The Middle

A few years ago a USA Today reviewer called ABC's "The Middle," the network's "sweetest show." The setting was not LA or NYC but middle America in a fictitious place - Orson, Indiana. Mom and Dad struggled to make ends meet and the kids were less than perfect (and unlike most sitcoms, not smarter than their parents). The show never achieved the popularly of "Modern Family," but the audience for "The Middle" was loyal and devoted to the show.  Although it took us an extra week or so to get to it, my dear, sweet wife and I watched the finale Tuesday night and we weren't disappointed.

In fact, I think it might have been the best finale for any program I've ever watched.  The episode dealt with a real-life issue - a child leaves the nest for something bigger and better.  After some confusion over the start date regarding a new job, the Heck family decide to take a road trip to Denver.  Sue wants to have "a moment," and each member of the family have their moment - not sickly sweet but heart-felt to be sure. The show ends with young Brick (not so young anymore) whispering one last time, "the middle," as the car drives off into the distance.

"The Middle" was must-see TV in the Spicer house.  I appreciated the fact that the show wasn't afraid to show the Heck family as church-goers.  The episodes where Rev. Tim Tom made an appearance were often funny and poignant. Now that we've discovered "Last Man Standing" in reruns (and to appear with new episodes this fall), the void left by "The Middle" has been filled.  Fortunately, the Hallmark Channel is showing "The Middle" in reruns so that will give me a chance to watch one more time ABC's "sweetest show."

Today's thought from Luther

Therefore, when you view the nails piercing through His hands, firmly believe it is your work. Do you see His crown of thorns? Believe the thorns are your wicked thoughts.

from "Martin Luther in His Own Words," page 117

A Question That Demands an Answer

            There are some questions that are hard to answer. 

            When my mother asked, “George, did you take the last cookie?  You know you were supposed to save that for your father,” I usually found myself tongue-tied.  When my high school basketball coach asked, “George, are you happy with your playing time,” I said nothing, having been taught by my parents to respect your elders, even, for instance, when you weren’t happy with the number of minutes you spent on the basketball floor.  Or when members of my former congregation asked me, “You’re not going to take that call to that church in Arizona, are you?” I just smiled, not wanting to acknowledge that I was planning to take that call to that church in Arizona, Life in Christ.

            But there are questions that demand an answer.  We find one such question in St. John’s Gospel, chapter six.  Jesus has had something of a verbal sparring match with a large crowd of Galileans.  Many in the crowd believed that a person had to do good works to become righteous before God.  Jesus taught them that faith in the One whom God had sent was what was needed.  Many who stood at the edge of the sea of Galilee believed that the promised Messiah would come down from heaven accompanied by great signs and wonders.  Jesus taught them that the Messiah had already come and was ready to give them more than just a wonderful meal of bread and fish.  Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never be hungry and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”

            By the time Jesus had finished, John reports that many of the Lord’s disciples found this teaching hard to swallow.  They said, “This is a hard teaching.  Who can accept it?” Then John gives us the sorry news: “From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.”

            As Peter, James and John and the rest stood and looked at the backs of those who were returning to their homes, Jesus broke the silence with a simple question.  But it was a question that demanded an answer: “You do not want to leave too, do you?”

            Simon Peter gives an answer for the ages, the answer that every follower of Jesus Christ wants to have on their lips: “Lord, to whom shall we go.  You have the words of eternal life.  We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”

            We know that the 12 disciples failed Jesus on more than one occasion.  They were often slow to act on the faith they had in the Lord.  But on this occasion, Peter answered with trusting faith.  Why would he and the others even think about following anyone else  ?  They believed that Jesus’ words gave life, everlasting life.  Jesus’ words had the power to forgive sin.  His words could change a hard heart into a soft one, beating with faith and trust.  Yes, Jesus’ teachings could be challenging and hard to understand.  But Peter and the other disciples were certain of one thing – there was no other teacher or priest or emperor who could give them what they wanted and needed the most.  The disciples wanted to know that they were right with God and had eternal life.  Jesus’ words were filled with the Spirit and with life.

            This week someone may ask you why you believe in Jesus or why you go to church or why you take your faith so seriously.  If you’re not sure how to answer, use Peter’s answer.  You, too, can say, “Who else would I put my faith in?  Jesus has the words of eternal life.”  That’s the best response to a question that really demands an answer.  

From a "Wake Up With the Word" radio devotion

My family, a conference and a busy weekend

The past seven days have been a mixture of down time, learning and getting back to work.

At this time last Saturday we were flying to Appleton, WI to be with my youngest daughter and her family and to celebrate the third birthday of my grandson, Duke.  We had a wonderful celebration.  Duke cracks me up with his antics.  His big party was Sunday afternoon and his gifts were guns, guns, guns.  There were all kinds of nerf-shooting guns; apparently Duke has been watching too many army movies with his older brother.  Green Bay is a wonderful place to visit in the summer time.  We're just sorry that we won't be there this 4th of July to see their tremendous fireworks display - 1st rate!

Sherri and I also attended a Parish Nurses Conference that was held on the campus of Concordia University Wisconsin.  The conference was as good, if not better, than many pastor conferences I've attended over the years.  The break out sessions were very informative and best of all, I got to meet and hear Rev. Dr. Dan Paavola.

Dr. Paavola is the author of "Our Way Home," a book in which he takes a unique look at the Lord's Prayer.  Not only will this book give you new insight into the prayer Jesus taught His disciples, it could also revolutionize your prayer life.  Dr. Paavola is a creative writer who weaves personal stories into solid Lutheran doctrine which produces a highly readable and informative book.  He preached at the chapel service on Wednesday and on Thursday presented a session on the word "steadfast" as found in the Scriptures.  He is an energetic, creative speaker; I could have listened to him all day! Do yourself a favor and buy a copy of "Our Way Home." You'll be happy that you did.

Got back home Thursday evening and spent most of Friday preparing for a wedding that I'll do today at 2 pm.  Ryan and Nyree are a wonderful couple and they were a joy to work with as we did pre-marital counseling together.  I'm excited for them as they start this new season of their lives.

Then at 5 pm I'll be preaching at the communion service we'll offer.  In fact, I'll be preaching at all the Sunday services too - 8, 9:30 and 11 am.  Tomorrow is Holy Trinity Sunday and I'll explain how your baptism connects you to the Triune God.  Do come and join us this weekend at LICL!

A fish tale

Saint Peter halted a man at the entrance to heaven.  "I'm sorry," Peter said to the man, "but I cannot admit you.  You've told too many lies."

The man smiled and replied, "Come on, give me a break.  After all, you were once a fisherman yourself!"

From "A Laugh A Day," day 321

A good reminder

The grass withers and the flowers fade but the word of our God stands forever.

Isaiah 40:8

Today’s Latin lesson

Veni, vidi,Visa.

(We came, we saw, we went shopping).

Jan Barett