ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 25, 2022
Let me begin by giving a big shoutout to Joel, Mariah, Paula and Bob Aghamalian. Each of them were guest writers while I was traveling this past week. It took a lot off my plate while also offering me a daily gift. I had read all of them when they were sent to me in the weeks leading up to my time away, but each morning as they appeared in my inbox, I would read them again. It was sort of interesting to read them each morning in light of what was happening in the moment. Something new appeared as I read the Etching through the lens of whatever was on my mind, and there was a lot… as each of their Etchings had depth and beauty.
People will often say to a minister, “I felt like you were preaching just to me today.” I’ve heard it numerous times, though I am fascinated when they reference the specific thing that spoke to them. It was usually something minor, or more of a transition between the main points. Yet, for some reason, it became the main point for the person. Some will use the word “coincidence,” while others will talk about hearing what we want to hear. Both of those are possibilities, but I also must point to the Spirit. In Matthew 13, Jesus tells a parable about a treasure hidden in a field. Let’s remember that a good field is good soil that includes a good dose of manure. So even if the sermon was a pile of manure, it is not impossible for the Spirit to unearth some buried and almost forgotten treasure. As a preacher, I am continually thankful for the Spirit’s capacity to bring forth a gift even when I bury it under a pile of…
Holy God, you unearth for us what is too often covered, concealed and forgotten. You bring to our eyes and hearts what would have been missed. You bring before us Good News that is relevant and life-giving. Thank you! Amen.
