moments of grace.  Just as opportunities in life can lead to success, moments of divine opportunity—like encountering Jesus—can lead to spiritual breakthroughs.  Bartimaeus' encounter was an opportunity like so many in Jericho God provided.

47 When Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout and say, “Jesus, Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!” 48 Many sternly rebuked him, telling him to keep still and be quiet; but he kept on shouting out all the more, “Son of David (Messiah), have mercy on me!

Bartimaeus  seizes the opportunity by crying out, even when the crowd tries to silence him.  This reflects the idea that opportunities for success or change are often fleeting, and recognizing them is crucial to experiencing success.  Bartimaeus doesn’t passively wait for Jesus to notice him—he actively takes initiative.  His persistence in calling out, even when others rebuke him, shows that success is often born from those who recognize an opportunity and take bold action.  Just as Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus, success often requires us to actively pursue opportunities, even in the face of obstacles.

49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, telling him, “Take courage, get up! He is calling for you.” 

“Take courage, get up! He is calling for you.”   The rebukes turn to this joyous good news.  "Take courage, get up! He is calling for you.”

50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 

So here we find ourselves too.  What do you want Jesus to do for you?  

You know one of my favorite things is good answers.  As a teacher and especially a parent.  I have an affinity for black and white problems.  This I believe lead me to serve in different parts of the world.  In a war there are clear things that need to be fixed.  It is easy to know where to start in my experience.  In our community it can be challenging to know where to start.  These moments  require both humility and courage—qualities that define both the act of faith and Jesus’ ministry.

I have this belief that any success I have had in life has come from opportunity.  The lack of opportunity in places in our community brings failure and blindness.  

The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni (my Master), let me regain my sight.” 

He knew where to begin.  Rabbi, I want to see”— this demonstrates both faith and clarity of purpose.  His success comes not only because the opportunity presented itself, but because he had the faith and boldness to act on it.  This reflects the spiritual dimension of the saying "opportunity breeds success," where faith allows us to take hold of divine opportunities for transformation.

52 Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith [and confident trust in My power] has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and began following Jesus on the road.

Bartimaeus’ blindness  symbolizes the human struggle with understanding deeper truths and reflects on our attempts to grasp complex realities.  Bartimaeus, despite his blindness, "sees" something deeper—his faith in Jesus and the possibility of healing.  In contrast we often struggle to  capture the truth which points to the limitations of human perception.

The persistent cry of Bartimaeus might reflect the human desire to understand, to find meaning in the chaos and complexity of life.  There's a sense of searching, of wrestling with the boundaries of what can be known.  Bartimaeus doesn’t give up, even when others tell him to be silent, just as we continue to search even though "things do not scatter how we would have them."

Bartimaeus’ faith in Jesus mirrors a kind of faith in the unknown, much like the trust in scientific theories that often deal with probabilities rather than certainties.  There is more beyond what we can measure or know, just as Bartimaeus’ faith extends beyond what he can see.  Jesus invites Bartimaeus to state his desire, and through faith, he receives sight.

In Mark 10, Bartimaeus' sight is restored, which represents not just physical healing but also spiritual insight and revelation.  There's a feeling of elusiveness, but that does not mean we stop searching—whether in sight, knowledge, or understanding—there is potential for overcoming limits through faith, perseverance, and revelation.

Yes, there is a compelling relationship between the concept of "opportunity breeds success" and Mark 10:46-52, the story of Bartimaeus, the blind man who receives his sight from Jesus.  In this passage, Bartimaeus’ faith and his seizing of the opportunity when Jesus passes by ultimately lead to his healing and restoration.

Faith is an Opportunity for Healing.  The healing of Bartimaeus combines two elements:  Jesus’ power (grace) and Bartimaeus’ willingness to seize the opportunity (initiative).  This relationship between divine grace and human response is at the heart of the phrase "opportunity breeds success" in a spiritual context.  Jesus provides the opportunity for healing, and Bartimaeus' faith and persistence make the success (healing) possible.

In both life and faith, success often requires not only the availability of opportunity but also the wisdom, faith, and courage to seize it, much like Bartimaeus seizing the moment when Jesus was near.  Where there is success there is opportunity.  Where there is trouble there is a lack of opportunity  In the story of Bartimaeus, Jericho becomes a place of personal transformation. Bartimaeus receives his sight showing Jericho once again as a site of divine action and intervention.

For Bartimaeus, his blindness is a personal barrier—one that isolates him and diminishes his quality of life.  His faith in Jesus allows this barrier to be broken down.  Something that seemed immovable (the walls of Jericho and Bartimaeus’ blindness) is overcome through divine power.

In Mark 10, Bartimaeus' healing reflects the fulfillment of Jesus' role as the Messiah who brings restoration and healing.  Bartimaeus' faith leads to his physical and spiritual restoration, a manifestation of Jesus’ mission to save and restore those who seek Him.

In Joshua 6, the walls of Jericho fall after the Israelites shout in faith following God’s instruction. The shout is a powerful symbol of faith in action—an expression of trust in God’s promise.  Bartimaeus’ shout is also key to his miracle.  Despite the crowd’s attempt to silence him, he continues to cry out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  His voice, like the shout of the Israelites, becomes the catalyst for divine intervention.

Both stories depict a victory over seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  For the Israelites, it’s the impenetrable walls of Jericho; for Bartimaeus, it’s his lifelong blindness.  In both cases, victory comes not through human strength or logic, but through faith and divine power.

After the fall of Jericho, the Israelites moved further into the Promised Land, symbolizing a new chapter of their journey.  In Bartimaeus’ story, his sight is restored, marking a new chapter in his life.  Both stories symbolize transformation—a new beginning through faith and divine intervention.

The story of Jericho and Bartimaeus emphasize the power of faith, persistence, and God’s intervention to overcome significant barriers, whether they be physical walls or personal limitations.  Jericho is a place where divine power breaks through the impossible, and both stories illustrate how God’s promises and transformative power are realized through faith.

Yes, Jericho holds fascinating significance not only in religious texts but also in secular history and archaeology.  One of the Oldest Inhabited Cities in the World.  The “Spring of Jericho."  Jericho and the Agricultural Revolution.  The "Jericho Skulls."  Destruction and Rebuilding.

Jericho’s significance extends far beyond its biblical narrative.  As one of the world’s oldest cities, its history is a testament to human civilization, showcasing early advances in agriculture, architecture, and urban development. Its role as a thriving settlement throughout multiple ages—from the Neolithic era to the Roman period—makes it a fascinating focal point for both archaeology and history.

Jericho Has Seen the Longest Series of Human Settlements.  Despite numerous destructions and abandonments, people kept returning to the same location because of its fertile land and access to water.   Suffering and Restoration

Isaiah 53 describes the Suffering Servant, who endures pain, rejection, and suffering on behalf of others, ultimately leading to their healing and salvation. This servant "bears our griefs" and "by his wounds, we are healed" (Isaiah 53:4-5).

In Mark 10:46-52, Bartimaeus is physically blind and marginalized, much like the "despised and rejected" servant in Isaiah.  His encounter with Jesus brings about his restoration and healing, symbolizing the transformative power of faith.  The healing of Bartimaeus can be seen as a reflection of the servant's role in bringing healing and redemption to those who believe.

Isaiah 53 implies that the Suffering Servant's sacrifice requires faith and belief in order to receive the benefits of salvation: "the righteous one, my servant, shall make many righteous" (Isaiah 53:11). 

In Mark, Bartimaeus's faith is central to his healing. When Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me," he expresses a deep faith in Jesus' ability to heal.  Jesus responds to Bartimaeus with, "Go; your faith has made you well" (Mark 10:52).  This echoes the redemptive power of faith described in Isaiah 53, where those who turn to the servant are restored and healed.

Isaiah 53:3: "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief."  The Suffering Servant is portrayed as someone who is rejected by society but still fulfills God's redemptive plan.

Bartimaeus is a blind beggar, someone who was an outcast in society. People even rebuke him and try to silence him when he cries out to Jesus.  However, like the servant in Isaiah 53, Bartimaeus' condition doesn't disqualify him from receiving mercy and healing.  Instead, it is his faith that draws Jesus' attention, not his social status or physical condition.  Bartimaeus’ physical blindness contrasts with his spiritual insight—he “sees” Jesus’ identity and calls out.  Opportunities, spiritual or otherwise, arrive but require us to act with faith and persistence to seize them.

Jesus acts as the compassionate intercessor for Bartimaeus.  He hears Bartimaeus' plea and asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51), showing a deep care and willingness to restore the outcast.  Jesus' response to Bartimaeus mirrors the servant's willingness to bear suffering on behalf of others, providing both physical and spiritual healing.

The servant in Isaiah 53 plays a role in opening people’s eyes to the truth and providing a path to spiritual restoration, despite being "despised" and misunderstood by many. The imagery in Isaiah 53 of bearing the sins and suffering of others can be seen as a metaphor for the restoration of vision, both spiritual and moral.

In Mark 10:46-52, Bartimaeus’ blindness symbolizes both physical and spiritual blindness. Jesus not only restores his physical sight, but his act of healing can be interpreted as a spiritual awakening—Bartimaeus follows Jesus afterward, symbolizing his full transformation.

Isaiah 53 and the Mark 10:46-52 passage are connected through the themes of suffering, healing, and redemption.  Both passages emphasize the power of faith and the idea that God’s mercy is extended to those who are rejected or marginalized.  The healing of Bartimaeus serves as a practical example of the redemptive role of Jesus, who, like the Suffering Servant of Isaiah, brings healing and restoration to those who believe, fulfilling the deeper promises of redemption found in Isaiah 53.

The ancient city of Jericho offers several stories that reflect the theme of "opportunity breeds success," where people or events reveal the power of taking advantage of opportunities to achieve success or overcome obstacles.  Rahab’s Opportunity for Redemption (Joshua 2)   Rahab was a prostitute living in Jericho, saw an opportunity to protect the Israelite spies who had come to scout the city. She hid them from the city’s guards and helped them escape in exchange for a promise that her family would be spared during the upcoming battle.  Rahab recognized the Israelites’ God was powerful and used this opportunity to make a deal with the spies.  When the walls of Jericho fell, Rahab and her family were the only people spared in the city.  Her decision to take this opportunity led to her redemption, and she later became part of the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), showing how seizing a pivotal moment led to lasting success and honor.

Due to its location near the Jordan River and proximity to the Dead Sea, Jericho became a vital stop on ancient trade routes.  Merchants and travelers passed through the city, exchanging goods and ideas, which boosted the city’s economy.  The city’s location made it an ideal hub for trade between Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Levant, creating an opportunity for economic prosperity.  By capitalizing on its strategic position, Jericho became a wealthy and influential city in ancient times. Its economy thrived due to salt trade, agricultural produce, and luxury goods such as balsam.  This economic success was built on taking advantage of the city’s prime geographical location.

In modern times, Jericho capitalized on its rich historical significance and natural beauty (the nearby Mount of Temptation, Dead Sea, and ancient ruins) to become a popular tourist destination.  The city has marketed itself as both a religious and archaeological site, attracting visitors from around the world.

 

Recognizing its heritage, Jericho developed infrastructure to support tourism, with hotels, tours, and conservation efforts centered on its ancient sites and historical legacy.  Tourism has become a major source of income for Jericho. The city’s successful efforts to promote its cultural and historical importance have created job opportunities and boosted its local economy. This modern success stems from taking advantage of the city’s unique past and its natural resources.

These secular stories of Jericho highlight how opportunities in agriculture, trade, archaeology, and tourism were seized to achieve success across different eras. From the city’s earliest settlers to modern-day archaeologists and tourism developers, Jericho’s history reflects the principle that identifying and leveraging opportunities can lead to long-lasting success.

We also encounter walls and blindness in our lives.  This is why these stories feed our very existence.    Reflect on the obstacles that prevent you from spiritual or personal growth and know Jesus is the one who breaks down these barriers.  Bartimaeus’ physical blindness contrasts with his spiritual insight—he “sees” Jesus’ identity and calls out.

As we go out into the week ahead, I invite each of you to look for those moments where faith meets opportunity—those times where a step in trust, a word of kindness, or an act of courage could transform the ordinary into something sacred.   May we remain open to these invitations from God, ready to meet them with willing hearts and steady faith.  Go with eyes open to the possibilities that await.

What are the walls we need to break down in our own lives, and how might our faith in Christ lead us to see the opportunities for grace before us?

Let us Pray:

Gracious and ever-present God, we thank You for the moments in which You open our eyes, revealing truth and offering healing.  Give us the courage to call out, like Bartimaeus, in faith and in trust, even when the world presses us to stay silent.  Strengthen our hearts to recognize Your presence in every opportunity, and to respond with boldness and hope.  Guide us through the barriers we face, and fill us with compassion for others in their struggles.  Let Your love and mercy move through us to bring sight, healing, and peace. Amen.

Benediction:

May you go forward in faith, seeing the paths that God opens before you, walking with courage and with hearts attuned to grace.  In every step, may you be surrounded by peace and strengthened to see and share love in all you do. Amen.

Waves

We can not find anything when we look
There are no theories that test time

The duality of our existence

There are things we know to 105 trillion decimal places

Among the things that do not repeat

We know many infinities

A simple theory

If an electron can do it

Something we are made of

Everything we know the particle

All that we do not the wave

In math at the edge we deal in probabilities

The language of science

This should tell you something

Why can we find a thought

Even the electron sometimes alludes us

Things do not scatter how we would have them

She Rises

When I was young I did not know I was young.  We had a female pastor when I was a kid.  I didn't really learn till later that this was a big deal.  It was the most normal thing to me.  There were many women around me.  I had six grandmas.  Well I had one granny.  Three sisters and where I was there was usually women.

Barbara was the first female pastor at Nottingham.  She could do a sermon with the best of them, but she was really something when she did the things that where uniquely her.  I remember she did a monologue as Nahomi in front of the church.  I didn't know that pastors could do that.

She was the first one to ever ask me to do anything here.  Officially.  She asked me to be the youth representative to the administrative board.  Newly graduated from high school I didn't feel young.  It felt important.  We used to have those meetings at people's houses.  That first meeting there were a lot of us; fourteen I remember.  I learned the Methodist discipline not from reading but from doing.  Everything in that book they did.  They followed the letter and the spirit of the rule.

We discussed the Pastor's compensation this was surprising, but made perfect sense to me.  There was a procedure for everything we did and everybody seemed to know it.  Later in my life things changed.  Some for the better and some for the worse.  I will admit to being a bit of a stickler, but I was truly spoiled and these conversations would always be different, but followed a familiar pattern.

Most of my teachers were women.  Barbara knew what she was doing.  Generations come and generations go, but there is discipline.  A big part of why I am here today are the questions she asked me.  I certainly would not be here if our religion was really a handmaid's tale.

Every time I have dug deep in the bible I have not been disappointed.  We questioned everything at those meetings, but we also had other questions at bible study.  We questioned everything.  This was our method.  

In that spirit we dig a little deeper into  Proverbs 31:10-31 which I read from the Amplified Bible.  The verses are written as an acrostic poem (each of the twenty-two verses begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet). Aside from the artistry, the acrostic structure also aided memorization.  We used to have to remember a lot more things

10  An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her?

Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.

So here this is what I want to talk to you about.  When my daughter was young we travelled to see her family in Serbia.  When she was nervous she would cry out, "Daddy."  Her grandfather could not believe.  He did not think men could be so close to babies, but he had seen it now.  He was quite a man.  He didn't stand around worried about how his opinion had been changed.  He acted on the new knowledge.  He became very close with my daughter.  They would disappear in the morning on the bus to town when she was two and they would arrive home with new bicycles among other things they picked up.

It was a sight for me to see.  Later when he had a grandson he knew the type of relationship they would have.

11The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence],

And he will have no lack of gain.

The whole experience was subtly made possible by his wife.  Just the right nudges for both of them and they were off.

12 She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil

All the days of her life.

There is a theme here that shows these gender roles we are so hung up on are really just responsibilities that anyone can assume.  I will argue that the Christian Bible taken on the whole is really the first feminist manifesto.  Imagine my delight at coming to this conclusion.  This is why I am here.  I was looking all my life for something more radical and it was always here.  This method.  This meritocracy. 

The Babylonian Code of Hammurabi provides a legalistic view of women's roles in society. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of women in marriage, property ownership, and family law. Women had legal standing and could own property and engage in business, but they were also heavily regulated within the context of family and marriage.

In ancient Greece, a more patriarchal view of women, especially in the description of Pandora, the first woman created by the gods.  Pandora presented as a "beautiful evil" sent to mankind as a punishment.  This portrayal contributes to a broader cultural view of women as subservient and often dangerous or deceptive.

According to the myth, Pandora was the first woman created by the gods, each of whom contributed something to her creation, making her both beautiful and cunning.  Her name, "Pandora," means "all-gifted" or "gift of all," reflecting that each god gave her a special trait.  She was sculpted by Hephaestus, the god of fire and craftsmanship, at the request of Zeus, who wanted to punish humanity for receiving fire from Prometheus.

13 She looks for wool and flax

And works with willing hands in delight.

14  She is like the merchant ships [abounding with treasure];

She brings her [household’s] food from far away.

The Proverbs 31 woman stands out for her dynamic blend of domestic, economic, and spiritual leadership.  Unlike many contemporary depictions that either limited women to household roles  or cast them in negative light, Proverbs 31 praises a woman for her wisdom, business acumen, and contributions to both family and community. The Proverbs 31 woman embodies intelligence and strength.  A remarkably holistic view of women's capabilities compared to many other descriptions from the ancient world.

15  She rises also while it is still night

And gives food to her household

And assigns tasks to her maids.

More women serve certain roles.  More Men serve certain roles.  I think it is true that more women still rise while it is still night.  Not every guy can sleep.  My mother worked nights when I was young.  There were four of us at times all of us sick.  My dad was risen many nights.

16  She considers a field before she buys or accepts it [expanding her business prudently];

With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.

17 She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task]

And makes her arms strong.

Women merchants were vital to early Christianity, helping spread the faith and supporting the church financially.  Figures like Lydia were early converts who hosted missionaries and led house churches.  Their roles as traders gave them influence and mobility, making them key to the church's growth and community-building.

18  She sees that her gain is good;

Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead].

19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,

And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing].

20 She opens and extends her hand to the poor,

And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.

Confucianism, which began to develop around the same time as the later portions of the Hebrew Bible, shaped much of Chinese thought about gender roles.  Confucian teachings focused on hierarchical relationships, with women’s roles being primarily defined by their relationships to men—father, husband, and son.  The "Three Obediences" (obedience to father, husband, and sons) were central to women’s expected behavior.

21 She does not fear the snow for her household,

For all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool].

22 She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry.

Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool].

23 Her husband is known in the [city’s] gates,

When he sits among the elders of the land.

Taoism offered a somewhat more fluid view of gender roles, with women seen as embodying the principle of yin—the receptive, nurturing, and passive force of the universe.  While this still placed women in a complementary and often subservient roles to men, it acknowledged the inherent power of yin and the importance of balance between masculine (yang) and feminine forces.

24  She makes [fine] linen garments and sells them;

And supplies sashes to the merchants.

25  Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure;

And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].

26 She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom,

And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].

In ancient Chinese texts, women were generally seen as playing crucial roles in the family, particularly as mothers, wives, and caretakers.  Confucian ideals emphasized obedience and submission.  Taoist thought offered a more balanced view of gender, acknowledging the power and importance of feminine principles in the cosmic order.  It suggests that the "gentle" approach can overcome the "hard" and that nurturing qualities are powerful in fostering growth and harmony.  This perspective elevates the feminine role, showing that strength can come from gentleness and wisdom, rather than dominance.  Traditional roles may assign women as subordinate, the underlying principles of Taoism affirm their crucial role in the cosmic balance.

27 She looks well to how things go in her household,

And does not eat the bread of idleness.

Celtic mythology is rich with powerful goddesses who represent a wide range of roles, from warriors to protectors of the land to figures of fertility and sovereignty. These mythological depictions provide a sense of the reverence for the feminine in both the spiritual and temporal realms.

Brigid, who was both a goddess and later venerated as a Christian saint.  Brigid was associated with fertility, healing, and wisdom, embodying the nurturing aspects of the feminine.  When a devastating drought struck the land, she gathered the clouds with her song and danced beneath the sky, bringing rain to revive the fields.

As Christianity spread, Brigid transformed into a beloved saint.  She founded a monastery at Kildare, continuing to nurture the spiritual and physical needs of her people.  Her essence as a protector of home and community endured, blending the old and new.

Through her stories, Brigid reminds us of the vital connection between faith, nature, and the importance of nurturing life.

Celtic goddesses often represent broader, more cosmic forces of life, death, and sovereignty.  This reflects a more expansive view of feminine power, encompassing both nurturing and martial qualities.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired);

Her husband also, and he praises her, saying,

29 “Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness],

But you excel them all.”

30 Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain,

But a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the product of her hands,

And let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city].

The source of this remarkable woman’s success and competence is revealed:  a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised., and it is a source available to everyone

Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the "virtuous woman" or "woman of noble character," and while there's no direct parallel passage specifically describing an ideal man in the same format, there are several passages in the Bible that speak to the qualities expected of men, especially in terms of character, leadership, and conduct. Here are a few key passages:

 1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:6-9

These passages describe the qualifications for church leaders (overseers and elders) but are often applied as a general model for Christian men. They emphasize qualities like being above reproach, faithful to one’s spouse, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, and not given to drunkenness or violence.

From 1 Timothy 3:2-4 (NIV): "Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect."

This was the vision my daughter's grandpa had, it wasn't a wrong vison, just incomplete he learned.

From Psalm 112:4-5 (NIV): "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice."

Ephesians 5:25 (NIV): "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

Micah 6:8 (NIV): "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

These passages together give a picture of a man of integrity, responsibility, self-control, love, and justice—qualities that complement the noble characteristics of the woman described in Proverbs 31.

One of the most interesting aspects of Proverbs 31:10-31 is its portrayal of a virtuous woman as a figure of strength, wisdom, and influence, which is remarkable given the cultural context of the time.  The "virtuous woman" is portrayed as a capable leader, both in her household and in business.  She manages her household efficiently, makes financial decisions (buying a field), engages in trade (with merchants and in the market), and provides for her family’s needs.

The passage is part of the wisdom literature tradition, and it highlights the importance of wisdom as a virtue.  The woman is wise in her dealings, speaks with wisdom, and her character reflects her fear of the Lord, which is presented as her highest virtue.  This emphasis on wisdom, paired with reverence for God, aligns the noble woman with the core values of wisdom literature, making her an idealized figure not only for women but for all believers.

The woman is constantly at work—This counters the stereotype of women being passive.  Not only focused on her household but also extends her generosity and care to the poor and needy in her community.  Her compassion and her integral role in community life, show that her virtue is not self-contained but has a social and ethical dimension.

While the passage explicitly addresses women, it also serves as a model of virtue for men. The traits of diligence, wisdom, strength, and reverence for God are equally applicable to all believers. The passage sets a high standard for human character in general, regardless of gender.

At a time when women were often viewed as subordinate or limited in their roles, Proverbs 31 paints a different picture.  The virtuous woman is celebrated not merely for her beauty or domesticity but for her intellect, moral strength, and economic acumen.  Her value is based on her character and her relationship with God rather than her appearance or status.

The passage promotes the idea that lasting value is found in internal qualities like wisdom, faithfulness, and reverence for God.  "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

This passage is a profound and holistic representation of virtue, emphasizing spiritual depth, practical wisdom, and social responsibility.  It celebrates women in a way that affirms their value in every aspect of life, making it timeless and applicable across cultures and contexts.

Proverbs 31:10-31 radically redefines womanhood, portraying her as a powerful, independent leader—managing business, family, and community.  

Leadership, wisdom, and care are not inherently tied to gender but rather to personal qualities and a sense of duty.  Gender roles have historically been more about cultural assignments rather than divine or biological imperatives.  In many societies, certain tasks were divided by gender, not because one gender was inherently better suited for them, but because of tradition or convenience.  Barbara, as the first female pastor here, took on roles typically assigned to men —leading, preaching, guiding—but did so with her unique strengths.

Traditional gender roles are responsibilities that can be picked up by anyone who is willing to meet the demands.  Qualities like compassion, leadership, and stewardship are not gendered, but human virtues.  The women in my life carried responsibilities like teaching, nurturing, leading, and supporting.  They did these not because they were women, but because they were capable and committed.

While Proverbs 31:10-31 is often cited as an example of a virtuous woman, the qualities described—strength, wisdom, diligence—are responsibilities anyone can embody.  Men are called to these same standards elsewhere in the Bible.  Men like Joseph, Moses, and Jesus assume similar responsibilities of care, leadership, and wisdom. The virtues described in Proverbs 31 aren't exclusive to women; they are human virtues.

Barbara’s leadership shattered expectations, showing that being a pastor—preaching, guiding, and nurturing—is not inherently male or female, but a role anyone can excel in if they have the commitment and passion.  Her style of leadership wasn’t about proving herself as a woman but about embodying the responsibilities of a pastor.

The church, like many institutions, has historically assigned certain roles based on gender.  Yet, as society and faith communities grow, these roles have expanded, allowing people like Barbara to step into responsibilities once denied to them.  My own experience growing up with women in leadership positions shaped my understanding that leadership isn’t tied to gender, but to responsibility and calling.

Gender roles are opportunities rather than limitations.  Anyone, regardless of gender, should be able to take on responsibilities that reflect their talents, strengths, and calling.  I was given responsibilities based on my abilities and not my age—just as anyone can take on leadership, nurturing, or supportive roles regardless of gender.

Gender roles as responsibilities offers a way to honor the qualities that Proverbs 31 celebrates while also broadening the conversation to include everyone—male or female or anyone else—who embodies these virtues.   She opens and extends her hand to the poor and she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.

The virtuous woman can also be thought of as the church.  I would just note to you that in many languages the word church itself is feminine.  

Let Us Pray

Loving God,

We thank You for the wisdom, strength, and grace You have placed within each of us.  Help us to see beyond the boundaries of gender, and to embrace the responsibilities we are called to with open hearts and willing hands.

Teach us to value one another for the gifts You have given, to serve with humility, to lead with compassion, and to support one another in love.  Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

May we leave this place renewed by Your Spirit, ready to carry Your love and light into the world, as we honor the unique callings You have placed on each of our lives.

In Your holy name we pray, Amen.

Benediction

Go now in peace,

Empowered by God's love and strengthened by God's grace.

May you embrace your calling, walk in wisdom,

And serve with compassion,

As you carry God's light into the world.

Amen.

Nottingham UMC 9/22/2024