We are told that God is everywhere. This is true. But how do we really experience that? We can get a sense of his creative power by looking at the beauty of this planet and the heavens that surround it. We can get a sense of his closeness when we pray or meditate. But how can we actually see God walking and talking? We witness this when we see someone totally let God live through them. God showed us what this looks like 2,000 years ago through the person Jesus.
Jesus explained to his followers, “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. Be generous with your lives. Open up to others and you’ll prompt people to open up to God.” (Matthew 5: 13, 14, 16, the Message)
What are God-flavors and God-colors? Certain aromas draw us into the kitchen looking for the source. Certain color combinations draw us into an artist’s painting looking for meaning. Could it be that our actions help people “smell” and “see” something that draws them toward God? Jesus said that it is though us that this world would experience God. So, what do we do? We feed when someone is hungry. We clothe when someone needs clothing. We visit when someone is sick or lonely. We listen when someone needs to talk. We forgive when someone needs forgiving.
We even bake cookies when it will help brighten someone’s day.
We do any number of these things not to bring attention to ourselves. We do them to bring attention to the fact that 1) There is a God; 2) He is walking and talking among us; and 3) He loves us.
Jesus said, “You are blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” So, yes, God can even be found in a cookie!
Amen.
______
Come join us on Saturday, December 13 to make Christmas cookies at the Ronald McDonald House. We will leave the church at 10am.
Jesus explained to his followers, “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. Be generous with your lives. Open up to others and you’ll prompt people to open up to God.” (Matthew 5: 13, 14, 16, the Message)
What are God-flavors and God-colors? Certain aromas draw us into the kitchen looking for the source. Certain color combinations draw us into an artist’s painting looking for meaning. Could it be that our actions help people “smell” and “see” something that draws them toward God? Jesus said that it is though us that this world would experience God. So, what do we do? We feed when someone is hungry. We clothe when someone needs clothing. We visit when someone is sick or lonely. We listen when someone needs to talk. We forgive when someone needs forgiving.
We even bake cookies when it will help brighten someone’s day.
We do any number of these things not to bring attention to ourselves. We do them to bring attention to the fact that 1) There is a God; 2) He is walking and talking among us; and 3) He loves us.
Jesus said, “You are blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” So, yes, God can even be found in a cookie!
Amen.
______
Come join us on Saturday, December 13 to make Christmas cookies at the Ronald McDonald House. We will leave the church at 10am.
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