February 21, 2010 – Healing Service
Luke 19:41-44
Rev. Jeffrey L. Phillips, pastor
Jesus weeps over
He has just entered the city for Passover
On his way to the
But stops first to declare judgment over the city – God’s sovereignty over the city
His judgment is more sorrow than criticism
Jesus weeps twice in the Gospels – here and at Lazarus’ death
Both times, the people don’t recognize God’s reign and what it might mean for their welfare.
They don’t know God’s power and peace.
They just don’t “get it.”
They don’t realize that God has visited them – come to them.
They miss out.
A theme of lament in Luke that goes with the joyous celebration of the Gospel.
Next week’s reading – ch. 13: Jesus desire to gather the people as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but the people are not willing.
Chap. 23 when J is on his way to the cross, he tells the daughters of
The wonder and joy of God’s redemptive work in Jesus is accompanied by sorrow for those who do not respond.
The prodigal son and his brother.
Jesus is a king with a hard-to-define kingdom. He enters to redeem the city, but ends up dead on a criminal’s cross. If he’s a king, who are his subjects? Where is his victory? Why isn’t the world healed?
This passage is heavy with pathos and tragedy – Jesus weeping, but nobody caring or responding. His warnings fall on deaf ears and dull hearts.
Rather than recognizing “the things that make for peace,” all that is certain is that the people will know the consequences of war, especially when
Peace. What are “the things that make for peace”?
Well, what did Jesus come to bring to the world?
Good news to the poor, a place at the table for outcasts, healing for the sick, forgiveness for sinners, restoration of relation with God, dignity for women and children (especially visible in Luke’s gospel).
Jesus came to bring these things, but they are not here completely, are they?
This sad scene of Jesus’ weeping over
Another way to understand this is the way of health and the way of sickness.
Do we believe that Jesus brings health and healing, or not?
There’s plenty of evidence to the contrary.
Can Jesus heal us? Can Jesus heal the world?
Or does Jesus look upon us and our society and just weep?
As we look upon our own lives, and the life of the world, do we believe there is hope for us, are we cynical about God’s visitation upon this earth in Jesus Christ?
Is peace possible, or is that just a utopian dream? Nonsense?
Is human flourishing possible? Or is that just a waste of time?
Is there hope for us?
Can God still work grace in us?
Do we “recognize this day the things that make for peace”? (Shalom)
If God reigns on earth, doesn’t that mean that health and healing are possible for us and for all?
One problem may be our definition of “health” and “healing.”
Not “cure”
Better definition (shalom): peace, wellness, wholeness, balance, joy, right relationships with self, God, and others, social justice, purpose
Examples of God’s peace, health, and healing in the world, when we recognize and embrace God’s rule of righteousness and justice on earth
Going to the doctor regularly
Eating better
Exercising
Working for good mental health as well as physical health
Having more fun – do what you love, be yourself, laugh
Getting more sleep and rest
Finding time for quiet, meditation, and prayer
Working for health care for all
Building strong marriages and fostering well-trained parents
Accepting life as it is
Striving for good relationships with family members, friends, and God
Forgiving others and knowing that you are forgiven
Going to counseling
Finding fulfilling work
Having less stress in your life - learning to say No without feeling guilty
Working for strong public education that produces confident, healthy, talented, compassionate children
Working to eliminate global poverty
Working for a healthy environment
Working to solve global conflicts without violence
Working to solve conflicts at home, school and work, church without violence
Wearing your seatbelt – and NOT TEXTING while driving
All of these are ways in which we say, “I get it, Jesus! Your reign promotes health and healing for us all!”
Healing service today
This is the kind of health and healing we’re talking about – God visiting us through the healing of ministry of Jesus Christ that continues today.
No religion can rise to the level of a world religion without taking health and healing seriously.
This is what we do today – not seeking a “cure,” but hoping that you might know through the laying on of hands and a word of blessing that God’s power and grace for you on your journey to greater health and healing.
Details
Grace – Called to Care
Down center aisle
You don’t have to tell us why you’re coming forward
Come for yourself or someone else
If you don’t come forward, be in prayer for others who do
Sing two Taize songs
We will come to you afterward if you can’t come forward
Jesus weeps for us. He wonders if we know the things that make for peace. He wonders if his mission of healing was in vain. How will we respond?
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