Today we're discussing the whole idea of mystery..and I gotta be honest with you. About 3 o'clock this afternoon - what I was gonna say was still a mystery to me - but, here goes..Honestly, I don't really like mystery - or unclear things in life. I like things to add up. I like straight lines. I like to know the answers. And I like words like totally and always and certainly and never and absolutely. I really like clarity. However, in the past couple years I have come to realize a significant truth -- What I think and what I like in life is not always reality. I may like straight lines and concrete thinking. I may like 2 + 2 to equal 4 and life to always make sense - but guess what? Life doesn't always work like that. There's lots of life that's out of our control.
- Cancer - now there's something that never adds up. It just forces us into the fog with a great big push.
- Financial Markets - In the past 2 or 3 years à your accounts one day are as solid as a rock, but then 911 hit..We again felt a dense fog financially.
- Weather - For those who rely on rain for their income..this is a very foggy season.
- Relationships/marriage. We know relationships well enough to know that they certainly don't always add up..and there are great seasons of fog.
Now folks, we can work as hard as we want at forcing life to be controlled, but life just doesn't always add up. 2 + 2 does not equal 4 every time. And here is my suggestion - It's not supposed to. Mystery is in the design.Let me show you 3 words and their definitions:
- Ambiguity - lack of clarity, vagueness, uncertainty.
- Mystery - something that is hidden, unknown, unexplained.
- a spiritual idea that human reason cannot understand.
- Faith - believing without proof -- trust.
Ambiguity/mystery/faith are all part of the design of life - they don't just happen. In fact, my suggestion today is that we must not only give mental ascent to these..but we must embrace them in order to live a full, complete, and whole life..We must embrace ambiguity to reach our full potential in life. It's the way God has designed us.
Listen to Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Then just a few verses later, Hebrews 11:6a says this: "And without faith it is impossible to please God." Without embracing that which you cannot explain it is impossible to please God. Why? Because it is precisely in the unclear and in the fog where God speaks the loudest. And it is in the haze where the image of God becomes clearer inside of us.
Here's the line of the day: Keeping your mind open in the face of uncertainty is the greatest secret to unleashing God's power in your life. And I would suggest a new mathematical formula for those who like things to add up..2+2=5. Let me explain by reminding you of some very old stories..
1. Noah - ark -- (Embrace ambiguity with faith)
- Genesis 6:5-6, 8-9a: "The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that He had made man on the earth, and His heart was filled with pain.But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. This is the account of Noah."
- Genesis 8:18-19: "So Noah came out, together with his sons and his wife and his sons' wives. All the animals and all the creatures that move along the ground and all the birds - everything that moves on the earth - came out of the ark, one kind after another."- Because of man's wickedness, the judgment of God would come in the form of a flood and wipe them out. But He gives Noah directions on how to build the ark - a boat that was 1-1/2 football fields long - and fifty feet high. And so He calls Noah into the unknown - into ambiguity. Called to build this huge ship on dry land with only an explanation that God was gonna bring rain. What do you think his neighbors thought? The boat took years and years and years to build..on dry land. Do you think he took some ridicule? Do you think he felt like quitting? BUT the rain came and the earth flooded and Noah was spared along with his family and with all of creation. Ambiguity and mystery ended with God's power displayed - 2+2=5.
2. Moses - burning bush -- (Explore ambiguity with faith)
- Exodus 3&4
- Ambiguity forces questions. Moses really wanted to know the answers - why me? Can't you find someone smarter - better - stronger than me? I don't like mystery that much!!! And God answered - trust me - it'll be OK!
- Want some great reading? Read again the story of Moses and his leadership over God's people..or watch the movie "Prince of Egypt." And you'll be amazed how the timid Moses becomes a man of incredible authority and leadership as he learns to embrace mystery..and through that he feels the power of God flow much clearer in his life. 2+2=5
.3. Moses - Red Sea -- (Embrace ambiguity with faith)
Moses is about to leave Egypt with all the people - but Pharaoh changes his mind and pursues them. Then as they flee the land, they are led directly to the Red Sea - and the Pharaoh's army is gaining ground - how will they get across?
This is one of the greatest examples of the mystery of God revealed. Can you imagine the faith it took to step into that water - believing that God would work a miracle? Again, 2+2=5.
So, I've told you some stories. Now let's try to uncover a little truth for us today..Here's what I would suggest. When you embrace ambiguity/unclarity in life with faith, God's presence and plan shows up in a much more powerful way. 2 + 2 then doesn't = 4, it equals 5..and our potential is heightened.. As I read Scripture and as I live life, there is a sequence - a cadence to which this embracing of ambiguity comes and goes in our lives..Here's what I mean:
Let me explain this more.
In each of those Bible stories a very similar sequence of events happened spiritually within the individuals. And I would suggest it's the same with us..
First they were called into the fog. Their lives were led directly by God into an uncertain place (at least humanly it was an uncertain place..)
Noah - was called to build an arc/huge boat on dry land.mocking and ridicule.Moses - call to lead the people from slavery into a new land. A man with no authority to do so. A man with no confidence.
Moses - Red Sea - miracle - very uncertain place.What about us? Anyone here ever been called to an uncertain place? Or maybe you are getting called there today. My only thought is to walk into that place by faith - believing that God will meet you powerfully there.
Second , in these stories, this ambiguity caused some searching and wondering out loud - some questioning.
Moses especially questionned - "God I really don't want to do this." - What if - what if. -
"God can you send someone else.Us - Folks, you can wonder out loud with God. Don't hesitate during an uncertain foggy season to tell God exactly what you're thinking..He can handle it!
Third in the sequence - questioning when faith is applied creates a sense of spiritual seeking and prayer - a humble trust even though you question - Ground in which God can work within us. Sometimes this step takes a long time. This is the dense fog, but there is a light in the center.
Moses - the rest of his days were spent humbly seeking and in prayer as he led the people to a new land - 80 years of fog walking and he only then got to just see the promised land.
Noah - I'm sure went through so many doubts (years). - yet humbly finished the job God gave him. - over his lifetime - it took his whole life to get out of the fog.
But would he have changed a thing?
Us - turn your questions into prayer as you walk with God through questioning times..
Fourth in the sequence, out of this faith-filled place is where clarity and assurance and God's power is unleashed.
Noah - clearly led an incredible life. He changed history..found fulfillment clearly and reached his potential fully as God's power was unleashed.
Moses - by the end of his life, was again the father of faith and freedom for the people of Israel - lived an incredible life of purpose and destiny - because of God's power.
Us - Folks, as you walk into mystery, my only suggestion is to wait and see what God will do when you embrace the mystery of His power.
The outcome is a life lived fully realizing the potential we were created for.
Main point - We must embrace ambiguity and mystery and fog, because it's in that embracing where God works most powerfully.
A couple more thoughts on this..
1. Ask Questions
In the church, especially in the church, we have taken a very defensive stance to faith. The church has not always been open to questions on doubts..and especially in the past 50-100 years our desire has been to reason our way through on faith - scientifically.
- Resurrection/forgiveness/whether Christ was actually God/creation..
- We want to answer all the questions people have about our faith or about the Bible with concrete 2 + 2 = 4 answers..
- When the reality is sometimes 2 + 2 = 5..and in the mix is faith and the power of God.
I heard a great line this week that said, "It is more important to be seekers of the truth than defenders of it." Far too often in the church we are so quick to defend. We want to have all the answers and we press people to agree with our view on this or that theological issue. Here's a suggestion: don't be afraid of questions you have or anybody else has. God is ok with questions and He's ok with doubts. In fact, it's in these questioning and doubting seasons where He speaks to us powerfully.
2. Focus on the Promises of GodIf you're in the fog, be encouraged by the promises of God.
Isaiah 40:29-31 : "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 43:1-3 : "But now, this is what the Lord says - 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.'"
Isaiah 43:18-19 : "'Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.'"When you're in a period of waiting/fog/mystery, trust the promises of God - He will see you through the other side!
3. Embrace Spiritual Mystery
Practice spiritual disciplines that include mystery:
- Solitude
- Silence
- Prayer
- Fasting
- Worship
- Baptism
- Communion
Today we really wanted you to experience your faith - by walking clearly into mystery. In a few moments we will celebrate the Lord's Supper together. Join with me as we walk through the words leading us to God.
The Invitation
You who truly and earnestly repent of your sins, who live in love and peace with your neighbours, and who intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God and walking henceforth in His holy ways, draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament for your comfort; and humbly bowing make your honest confession to Almighty God.
The General Confession
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, maker of all things, judge of all men, we confess that we have sinned, and we are deeply grieved as we remember the wickedness of our past lives. We have sinned against you, your holiness, and your love, and we deserve only your indignation and anger.We sincerely repent, and we are genuinely sorry for all wrongdoing and every failure to do the things we should. Our hearts are grieved, and we acknowledge that we are hopeless without your grace.Have mercy upon us.Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who died for us.Forgive us.Cleanse us.Give us strength to serve and please you in newness of life and to honor and praise your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer (in unison)
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
The Collect (in unison)
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are opened, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Prayer of Consecration of the Elements
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who gave in love your only Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption, who by His sacrifice, offered once for all, did provide a full, perfect, and sufficient atonement for the sins of the whole world, we come now to your table in obedience to your Son, Jesus Christ, who in His holy gospel commanded us to continue a perpetual memory of His precious death until He comes again. Hear us, O merciful Father, we humbly ask, and grant that we, receiving this bread and this wine, as He commanded and in the memory of His passion and death, may partake of His most blessed body and blood;In the night of His betrayal, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.In like manner, after supper He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink of this, all of you, for this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins; do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. Amen.
The Benediction
May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be yours now and forever. Amen. |
