Sermon Acts 2: 14-42

Text: Acts 2:14-42                  Title: Where R U Standing?

Date: April 6, 2008                 Collaboration:  Jimmy Skeen & Nancy Cantrell

 

          Hear the word of the Lord from Acts 2:14. “Then Peter stood up …” That’s a familiar statement. Peter always stood up. He stood up for something or someone and sometimes stood up against something or someone. Peter was a man’s man. He was independent and intense. He was fierce and fiery. He would be your best ally at a hockey game. He was a good guy, a hard worker, and full of passion. Peter could be your best friend and worst enemy all at the same time. He was never afraid, rarely backed down, and always stood up for what he believed in.

          Then Peter stood up …” Peter always stood up. With their bellies full of multiplied bread and fish the disciples headed across the lake. Jesus stayed behind to pray. Out on the water the darkness of night swept in upon them and a storm raged around them. They paddeled for all they were worth but fast failing. They gave everything they had, but the waves left them with aching arms, hurting backs, and discouraged hearts.

          That’s always the result when we fight life’s storms without Jesus. In our own strength we are quickly overcome and so were they. But Jesus did what Jesus always does, he saw his people headed toward destruction and he ran to them, down the mountain, onto the shore, and out on the water. No boat and no jet ski just skipping across the lake!

          When the disciples caught a glimpse of someone approaching on the waves they did what all brave, brazen blue collar workers do … They screamed like little girls! “It’s a ghost.” They were scared spit less (That’s the literal translation by the way J). Jesus spoke up and said, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage I am here.” Then Peter stood up. Leaving the eleven in their holy huddle he stepped to the front of the storm battered craft and said, “Lord if its you, tell me to come to you on the water” and Jesus says, “Well come on.” In a sheer act of faith Peter takes Jesus at his word and all alone stood up on the water! His success was short lived. A couple of steps on the sea and he sinks. A lecture from the Lord and you would think Peter would learn.

          “Then Peter stood up …” Peter always stood up. Jesus was in Gethsemane, filled with anguish, crying out to the Father. The disciples were piled up around the camp fire, filled with supper, comfortable and sawing logs. The darkness of night swept in upon them. Judas sauntered into the garden flanked by an evil entourage and with a simple kiss the storm began. Judas stepped back and the soldiers pounced. The disciples scattered and Peter all alone grabbed a sword. He whirled the weapon into the air and sent it downward bent on destruction. Peter’s blow missed its intended target but he managed to cut off Malchus’ right ear. In the middle of the garden Peter risked his life all alone and stood up for Jesus. But his success was short lived. Jesus picked up the ear and healed the man. A sharp rebuke and you think Peter would learn.

          “Then Peter stood up …” Peter always stood up. After the storm in the garden it picked up in the city. People were screaming, cussing, jeering, and laughing as the Son of God passed in chains. The city was no place for friends, family, or followers of Jesus. The blood thirsty crowd grew with each passing moment. They were not there for a trial they were for an execution. Sympathizers stood silent & defenders departed.

          When Jesus was drug into the high priest’s home Peter got as close as he could. He warmed himself by a fire out in the courtyard. This was the front porch of the enemy. He was surrounded by a hateful mob and supported by no one. Yep, even here, all alone Peter stood up.  But his success was short lived. And he crumpled into a whimpering heap under the question of one little girl. Three times he denied knowing Jesus and as the rooster crowed for the second time tears streamed down his cheeks. A load of guilt and embarrassment … you think Peter would learn.

          “Then Peter stood up …” It’s almost a summary of Peter’s life. He stood up on a lake, in a garden and in the courtyard. Peter always stood up. When others slunk back and sank down, Peter pushed forward and stood up. He was a manly man. He was well meaning, good hearted and had sheer grit and determination. Yet the glory of the moment faded quickly. His life was full of ups and downs, standing and falling, standing and failing, standing and alone. He found himself the same place we have all been, sitting smack dab on the roller coaster of life. Try real hard, fall real fast.

“Then Peter stood up with the other eleven…” Wait a second. Here is something different. Peter stood up with the other eleven? That’s not like Peter. He was independent, self reliant, capable of handling this world alone. He could fit right in with good ole’ Americans that cry, “Be your own man!” “Have it your own way!” “Keep your business to your self!” When he stood up on the lake he did it alone. When he stood in the garden he did it alone. When he stood in the courtyard he did it alone…and each time he bottomed out.

But here he stood up with the other eleven. Hand in hand, arm in arm, and side by side they stood. This time when Peter stood up, there was no failure or falling. The same man who cowered in front of a little girl we see here in Acts chapter two boldly proclaiming the gospel.

          As I look in the mirror and around this sanctuary I see Peter. Good hearted well meaning people who are willing to stand up. Just the fact that you are here testifies to your tenacity. You could have stayed in bed, watched the Royals, mowed your lawn but you didn’t. You stood up! Many of us have been standing up for years. But in our independence we see our intentions are good but often the results are not. We find ourselves riding the rollercoaster up and down, up and down. Peter’s life screams one simple message … “You can’t stand up on your own!”

          Oh, we are so like Peter. We come here often very alone even among the crowd and we go back home in the same condition. We want to be in the Word. We fully intend to have a real prayer life. This week we are going to kick that habit. I’m going to be nicer to my family. I’m going to do better with my money. I’m going to take better care of my body. Off we go with some new book or program and promise to “Be all we can be”. A few months, weeks, days, or sometimes hours finds us right back where we started, falling, sinking, failing. We always stand up but the resolve is short lived.

Maybe you see the fallout of living the Christian life alone. You try with everything in you to overcome, to stand firm but your energy is quickly sapped, your resistance runs out and sin comes flooding back in. Your intentions are good but the results are not.

We are a lot like Peter. We have heard the lectures, the rebukes, felt the guilt, the embarrassment and we try, and try, and try. This standing up for Jesus is just too hard.

It is if you try to do it alone…

But something happened to Peter at Pentecost. He obeyed Jesus, prayed fervently, was filled with the Holy Spirit and became community. Not just part of a community but with the others who had been filled became one. For the first time Peter didn’t rely on Peter. Oh, they had lived together, eaten together, laughed together but now every move they made for God was done in, by and for community. No longer would they try to stand up on their own, no more Lone Ranger. And the roller coaster days were over. 

Now Peter stood up… stood up with the other eleven! He never backed down, they had his back. He never let up, they surrounded him with courage. On that day the Word went forth and went to work. It convicted those living in sin and drew them to the Savior and Redeemer. Over 3000 people were baptized and added to the community that day! What a day, the birthday of the church!

Are we there, do we find ourselves up and down, up and down? “I try to do devotions, I try to be nice, I try to quit,” what ever … only to fail. Could it be that we aren’t obeying Jesus, praying, filled with the Holy Sprit or living in community? Sure we know each other, we help each other, we even love each other but do we really stand up together? Do we even know when one of us is struggling. How many of us get sick and just tough it out on our own? How may of us have something that we need to break but won’t tell anyone? How many of our children won’t share their problems because they’ve learned from Mom and Dad to keep it quiet?

We do not have to live there, we do not have to go there and we certainly don’t have to stay there. The Holy Spirit has been poured out, it’s been given, He is here. We simply ask him to fill us and then we stand up together. We live out this Holy Spirit filled life in community, real and authentic with one another. Hand in hand, arm in arm and side by side!

What will happen if we embrace this? I don’t know, you never know what might happen when the Holy Spirit is poured out. But when it happened for Peter and the others – the gospel was proclaimed and three thousand were added in one day.

This morning I want us to respond different than normal. If you’ve been up and down, up and down in any area of life. If you’ve been trying to do devotions and just can’t keep it up. You’ve been trying to pray but just can’t be consistent. If you’ve been trying to kick some habit or add a discipline to your life and just can’t seem to make it happen. If you have some sin that has you bound. If you are so busy you can’t even find time for your family much less the Lord. If you are carrying a burden: illness, lost loved one, anything. And are trying to do it alone then I’m asking you to stand. I am asking you to be real and authentic this morning to stand up right where you are.  And folks I’ve just got to come down there and stand with you because I try to carry burdens myself just like you do. But no more, we either are one body or we aren’t.

Then I want any everyone who is standing to come together and support one another. The eleven and Peter stood up together under the power of the Holy Spirit and the world has never been the same! This is the day here in this church we stand up under that same power and are the community.

Benediction

Church go forth to live out this Holy Spirit filled life in community, real and authentic with one another. Hand in hand, arm in arm and side by side!

 

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.