Parables, allegories, lessons July 19 2020 Rev Dolson Knox Bayfield
Section 1
Greetings to my church family and friends. May the grace of God be with you.
The good folks at Camp Kintail have been creative in their offerings this summer. Check out the details on their website: https://www.campkintail.ca/
Do you have a favourite Psalm? Consider sharing it in the Kintail Psalter: https://www.campkintail.ca/get-involved/psalter/Directly access their summer online camp programs: https://www.campkintail.ca/summer-programs/kintail-at-home/
Drop in and discover a virtual prayer community during our Thursday Coffee & Prayer on Zoom at 11:30 am. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
Time to get cracking! The call has gone out for your recipes for our new Knox Bayfield Cookbook. Include personal notes about the recipes, such as tips for serving, when you enjoy the dish, or how you discovered the recipe. Your comments will provide a delightful tidbit for the readers. Be sure your recipes are complete with ingredients and directions. Deb is asking for up to ten recipes from each of you. Send your recipes by email to: deb dot cosford13 at gmail dot com or Canada Post: PO Box 1594, Clinton ON N0M 1L0. A church cookbook offers years of experience and great cooking.
You may notice a change to the email addresses, the dot is noted as a word. The change has been made to avoid email spam.
Mission Moment – Meeting Milestones
In Haiti, more than half of the total population is chronically undernourished, the majority of whom are children. Drastic, unpredictable weather changes caused by climate change have left many families food insecure. Many are not able to produce enough nutritious food for their families. Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D) works with local partners to bring nutrition to those who are suffering from malnourishment. Life-saving mobile clinics have been established to detect and treat malnutrition. Since the project began, 3,400 children have been treated. They have been given the chance to regain their strength, meet developmental milestones and lead a healthy life. PWS&D supports healthy futures
Do you have food to share? Take your food donations to the outside bin at Trinity St James Church. Are you dealing with food insecurity? Reach out to the Bayfield Area Food Bank if you are struggling to put food on your table. Make a confidential call to: 519 955-7444 (area manager) Help is available!
The weekly email was delayed last week due to technical problems. Reach out to me if you notice a delay in receiving your copy of the sermon. You can also read the sermon on our website https://pccweb.ca/knoxbayfieldpc/ and watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=knox+bayfield
There are three parts to this service. This first section includes announcements; the second section contains the worship service; and, the third section includes daily prayers and hymns. Jean Walker will perform the hymns on the organ for the YouTube video. Remember to go to the end of the printed material for the lyrics to the hymns. Did you know the bible is available online! Yes, you can read scriptures at: https://www.biblegateway.com/
Section 2
CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 86:12-13
People of God, we gather to worship and praise God. We give thanks to you, O God, with our whole heart. We will glorify your name forever! Great is your steadfast love for us and all of creation. You have delivered us from the depths. God says, “Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.”
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Sisters and brothers, siblings in Christ. Hear the word of the God. In the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God says unequivocally, irrevocably: you are my own; you are forgiven; and, I need you to be about my business in the world.
# 797 Shall we gather at the river
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Holy One, you love with a father’s tenderness and a mother’s enthusiasm. Move now in our hearts. Breathe through the words we hear, the songs we sing, the burdens we carry, until we discover our purpose in your liberating love. We long to join creation’s praise. We pray all this in the name of Christ. Amen.
READINGS:
Genesis 28:10–19a, Psalm 139:1–12, 23–24
Matthew 13:24-43, Romans 8:12–25
Genesis 28:10-19a
Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. “He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
And God stood beside him and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it!” And he was afraid, and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called that place Bethel.
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well.
And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’
Jesus answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’
The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’
But the householder replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”
Then Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.”
Jesus answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!
# 778 Lord, you give the great commission
MESSAGE Parables, allegories, & lessons
The readings today seem to be a good fit for this hot, dry summer. Camping out under the open sky would be a welcome contrast to the months spent in isolation during the pandemic. The gardeners among you may also like to hear that we do not need to be quite so attentive to the weeds. More importantly, we are offered glimpses of a patient God who offers grace and encouragement. When we reflect on these accounts we may discover an invitation to be drawn into these encounters with God and the parables that speak of evil, patience, and faith. We continue with our study of the gospel of Matthew and the parables that Jesus has shared. Last week, he spoke of the good seed sown by a good sower. Today we hear of two opposing forces that are planting in the fields.
Before we go too much further, it may be good to consider what we mean with the word ‘parable’. It is defined as a short and simple story that teaches a religious or moral lesson. The parable of the Good Samaritan and the parable of the Prodigal Son are just two examples of many. I would hesitate to hold onto the description of a simple story. There is often much depth and complex meaning to be understood from the parables. Sometimes, it may seem like we have to stand on our heads to see it more clearly. This is another of saying that we need to set aside our presumptions, our privilege, our 21st century way of living in order to understand. Perhaps we can better understand the parable as an allegory. An allegory describes a character, place, or event is used to help the reader or listener understand a broader message about real-world issues and events. It can be a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a complex meaning.
Jesus uses the parable of the weeds growing in a wheat field to speak of intentional evil created within God’s good creation. One plant feeds and nourishes, the other destroys. In many ways this passage addresses a topic that you may prefer to avoid. Jesus speaks to the evil that will grow alongside the good. He speaks of the reality of evil hiding in plain sight, mimicking the appearance of goodness. He describes the weeds among the wheat. The bearded darnel – also known as Persian darnel or false wheat – looks like wheat in the field, yet the roots are harmful and the seed is dangerous. The seeds can cause illness, hallucinations and even death.
Perhaps this parable allows us to discover the insidious nature of evil and the challenges that arise when we try to deal with it. The weeds seem to invade our gardens, fields, and our lives. Perhaps you are mindful of weeds that have invaded your life. Isn’t that how it feels? The weeds, or evil, invade and become intertwined within our the complexity of our lives, within our hearts, souls and minds. The apostle Paul wrote, “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” Romans 7:15. Those who are familiar with AA, AlAnon, and related organizations recognize how the roots of addiction can get twisted up within a person … just as the weeds can get twisted up within the wheat. The deceptive nature of addiction will mimic the voice of reason in its efforts to control.
We recognize the weeds among the wheat in many aspects of our society. Similar to the servants who recognize the weeds in the parable, it may seem a daunting and confusing task to deal with the problem. We look to the issues facing our world today. How do we protect the vulnerable against those who oppress and exploit? Currently there is debate about the need to wear masks and maintain physical distancing in contrast to the individual’s freedom to reject that need. We must ask … who are the vulnerable during the time of COVID and what is the extent of our collective duty to protect? Who are the vulnerable during non-pandemic times and what measures are taken to protect those in need?
The parable cautions against a rush to judgment. It is not always possible to determine which is the wheat and which the weed. Rather than destroy the whole field, Jesus instructs that it is better to wait and gather the weeds for burning when the plants are mature. It can be difficult to wait, difficult to nurture all the plants when some are likely weeds. Yet, we are encouraged to be patient. Some of you may relate to this parable when you are out in your gardens. Even experienced gardeners wonder about the new plant that has sprung up. The new growth can appear to be similar to other plantings. It can be difficult to tell a weed from an intentional plant. Early in my gardening days, I yanked what initially seemed to be a patch of weeds. It was disappointing when I discovered that a patch of poppies had been destroyed.
I wonder, though, how often this has happened with people. Too often the leap to judgement has created a society of outcasts or the marginalized. Too often people are thrown out as weeds. Perhaps we are cautioned to refrain from casting out those who may not belong. With nurture and tending, what may be initially seen as weeds could prove to be vital plants. God is able to sort out the good from the bad. In a world where seeds of hatred and injustice are too easily nurtured, this parable reminds us that God is in charge. Which brings us to the passage from Genesis. It tells of another time, another life that could have been cast aside. We are reminded of the ways in which God has purpose for each of us.
Our reading from Genesis tells of Jacob’s dream of an encounter with God. You may recall that this Jacob had difficulties with his family of origin. He was on the run from an angry brother. One commentator described Jacob as ‘the sort of man who has you checking to make sure your wallet is still there’ when Jacob walks by. He manipulated his brother, Esau, out of his birthright. With his mother’s guidance, he tricked his dying father. Yet, in the passage today we heard of his significant dream where he encountered a ladder, angels, and God. God reached down into the messiness of his life and promised to be with him and keep him wherever he went.
Do you wonder why God would choose him? This man who has done so much wrong. Yet, this flawed man was able to seek out good purpose in his life. Jacob awakens from his dream in awe and astonishment. He immediately began to worship God as he poured oil to mark and rename the location. The name, Bethel, means the House of God. Did Jacob, in waking from his dream, wonder whether it was truly an encounter with God. Or, was it so powerful that there was no doubt. When we look at the passage we can grasp the awe and wonder that he experienced. Such dreams and visions are simply too remarkable to have any confusion about the reality of the directions provided.
Have you had such a vivid and remarkable experience? When you just know that your life is changed regardless of where it takes you. Has it been a call to contribute to mission efforts by gathering food and clothing for those in need? Has it been to work, shoulder to shoulder, with others in the church to ensure the faith community is available for all who are seeking to understand their faith? You may have stepped up to the challenge of working on committees for the work of the church. Has your call been lived out by providing nurture and care for family, friends, or the larger community? Perhaps your life focus has been to care for family members who struggle with day-to-day life. Perhaps you have devoted time and effort with mission efforts in other communities. Your efforts may be driven by your deep desire to follow in the way of Christ by helping others. We are called to share the good news in how we live and interact. In doing so, we share the story of God’s abundant generosity in our lives.
We are also encouraged to be patient. To trust in God, rather than judging the behaviour and actions of others. We are to trust that in the end it will be sorted. The readings really do seem to a fit during this hot, dry summer in the midst of the pandemic. We are offered glimpses of a patient God who offers grace and encourages us to be in relationship with him and with each other. As we reflect on these accounts may we discover a renewed invitation to our purpose within God’s creation. Praise be to God
# 411 Stand up and bless the Lord
THE OFFERING OF OUR LIFE AND LABOUR TO THE LORD
QUOTE: We should travel light and live simply. Our enemy is not possessions, but excess. John Stott (1921 – 2011) Anglican priest
Your donations to the church are greatly appreciated. The expenses for our faith community continue even though we are not gathering in the church building, the work of the church continues in so many ways. Thank you for your ongoing support! With thanksgiving for God’s gifts to us, we offer ourselves and the fruits of our labor for God’s work in the world. God blesses us that we might carry that blessing into the world. Let us give with grateful hearts.
BLESSING OF GIFTS *
Loving and ever-present God, receive these offerings, our worship, and our lives to your service; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
You are encouraged to share your concerns and celebrations with the congregation. Your requests will be shared in the prayers of the people and kept in my daily prayers and the prayers of our congregation. Let us pray for all people and all of God’s creation.
Almighty and gracious God, You have created one human family to live and flourish in peace. Give us the wisdom and insight to find ways that all may have shelter, nourishment, and love.
Gracious Creator, you know the complicated histories that have carried us to this moment. You know the names of all our generations, for you are there in each story of our long years of wandering, and in the shining moments when we recognize your presence.
All of creation is groaning, yearning for healing and a sense of peace.
Expand our vision, startle us into a new understanding of your creation and our place within it. We pray you will strengthen the fruits of your Spirit within us.
We pray for all who flee from that which haunts them. We lift up all who feel abandoned, unloved, and alone. We pray for all who do not know that they are loved by you. Help us to trust that you are at work in every heart, every community. We pray you will continue to nourish the life you created within us.
Almighty God, there are many within our church family in need of your care at this time. We lift up Grace as she mourns the death of her mother, Annie. We lift up Ron, Sandy and their family as Ron continues his treatment. We lift up Mark for your ongoing care. We lift up Brenda, Mark and family as they mourn the deaths of Evelyn and George. We lift up Jan’s sister, Peggy, as she slowly heals from extensive heart surgery. We lift up Betty Lou’s daughter, Bonnie, as she enjoys the peace of remission. We lift up Susanne and family as they mourn the death of Susan. We lift up Gayle’s granddaughter Courtney and great granddaughter Kyla. We lift up Rob, son of Jane and Jim. We lift up Bonnie as she heals. We lift up Ron S. as his foot heals. We lift up Jessie as she deals with chronic back pain. We lift up Jessie’s daughter, Marlene, as she continues to heal.
O Holy One, although we are apart and cannot lift our voices together, we speak the words aloud that Christ taught his disciples, Our Father who art in heaven, hallow’ed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
# 687 Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine
BENEDICTION
Go forth as beloved children of God, living in hope and confident in God’s promises. Sisters and brothers, siblings in Christ, however dark it may become. Whatever you have taken or squandered — know that you are held with love. The Creator who made you … claims you
in covenant love. Jesus Christ lives again by the word of God. The Sustainer of all creation breathes courage into your heart.
May God our parent, Christ our brother, and the living breath of the Spirit bless you and keep you this day and forevermore.
CLOSING CHORUS
May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever, Grant you peace, perfect peace, faith in every endeavor Lift your eyes and see His face, and His grace forever, May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
How has your understanding of the relationship between suffering and faith (or vulnerability and trust) changed over time? What experiences of God’s grace do you need to acknowledge and anoint?
Section 3
Morning Prayer
In whatever shelter I wake this morning I know this place is holy because you meet me here. As I wash my body and prepare for the day, I remember baptismal waters and the claim upon my life. Wherever darkness looms, Holy God, may your mercy be evident today. Amen.
Evening Prayer
Creator of all, you make the night for peace and rest. In the moon and stars we see the reflection of your eternal light, so we know that we belong to you. Keep watch over those who work through the night; give peace to those who cannot sleep. Let me surrender all anxiety and fear to your loving embrace, that I may awake to serve you with joy. Amen.
Daily Prayer Genesis 28:10–15
Rock of Israel and cornerstone of our common life, you are not bound by our visions, our structures, our doctrine. We cannot predict your coming or going, yet you have given us your story, your family, your work to do. Meet us here. Shape us for service in your world, for we carry the name of Jesus and live by the power of your breath. Amen.
797 Shall we gather at the river
778 Lord, you give the great commission
411 Stand up and bless the Lord
687 Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine
411 Stand up and bless the Lord
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTjSYD37clI
Lyrics: James Montgomery
1. Stand up and bless the Lord; God’s people now rejoice
Stand up and bless the Lord your God
with heart and soul and voice.
2. Though high above all praise, above all blessing high
Who would not fear God’s holy name,
and praise and magnify?
3. Oh for the living flame from God’s own altar brought
To touch our lips, our minds inspire,
and wing to heaven our thought.
4. God is our strength and song; now is salvation ours
God’s love in Christ we now proclaim
with all our ransomed powers.
5. Stand up and bless the Lord; the Lord your God adore
Stand up and bless God’s glorious name
henceforth forevermore.
687 Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWJb0g0LhR0
Songwriters: Fanny Crosby / Douglas Wagner / Phoebe P. Knappe
1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine,
O what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood
Refrain: This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy whispers of love
Refrain
3. Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest
Watching and waiting, looking above
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love
Refrain
778 Lord, you give the great commission
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG36MuVpmGk
Lyrics: Jeffery Rowthorn Music: Charles Venn Pilcher
1. Lord, You give the great commission: “Heal the sick and preach the Word.”
Lest the Church neglect its mission, and the Gospel go unheard
Help us witness to Your purpose with renewed integrity,
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
2. Lord, You call us to Your service: “In My name baptize and teach.”
That the world may trust Your promise, life abundant meant for each
Give us all new fervor, draw us closer in community.
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
3. Lord, You make the common holy: “This My body, this My blood.”
Let us all, for earth’s true glory, daily lift life heavenward
Asking that the world around us share your children’s liberty
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
4. Lord, You show us love’s true measure: “Father, what they do, forgive.”
Yet we hoard as private treasure all that You so freely give.
May Your care and mercy lead us to a just society.
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
5. Lord, You bless with words assuring: “I am with you to the end.”
Faith and hope and love restoring, may we serve as You intend
And, amid the cares that claim us, hold in mind eternity.
With the Spirit’s gifts empower us for the work of ministry.
797 Shall we gather at the river
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br3Csf48CP8Lyrics & Music: R Lowry
1. Shall we gather at the river, where bright angel feet have trod
with its crystal tide forever flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain Yes, we’ll gather at the river
the beautiful, the beautiful river
gather with the saints at the river
that flows by the throne of God
2. On the margin of the river, washing up its silver spray
we will walk and worship ever, all the happy golden day
Refrain
3. Ere we reach the shining river, lay we every burden down
grace our spirits will deliver and provide a robe and crown
Refrain
4. Soon we’ll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease
soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace.
Refrain