Uplook - April 22, 2023
Happy Saturday,
Lori and I have just returned from Los Angeles where I officiated at a wedding last night. Weddings are such joyous time but also filled with a bit of stress and then there is a marriage which follows. I am also reminded that 47 years ago tomorrow I asked Lori to marry me and was thrilled when she responded affirmatively. I was also glad that her parents, my parents, and our pastor all were in favor as well. Today I’m going to share some possibly familiar words which I have used in sermons along the way which I shared yesterday at the wedding.
“I am reminded of an interaction in one of my favorite books, CS Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Lucy asks Mr. Beaver if Aslan is a man to which he replies certainly not. He is a king, emperor, and a lion. Lucy’s sister Susan asks “Is he -quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.” Mr. Beaver replies “if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.” Finally Lucy declares “Then he isn’t safe?” to which Mr. Beaver responds “Who said anything about safe? Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King.” Lucy’s brother Peter finishes the exchange with “I’m longing to see him, even if I do feel frightened when it comes to the point.” Of course, Lewis’s children’s story pointed to Christ and his goodness, yet reminds us there is some mystery, danger, and stomach churning along the way. Is it any wonder that the Bible uses marriage as an illustration of this mysterious, dangerous, and sometimes stomach-churning relationship between Christ and his bride the church.”
So today as we consider the great love of Christ toward us as his “bride” may we not be surprised that it is sometimes termed a mystery, and sometimes seems frightening and dangerous. And yet…may we embrace the desire and longing to see him even if it makes our stomach churn just a little (like the prophet Isaiah in chapter 6) and may His love for us and our love in return never become commonplace.
Speaking of joyous weddings, celebrations, etc. We will be having an all church dinner next Sunday April 30th following Sunday morning service. We will be celebrating the marriage of our beloved Devendra and Janeth who married back during Covid. We want to properly honor their commitment both to each other but also to the Lord. If you have question please feel free to check with me or with Lori.
God bless,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
Lori and I have just returned from Los Angeles where I officiated at a wedding last night. Weddings are such joyous time but also filled with a bit of stress and then there is a marriage which follows. I am also reminded that 47 years ago tomorrow I asked Lori to marry me and was thrilled when she responded affirmatively. I was also glad that her parents, my parents, and our pastor all were in favor as well. Today I’m going to share some possibly familiar words which I have used in sermons along the way which I shared yesterday at the wedding.
“I am reminded of an interaction in one of my favorite books, CS Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Lucy asks Mr. Beaver if Aslan is a man to which he replies certainly not. He is a king, emperor, and a lion. Lucy’s sister Susan asks “Is he -quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.” Mr. Beaver replies “if there’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they’re either braver than most or else just silly.” Finally Lucy declares “Then he isn’t safe?” to which Mr. Beaver responds “Who said anything about safe? Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King.” Lucy’s brother Peter finishes the exchange with “I’m longing to see him, even if I do feel frightened when it comes to the point.” Of course, Lewis’s children’s story pointed to Christ and his goodness, yet reminds us there is some mystery, danger, and stomach churning along the way. Is it any wonder that the Bible uses marriage as an illustration of this mysterious, dangerous, and sometimes stomach-churning relationship between Christ and his bride the church.”
So today as we consider the great love of Christ toward us as his “bride” may we not be surprised that it is sometimes termed a mystery, and sometimes seems frightening and dangerous. And yet…may we embrace the desire and longing to see him even if it makes our stomach churn just a little (like the prophet Isaiah in chapter 6) and may His love for us and our love in return never become commonplace.
Speaking of joyous weddings, celebrations, etc. We will be having an all church dinner next Sunday April 30th following Sunday morning service. We will be celebrating the marriage of our beloved Devendra and Janeth who married back during Covid. We want to properly honor their commitment both to each other but also to the Lord. If you have question please feel free to check with me or with Lori.
God bless,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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