Sermons
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“Freed for Something New”
To a people in exile, the prophet Jeremiah offers words of comfort and hope for something new. This new covenant, written upon living hearts, is enacted by Jesus. In him are we justified, made new and right for the sake of God’s Kingdom even if our brokenness and sin. Will we follow him? In Christ, we can accept the truth about ourselves and live instead within the great truth of God’s love.
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“Indelible Images”
Today’s gospel speaks again of God’s promise. It shows up in a surprising place, in the middle of an argument about taxes and power, both political and religious. A coin is taken out; whose image is upon it? Since it shows Caesar, he can have it. But put the coin away and look at yourself. Whose image is upon you? We are made in God’s image and for God’s purposes. We rest in God’s promise and hear again God’s call to give to Caesar no more than he is due in this world that belongs to God alone.
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“The Wedding That Went Sideways Fast”
This Sunday we are confronted with feasts that turn complicated and weddings that take violent turns. We all have guest lists and think we know best who should be invited to the celebration and what should happen to everyone else. Jesus turns all of that on its head by doing a new thing and setting a table where outsiders come in and strangers become friends and everyone can eat together.
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“Vintage Grace”
Today, we find ourselves again in a vineyard. The unfaithful stewards let it grow weak and wild. When the landowner seeks what is his, the tenants mistreat the servants and kill the son thinking the land will now be theirs. Yet God is doing a new thing in this vineyard, built upon the rejected cornerstone. In the foolish mystery of God’s grace, it is precisely the death of the Son that leads to resurrection and life.