Psalms 107:1-2, 21-22
Ephesians 2:1-10
John 3:14-21
Rev. Lisa began her sermon referring to the Fabreeze air freshener commercial where someone is blindfolded and then surrounded by gross smelling things but cannot tell until her blindfold is removed. She made the parallel to the Isrealites from today's Old Testament reading. They had been punished for complaining to God about their situation, whining about their condition once again. God sent poisonous snakes and the only way they could realize relief would be to literally look upon the source of their pain. "Taking off their blindfold" and looking upon the gold snake, the cause of their ailment, was the only way they could find healing. God is telling us we have to acknowledge our sin.
Rev. Lisa noted that 12 step programs embrace this basic truth of human failing, requiring those adhering to the program to start by admitting that their lives are out of their control. Furthermore, this is done in a group setting because it can be very challenging to do this on our own.
The Gospel reading builds on this lesson. Rev. Lisa reminded us that crucifixion is as ugly as it gets...the word "excruciating" comes from the Greek word for crucifixion. It is hard to come to terms with our own failings. Yet we have to face this humiliating event to realize the fully accept God's gift. We have to face Good Friday to reach Easter. No one forces us to do this...we have to make the choice to take off our own blindfolds to realize the grace expressed in John 3:16.
posted by m white
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