09-01-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 1, 2025
There are times when a sermon is still this loose and nebulous idea, and all the pieces in my mind seem to fit together in what I am certain will be a 16-18 minute message. And then it begins to take shape, and the idea becomes a sermon, and what I thought would be the final product is in fact about 40 minutes long. In those moments, there is a lot of last-minute editing, and often a major theme that I thought could be easily woven into the larger message is simply more than can be included. Yesterday’s sermon was just that! I was planning on including a reference to Psalm 112, and specifically the words, “Happy are those who fear the Lord…” Do you know of any healthy relationship where one party in the relationship is afraid of the other? If we are wanting to follow the commands of the angels, prophets, and Jesus himself to “not be afraid,” then why would we think that happiness is found in those who fear God? The Common English Translation, a relatively new and respected translation of the Bible, speaks about how “Those who honor the Lord… are happy.” Instead of fear, this translation emphasizes a sense of reverence and awe. I sometimes hear the suggestion that someone, whose behavior has not been very good, needs “a little fear of God” to straighten them out. It is true that fear might achieve certain results, but I do not believe they are the results the God of love and mercy and kindness is seeking.

In a world where fear is a tool too often used, I look to you, Amazing and Life-Giving God, for an alternative approach that seeks true and life-affirming transformation. Amen.