Finally! I get some feedback on a blog! I thought I was all alone out there in cyberspace.
Interesting that all those comments had nothing to do with Christ Lutheran or the Bible or the sermon but with a high profile media person whose confession was heard by millions. It's only appropriate, then, that this coming Sunday we turn our attention to another high profile confession.
While the Prodigal Son's confession to his father was intensely personal, I suspect that more people throughout the ages are familiar with his fall from grace than with Tiger's. Was it sincere or did he play on the kind heart of his father? Did he expect any consequences or did he assume he would be received with open arms? Would others rejoice with him or would they stand off to the side with crossed arms like the elder brother and pick it apart word by word?
This Sunday we are going to look at the lost art of confession. From David writing, "Against you and you only have I sinned and done that which is evil in your sight," to the Prodigal Son, "I have sinned again you and heaven. I am not worthy to be called your son," confession has been at the heart of our Christian faith. As I craft the sermon on Sunday, I'm wondering if that heart has been removed. I fear that we have become the people whom Jeremiah 6:15 describes, "They did not even know how to blush."
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Pastor; we have becomes those people, look how many people on the recent Blog had any compassion for Tiger, maybe two. My client this morning was the same way.
ReplyDeleteI must be honest; as a student going to a Catholic College, I can agree 100% with Luthers views about humanity. of course my Teachers will have a different view. The evidence speaks of it. Maybe before we expect "Grace" from God on us, we should start with ourselves in letting the hard heart GO!
Truly can we get to "God" that way, I can't even pray when I am mad or frustrated! The story of the Prodigal Son, should give us all hope that no matter what we have done, and spent. "WE can pray that we can make it back, and we can been given "Grace" when we are looking for a handout and a place to stay.
I have hope! (scratching my head). Tis Humanity.... E.T.C's : < (
Pastor keep up the work!
Apology/confession has definitely become a lost art. No one wants to swallow their pride and admit they are wrong! Sometimes it is easier to continue on a path of self-destruction rather than turn around, look in the mirror and admit that you have screwed up. "I'm sorry" has become a phrase used indiscrimately, without any real remorse behind it. We need remember the power of those words and use them accordingly. God knows how badly we mess up and in return wants a contrite heart, not a careless "sorry about that."
ReplyDeletePride has killed more people than "Death" That being said taking a knee and saying "I am Sorry to God" is a start! For what other way do we start? Let us lose all the baggage in life. I had a supervisor at one time that had to do a write up on me. "It was a procedure issue and I was at fault".
ReplyDeleteThe Supervisor told me he would never go down without a fight! That is "Pride" when you are wrong for whatever, holding on to that and trying to find a reason it is right, just takes that much longer.
To the truth and to get back to yourself!
Note- Pride can go both ways: that is to the one who has never done wrong? and the one that can't do it anyway but wrong!
Pastor Scott, you're not alone in cyberspace. I read each blog and appreciate the time and energy invested into writing these. I also read the Taking It Home pieces.
ReplyDeleteAs for Tiger, he made very poor choices. He then stepped up and made an apology. Good for him. Aren't we tasked with forgiveness whether an apology is offered or not?
I hated hearing my elementary age son telling a joke about Tiger. We viewed it as a teaching opportunity. Everyone goofs. What do you think? We really need to stop and think before we make decisions. But no matter what, God still loves us. And no matter what his father & I will always love him.
On a separate note, I never know when the blog has been updated. Perhaps noting on the Taking It Home when the blog had been updated in addition to the link would be helpful. If there is an easier way to know, that would be great information to have. Like you, I am new to the blog world.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Pastor and Dana, I think it is the three of us?
ReplyDeleteDana it is so refreshing to hear that comment about Tiger Wood's, Lord knows I am not the perfect Christian, but I try and try to be a good person in everything that I do!
That being said Christianity is the whole package and not parts of it that you agree with. Christianity is not a union contract. Part of Christianity is about forgiveness, and everyone besides Jesus has failed.
It is that simple, The Prodigal Son, the one that left only to come back! This was not the one that stayed and tended to his fathers lands and worked on it. The Prodigal Son. learned his lesson in the world, what was that lesson.
1. The grass is not always green at all on the opposite end of the spectrum.
2. A value is stewardship- His Brother or could be a Sister who always steps up, when other family members negelct responsibility. I always hear about this one in the gym(Y).
3.The fact that a father would view all this children the same. That was the story in the Bible. Today not always the case.
The moral of the story is Love; For the wise will let the weak fail, in knowing the outcome already!
Ramon.
"Peace be with you ALL"
blog heads unite, now lets get on to some lively discussions about current topics of interest. Keep the blogs a flowing!!
ReplyDeleteTalk about your "Taking it Home", I hadn't finished my first cup of coffee this morning when I had to respond to an email where there was a pretty wide difference of opinion. While not an apology per se, trying to acknowledge the difference in opinions, and the understanding that we likely would not agree...and last, but not least, trying to justify my position, lead to several draft responses that sounded a lot like a number of the bad apologies that were discussed in yesterday's sermon.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just hate it when what you hear on Sunday starts "cramping your style" on Monday?
I must hear over ten apologize's every day - nothing worth losing a cup of coffee over - but still an apology. Usually the apology is an excuse for something someone forgot to do or a mistake they made. Usually has to do with business. It's almost as if the apology is the excuse that it's not my fault but simply making the statement makes the problem go away.
ReplyDeleteMaybe we should not accept all these rather lame apologizes which seem more like excuses and expect more from these people - or maybe these people just happen to be ourselves.