In 1997 Marc Berthier designed the iconic Lexon Rubber Radio.
It made all the top design lists, which is where I saw it and promptly purchased it.
The other day my 8-year-old noticed it on the shelf and asked me if I would show it to her.
‘Wow,’ she said, 'this is so cool!’
Of course, being 8 years old, she had never seen a transistor radio. So I turned it on, and out came music. Her eyes lit up. ‘Oh my gosh, you mean it plays music too?!’
On Sunday you and I will hear a Bible story that’s similar.
We’ll be reminded that everything we have - all of our most beloved possessions, our amazing vacations, every one of our loving connections - they’re not simply beautifully satisfying in and of themselves - but they point to a greater reality, value, and purpose - to God.
Like my radio, ya, it’s cool to look at - but it was actually intended for more.
How might we do better at making those daily connections between our blessings and the One that blesses - knowing the contemplation of the beauty and blessings that surround not only add to our worship - but bring peace to the soul?
Your Best Investment (take the quiz)
Choose the option that’ll make you happiest:
a) an extra hour at work b) an extra hour with your children
a) an hour playing video games b) an hour talking with your spouse
a) an hour watching TV b) an hour connecting with a friend
a) an hour surfing the web b) an hour talking with neighbors
a) an hour reading a book b) an hour comforting an ailing relative
I think you know where this is going.
Most of us instinctively choose b) because we know, not only the right option, but the healthiest.
We’re also not surprised by the Harvard Longitudinal research on long term contentment: "The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”
In a culture where disconnection is trending up, our souls call us to come back down - to the true riches, to investing in the people around us.
What does this look like to you?
How are we making the right investment?
How are we failing?
And how is God calling us to deeper relationships - the true riches?
And how is God calling us to deeper relationships - the true riches?
The Fierce Gospel
To emphasize the lamb as the pinnacle animal world icon for Christianity is to short sheet both the lamb and Jesus.
After all, the lamb is often depicted as this defenseless, frightened, and shy creature whose life-purpose is to endure harm.
Of course we understand the ideas of surrender and sacrifice the lamb exemplifies, but we also realize that there is a fierce side to Christianity that often gets lost in the mix.
This Sunday we will hear Jesus tell stories about a shepherd who leaves the safety of 99 sheep to brave the wilderness and search for the lost one - and the story of a woman who loses one of 10 coins and turns the place upside down trying to find it.
These are images of assertion and ambition - not apathy and passive acceptance.
Think tiger, not lamb.
Yes, we know the gospel is about going out, staking a claim, speaking with a firm voice about things that matter.
We know the Gospel is about giving us courage to move out of the passive places in our lives, the places of no risk and little chance of failure -
God wants us to live our faith with daring - boldness - and grit.
In what ways are we looking to our religion for courage more than solace? Bravery instead of comfort?
Friends, the time is short for us to make our mark for good - let us not avoid risk and uncertainty - but be brave - trusting that stepping out in faith and trust - obeying God’s lead - is the way to go.
Friends, the time is short for us to make our mark for good - let us not avoid risk and uncertainty - but be brave - trusting that stepping out in faith and trust - obeying God’s lead - is the way to go.
The Hardest Thing
The hardest thing we'll do today may be to believe that everything will work out.
It’s to have faith.
Faith is believing God is present in all things, all places, and at all times.
Faith is believing there are no random encounters, no chance meetings, and not one moment in our day is void of purpose.
Faith is believing that the deepest thing within us, is for us, and is actively working on our behalf.
Faith, to paraphrase a popular prayer, is to say thanks for all that has passed, and yes to all that will come our way.
This is why faith is the hardest and most rewarding thing we can do in life. And this is how faith leads to joy.
We grow in faith through prayer, meditation, and by practicing our beliefs in deeds of love, staying true to the path before us, and keeping our eyes on our constant companion, Jesus.
What does faith look like for you today?
And how might we truly believe that God's got this?
And how might we truly believe that God's got this?