Weekly Focus

Second Sunday After Pentecost

With What Shall I Compare the Kingdom?

That's a question Jesus asked a lot, according to the gospel writers. He's not looking for an explanation of God's kingdom. He's not looking for an analysis of God's kingdom. He's looking for a picture of God's kingdom.

It's like a farmer planting crops . . .

It's like a tiny seed that grows . . .

The picture Jesus paints uses the things of common, ordinary, everyday life.
The basics of Jesus' picture jump out at you right away. Can you see the farmer, with the plow and the seeds in the spring, and the sickle at harvest time? Can you see the tiny, tiny seed in your hand, the trunk and branches that grow from it, and the bird's nest that is built there? It's a picture of grace, a picture of hope, a picture of life.

Like any great or even good picture, though, the more you look at it, the more you see. The more you look at it, the deeper it becomes. The more you look at it, the more of an impact it has on you. And so you return, day after day, week after week, to let the picture soak in to your life.

With what shall we compare the Kingdom? Ah, that'll take a lifetime to answer . . . or at least the season of the church year that follows the celebration of Pentecost.

Trinity Sunday

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Is that the name of God? Some say it is, out of the depth of their faith. Others, equally faithful but concerned about the effects of male-dominated language that suggests to some that "God is male," are less sure.

The biblical authors used a wide variety of names and images for God, drawing on nature, family life, and community life as well. Historically, theologians have done the same, as has the church at worship. Still, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit has come to have a special place in the life of the church. Others suggest other formulations, like Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. It has similar biblical roots and a lengthy theological and historical pedigree. Still others look for other words to express their faith.

The discussion can get deep, and heated as well. On all sides, people are passionate because this is their faith that is being talked about. "How can you criticize X, Y, and Z, which has spoken so clearly and faithfully to me?"

On this Trinity Sunday, let's be clear about one thing: it's not the name or image that we worship, but the One to whom it refers.

"I am who I am," said the voice in the Burning Bush to Moses, and it still holds true today. God is who God is, and for us, that is good news. God is the one who made us, God is the one who saved us, and God is the one who makes us holy.

And that's good news indeed.

Pentecost Sunday

When you listen to the story of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, certain words seem to leap out and different phrases grab hold.

"...They were all together in one place ..."

"...All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit ..."

"... There were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem ..."

" ...we hear, each of us, in our own language ..."

"... all were amazed and perplexed ..."

This is a story where everything is complete. All, everyone, each of us ... and no one is left out. Countries are listed, and they stretch across the Mediterranean. The word is preached to everyone, without condition, and all can hear it. The promise of power is for everyone, without condition, and all can receive it: Jews and non-Jews, Roman citizens and non-citizens, everyone. Sons and daughters will prophesy. Young and old will have visions. Even the slaves are included. Everyone.

No wonder some in the crowd thought the disciples were drunk. A party for everyone? Power for everyone?

"Yes," says Peter, "for everyone."

That's what we've got here: a party-God's party-for everyone. So sing to the music, listen to the stories, have a little bread, and sip a little wine. Let God's strength lift your cares and worries, and let the Spirit fill you with life.

More Weekly Focus:
June 2006
July 2006
August 2006
September 2006

Monthly Focus Archive

2006:

Easter Focus: New Covenant
Lenten Focus: A Covenantal Response to Poverty
February Focus: Moving Forward

2005:

December Focus: Longing
November Focus: The Gift of Years
October Focus: Stewardship
September Focus: Foundations
Summer Focus: The Book of Acts
Easter Focus: Tapestry
Lenten Focus: Rule of Life
January Focus: The Next Wave

2004:

December Focus: Surprising Grace
November Focus: Free Indeed
October Focus: Money Madness
September Focus: The Outrageous Promise
Summer Focus: Into the Fullness
June Focus: Thick Faith
Easter Focus: All Things New
Lent Focus: A Hungry World
February Focus: Commitment
January Focus: Unity

2003:

December Focus: Hope
November Focus: Worship
October Focus: Stewardship
September Focus: Seasons of Faith
Summer Focus: The Gospel of John
May Focus: Faith
April Focus: Resurrection
March Focus: Truth
February Focus: Covenant Groups
January Focus: Sabbath

2002:

December Focus: Shut Up and Sing
November Focus: Spiritual Gifts
October Focus: Stewardship
September Focus: Intentional Faith