Snapshots of Jesus: For the Love of a Good Samaritan! (A No Perfect People Allowed Reminder)

The following was my sermon from March 7, 2010

Leviticus 13:40-46…

Good Morning & Welcome! We will be reading in a few moments from John 4 where we will see a snapshot of Jesus encountering the Samaritan women at the well. But first, a bit of background is important…

By the time of Jesus, centuries of racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious animosity existed between Jews and Samaritans. Each group thought their religious practices were pure–each group thought their way of faith was correct. When you read the text, you’ll hear echoes of this in the Samaritan woman’s words to Jesus. And by virtue of truth, the Jews had a better leg to stand on, but whatever advantage was lost in attitude and action.

Adding the Pharisees to this volatile mix was like pouring nitro glycerin on top of political, social, and racial dynamite. In many respects the Pharisees, whose name derives from the Hebrew word separatists, became synonymous with being a Jew. Pharisees considered any association with those who were other than faithful Jew–as they defined faithfulness–to be faithlessness to God. Then when you add all the years of enmity between Jew and Samaritan with the rigid law making bent of the Pharisees, the problems between these two peoples were simply compounded.

And like an info commercial, but wait. The inflexible nature of the Pharisees as recorded in the Talmud tells us there were seven different types of Pharisee. When we make rigid laws where God hasn’t, the results can be sad, comical, and outright silly. Enter the Bleeding Pharisee. These were the Pharisees who took the rule of not speaking to a woman on the street (not even your wife or mother) so far as to walk everywhere with eyes shut so as to not even see a woman… talk about beating yourself up.

All this adds up to an almost impossible situation both for Jesus and the Samaritan women at the well. John 4:1-42…

Commentators and theologians have speculated for years about this woman’s life. Some have pigeon-holed her as a lady of questionable morals–having had five husbands and currently with a man who was not. Others see her as morally objectionable even to her own people prompting her to visit the well in the heat of the day to avoid wagging tongues and disapproving stares.

The Samaritan woman might as well have been a leper. As far as her fellow Samaritans went she was an outcast. As far as Jews saw her, she was hardly a member of the human race. Without actually having leprosy, she was an unclean woman to be avoided at all costs until Jesus enters the picture.

I don’t have any idea how jaded this woman really was or even how shocked she might have been when Jesus spoke to her. But I can imagine because it was beyond her expectations. I can imagine because scripture says the disciples were surprised. Apparently they had enough common sense or the good grace to keep their mouths shut. That’s can be a pretty good quality to have–and one some of us ought to work at acquiring–that’s another story or lesson for another day.

What do you do with a Samaritan and a leper? What do you do with those whose sin, sickness, or racial difference have made them outcast? What do you do with those whom society deems unworthy, invaluable, or undesirable? What do you do with people whose temperaments and attitudes haven’t kept pace with the Spirit of God and consequently still have plenty of growing to do?

What do you do? Do you write them off until they look, act, and live like you? Do you go through life like the bleeding Pharisees, stumbling around with your eyes closed ignoring what’s around you? Or, do you do what Jesus did and look beyond their sin, beyond their sickness, beyond whatever it is that makes them other? Do you offer them what they really need?

Living water.

The water Jesus offered and offers still is living water–it’s free, it’s satisfying, it’s plentiful, it lasts forever, and it is the only hope for those of us who are Samaritans and lepers.

And that’s the key. Sin makes us all Samaritans and lepers. Unclean. Unworthy. Undesirable. But Jesus offers us the unthinkable. Living water–a relationship with Him, a restoration of value, and a hope for eternity.

Because we are all broken, we need this reminder that no perfect people are allowed.

I wonder if Jesus ever had his drink. I wonder if she ever had hers. More importantly, I wonder if you have had or are getting yours.

Because until you drink deep of the living water of Jesus, until you find yourself in a deep and satisfying relationship with him, you’ll never be able to see others as Jesus sees them!

Passing the Torch: Honoring the Preachers Who Were My Greatest Influences

If my dear sweet “Grannie” Ferguson were still alive, she would grudgingly give God some credit while claiming the lion share for herself. She was proud of me becoming a preacher. Timothy had his grandmother, Lois, and I had my grandmother, Lillie. And I am thankful still.

But when it comes to actual preachers, four in particular stand out.

As I small boy in Manassas, Virginia, we had the blessing of being associated with two preachers at the same church. The first was Nelson Smith, long gone on to his reward. Nelson was a fundamental influence for our family. Under his encouragement, my own father began to preach. Years later, as a youth minister, I was still delving in to one of the many books he wrote. Following him at the same church was a preacher with a famous name, Charlie Brown. My time with him was of shorter duration than Nelson Smith, but he too was a providential force in helping my father become a preacher. To Nelson, Charlie, and the Manassas church, I will ever be grateful.

By now you might have a small glimmer that my own father was a great preaching influence and you would be correct. But before we visit him I must tell you of another, Cecil May, Jr. His name will be known by many in our brotherhood. I loved him and his family–and still do. Whether as a young teenage boy or as a student at Magnolia Bible College, Cecil was a constant in my life. From him I learned balance, patience, and how pleasant a sweet, sweet spirit could truly be. I am ever more thankful for the friendship, love, and wisdom I have soaked up in his presence.

And then there was/ is my father. In my early and formative preaching years, I was a funny combination of Cecil May, Jr. and Les Ferguson, Sr. But much more than an imitated style of preaching, I learned much from both. From my father, I saw and experienced what it meant to love people. I learned how longevity in one place builds lasting relationships–transforming relationships. Through my father, I understand that preaching isn’t the 30 minutes in a pulpit on Sunday mornings. Through my father, I learned that preaching was late and long nights, early mornings, unexpected phone calls, difficult people, and the love of brothers and sisters in Christ beyond measure.

One day I was in my father’s office as a young teenager when he got a call from a distraught member with mental problems. This particular person was a constant thorn in the flesh and could be quite abusive if not always abrasive. On this particular day, she was convinced that my Dad and a local radio DJ were in a conspiracy to harass fat folks of which she was one. She demanded that my father fix the situation. Since the situation didn’t really exist, he was powerless. In a final ultimatum, she insisted that if he didn’t come to her mobile home in the next ten minutes, she would toss all of her furniture into the front yard… and he didn’t and she did.

The stories preachers and preacher families could tell…

I haven’t always been the best student–after all, some mistakes a preacher has to learn for himself. But my father was and is my hero. He’s not perfect and neither am I, but as a mentor, friend, and encourager, I owe so much to Him.

Thanks Nelson.

Thanks Charlie.

Thanks Cecil.

And thank you, Dad.

Long may your influence live on.

Les, Jr.

A Better Relationship With God

I hear it all the time. It’s a refrain heard by teenagers and if you catch the right youth rally/ retreat you’ll hear it for teenagers.

I hear it from older folks too. Sometimes it’s a new Christian who wants to grow. Other times it’s a Christian with decades of Christianity in their personal history who for whatever reason has begun to feel a little less connected or motivated or encouraged with or by their walk of faith.

Maybe you’ve experienced it. If you haven’t, hold on long enough and you too might experience a little staleness or disconnection also.

The truth is, life happens.

There is always something or someone tugging at us or threatening to pull us away.

I get it. I really do.

Even as a preacher, I find myself going through the motions, struggling to find real passion or real vitality.

At times like that, I want a better relationship with God.

I found a website that had some pretty good ideas. It offered five tools to building a better relationship: prayer, fasting, meditation, Bible study, and fellowship. Those are all good things. I never want to discourage anyone from having a more disciplined prayer life, etc.

But at the risk of over simplifying, what if we quit fretting over having a better relationship and started living a better relationship?

Remember the two greatest commands, love God and love others? Might we develop a better relationship with God by loving better the people around us? What if instead of praying that God take care of the poor we step up and do what we are praying about?

A better relationship with God is not flashy and huge. It’s just doing and being and caring in all the little moments, in every conversation.

Colossians 4:5-6, Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (NIV)

You can have a better relationship by living out the message of Jesus in your own life!

Les, Jr.

There Is A Fountain

Call me weird or strange or whatever. It’s ok. I have been called far worse.

Even though I am a preacher, I am not a hymn kind of guy. The old, old songs from hymnals older still rarely move me or connect with me. I much prefer more modern lyrics that are less poetic as they are descriptive of my heart… and my struggles.

Singer/song writers like Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith or bands like the Newsboys, Mercy Me, or Casting Crowns all write music that touches me.

In fact, I am not sure if there is a better anthem about God than the Newsboys’ He Reigns.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not denying the power of old hymns. Many a hymn sung in small and large churches alike have moved multitudes. But I guess since this is my blog, I am free to share what I like best! And, you are free to debate me, second guess me, or add your favorites in the comments section below.

In the meantime, one hymn in particular that has moved me and seems to be resonating in my heart this week was written in 1772 by William Cowper.

I am thankful for his words and more thankful for the truth they bring.

May these lyrics touch your heart as well…

There is a fountain filled with blood,
Drawn from Immanuel’s veins,
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in His day;
And there have I, though vile as he,
Washed all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood
Shall never lose its pow’r,
Till all the ransomed church of God
Are safe, to sin no more.

E’er since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die.

When this poor, lisping, stamm’ring tongue
Lies silent in the grave,
Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save.

Blessings to you and yours…

Les, Jr.

A Conversation With My Wife

Yesterday, my sweet Karen and I had a short conversation with a Taco Bell time out in the middle. It will be a conversation we have again, and one in which the roles will reverse. At any rate, it went something like this:

Me: “Karen, you cannot be sad all the time. Somewhere, somehow, you have to find a way to smile and live.”

Karen: “Do you want me to get us something from Taco Bell?”

Me: “Yes, those five layer burrito thingies off of the dollar menu…”

And off she goes.

On her return:

Karen: “You are right, Les. I cannot be sad all the time. It is not good for any of us.”

Me: “You’ll have to tell me the same thing, probably over and over again.”

The reason for this conversation is obviously our struggles with Cole and his ever declining health. But the context yesterday was particularly compelling.

I had just signed for the both of us a “Do Not Resuscitate” order as well as a “Do Not Intubate” order. I have to tell you, that’s some weird, crazy stuff for any parent to contemplate. But the good news in all of this is it came about during admitting Cole to hospice.

That’s another strange perspective as well. But, getting Cole in hospice means we and he will get some good support. Already today they brought him some new wheels! He will have help bathing three times a week–giving Karen a good break–and he will have a nurse who will be our personal liaison for all things medical.

There are other benefits as well and we are grateful.

This is a 90 day trail run. At the end of that time, his condition will be re-evaluated and if he is better, hospice will pull out.

And yes, we can’t help but be sad. But life goes on and Cole still has some good living to do!

Those of you who know him will smile at what he said about his nurse: “She’s hot.”

Sick or not, some things are just worth noticing!

Thank you for your love and support–we have the best friends and family ever–not to mention the fact that our Father owns this world!

Come see us.

Keep praying.

And smile.

Les, Jr.

My Son, My Son!

King David of Old Testament fame understood heartache. He understood firsthand what it felt like to lose his way and get sidetracked with God–he experienced it himself and suffered it in his family.

2 Samuel 15-18 tells us the story of Absalom, King David’s son. This was a young man who had everything and yet, he wanted more. He conspired to become King and broke his father’s heart in the process. Absalom ultimately died as the result of his rebellion and upon hearing the news, David wept: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!”

I don’t have a son who is living in rebellion.

I don’t have a son who has died.

And yet, the words of David are resonating in me like the taut wires in a piano.

My son, my son.

To some of my three faithful readers, it may seem as if I am wallowing in a bit of pain and pity.

I am.

Furthermore, it may very well be too much for you to read as a result.

I understand.

Really I do. If you choose to read no farther, you’ll not offend me in the least.

Cole’s progression/ condition is not drastically worse than it was last week, but still it hurts.

Cole never had the chance that most of us have had and still get. He has always been physically and mentally challenged but it never stopped him from wanting to do and be like everyone else. I have dealt with that pain over the years–mostly by sticking my head in the sand and trying to pretend otherwise.

Excuse my lack of proper English: There ain’t no pretending anymore… and it hurts.

It hurts to tuck a twenty year old man in the bed as if he was a small child. It hurts to say Cole is a small child stuck in a twisted body that is twenty years old.

It’s not healthy to have a constant pity party for me, him, and the rest of our family–and I am trying to deal with this in positive ways–writing about it helps. Talking to you helps.

But at the end of the day, in the quiet of the night, I feel so akin to King David.

My son, my son!

If you got through all of this, thanks… and God bless!

Les, Jr.

Super Saints Win!

Who Dat Say Gonna Beat Dem Saints?

Who Dat!

Who Dat!

Never in my life could I have imagined a season like this!

The New Orleans Saints Super Bowl Champions!

The Who Dat Nation Lives!

Les, Jr.

Generosity?

What does it mean to be generous? That’s one of those questions you always assume you know the answer to.

If the shoe was on the other foot and I was the one being asked this question, my answer would be: someone who gives of their time and money. I suspect your answer would be fairly similar.

Take a quick look at the following definitions of generous:

    1. willing to give and share unstintingly
    2. not petty in character and mind
    3. more than adequate (http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/generous.htm)

The idea of someone being “willing to give and share unstintingly” along with being “more than adequate” is where most of us would line up in our understanding. Basic definition. Basic generosity.

There have been times in my life where I was more generous than others. There have been times when giving of my money was easier than giving of my time and vice versa.

2 Corinthians 9:6-25 is a classic text on generosity. God loves a cheerful giver.

Immediately following that phrase is verse 8 which says, And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Keep that verse in mind as you consider the other as of yet un-talked about definition from above: not petty in character and mind.

Are you having an “ouch” moment yet? Some of us are pretty petty at times. We are not as forgiving or as kind as we should be. Sometimes we are downright mean and hateful… and all that before someone runs roughshod over our likes or dislikes, habits or traditions… that’s when the real fireworks begin.

We need to rethink this idea of generosity. God’s generosity has brought grace beyond measure into our lives. As recipients of this liberality, we ought to become a people of generosity with our time and money–we should become an un-petty people of grace and understanding.

On second thought, maybe generous and graceful is what Jesus meant by turning the other cheek.

How generous are you?

Les, Jr.

Expertise

I like that word because it basically means somebody really does know what they are talking about.

I grew up hearing an old phrase that sometimes feels like a description of my life: Jack of all trades, master of none. Simply put, some people know a little bit about a lot of different things and not a lot about many.

Have you ever felt that way when it comes to something very important? Maybe you just didn’t grasp all you needed to?

I am thankful to have friends/family with expertise. I know who to call to find answers to legal questions. I know who to talk to when I break my pinkie toe (which I did last week and decided not to bug my expertise friend with something so silly as a broken toe).

Expertise is a wonderful thing particularly for those of us who need it and can see it in others!

I am glad that neither of us are the recognized expert when it comes the matter of grace. I want to be. And sometimes I try real hard, but sooner or later my grace is taken over by a begrudging attitude and selfishness–if not an outright rejection of the whole spirit of grace itself.

I am thankful for the expertise of Jesus especially when it comes to grace.

• John 1:14, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
  
• John 1:16-17, From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
  
• Ephesians 2:1-10, As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ²in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. ³All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. ⁴But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Need a little grace (or a lot in my case)? See Jesus. He’s the expert. Getting grace makes giving grace a much easier thing to do!
See you Sunday.

Les, Jr.

Joy or Despair?

Have you seen the Sears commercials where Brett Farve is trying to decide whether to buy the flat screen TV or not? You can check it out at Brett & Sears

I love it. I particularly get a kick out of him making fun of himself and the yearly question: Will he play again or not?

Will he? The jury is still out.

Many of us struggle at times with making choices, decisions, etc.

“Yes” or “No”

“I will” or “I won’t”

If you have kids, then you know what I mean when I say parents can sometimes be real good at not making decisions–we can really excel at giving vague evasive answers.

Sometimes you just have to make a choice. Here on the coast we have a saying that rings true: Fish or cut bait!

Last night, I picked up my 20 year old son, Cole, held him in my arms and laid him in his bed just like you would a baby. It broke my heart then and it breaks my heart now. But rather than drag you down into my grief and anguish, you need to know there is a choice. It’s mine to make in this situation and it is yours to make in countless others.

“Joy” or “Despair”?

I choose joy. And it is a choice. It is a conscious choice one sometimes has to work hard at attaining, but it is a choice nevertheless.

I choose joy. It’s not a giddy, Pollyanna joy that fades like the fog on a misty Mississippi morning when the sun finally breaks through.

I choose joy. And it’s a joy that lasts because it is a joy built upon trust in the Lord.

In the words of Nehemiah, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10b)

I choose joy. You may hear me mumbling that under my breath as a reminder against despair…

I choose joy.

Les, Jr.