Psalm 107:23-33
Hebrews 11:1-16
Luke 8:22-25
This weekend Wisconsin UCC people have been learning about Jesus. Over in Stevens Point a record number of us have been gathered in the Holiday Inn for the Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ to do the business of our conference, but more importantly to have a family get-together and reinforce our faith. Right now the Elmhorsts are there. On Saturday the Kruegers and the Mohrs were there. Our theme was "Jesus in the Life of Faith"
Yesterday a distinguished biblical scholar named Marcus Borg stretched the minds of delegates and visitors as he shared his journey from innocent faith to doubt to renewed faith. Then there was a panel discussion and small group sessions where people could share their faith in Jesus Christ.
During worship, our Conference Minister, Dr. David Moyer used the exact texts we have read today to reflect on Jesus as the one who stills the storm and then helps us cross the waters.
Now we are here in Neillsville, still putting up with more than enough water, as we are celebrating our faith in Jesus Christ through the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
"Jesus in the Life of Faith" Try to picture Jesus in your mind. Where is Jesus in your life of faith? One of the exercises that I put confirmation classes through is looking at various pictures of Jesus. I ask them to identify their favorite. Then I ask them to identify a picture that challenges them? I share a few with you today:
"Head of Christ" - Warner Salmon
"Jesus and a Friend" - Icon from Egypt and Taize
The Laughing Christ - accompanied an article on Christ’s humor by Harvey Cox
Jesus with Halo - icon
"A Bloke Called Jesus" - from Australia
"No Appointment Necessary" The Tatooed Jesus - Stephen Sawyer
Jesus as the friendly "bloke" - from Australia
Jesus as a Native American with Children
Jesus in the storm - by Rembrandt
Jesus saying "Peace, Be Still" - by Chinese artist Hu
Here I quote our Conference Minister:
In the scripture (from Luke about the stilling of the storm), I love the image of Jesus. It’s a great part of the story and a great thing for us to remember. Where is Jesus as the boat is filling and sinking and the disciples are panicked? He is asleep. Now, the first principle for moments of chaos and conflict isn’t to fall asleep, but what all of the books and leaders on conflict transformation tell us is what Jesus models in the Bible story, and that is what they call a "non anxious presence." The ability to not be overcome by the emotions of fear and anger, but still to be able to function with thought and reason.
During the past week we’ve seen an extensive coverage of President Reagan’s funeral. One remark we have heard over and over again was that President Reagan was secure in himself and was not anxious. He made up his mind and left the worrying to his wife Nancy. Criticism didn’t seem to bother him. What a gift!
"Jesus in the Life of Faith." We here at Neillsville United Church of Christ confess our faith in this Jesus, who lived among us as a "non-anxious presence." This week at our Conference meeting people had to deal with many different issues. Perhaps they became anxious. Perhaps we are anxious as we look at the big world out there and at our lives and our ministry right here in Neillsville.
Today we will allow the "non anxious presence" of Jesus Christ to fill us as we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. We will remember that he gathered with his friends ---- on the night before his death ----- and on the evening of his resurrection. At both times he shared a meal just like the meal we are sharing this morning. The disciples’ eyes were opened as they shared that post-resurrection meal with Jesus.
I pray that our eyes will be opened as we continue on our sacred journey of faith together here as the people of Neillsville United Church of Christ. Sometime along the way we may feel tension. We may feel anxious about the journey. Then may Christ come to us as he came to his disciples in the boat on Lake Galilee and say: "Peace. Be Still."
This isn’t just a technique. It is a spiritual discipline grounded in basic trust in God. Jesus models a non anxious presence, because he is secure in God’s love and care.
