Reflection: What's in a Name?

By Betty Hertz, St. John Lay Leader

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

As I read this I AM statement, I thought about how many times I have heard it and just glazed over. So, I paused to ponder what does Jesus mean by saying he is the bread of life?

Jesus made this statement the day after he performed the miracle of taking five loaves of bread and two fish and feeding more than 5,000 people. His followers showed up wanting more bread and another miracle. They reminded him that Moses provided daily manna as the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. But Jesus corrected them by saying, “… it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.” (John 6:32). He uses my Father to make the connection that Jesus is fully God and fully human. Further, he says true nourishment comes from consuming his words and teachings.

As I re-read the I AM statement, the word “never” caught my heart. I will never be hungry or thirsty if I partake of Jesus’ daily bread. Never? Wow!

In his book, The God We Can Know, author Rob Fuquay suggests some practices that can help feel the fullness of Jesus. One suggestion he makes is to focus on feeding rather than being fed. “… it is not just about what we do for others. It is about what doing for others can do for us.” (p.35). I am humbled when I hear God’s word from those whose struggles are many. A recent conversation with a guest at a shelter where I volunteer warmed my heart. I thought I was there to lift him and others up. Ha! He used a wheelchair since his foot had been amputated. But to hear him talk, life was good. He had a voucher to cover the first month’s rent and security deposit for an apartment for himself, his daughter, and her two sons. Between his disability income and his daughter’s job, they could afford to pay the monthly rent. What an example for me. I experienced being fed.

Closing thoughts from The God We Can Know Study Guide (p.15):

When we feel hungry for more of something—even when we’re not sure what that something is, we can remember that Jesus said:

“I am the Bread of Life. Come to me and never be hungry.”

When we feel distracted by other means of fulfillment in the world, help us to remember that Jesus said:

“I am the Bread of Life. Come to me and never be hungry.”

When we find ourselves feeling inadequate or incomplete in our daily lives, remind us     that we fill ourselves up on Jesus’ sustaining words.

“I am the Bread of Life. Come to me and never be hungry.”  AMEN.

Reflection questions: 

What is your hunger? In what ways are you letting God feed you?

Reflection: Exodus 3:1-14

By Betty Hertz, St. John Lay Leader

What’s in a name?

Exodus 3: 14 “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” (The Five Books of Moses):

I-Will-BE-THERE HOWSOEVER I WILL BE-THERE.

Does that sound familiar? No? How about this translation?

Exodus 3:14 “ I AM WHO I AM” (NSRV)

Why would one look at Exodus when studying the Jesus I AM statements in the Gospel of John? In the book “The God We Can Know,” author Rob Fuquay points out that Jesus knew his Hebrew audience would be familiar with the Exodus story. They would understand the importance of the name as God made his presence known to Moses. Being raised in Egyptian culture, Moses knew that names possessed authority and magical powers. He struggled to accept God’s call and needed assurance that the Hebrews would follow him.

As I looked at other sources regarding Exodus 3: 14, I was reminded there is no precise translation. I discovered several more possibilities, all containing some form of  “to be”:

One who brings others into being

The One who is

I will be

I will be however I will be

By looking at the Hebrew translation, I felt a deeper understanding of that verse. The idea of God being there, wherever there is, is powerful. What finally settled in my mind … God is saying I will be there for Moses, the people of Israel, and me! That reminder also brought up thoughts about times when I doubted God was there for me - my wandering in the wilderness. This Lent, I pray for the willingness to turn my doubts over more quickly and to hear God’s voice sooner.

From the hymn “In the Desert, on God’s Mountain” (Worship and Song, p.3029, verse 3):

“I AM THAT I AM” has called you, spoke the incandescent voice.

Moses felt that message searing to the heart of will and choice.

May we pause to answer summons;

 May we hear God’s burning voice.

Amen.

Invitation to Lenten Study: Who is Jesus?

By Betty Hertz

St. John Lay Leader

With Lent beginning, I asked myself, “How will I grow in my faith journey this Lenten Season?” First, I looked at the St. John Discipleship Map for ideas and saw the words: Serve, Study, Sabbath. Study became a flashing sign. Then, browsing in the St. John library, the book “The God We Can Know Exploring the ‘I AM’ sayings of Jesus” caught my attention. Yes, I do believe God had a plan for me.

The “I AM” statements from the Gospel of John have circled in my brain for several months. I took the God Moment in the library to decide to move them from my brain to my heart.

 Do these words sound familiar?

I AM:           

the Bread of life (John 6:35)

the Light of the world (John 8:12)

the Gate (John 10:7-8)

the Good Shepherd (John 10:11)

the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)

the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)

the True Vine  (John 15:1-2)

Each statement paints a picture of who Jesus is. If I reflect on each one, I know my faith will deepen. So, I plan to focus on one statement a week.

I shared my planned study with the Wednesday Night Bible Study, and the group decided to spend our Wednesday night meetings during Lent studying the statements. I look forward to hearing others’ thoughts as we share our faith.

If you want to learn more about who Jesus says he is, I invite you to join us in person (Room 160) or via Zoom (950 9695 0777) starting March 1 at 6:30. All are welcome.

Gracious God,

Guide us in our study of Jesus’ words.

Help us write I AM in our hearts.

Show us ways to share Jesus with others.

  In your Beloved Son’s name. Amen.  

Reflection on Grief

By Betty Hertz

As I think about the recent deaths of St. John family members, I recall my questions when I grieved. I remember asking myself, “If I truly believe in the resurrection, I should be happy my loved one is with God. What kind of Christian am I to be weeping?” I sometimes cried out, “How long will I hurt?”

The Bible provided me with some answers. John 11:35 “Jesus wept.” I now understand the power of those words. By  Jesus showing human emotions, He is giving us permission to be human in our grief. Being honest with God allows us to feel His presence in our pain.

In response to how long, my friends said, “As long as it takes.”  From Isaiah 41:10 “but fear not for I am with you.”  Psalm 18: 16 gave me hope, “He reached down from on high and took hold of me, he drew me out of deep waters.”

As I moved from darkness into light, the words from Hymn of Promise also gave me hope:

            “There’s a dawn in every darkness

            Bringing hope to you and me

            Unrevealed until its season

            Only God alone can see.” (UMH 707)

I knew the healing had begun when I could sing the words without crying.

God, the Great Comforter,

            We give thanks you are with us always.

            Help us trust in your strength to guide us as we grieve.

            Through you, the darkness will become light.

            In Jesus' name, Amen.

 St. John member Betty Hertz is a Stephen Minister and Certified Lay Speaker.

Advent Week 5 - Christmas Day/Eve

Supplies needed: Bible, lighter/matches, 5 candles (individual or part of an advent wreath/log)

Luke 2:1-20 NRSVUE

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the guest room.

8 Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, 19 and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.

Arrange your candles so one is in the middle, representing Christ.

Light all 5 candles.

Discussion: Who is Jesus to you?

Reflection: If Jesus is _________ to you, how will you live your life?

Awareness: Whatever holds your focus, will direct how you live your life. Focus on Jesus Christ to live in the love, joy, peace, and hope of God.

Pray:

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer, pg 212.