Pastor Scott's Musings

 Sermon for Milledgeville and Whitestown UMC Identity ( John 1:19-34 )   Bilbo and Gollum trade riddles Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey In J,R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit , Bilbo Baggins suggests a contest of wits to Gollum. Each is to present a riddle and the first to be stumped loses. If Bilbo wins, Gollum will escort him to freedom. But if Gollum wins Bilbo becomes lunch.   Here's a few riddles.   Thirty white horses stand on a hill. First they chomp, then stomp, then stand still.   What are they?      TEETH   I am light as a feather but even the strongest cannot hold me for long. What am I?           BREATH   The stakes are high for John the Baptist. His ministry had drawn the attention of the religious leaders in Jerusalem. John was preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan. Crowds were flocking to him. Jerusalem sent men to interrogate John. They ...

  The Best For Last ( John 2:1-11 )   A bald man married his comb. He said, “I’ll never part with it.”   Two florists got married recently. It was an arranged marriage.   Did you hear about the two cell phones that got married? The reception was terrific!   We’re talking about another epiphany. At a wedding in Cana, Jesus reveals his divine power, and his chosen put their faith in Him.   Weddings in first century Palestine were a major event. It begins when a father chooses a bride for his son. The father of the bride and the father of the groom would agree on a bride price. It was compensation for losing her. Once the bargain was struck, a betrothal was signed. This was a legal document stating the bride price to be paid and the marriage of the bride to the husband. With the betrothal signed, the couple were officially married, even though they are not yet living together.   After the betrothal, a date was set for the wedding feast, sponsored by the ...

  The Star of Jacob (Mat 2:1-11)   One theory is the magi from the east saw Jupiter, the King's Star, rising at dawn with the moon covering the planet in the zodiac constellation, Ares. You know what would have happened if there had been three wise WOMEN instead of three wise MEN visiting Baby Jesus?   The three wise WOMEN would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the Baby, cleaned the stable, and made a casserole! You know, practical gifts!   What did the third wise man say after the gifts of gold and frankincense had been given to the newborn king?   But wait, there’s myrrh!   I feel like Fozzie Bear. Waka waka!   This morning, we remember the visit of the magi, wise men from the east who followed a star all the way to Jesus. I hope to answer three questions.   Who were the Magi? What was the star they followed? Why does it matter?   The magi were royal advisors, administrators, and prie...

  Light of the World (John 1:1-18)   How many fatalists does it take to change a light bulb? What does it matter? It’s going to go out anyway!   How many smart New Yorkers does it take to change a light bulb? Both of them, although they may need a third to yell, “Hey, I’m working over here!”   How many chiropractors does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but it takes 3 months of visits twice weekly.   The terror attack in New Orleans and the bombing in Las Vegas around New Years has been on my heart and mind a lot this week. And the phrase from John’s prologue that keeps speaking to me is…   The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. (Jn 1:5)   This verse gives me hope in such dark times as these days. John uses the word, skotia , to describe ignorance of God, wickedness, shameful secrecy, and the want for light. John uses the word eight times, 6 of those times it is metaphorical, where...