This sermon was done as a conversation with the congregation—these are my notes
What Unexpected Things did you hear/find in the story of Naaman?
--Leprosy can happen to ANYONE (regardless of rank)
--Servant girl speaking up (and people listening)!
--Servants having to convince Naaman (later)
God seems to work through the unnamed, “little” people—slave girl, Naaman’s servants, even Elijah “speaks” through a servant
--Healing in River Jordan—washing is so simple
--Naaman not wanting to do simple thing
--Healing not words, or touch or …
Gold Cortex—picture of brain neurons
--Connections
--Connections wisdom, truth, justice, change
--Better than working alone
--Striving for relationships that enable a caring community
Ending response:
One: Sometimes you take us by surprise, God.
All: You speak to us through people and places that are unexpected. Disturb us with your wisdom.
One: Sometimes you take us by surprise, God.
All: Help us let go of our rational limitations.
One: Sometimes you take us by surprise, God.
All: Help us hear you in unexpected wisdom.
One: Sometimes you take us by surprise, God.
All: Help us listen to the experiences of people we do not hear.
One: Sometimes you take us by surprise, God.
All: You speak to us through people and places that are unexpected. Disturb us with your wisdom.
One: God, I’m little, but I matter. You speak through me.
All: Our gifts are little, but they matter. Work through these. Speak through these; and in all we say and do. Amen.
|