Thursday

I am preparing for this Sunday. I am preaching from Luke 13:10-17. The focus on the sermon is on rules and how times people spend more time focused on the rules literally rather than seeing them as guidelines to help us remain within certain boundaries. Boundaries are not a problem but when they become so rigid that no one can enter or be part of the community then we have lost sight of the intention of the rules or laws.
Luke includes this story of Jesus following two stories of the barren fig tree and the parable of the mustard seed which speaks of faith. Luke often presents Jesus' teachings that have bookends of what is to be learned. The barren fig tree is to be uprooted except for the master gardener pleads to let him try to through care and attention save the tree. The mustard seed speaks that is out the littlest seeds can great things grow. So in the story of the healing of the woman speaks to what is important in faith and it is more than worshipping rules but in caring to the little things.
I had a situation that happened today. We had a traveler going through town. The heat wore him down and he was African-American. He was able through our ministerial association to get a room for the night. He came to the church as he was still feeling dehydrated and worn out from walking from Chadron to Ainsworth. According to the rules, we are supposed to only offer one night stay. We could so get caught up in the why and not see the who. The rules are set up as there are limited resources and to make sure that others can also be helped. Another concern is being conned. I decided that I would approve another night as the temps again are to be close to 100. In talking with him, I got to see who he was more than just someone traveling through or someone who was trying to take advantage of the system.
Rules are important but there are times rather than being so concerned with the letter of the law we look to the intent of the rule or law. Much like Sabbath.