Bethlehem Lutheran Church issued the following announcement on June 23
Dearest Members of Bethlehem,
Have you ever said something you wish you hadn’t? Have you ever been in a situation when you wish you had said something, but didn’t? Odds are, the answer to both of those questions is, well, yes.
In last Sunday’s lessons we were blessed with a piece of scripture from the prophet Jeremiah. We know that Jeremiah had a great deal to say. There are 52 chapters in the book of Jeremiah, which makes for a fairly hefty book of the Bible.
In chapter 20, Jeremiah notes that he’s grown a little weary of speaking out on God’s behalf. “I have become a laughingstock all day long, everyone mocks me.” Jeremiah is of course sharing his struggle, articulating his frustration. It’s not easy, this work that he has been called to.
And yet, we also get the impression that Jeremiah does not have the ability to simply stop speaking on behalf of God. He says, when he tries to keep quiet, “then within me, there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones.” We get the impression Jeremiah just can’t hold it in.
I’ve spoken recently in a study about thinking twice before speaking once. In the past, I’ve commended being measured and thoughtful in our approach to verbal communication. There’s all kinds of advice that helps us avoid the painful but inevitable, “putting your foot in your mouth.”
Yet, there are times when we resonate and relate completely with Jeremiah. We just can’t hold it in anymore, we feel as if we’ve been holding back for far too long and we just have to say something. In fact, Pastor Ellen spoke of this phenomenon in last Sunday’s sermon.
Such inspiration reminds me of Walt Whitman’s line from his famous work, Song of Myself, “I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world.” If you’ve never let loose with a “barbaric yawp,” give it a try sometime, just to see what you think about the experience.
But then, where do we go from there? Hopefully, forward. Jeremiah was not well-liked. What Jeremiah had to say was disturbing to the religious establishment, and many others for that matter. Yet, by the grace of God, conversation ensued. Deliberation and discernment unfolded within the context of authentic conversation. And… ultimately, the people of God were changed. Jeremiah’s words remain in every Bible we pass along to the next generations.
There’s only one Jeremiah, but hopefully he serves as a blessed reminder that we need to listen for the prophets in our midst.
Question for reflection: Any helpful tips on how to figure out when it’s best to say something, and when it’s best to remain quiet?
This week at Bethlehem:
On Wednesday evening we will gather for our second installment of “Fit Church” at the Latrobe Shelter in North Park at 6:30. Let’s hope for great weather and another wonderful evening together.
We look forward to coming together for worship this weekend. We will offer worship services on Saturday at 4:00 and 6:00 pm. And then on on Sunday morning at 8:00 and 10:00 am. Please consider joining us for worship!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Dan
Let us pray…
Lord of mercy, we have seen both struggle and triumph in our lives. We have gained much and lost much. There have been moments of elation and times of deep pain. But in every situation and circumstance, you remain. We thank and praise you for being a constant source of meaning and hope in our lives. Be with those who need your peace and encouragement this day. We pray all this in our Savior’s name, Amen.
Original source can be found here.
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