Sermon Matthew 28: 1-11 "All Shook Up"

Sermon Matthew 28: 1-11 “All Shook Up”

Text

It was 1974, my parents had just built a new home and our family had moved. Like many of the homes built in the early to mid-seventies it had the gold chandeliers with five arms and glass globes. Anyone remember those? It was in the afternoon. My mother was in the kitchen, I was in the living room when those globes began to shake and the light fixtures swing. In the dining room the glass door of my grandmother’s antique china cabinet sounded like it was braking. Small knick knacks found on the coffee table began to dance. I jumped up about the time Mom rounded the corner, she looked at me and I looked at her with that “this is the big one” look. About that time everything stopped and a 30 second silence surrounded us. Then we both burst into speech, it was truly an earthquake. My home town is found on the southern part of the New Madrid fault line in north Arkansas. Not a big quake but big enough to shake us up and gave us a memory that will last a life time.

It was still dark outside, the darkness that comes right before the sun begins to cast its rays over the horizon. Two women made their way through the deserted streets, outside the gates of the city, then wound their way to the place where the graveyard was located. It was a heart wrenching task. They both had a bag slung over their shoulder full of everything they would need to really clean and prepared a dead body. But dealing with the body was the easy part. Each harbored their own rising panic at having to remove the head covering and see the face. That beautiful, young face of the one they loved so much, had followed, who had shaken their whole world.

Mary Magdelene, had been emotionally dry, a WALKING DEAD PERSON more years than she could remember. She had been possessed by seven demons and her life had been out of control. Then she met him, with a word, the demons had left her and she was alive & free. From that point on she determined she would serve him. And what a ride it had been, he said GET UP AND GET OUT and it was worth the obedience. She had seen were more miracles than she could count. But the greatest thing he did in her situation was give her significance. Because you see, women in her day were only property, they had virtually no opportunity or even human rights. But not in the new kingdom he had proclaimed, everyone was important, anyone could be a disciple. This whole teaching had shaken up the teachers of the law, people in general and even the culture itself. And now as they walked in the darkness, the living water he talked about seemed just an EMPTY BUCKET of memories. Always being one to bottle up her emotions she just gritted her teeth and walked on. You know IMAGE IS EVERYTHING.

The other Mary had know him his whole life, she wept openly as she thought of the little  curly headed boy who followed Joseph around in the shop, hammering pegs, and pretending to saw things apart. The teen-ager who had lots of friends but spent more time contemplating the things of God than anything else. The man who knew more about the torah then anyone she had ever met, yet, continued the simple life of a carpenter. After the calling of her son James she had joined their band of travelers cooking, washing and giving of her funds so that they could proclaim the good news of the kingdom. What a bold new message. His words made the hearts of everyone in hearing distance quake …”Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” No one had ever heard teaching like this, it didn’t separate the haves and have nots, it didn’t base things on who you were or who your family was, it was for everyone, it included absolutely anyone, there was no EMPTY CHAIRS at his table! Now, he was gone, her weeping became sobs, she stumbled and her friend supported her as they walked on.

Just as they came near his tomb, they expected to have to pay off the guards to roll away the stone. They came around a large sycamore tree and heard it first … the rustle of leaves and branches turning into a roar. In another second they felt the tremor under their feet but this was no ordinary quake, they saw the ground begin to make waves like the sea, trees, rocks, and tomb markers split. They held on to each other as they fell to the ground. At that instant what they thought was lightning struck right at the front of the tomb but instead of a blinding flash, the light remained. The soldiers who had been groveling in the dirt because of the quake now didn’t move. The women weren’t sure if they were dead or just terrified.

In the middle of the light sat a beautiful man, later the women could never find words to really describe his features. The now motionless ground enabled them go from a face down position to a kneeling one. They still clung to each other and their bodies trembled with fear. The man spoke, “Do not be afraid.” Is he kidding, we just experienced a major quake, a bolt of lightning and a glowing man, not be afraid. We’re shaking in our sandals! “Do not be afraid. I know that you are looking for the crucified one. He is not here.” Not here, what do you mean not here. We saw his dead body wrapped and put here three days ago. We saw the soldiers seal the tomb before they so rudely ran us off. “He is not here for he has been raised, as he said. Come see the place where he lay.” With that they edged right up to the tomb, even with the shimmering being sitting on the rolled back stone. His light filled the tomb they could see the bloody wrapping and the head piece folded but no teacher. “Now go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He is raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” The older Mary grabbed the younger by the hand and took off like a rocket. They were no less shaken up but overcome by joy. They had to get back to the others to tell them.

As they ran right in the middle of the path … in the middle of the fear, in the middle of earthquake debris, in the middle of not understanding, in the middle of their joy & fear … stood Jesus. Now, they had experienced seeing an angel, you would think that would be enough. But God does not operate that way, he actually came to them … he came to them … right in their time of need - good, bad, happy, sad. While they were on their way, Jesus showed up and spoke peace to them.

There are a lot of people here who have a testimony like that…earthquakes, unbelievable world rocking experiences, frightening or joyful things happening in this life and they discover Jesus standing right in the middle of their road.

We chose to celebrate that today on Easter. We can know what it is to be truly alive because the resurrected Jesus has resurrected us. This room is full of people who have entered into the abundant life that comes from the Savior who left the tomb empty and met them on the path. But don’t just take their word for it. See for yourself the tomb is empty, Jesus is standing right where the earthquake has happened, right where others may be laying like dead men, or on the way to spread some news. He’s there waiting … He’s here waiting.

On this Easter morning the death-defeating, life-giver comes to us. He comes to bring forgiveness and deliverance. He comes to shake things up, to fill empty people BECAUSE NOTHING GOD HAS CREATED IS MEANT TO BE EMPTY. At the end of second service several people who have met the resurrected Jesus are going to be baptized into the Christian faith. They went running up the path of life and ran right into him. And on this Easter morning if you have yet to share life with the life-giver then it’s time to let Jesus shake you up. If you once knew him and walked away he’s standing with arms extended saying return to me. If there is any business you need to do with Jesus he’s right in the middle of the road waiting for you. We invite everyone to stand and as we sing feel free to walk down the aisle, to this altar of prayer and meet Jesus who is waiting in the middle of the path.

 

Sermon Matthew 21: 1-11 "Empty Praise"

Reading of the Text Matthew 21: 1-11 “Empty Praise”
What a great Sunday, sun shining, perfect… none of those present had ever experienced anything like it. It had started a couple of weeks earlier. It was at Lazarus’ tomb that the gathering crowd began to be noticeable. People had heard Jesus call and watched the wrapped, stinking body of Lazarus come forth. Jesus had hollered GET UP AND GET OUT; they had seen life in the face of death. This was naturally followed by people fainting, weeping, running, screaming, laughing, then the funeral band had began to play a lively tune and everyone started to dance. There weren’t any Nazarenes around so that was allowed. Twirling, side stepping and singing, even Jesus did a doe-see-doe. God had worked in their midst. That’s what praise is all about … or is it?

Coming through Jericho there was the healing of Bartimaeus, poor old man, blind and begging his whole life. Jesus had simply told him “go, your faith has made you well.” And he could see perfectly! There was shouting, jumping up and down, hands in the air. That’s what praise is all about… or is it? They had stopped off in Bethphage. Jesus sent two disciples to go get a colt that had never been ridden, untie it and bring it to him. The disciples were just a tad uneasy about walking into somebody’s yard and taking their furry Ferrari. But Jesus tells them no problem just tell the owner, "it’s for the Lord." Sure enough, they went and got the donkey and the owner had no problem with the deal. All the way back to Bethphage they sang praise choruses and passed the peace. That’s what praise is all about …or is it?

The now growing group of believers put their most used and needed possession on that colt, the coat right off their back. Nobody gave up their cloak, they were expensive, it was your blanket at night, it was your rain gear, it was your winter apparel, it was your shade! What a generous offering to give. That’s what praise is all about… or is it?

Then they lifted Jesus high into the air someone started to pour a water cooler full of ice on him but instead they placed him on the back of that donkey. They were carrying on like people at the Democratic Convention when they finally decide on one candidate. Balloons were going up in the air, loud music was blasting and somebody was playing a saxophone. That’s what praise is all about… or is it?

Coming into Jerusalem the crowd had swelled to an uncountable number. At the lead was Jesus on the colt surrounded by the twelve, the women, Lazarus, tax collectors, prostitutes, poor people, lepers, rich people, working people and children. Everybody was singing, throwing their coats on the ground for a donkey to walk on!

They lined the street with palm branches, flowers, confetti and streamers. What a parade, right into town better than any St. Patty’s day parade anywhere. Echoing off each building you could hear, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

This stir had thousands asking who is this, what’s happening here, I want to be in on it. So the mob got bigger with folks who just love a party, they had no idea what was going on or why. But where there’s dancing and the possibility of fun they just gravitate. You know IMAGE IS EVERYTHING I mean the excitement and anticipation was at a fevered pitch. That’s what praise is all about… or is it?

Jesus next stop was the temple, hoorah! It was time; he would announce his kingdom and the reign of the world by the Israeli people would begin.

Then, then unexpectedly Jesus went… crazy. Now wait just a minute David never did anything like this. This was the temple for heaven’s sake and Jesus was overturning tables and calling the everyday merchants robbers. He was chasing the sacrifices right out the door. This was no way to the top, didn’t Jesus know he was going to need the priest and the merchants to over throw the Romans. You can’t get to the throne by making enemies of people who are powerful. Suddenly, there was no longer a parade and the crowd began to scatter.

The chief priests and the scribes became angry and began to confront Jesus. Confrontation, I hate confrontation, I mean to be a real ruler why not just smooth things over, it never hurts to have friends in high places. Compromise, mediation it’s what savvy people do. These are the church leaders, Jesus can’t possible take them on; they know everything there is to know about scripture and God. They might throw Him or us out of the club. The singing became a whisper, the party ended and all that was left of the throngs were those who Jesus had helped, disciples and some children.

Everyday that week Jesus went to the temple. Everyday the people crowded in. Everyday they expected him to declare war on Rome or any other nationality. Everyday they expected him to accept kingship and get rid of nasty old Herod.

But instead Jesus keeps talking about this weird kingdom where tax collectors go in ahead of theologians; throwing people into the darkness where there is gnashing of teeth, get real and loving your neighbor like yourself. What kind of words are these, my neighbor happens to be a different denomination, surely that can’t mean me! And all this talk about having to die, what happened to happily-ever-after? What happened to the world bringing gifts and meeting our needs?

I thought this guy was the guy. I laid my coat on the ground for his donkey to walk on. I got splinters in my hands climbing up that palm tree. I let my kids join the parade. I clapped while we were singing!  This must just be another scammer, he’s supposed to put the Romans in their place, punish the Samaritans, annihilate the Greeks, and you know do things the way I think they ought to be done. The way we have been taught, the way we understand. I thought this was about people getting what they are entitled too and no one having a problem with that.

What is this hog wash about pulling the temple down and rebuilding it in three days? And the whole concept of carrying the burdens of others, I’ve got enough problems of my own. Why can’t the miracles be mine, wellness and a bed of roses?

And the crowds disappeared, no more quoting scripture. Coats were taken home and washed. Palm branches were burned to make supper. The donkey was returned. And finally no one was left but the twelve… the twelve in an upper room. Even that was weak… one disciple left dinner to sell Jesus out and the others swore a very short lived allegiance.

On Friday another crowd had gathered. But instead of throwing confetti, they were throwing accusations. Instead of walking behind Jesus on a donkey, they lead a chained prisoner. Instead of waving palms they slapped his face. Instead of friendship there was betrayal. No more singing only cursing. Instead of ousting the Romans they were appealing to their authority to kill the very one they had hailed as king. Praised by singing, dancing, quoting scripture, waving palm branches, obeying, giving offerings to, enjoying fellowship around … That’s what praise is all about… or is it?

Or is it?

Empty praise, empty praise… at some point we’ve all done it. We’ve praised out of feelings; we’ve praise because life is going like we think it should; we’ve praised because those around us are praising; and we’ve praised because it is Sunday and it’s the right thing to do.

But full, authentic praise extends beyond what we feel. It definitely extends beyond how my week or my day has been. It extends beyond having little or much. Praise is when we look into the face of Jesus and realize He is the King, whatever that may look like. Praise happens when I live, move and have my being in Christ… not just on Sunday but everyday.

It is when I praise at home, at work, washing clothes, cleaning the toilet or preparing a meal. It is understanding that God inhabits praise. It is knowing that in every moment He is present. Praise is an expression of love and thanks to God. Praise is above anything we face: disappointment, brokenness, sin, happiness, contentment, any emotion or event. Praise is prayer, intimate and powerful BEING CLOSE ENOUGH TO GOD TO HEAR HIS VOICE. Praise recognizes forgiveness, ever given, and deliverance by the blood of Jesus.

Jesus rode into Jerusalem to become the innocent lamb who took away the sin of the world. Sacrificing his own body, he opened a doorway from death to life, from rebellion to friendship, from separation to closeness, and that’s why we praise.

Any action: singing, dancing, fellowshipping, helping, church going, giving, anything that is done for me, because of my preferences, my expectations, what happens to me, or about me will always be empty praise AND NOTHING GOD HAS CREATED IS MEANT TO BE EMPTY. Yet, these same actions when done solely because of Jesus are what makes praise real.

Authentic praise is understanding that Jesus body was broken for us to be restored to God (tear bread). Jesus and only Jesus alone is Redeemer. Authentic praise is realizing our sins are only forgiven because His blood was shed (hold up cup). Jesus and only Jesus is Savior. Come to the Table.

Praise is knowing personally (let me repeat that) Praise is knowing PERSONALLY, CLOSELY AND INTIMATELY the Ancient of Days, Burden-Bearer, Creator, Deliverer, Emmanuel, Faithful One, Good Shepherd, Healer, Immortal, Justifier, Keeper, Lamb of God, Messiah, Nurturer, Over-comer, Prince of Peace, Redeemer, Savior, Transformer, Unfailing, Victorious One, Worthy, Yahweh, Zealous God.

 

Sermon Ezekiel 37: 1-14 "I See Dead People"

Sermon Ezekiel 37: 1-14  “I See Dead People”

 

Wal-Mart is an interesting place. Not only do I spend half of my earnings in there, it is one of the best people watching venues in all of America. Everybody goes to Wally World. Admit it! You know it’s true! While I was there the other day I rounded a corner and ran into a good friend of mine, Pastor Don Palmgren from Church on the Rock. We were enjoying a few shallow pleasantries when… Movie Clip – I See Dead People

… a dirty, young man began to walk up the aisle. I could tell by the pale color of his skin, the weaving gait and the glassy look in his blue eyes that he was an addict. As he approached us he recognized Don and said hello. Immediately, Don asked him how he was and very honestly that young man relpied, “Not so good, I’m in over my head, I can’t get out” hopeless, desperate, empty. There before us in flesh and blood stood a walking dead person.

 

It was a dark room in the high school. A girl of sixteen, mother left her with friends a few months back, never knew her dad, now homeless, with no where to go except to juvi. Here sat someone overcome by the consequences  of others sin, circumstances she couldn’t control. She looked me in the eyes, a very healthy, pretty face and cute little outfit on… Movie Clip – I See Dead People …and said, “What have I got to live for, nobody wants me?” hopeless, desperate, empty. There on a small couch with her knees pulled up to her chest in a little ball rocked a flesh and blood dead person.

 

I sat in the bleachers of a 5^th grade girls traveling basketball game. And one of the fathers sat next to me and as we cheered on this little team he began to talk about his day. Drive to the city at 6 AM, work in an office until 4PM, drive home, pick up kids, grab a bite of fast food , hit one of the many sporting events, where he sometimes meeting his wife unless she’s carting another one of the children to another event. Then a mad dash home, everyone shower and to bed. His head hits the pillow and he barely mumbles good-night to the love of his life much less giving thanks to or even thinking about God… Movie Clip – I See Dead People …without looking up he said under his breath, “some life huh?” Then barely audible he added, “No life really” hopeless, desperate, empty. There was zero indication that this man had called out to the GOD WHO COMES THROUGH. There beside me in flesh and blood sat a dead person.

 

Sunday after Sunday they went to church. They smiled and they shook hands. They attended Bible study and potlucks, IMAGE IS EVERYTHING. And each time they left the building he opened the door for her, she would nod her head in thanks and they headed for the car …

Movie Clip – I See Dead People ... loathing each other. The marriage started out wonderful, fun, fulfilling but as time went by they began to hate everything about the other. It was an empty relationship AND NOTHING GOD CREATED IS MEANT TO BE EMPTY. They stayed together for the kids, the kids grew up. Then they stayed together for the grandkids and the family. Now, they just stayed together and they had no idea why … hopeless, desperate, empty. And when they would sit across the table from each other there in flesh and blood were dead people. 

 

Text Ezekiel 37: 1-14

 

Ezekiel was kidnapped along with about 10,000 of his Judean brethren and taken to exile in Babylon. His wife died sometime after this gruesome event. And there he was homesick for a community that had been burned to the ground; longing for a wife whom he had buried; and called to be a spokesperson to his own people about impending doom. How much worse can it get? What a hopeless, desperate, empty existence. The Lord takes Ezekiel and drops him right in the middle of a valley where there was nothing but old dried skeletons. This would be a CSI nightmare. Thousands upon thousands of bones scattered, unburied, and long dead. As he began to walk through the valley Ezekiel could hear the crunch, crunch, crunch under his feet and felt nauseated. And God asked Ezekiel “Can these bones live?” What a crazy question, “Can these bones live?” Of course these bones CANNOT live, Ezekiel just mashed three dozen into the ground as he walked 20 feet. The worms have even left the area! There’s nothing left but dry, white fish food. IMPOSSIBLE!!! But Ezekiel happened to be CLOSE ENOUGH TO GOD TO KNOW HIS VOICE, so he answers, “O Lord only You know.”

 

And God says, “I hope your voice is well oiled today because I want you to preach to these parched, dehydrated, dried out bones. Say to them, “I will cause breath to enter you and you shall live. I will lay flesh on you and cover it with skin. You shall live and know that I am God.” Now, old Ezekiel may have stood there blinking unbelievingly…  But He GOT UP AND GOT OUT, choosing obedience, doing what God told him to do. He began to proclaim, to holler, to shout and to stomp around like any good preacher. But then I think he got quiet as a mouse, stood still and trembled with excitement because all of a sudden those bones began to make a rattling sound, move, then dance and came together. Bone to bone, then flesh and skin covered them over. What a sight, it was incredible, unbelievable, there laid people.

 

Ezekiel looked around in confusion. Where did God go? We got bone, we’ve got tendons, muscles, veins, hair, teeth and eyeballs but there’s no life. Just flesh and blood dead people… Movie Clip – I See Dead People. Then the voice… that Ezekiel knew and trusted said, “Hey, Ezekiel call the breath, my breath, my ru’ah and tell it to breathe on these stiff, dear departed, dead carcasses. Ezekiel didn’t have to be told twice he begins to prophecy to those corpses and the breath of God Almighty went into them and a vast multitude lived! Nothing is impossible for God!!!

 

That same day at Wal-Mart I saw Tomas with his son, who he has brought with him faithfully to church. As a matter of fact for many years now Tomas has brought friend, after friend, after friend and along with the entire Hispanic class, lead by Laura they have introduced those new folks to the life giver. The walking dead are dead no longer. As a matter of fact they’ve gone to different states, even different countries with the sweet taste of Jesus in their mouths and his breath in their bodies.

 

Just a little while after I had sat with that pitiful teen-age girl, I attended a band concert at the High School. At that event Jesse Strickland and Sadie Welhoff, proclaimed life to the friends who sat around them. And Ben, a brand new Christian, introduced me to friends he’s introducing to the life giver. We have young people, teachers and administrators walking those halls with the ru’ah of God respirating through them and from them.

 

At the same time as the father of that 5^th grader was lamenting about the dead busy-ness of his life. There were families sitting nearby who had learned to depend on the One who breaths the Spirit in them and on them …then follow his leading with the stewardship of time… enjoying abundant life as a family. A breathing example that God can show us how to be alive in the midst of the circumstances of everyday living.

 

And the couple who stayed together as dead people…swallowed their pride, got on their knees and asked for forgiveness from God and each other. They begged for the Spirit to fill them and God in his mercy did it, overflowing their love for each other. And now at seventy they are an inspiration to struggling couples, breathing out what God breathed into them.

 

Do you realize those dry bones didn’t know God, but God sent someone to them that did know Him … to proclaim Him to those cadavers. And there are young people, old people, church people, busy people and street people who are hopeless, desperate and empty, the walking dead are all around us. “I see dead people.”

 

I would venture to guess that there are dead people in this very service today. People who are dead in addiction and it can be any kind of addiction: drugs, alcohol, porn, … or even work or family.

I believe there are dead people here today who because of the circumstances beyond their control feel like there’s nothing to live for.

Maybe there are dead people here because life has gotten so busy, so overwhelming you don’t even have time for relaxing with the people you love the most much less with the Lord.

Could it be that there are dead relationships all over this building, oh, you’re committed but it’s empty? If so, the Life Giver is ready to fill you with His Holy Spirit and give you breath, please…please open your heart and receive it.

 

And for those who are in this place who have received this life already, we are the Ezekiels of today. We proclaim God’s Spirit to the dead and He will give life. The miracle of the valley dry bones can happen in our work places, our shopping places, our schools, our homes, our church, anywhere … that Holy breath can come to the flesh and blood dead.  When God breaths into a person, they are filled with life. When God breaths into me and into you we have life! It doesn’t matter how dead, impossible, improbable, unachievable, hopeless, despairing or empty a life is … God can resurrect it. The flesh and blood dead made alive.

Sermon 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 "Close Enough"

SERMON – 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 “Close Enough” – Nancy Cantrell

 

When a couple who has desired a child finds out they are expecting, they begin to do some pretty strange stuff. They go into high gear getting things that are a “necessity” for the nursery. Long before they could possibly use them these frantic people begin to shop for maternity clothing, look at baby magazines, think about names for the little one, and buy furniture. There are absolute must “need” items such as: a rocking horse, learn to read books, a walker, baseball glove or how about one of those little table and chair sets. You know, they are just so cute, red with little trains or flowers on them. And there in that nursery sets a pint-sized empty chair … waiting.

 

Samuel was a leader in the Old Testament in a book that is titled with his name. He was the last of the judges for Israel and a prophet.  He was a miracle birth. His mother, Hannah, was barren and prayed for a baby, promising to give the child back to God. Sure enough she conceived, Samuel was born and when he was weaned she took him to the temple and placed him under the care of the priest Eli. I bet when she went home that day after leaving him at the temple, she walked in her door, saw his little empty chair and wept. Hannah is an incredible example of GETTING UP AND GETTING OUT, of true obedience even when it didn’t benefit her in anyway, even when it was painful, even when she couldn’t see the future.

 

As a boy Samuel in the middle of the night heard God’s voice and from that point on was sold out. He followed the Lord. He grew up and filled the seat of judge, priest and prophet of Israel. As he got old he knew it was time for a new leader and the chair once again set empty… waiting.

 

He considered his sons and hung his head. He experienced what many parents experience. The children he had raised, prayed for, taught and guided had become adults. Then they made decisions that took them on a road away from God. So if you are a parent in that boat you are in good company. Continue to lift those children to God but be released from any false guilt Satan would place upon you. Stay close enough to God to hear his voice that’s what Samuel did, that’s what we do

 

The people of Israel also know the chair is to be vacant, so they come to Samuel and say “we want that chair to hold a king, give us a king like everyone else.” There is zero indication that the people called out to the God WHO KNEW HOW TO COME THROUGH. God would have given them direction but instead they went to Samuel. So, faithful Samuel prays and is close enough to hear God’s voice.

 

The Lord tells Samuel go and anoint Saul as king. Saul was exactly what the people expected, tall and handsome. He was what they envisioned any warrior king would look and act like. And through by-passing God the people got exactly what they wanted.

 

Saul started out a great fit for the chair. He was anointed, obedient, cried out to God, filled with the Spirit, and was victorious. The seat felt good, it fit, he filled it well. Then something happened, he began to see the chair not so much as a way to hear God’s voice but as a throne to proclaim his own. If you sit on a throne you are the boss, you make the decisions, no need to cry out, no need for God or what God desires.

 

As a throne the empty chair becomes a place for my own needs, when people don’t do what I expect, I’ll simply make decisions concerning them. When they disappoint me I’ll just decide what needs to happen and make it work. If God doesn’t do things quick enough or like I think they ought to happen, I’ll just use this throne to my advantage.

 

Saul began to listen to his own voice and understanding. And the chair that Samuel had faithfully filled and God had given Saul the privilege to sit on…once again stood empty…waiting AND NOTHING GOD CREATED IS MEANT TO BE EMPTY. We pick up with today’s scripture.

 

Text 1 Samuel 16: 1-13

 

Samuel came out of retirement he fills his horn with oil and is CLOSE ENOUGH TO GOD TO HEAR HIS VOICE. There’s no room for Samuel to continue to look in the past and grieve that things didn’t turn out like he thought or wanted. He could no longer mourn that his adult children made bad decisions; that Saul is deaf to everything but his own voice or that the people couldn’t see past their own noses and needs. He simply had to be obedient to the voice of God no matter what.

He gets to Bethlehem and everyone freaks out, they know who Samuel is. They know that he gave the chair to Saul. They know that Saul has made it into a throne. Here Samuel shows up to worship with his horn of oil for anointing a king, that’s treason. Jesse’s family is invited, consecrated, expected and Jesse with his sons… at least the sons that matter … arrive ready for whatever God desires. Samuel sees the first son, handsome, tall, kingly. Ah Ha! This one can fill the chair, this must be him, Samuel opens the horn of oil. And as the scent of the oil reaches his nostrils God voice says, “Woooooooo there buddy, be patient, this isn’t him.”

 

Samuel was God’s judge, prophet and priest. Yet, he is still human and still can’t always see clearly. He has to listen to God for direction. So, do we regardless of where we are at on this journey. Samuel plugs the horn. The next son, the next son, the next and each time God says, “Nope, this isn’t him.” Samuel looks at Jesse, “Is this all your sons?” Jesse stammers a minute and then says, “Well, there’s the runt. He doesn’t count. He’s out watching the sheep. We didn’t even bother to invite him to the worship service. We certainly didn’t invest time into him all he does is play with sling shots. He’s got seven brothers ahead of him, manly men, why bother?”  Samuel hollers, “Go get him, we’re not moving from this spot, until he’s here.”

 

Shortly, in runs David, red faced, bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Nothing like what Samuel would have chosen, certainly not what Jesse expected, and David’s brothers are rubbing their eyes in unbelief. He’s the youngest! He’s unimportant, inferior, unprepared, ill-equipped, unqualified, not to mention showing up for church in his jeans and sweater! And GOD says, “Samuel, upon on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one.”  Samuel uncorks that horn and pours out the oil in ceremony for the new king.  “Not one that the people chose but one God chose!”

 

And here we are three thousand years later, an empty chair waiting near me, near you. I wonder who it is that God intends to fill it with? And not just enjoy worship with us but maybe be something greater...

 

The lady at the check-out counter is she another Hannah? The boy who lives with his single mom, maybe he’s the next Samuel. How about the drunk who stumbles out of Katie’s at closing time every Friday night, is he a David? People all around us that may appear nothing like what we envision a God-person to look like. They just need to be brought in from the pasture, counted as significant, called for, believed in and anointed with the oil of God.

 

Samuel didn’t see like God did, he thought Eliab was the man. But Samuel was CLOSE ENOUGH TO GOD TO HEAR HIS VOICE say which one was God’s choice. And we must be close enough to God to hear Him say, “Look at him, look at her, they are the ones, bring them in. I have chosen them to fill the empty chair, to be mine, to serve me, I see their heart.”

God’s direction was very clear to Samuel in this passage go to Bethlehem. His voice is very clear to us as well, “Go into all the world and make disciples” non-negotiable. Like Samuel we take chances, even frightening ones, going outside our comfort zones bringing others into worship. Where God chooses prophets, priests, preachers, children’s workers, drummers, worship leaders, and who knows what.

 

As a matter of fact, maybe you are the next Hannah, Samuel, or David. Or, or could it be that because you are close enough to God to hear his voice then obediently fill the empty chair in this place, the most unexpected person you can think of becomes the one who God will make the next leader in His Kingdom.

 

Servers please come. Today, as we come to the table to receive the broken body of Christ and his shed blood for the forgiveness of sin. Hear the voice of this God who chooses the most unlikely people and makes them into someone great. May this tangible, touchable means of grace enable us to hear God’s voice when he says, “bring in the red faced, the beautiful, those in the fields, the insignificant, the disregarded, the runts into worship… the empty chair is waiting.” Come to the table.