"God's Sonogram"
A sermon preached on Father's Day 2006 at Edgemont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), by the Rev. Christopher E. Yopp. Sermon based on Mark 4:26-29.
Garrison Keillor, who is no stranger to radio and television, as well as to the big screen, has two radio shows on National Public Radio. One of them is the beloved Prairie Home Companion and the other is his Writer’s Almanac. Recently, Garrison reminded his audience on Writer’s Almanac that Father’s Day goes back "to a Sunday morning in May of 1909, when a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd was sitting in church in Spokane, Washington, listening to a Mother's Day sermon. She thought of her father who had raised her, along with her brothers and sisters after her mother’s death during childbirth, and she thought that fathers should get recognition, too. So she asked her minister if he would deliver a sermon honoring fathers on her father's birthday, which was coming up in June, and the minister did. And the tradition of Father's Day caught on, though rather slowly at first. In fact, Mother's Day became an official holiday in 1914; while Father's Day didn’t reach that status until 1972. Mother's Day is still the busiest day of the year for florists, restaurants and even for long distance phone companies. Father's Day, on the other hand, is the day on which the most collect phone calls are made. Certainly fathers are the subject of much ridicule and criticism - not to mention the brunt of many jokes.
But certainly we understand and know the importance and significance of fathers - especially our own fathers. But I think it is important to point out that the definition of father doesn’t necessarily entail having a biological child. I have met many men, as well as women, who have no children of their own but are definitely fathers and mothers. A father is one who immulates and models, through word and deed, the attributes and characteristics of God - our Heavenly Father. It is one who gives himself - his time, talent, energy, strength, love and support to his family and also to the family of God - the Church. All men, in the church, are fathers - they are church fathers and with that title comes an immense responsibility to tend to the needs and care for the family of faith. What an awesome responsibility and privilege. Yet, sadly, I am aware that just as some biological fathers neglect their children and their role and responsibility to their family; so some neglect their role and responsibility to God and the Church.
While preparing and planning my Father’s Day sermon, I couldn’t help but think back to when I first learned I was going to be a father. In fact, I’ll never forget that day in October of 2004 when Amber said; "I’m pregnant!" My reaction was "Oh my God, are you sure?" That’s probably the first response given by most men when they hear those words. That, and maybe even, depending on the man, "Am I the father?" But I couldn’t have heard any better news. And, it is still so hard to believe that next month Miriam will be 2 years old. Time flies!
But what was so amazing to me was how excited Amber and I were when the day came for Amber to have her first sonogram - we couldn’t hardly wait to see our baby! However, our excitement would soon turn to disappointment when, instead of seeing a baby on the screen, all we saw was a tiny speck. And to make matters worse the doctor said; "Oh, there’s your baby!" I thought to myself are we looking at the same thing here? But then within 4 short weeks, Amber was scheduled for another sonogram and we could hardly believe our eyes! That speck was now a visible baby with arms and legs and, what’s more! Within 4 weeks the difference, to me, was truly amazing; and I continued to be amazed with each new sonogram and doctor’s visit - as our baby grew larger and Amber’s belly grew bigger, and bigger and bigger... I better stop there! And then, their came the miracle of birth! And I was really proud of myself, I didn’t pass out like Hugh Grant in the move 9 months, like I thought I was going to do. I watched the whole thing just utterly amazed and I thank God every moment that I was not born a woman! And despite all the hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and the blood, sweat and tears from both the mother and father, it’s all worth it! And it makes me think of our spiritual responsibilities to birth, nurture and bring to harvest the kingdom of God, and how all of the hard work, dedication, sacrifice is all worth it! In fact, the Apostle Paul wrote; "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).
That seems to be the reaction of the man in our parable this morning of the Growing Seed. What was once a tiny seed - grew to be a full plant! The process of the growth and the development of a seed, much like conception and birth, is fascinating and intriguing. In fact, it is still a process which humans do not fully understand - but further defines the power of God and the miracle of life!
Let’s take a look at this parable! The sower in this parable is the people of God - we are the sowers whom God uses to establish his kingdom within the hearts and lives of people - we are kingdom workers. The seed is none other than the Word of God! The soil is the human heart or the world! For what can pierce the heart of man? What can turn a cold heart into a warm loving heart? The Word of God has that power! The Word of God - Jesus is the "incorruptible seed," Peter tells us, which brings people to spiritual birth and life. And then, the miracle, we sow, and it grows. God does the rest! Isn’t this the way God works in our lives.
Herbert Lockyer explains how this seed is the word - the written word that is, and how it comes to harvest. He writes; "The Bible was first a blade, the Pentateuch, which is the Greek word for the first five books of the Old Testament, or as the Jews refer to it, the Torah; then it grew into the ear, which represents the complete Old Testament itself; then the full corn in the ear, which is the New Testament making the complete revelation of the mind of God to the people of God." And, my friends, it is through his word that God brings to formation and consummation his kingdom whether in our hearts or in our lives.
As Christians, our spiritual journey toward growth and maturity is a constant one. And sure, it is a struggle too, just like parenting. Constantly, the Enemy is coming along sowing weeds in our gardens, in our hearts and in our world. But we must allow the true pruning of God’s Spirit to help us get rid of such weeds and bloom only the perfect fruit of God’s Spirit.
Yes, this parable is speaking about God’s kingdom, but we are the kingdom, and before we can be workers of that kingdom, before we can be sowers, we must first be sown and allow God to create us. And it is then that we become the sowers and reflectors fo God’s Word.
You ask the average father and they will tell you that the inspiration of their father and the lessons their father taught them, gave them the strength and know how to be a father. And so, it is, we honor our fathers - our own fathers and our church fathers who have taught us to so well what it means to be a good father. But above all, we honor and worship our Heavenly Father who teaches us what true fatherhood is all about in the way he fathers us and nurtures us...
Tim Russert, the author of the bestseller books; Big Russ and Me and Wisdom of our Fathers, was being interviewed the other day and was talking about his son, Luke who is 20 years old. He said he had hoped Luke, after reading his books gained some wisdom and insight. And then he told of the time in which he came home to be greeted by his wife, who informed him that their son, Luke had gotten a tattoo. Tim said he was furious! Immediately he went up to his room and demanded Luke to pull the sleeve of his shirt up. After some hesitation, Luke did so and to Tim’s astonishment there was a tattoo with the letters "T J R," which are the initials of Luke’s father, Tim and Tim’s father. Luke immediately explained himself by saying; "Dad, after reading your book, I wanted something to remind me that you and grandpa were always by my side." Tim ended by saying; "And, you know, it was the nicest tattoo I’ve ever seen." Now, friends, we don’t have too, unless you want to, get a tattoo to remind ourselves that our fathers, or parents are by our side, and especially God - our Heavenly Father.
In fact, I love how Max Lucado described God’s fatherly love and care. He said, "God has a photo of you that he looks at every day, and that photo is on his refrigerator..." You know, I think every father and mother can relate to that!
God is always by our side! And what’s more, God has a better vision of us - his vision is complete, it’s not like that sonogram, which, while it is wonderful and exciting, it is still somewhat distorted and really doesn’t show you anything of what our child will look like when he or she is born.
I want to close with this story which Reverend John Wallace, pastor of Sweet Hollow Presbyterian Church in Melville, New York tells, he writes; "Several years ago, my kids gave me a colorful coffee mug for Father’s Day. On the mug were listed some of the likely contributions of fatherhood, such as: ‘provider, chauffeur, coach, peacemaker, mentor, miracle worker, and friend.’" Reverend Wallace went on to say; "Though I drink from that mug each morning, I must confess that I don’t often read or reflect on those words, as I should. And, let’s face it, not all of them represent my particular contributions. I haven’t completely lived up to those standards. However, they serve as a reminder of just how important the position of a good father can be..."
How true it is for God’s word. God’s word, like a seed is planted in our hearts and lives and yes, sometimes we choke it out our humanness, but it serves as a reminder of what we are called to be and do, as fathers, as mothers, and as disciples! So, let us allow God to bring to harvest in our hearts and lives the true fruit of his Spirit, that we might in turn, work for God; planting, sowing, watering and cultivating, knowing that God has the vision, for us, for our church and for our world, and that he will bring that vision to harvest, Amen.
But certainly we understand and know the importance and significance of fathers - especially our own fathers. But I think it is important to point out that the definition of father doesn’t necessarily entail having a biological child. I have met many men, as well as women, who have no children of their own but are definitely fathers and mothers. A father is one who immulates and models, through word and deed, the attributes and characteristics of God - our Heavenly Father. It is one who gives himself - his time, talent, energy, strength, love and support to his family and also to the family of God - the Church. All men, in the church, are fathers - they are church fathers and with that title comes an immense responsibility to tend to the needs and care for the family of faith. What an awesome responsibility and privilege. Yet, sadly, I am aware that just as some biological fathers neglect their children and their role and responsibility to their family; so some neglect their role and responsibility to God and the Church.
While preparing and planning my Father’s Day sermon, I couldn’t help but think back to when I first learned I was going to be a father. In fact, I’ll never forget that day in October of 2004 when Amber said; "I’m pregnant!" My reaction was "Oh my God, are you sure?" That’s probably the first response given by most men when they hear those words. That, and maybe even, depending on the man, "Am I the father?" But I couldn’t have heard any better news. And, it is still so hard to believe that next month Miriam will be 2 years old. Time flies!
But what was so amazing to me was how excited Amber and I were when the day came for Amber to have her first sonogram - we couldn’t hardly wait to see our baby! However, our excitement would soon turn to disappointment when, instead of seeing a baby on the screen, all we saw was a tiny speck. And to make matters worse the doctor said; "Oh, there’s your baby!" I thought to myself are we looking at the same thing here? But then within 4 short weeks, Amber was scheduled for another sonogram and we could hardly believe our eyes! That speck was now a visible baby with arms and legs and, what’s more! Within 4 weeks the difference, to me, was truly amazing; and I continued to be amazed with each new sonogram and doctor’s visit - as our baby grew larger and Amber’s belly grew bigger, and bigger and bigger... I better stop there! And then, their came the miracle of birth! And I was really proud of myself, I didn’t pass out like Hugh Grant in the move 9 months, like I thought I was going to do. I watched the whole thing just utterly amazed and I thank God every moment that I was not born a woman! And despite all the hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and the blood, sweat and tears from both the mother and father, it’s all worth it! And it makes me think of our spiritual responsibilities to birth, nurture and bring to harvest the kingdom of God, and how all of the hard work, dedication, sacrifice is all worth it! In fact, the Apostle Paul wrote; "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).
That seems to be the reaction of the man in our parable this morning of the Growing Seed. What was once a tiny seed - grew to be a full plant! The process of the growth and the development of a seed, much like conception and birth, is fascinating and intriguing. In fact, it is still a process which humans do not fully understand - but further defines the power of God and the miracle of life!
Let’s take a look at this parable! The sower in this parable is the people of God - we are the sowers whom God uses to establish his kingdom within the hearts and lives of people - we are kingdom workers. The seed is none other than the Word of God! The soil is the human heart or the world! For what can pierce the heart of man? What can turn a cold heart into a warm loving heart? The Word of God has that power! The Word of God - Jesus is the "incorruptible seed," Peter tells us, which brings people to spiritual birth and life. And then, the miracle, we sow, and it grows. God does the rest! Isn’t this the way God works in our lives.
Herbert Lockyer explains how this seed is the word - the written word that is, and how it comes to harvest. He writes; "The Bible was first a blade, the Pentateuch, which is the Greek word for the first five books of the Old Testament, or as the Jews refer to it, the Torah; then it grew into the ear, which represents the complete Old Testament itself; then the full corn in the ear, which is the New Testament making the complete revelation of the mind of God to the people of God." And, my friends, it is through his word that God brings to formation and consummation his kingdom whether in our hearts or in our lives.
As Christians, our spiritual journey toward growth and maturity is a constant one. And sure, it is a struggle too, just like parenting. Constantly, the Enemy is coming along sowing weeds in our gardens, in our hearts and in our world. But we must allow the true pruning of God’s Spirit to help us get rid of such weeds and bloom only the perfect fruit of God’s Spirit.
Yes, this parable is speaking about God’s kingdom, but we are the kingdom, and before we can be workers of that kingdom, before we can be sowers, we must first be sown and allow God to create us. And it is then that we become the sowers and reflectors fo God’s Word.
You ask the average father and they will tell you that the inspiration of their father and the lessons their father taught them, gave them the strength and know how to be a father. And so, it is, we honor our fathers - our own fathers and our church fathers who have taught us to so well what it means to be a good father. But above all, we honor and worship our Heavenly Father who teaches us what true fatherhood is all about in the way he fathers us and nurtures us...
Tim Russert, the author of the bestseller books; Big Russ and Me and Wisdom of our Fathers, was being interviewed the other day and was talking about his son, Luke who is 20 years old. He said he had hoped Luke, after reading his books gained some wisdom and insight. And then he told of the time in which he came home to be greeted by his wife, who informed him that their son, Luke had gotten a tattoo. Tim said he was furious! Immediately he went up to his room and demanded Luke to pull the sleeve of his shirt up. After some hesitation, Luke did so and to Tim’s astonishment there was a tattoo with the letters "T J R," which are the initials of Luke’s father, Tim and Tim’s father. Luke immediately explained himself by saying; "Dad, after reading your book, I wanted something to remind me that you and grandpa were always by my side." Tim ended by saying; "And, you know, it was the nicest tattoo I’ve ever seen." Now, friends, we don’t have too, unless you want to, get a tattoo to remind ourselves that our fathers, or parents are by our side, and especially God - our Heavenly Father.
In fact, I love how Max Lucado described God’s fatherly love and care. He said, "God has a photo of you that he looks at every day, and that photo is on his refrigerator..." You know, I think every father and mother can relate to that!
God is always by our side! And what’s more, God has a better vision of us - his vision is complete, it’s not like that sonogram, which, while it is wonderful and exciting, it is still somewhat distorted and really doesn’t show you anything of what our child will look like when he or she is born.
I want to close with this story which Reverend John Wallace, pastor of Sweet Hollow Presbyterian Church in Melville, New York tells, he writes; "Several years ago, my kids gave me a colorful coffee mug for Father’s Day. On the mug were listed some of the likely contributions of fatherhood, such as: ‘provider, chauffeur, coach, peacemaker, mentor, miracle worker, and friend.’" Reverend Wallace went on to say; "Though I drink from that mug each morning, I must confess that I don’t often read or reflect on those words, as I should. And, let’s face it, not all of them represent my particular contributions. I haven’t completely lived up to those standards. However, they serve as a reminder of just how important the position of a good father can be..."
How true it is for God’s word. God’s word, like a seed is planted in our hearts and lives and yes, sometimes we choke it out our humanness, but it serves as a reminder of what we are called to be and do, as fathers, as mothers, and as disciples! So, let us allow God to bring to harvest in our hearts and lives the true fruit of his Spirit, that we might in turn, work for God; planting, sowing, watering and cultivating, knowing that God has the vision, for us, for our church and for our world, and that he will bring that vision to harvest, Amen.
posted by Pastor Christopher @ 4:38 PM
<< Home