|
FULL AND EMPOWERED
(A homily preached May 20, 2007 at University United Methodist Church, East
Lansing, by John Ross Thompson)
Music Sunday, Stephen Ministry Sunday, Ascension Sunday
Scripture Texts: Luke 24:44-53, Ephesians 1:15-23
Today I have the challenge of preaching a homily. A quick definition of a homily
is a 20 minute message that is presented in 5 minutes or less.
The primary message today is through music. On this Music Sunday, we hear God’s
word not only with our minds, but through our whole beings. As all of our choirs
share today, I hope that God speaks to each of us in a profound way.
There are two key phrases that speak to me from the scripture passages today:
The Ephesians scripture concludes by saying that the church is “The fullness of
him who fills all in all.”
The Luke scripture recalls Jesus saying: “Remain in the city until you have
received power from on high.”
Today, then we celebrate that we can be full, and powerful.
Full is appropriate for a Music Sunday. Music fills me, swells up inside me, and
overflows. It is beyond reason and words, yet very spiritual.
Power is a “can do” feeling that enables us to do that which we could not
normally do.
I think of Stephen Ministry, which we are also celebrating today. Faced with
overwhelming human need, those who are Stephen ministers find something very
real and helpful to do, empowering others to find a way in their life, with the
catalyst being the caring, loving presence of another Christian
For several weeks, a number of us have been studying the Social Principles of
The United Methodist Church. We, too, are finding a fullness and power to do
something about the issues that touch human lives.
Jesus’ promises are:
1. Fullness – all you need to be whole
2. Power – what you need to do what needs to be done
This is also Ascension Sunday. The bottom line is that Jesus equips us for the
long haul and God’s promises never fail.
|
