THE WAY OF JESUS "I. In Decision" A Sermon By. Rev. Philip A. c. Clarke

Transcription

1 THE WAY OF JESUS "I. In Decision" A Sermon By Rev. Philip A. c. Clarke Park Avenue United Methodist Church 106 East 86th Street New York, New York First Sunday In Lent February 16, 1986

2 THE lvay OF JESUS "I. In Decision" INTRODUCTION Life is a never ending series of decisions to be made and of problems to be solved. There are times when we feel bewilder ed by this necessity and it helps to remember that decision-making is a symbol of man's dignity. He is the only part of God's creation that can exercise mora] responsibility in the rendering of a choice. The decisions that we face can be complex and difficult. 11/e all have those times when we are confronted wlth having to decide what to do about a family pre blem or a business transaction, or a personal habit. He find times when our loyalties conflict. It's little wonder that the world applauds the man who can make a clear-cut, straight-forward decision without quibbling. And not only applaud, but also reward him. Several of the Lenten sermons this year will attempt to explore the methods that Jesus used in dealing with difficult life situations. Built around the theme, "The Way of Jesus", today' s sermon deals specifically with the way of Jesus in a time of great decision. TEMPTATION EXPERIENCE You' 11 recall that during those "silent years" in Galilee, there came to Jesus the growing consciousness of a divine commission to reveal God and to reconcile the broken life of man to the will of God. Wh.ile this was the great task, the basic question regarding procedure and method remained unanswered. How was He to go about this? The way in which Jesus found the answer to this question is described in th Temptation Story. After His baptism and before entering His public ministry, He withdrew into the hill country above Jericho. In this wilderness area, Jesus put in forty days and nights in quiet thought, in active inner struggle, attempting to resolve in His own mind the method He would employ in His ministry. It's written in the beautiful imagery of the East that during this period Satan confronted Him with three temptations. Perhaps it would be more accurate to use the word "testingn rather than "temptation". Jesus was testing. He was evaluating. He was rejecting alternative courses of action. For Him, it was a time of decision. TURN STONES INTO BREAD The first temptation was to turn the stones into bread. This suggests to us that He must have been experiencing hunger. He was con scious of possessing unique and unusual power. He was being tempted to use it selfishly to satisfy His own needs. Some scholars have interpreted this first temptation as a real temptation on the part of Jesus to become the "economic" Messiah of His people. The people were hungry. He could win a large following by feeding them and by meeting their material needs. But He was also wise enough to know that loyalty built on such an approach was not long-lasting, that it could easily be lured away by a larger offer. Have we not found on occasion much to our chagrin - that in the area of Foreign Policy that we cannot always buy friends by giving them food? Now Jesus, after much struggle, resolved this temptation by recognizing that life must be built upon something more than outward aspects of material

3 - 2.. existence. He countered this First Temptation with words from the Law: "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord." LEAP FROM THE PINNACLE In the Second Temptation, Jesus was testing and evaluating another possible Messianic role. He would jump from the pinnacle of the Temple and land at the foot of it unharmed. In other words, He would gain the attention of people by resorting to a bit of dazzle. Call it sensationalism, if you will obut He knew in His heart that today' s wonder is tomorrow's commonplace. And during His ministry there were times when He refused to give in to those who said, "Jesus give us a sign". Showmanship and religious movemeat$ spreading the Gospel failure. sensationalism cannot furnish a permanent basis for a I think we need to remember this in our churches and in News. Gimmeckery can lead to frustration and eventual I believe that genuine strength in the Church grows out of a desire to hear once again the old story of what God has done for mankind in and through His disclosure of Himself in the person of Christ. We come - not to be dazzled or entertained - but to expose ourselves anew to the holiness of God, to experience forgiveness, cleansing, renewal, reassurance and to fill our minds with the will of God as it comes to us in the life and the teachings, the light and the love of Jesus of Nazareth. Again, Jesus countered this Second Temptation with a word from the Scripture, "You shall not tempt the Lord, your God". A POLITICAL MESSIAH Messiah. In the Third Temptation, Jesus evaluated the possibility of assuming the role of a political Messiah, a Military This is what a lot of the people were expecting of Him. Take up the sword, organize the people, drive the Romans out of the country. Remember how the Tempter took Jesus up to a high point and said that if Jesus would bow down and worship Him, He could enter into the possession of the Kingdoms of this world. This was a temptation to tear the shackles of Rome from His people through political power and military might. The exploits of David were part of His heritage. He shared as any good Jew would in the nationalistic expectations of His people. He had heard the cries of those who wanted to use armed violence to restore freedom to the land. But this would mean compromising His own deep convictions. Give the people what they want to have. Tell them what they want to hear. Every religious leader, every political figure, every prophetic voice must struggle with this temptation. Jesus refused to become this kind of Messiah. He could not compromise because He submitted everjr inclination to the will and the word of God. And to this final temptation, He responded, "Get thee hence, Satan. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve!" In the book, "The Life and Teaching of Jesus" by Edv-rard Bauman, it says:

4 following. It would have been easier and quicker to seek results by sensational means. He could have won popularity by compromise. Had He done so, He would have been forgotten. Rather He chose the slow, but enduring way of teaching a small group of men some truth about the nature of life and of God's Kingdom and then took His place on a cross. The first page of Will Durant's book, "The Story of Philosophy" sets our quest in perspective. He writes: "We want to know that the little things are little, and the big things big, before it is too late; we want to see things now as they will seem ' in the light of eternity 1 " In the process of making a decision, I believe this is a valid question: how will this look in the light of eternity? This bit of perception might make a difference in the quality of our choices. Long term rather than immediate desires. If we refuse the short view of life, then we will give up momentary pleasures for the sake of more lasting values. The business man, the doctor, the teacher, the preacher, the mother with grm-ring children - all soon learn that decisions must be made not on the basis of expediency, the desire for a "quick buck" popularity, or the line of least resistance, or any other value. It was said of John Wesley that much of his power was "in the kingly neglect of trifles". Nothing was allowed to get in the way of his main business. His decisions were made on the basis of how they would look in the light of eternity. "The kingly neglect of trifles". A good thought to carry along with you. Jesus refused to take the short view of life. Cheap compromises, quick sensationalism, immediate popularity - all were rejected by Him. TO DO GOD 1 S WILL Third, the decisions of Jesus were dictated by His desire to do the will of God. This was the central, fixed point that gave direction to His every action. In His moments of testing, He would say, "You live by every Word that cometh from God." Daniel Webster was once asked what he considered to be the greatest thought he ever had. After a bit of hesitation he replied, "The most important thought that ever occupied my mind is that of m,y individual responsibility to God." How would you and I have answered that question? What is the central, the fixed point of conviction that gives form and substance to your daily decisions? Do you have one? I believe the thoughtful and serious Christian might take as his basic point of reference this question: "What does my loyalty to and under... standing of the teachings of Christ require of me in this situation?" Asking that question, I believe, will raise the kind of consideration that should be given to the decisions that you and I are ealled on to make. CONCLUSION If we would seek light from above on those tough decisions we face, we would do well to act in the spirit of Christ and take serlously His word of counsel and try to move as best we can on the path He traveled. And certainly the greatest decision that one can make is to make this

5 person, Jesus, the Lord of all life and to submit our actions to His Word and to His Way. Whittier put it simply and beautifully in those lines which we shall sing together in a few moments: "In simple trust like theirs who heard, beside the Syrian Sea, The gracious calling of the Lord - let us, like them, without a word, Rise up and follow Thee." PRAYER Guide us, 0 God, as we try to follow our Lord and Master into the wilderness. Be with each of us in our times and hours of testing and temptation. Help us in our decisions. And as we face the great decisions of life, grant that we may always remember the great example of Jesus who came out of the wilderness sure that He would rather be right with You and perhaps fail, then to be wrong with You and to succeed. In His name and spirit we now pray. Amen.

6 "THE WAY OF JESUS 11 I. In Decision INTRODUCTION Several of the Lenten sermons this year will attempt to explore the methods Jesus used in dealing with difficult life situations. Built around the theme, "The Way of Jesus", today 1 s sermon deals specifically with the way of Jesus in a time of decision. Life is a never ending series of decisions to be made and of problems to be solved. There are times when we feel bewildered by this necessity, but we need to remember that decision making is a symbol of man 1 s dignity. He is the only part of God's creation that can exercise moral responsibility in the rendering of a decision. The decisions we face can be complex. At times we are confronted by the obligation of deciding what to do about our famil ies, our business transactions, our personal habits. There are involved decisions about race relations, about civic concerns, political dilennnas, international affairs. 1rJe must decide what to believe, to say, to do. It's little wonder that the world applauds the ~~n who can make a clear-cut, straight-forward decision without quibbling. And not only applaud, but also reward him. (Pause) THE TEMPTATION EXPERIENCE You'll recall that during the silent years in Galilee, there came to Jesus the growing consciousness of a divine commission to reveal God and to reconcile the broken life of man to the will of God. While this w.as the great task, the basic question regarding procedure and method remained unanswered. How was He to go about this? The way in which Jesus found the answer to this question is described in the Temptation Story. After His baptism and before entering His public ministry, He withdrew into the hill country above Jericho. In this wilderness area, y-esus put in forty days and nights in quiet thought, in active inner struggle, attempting to resolve in His own mind the method He would employ in His ministry. It is written in the beautiful imagery of the East that during th is period Satan confronted Him with three temptations. Perhaps it would be more accurate to use the word "testing" rather than "temptation". Jesus was testing; He was evaluating; He was rejecting alternative courses of action. It was a time of decision. TURN STONES INTO BREAD The first temptation was to turn the stones into bread. This suggests that He must have been experiencing hunger. This incident is proof that He was conscious of possessing unique and unusual povmr. He was being tempted to use it selfishly to satisfy His own needs. Some scholars have interpreted this temptation as a real temptation on the part of Jesus to become the economic Messiah of His people. The people of His land were hungry; He could win a large following by feeding them and by meeting their material needs. But He was also wise enough to know that loyalty built on such an approach was not long-lasting, that it could easily be lured away by a laxger offer. Have we not found on occasion, much to our chagrin, that in the area of foreign policy we cannot always buy friends by giving them food. Jesus, after much struggle, resolved this temptation by recognizing that life must be built upon something more than outward aspects of material existence. He countered this first temptation with words from the Law,

7 - 2 - "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that procedeth out of the mouth of the Lord 11 LEAP FROM THE PINNACLE In the second temptation, Jesus was testing and evaluating another possible Messianic role. He would jump from the pinnacle of the Temple and land at the foot of it unharmed. In other words, He would gain the attention of men by dazzling them with sansationalism. But He knew in his heart that today' s wonder :is tomorrow's commonplace. And during His ministry there were times when He refused the demand of those who said, "Jesus, give us a sign!" Showmanship and sensationalism cannot furnish a permanent basis for a religious movement. We need to remember this in our churches. For instance, if we try to gain a following or build church attendance, or win the world's attention on the uncertain premise that people come to hear or see some new thing, then we are destined, I fear, to frustration and eventual failure. Genuine strength in the church grows out of a desire to hear once again the old story of what God has done for mankind in and through His disclosure of Himself in the person of Jesus. We come - not to be entertained or dazzled - but to expose ourselves anew to the holiness of God, to experience forgiveness, cleansing, renewal, reassurance, and to fill our minds with the will of God as it breaks through to mankind in the teachings of Jesus. Again, Jesus cituntered temptation with a word from the Scriptures, "You shall not tempt the Lord, your God". A POLITICAL MESSIAH Messiah. In the third temptation, Jesus evaluated the possibility of assuming the role of a political Messiah, a military And this is what a lot of the people were expecting of Him. Take up the sword, organize the people, drive the Romans out of Palestine. Remember how the tempter took Jesus up to a high point and said that if Jesus would bow down and worship liim, He could enter into the possession of the kingdoms of this world. This was a temptation to tear the shackles of Rome from His people through political power and military action. The exploits of David were part of His heritage; He shared as any good Jew would in the nationalistic expectations of His people. He had heard the cries of those who wanted to use armed violence to restore freedom to the land. But th'is would mean compromising His own deep convictions. Give the people what they want. Tell them what they want to hear. Every religious leader, every political figure, every prophetic voice must struggle with this temptation. Jesus refused to become this kind of Messiah. He could not compromise because He submitted every inclination to the will and word of God. And to this final temptation, He responded: "Get thee hence, Satan. Thou shalt 1r1orship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou servef" t- In the book, "The Life and Teaching of Jesus" by Edward Bauman, it says, "The type of Messianic vocation that Jesus chose in the wilderness becomes clear as His ministry unfolds. One thing He must have known from the beginning. His decision would not be a popular one among a people who had very definite ideas of their own. He would meet strong opposition from a. people who~

8 - 3 - had their own hearts set on bread, miracles and political freedom. It seems likely that the temptation re-occured again and again in His ministry as the crowd tried to make Him a king, as his enemies plotted to kill Him. Jesus never faltered in following the decision that He had made alone with God in the wilderness'. ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS As we reflect upon the Hay of Jesus in a time of great decision, certain lessons begln to emerge that we would do well to remember. Let me put several of them before you. E. XAI'h 111./. For one thing, when the important moment came to choose, He did not seek human advice. He went away alone to settle the problem. I'm sure there were times when He found it necessary to confer with those near to Him, those v.rhom He trusted, but when it came to the all-important moment, He found it necessary to get away by Himself to avoid the clamor of voices pulling Him in different directions. author, pastoral counsellor Reuel Howe, in a discussion about gaining personal power and maturity, offers this observation: "The moment of wi thdrac.val from relationship for the sake of self-awareness is a crucial moment in the history of the individual". 1n.lhen facing a difficult decision, we need physical and psychological withdrawal. Jesus had an awareness of what the people wanted, but for Him it was not enough. He felt a need to struggle for the awareness of who He was personally, and what God wanted Him to do. This type of self-discovery could only be made in solitude. I think our tendency is to do just the opposite. nur tendency is to take a poll, to find out what others think and perhaps take our direction from that. At times, even our decision as to what is right and what is wrong is dictated by what the majority does. Shakespeare's word, "to thine onn self be true" is not irresponsible license. The Christian faith, with its emphasis upon individual integrity, is a safeguard against the loss of courage and conviction. "To thine own self be true". It is imperative in the life of the individual. It is basic for the preservation of a strong and healthy national life. Before James Garfield became President of the United States, he served for a number of years in Congress as a representative of an Ohio District. One day, as he reviewed his political career, he said, "I have for many years represented a district whose approbation I have greatly desired; but, though it may seem a little egotistical to say it, I desired still more the approbation of one person - and his name is Garfield. He is the only man I am compelled to sleep with, eat with, live with and die with. And if I do not have his approbation I hl.wuld have bad company." As you face a difficult decision, follow the example of Jesus. Get alone. Ask the question: is this true to the best and highest I know about mvself. How will it affect my health, my character, my future, my emotional life. And, if as

9 - 4 one contemplates a decision, one find it will hurt rather than help, enslave rather than upbuild life, then it deserves rejection! REFUSED THE SHORT VH.~"W A second lesson to be learned from this is that Jesus refused to take the short view of life. He wanted a following. It would have been easier and quicker to seek results by sensational means. He could have won popularity by compromise. Had He done so, He would have been forgotten. Rather He chose the slow, but enduring way of teaching a small group of men some truths about the nature of life ~nd God's kingdom, and then took His place on a cross. The first page of Will Durant's book, "The Story of Philosophy" sets out quest in perspective. He writes, 11 We vjant to know that the little things are little, and the big things big, before it is too late; we want to see things now as they will seem 'in the light of eternity'" In the process of making a decision, this is a valid question: how will this look in the light of eternity? This bit of perception might make a difference in the quality of our choices. Long term rather than immediate desires. If we refuse the short view of life, then we will give up momentary pleasures for the sake of more lasting values. The business man, the doctore, the preacher, the mother with growing children - all soon learn that decisions must be made not on the basis of expediency, the desire for a 11 quick buck" popularity, or the line of least resistance, or any other value. It was said of John Wesley, that :much of his power was "in the kingly neglect of trifles". Nothing was allowed to get in the way of his main business. He made his decisions on the basis of how this would seem in the light of eternity. Jesus refused to take the short view of life. Cheap compromises, quick sensationalism, immediate popularity - all were rejected by Him. TO DO GOD'S WilL Finally, the decisions of Jesus were dictated by His desire to do the will of God. This was the central and the fixed point that gave direction to His every action. In His moments of testing, He would say, "You live by every word that cometh from God". Daniel vfebster was once asked what he considered to be the greatest thought he ever had. He replied after some hesitation: "The most important thought that ever occupied my mind is that of my individual responsibility to God". How would you have answered it? What is the central, fixed point of conviction that gives form and substance to your dailydecisions. Do you have any? I believe the serious Christian might take as his basic point of reference this question: "What does my loyalty to and understanding of the teachings of Christ r~quire of me in this situation?" Granted, we know of the complexity of making decisions in the contemporary world. The answer to that question may not always be absolutely clear to us, but at least asking that question will raise, I feel, the kind of consideration that should be given to the decisions that we make. CONCLUSION If we would know what our decisions should be, we would do well to act in the spirit of Christ, take serious His word of counsel and try to move as best v-je can along the path He traveled. Over and over again,

10 - 5 - we will be helped by having some de~p, lives. (Pause) fundamental and central loyalty to our And certainly the greatest decision that one can make is to make this person, Jesus, the Lord of all life and submit our actions to His word and will. 1Nhittier put it s implj7 and beautifully in those lines from our closing hymn, 11 In simple trust like theirs who heard, beside the Syriap. sea, The gracious calling of the Lord - let us, like them, without a word, Rise up and follow Thee" PRAYER Guide us, 0 God, as we try to follow Jesus into the wilderness. Be with us in our time of testing and temptation. And as we face the great questions of life that call for a decision from us, grant that we may always remember the example of Jesus, who came out of the wilderness sure that He would rather be right with thee and failj,than to be wrong and to succeed. In His spirit we pray. Amen

11 ~~~-----~ "THE WAY OF JESUS" I. In Decision INTRODUCTION The sermons during Lent this year will attempt to examine and explore the methods Jesus used in dealing with difficult life situations. This series of sermons built around the general theme, "The Way of Jesus" begins today. This sermon deals specifically with the way of Jesus in a time of decision. Life is a never ending series of decisions to be made and problems to be solved. There are times when we feel confused and bewildered by this necessity, but we need to remember that decision making is a symbol of man's dignity. He is the only part of God's creation that can exercise moral responsibility in the rendering of a decision. Decisions are often. complex. We are confronted by the obugation of deciding tvhat to do about our families, our business and professional transactions, and our personal habits. There are involved decisions about race relations, civic issues, pelitical dilemmas, and international affairs. We must decide what to believe, to say, -and to do. It's little wonder that the world applauds the man who can make a clear-cut, straight from the shoulder decision without quibbling. The business world is quite ready to reward the_ man who can make quick decd..tions in the right direction. THE TEMPTATION EXPERIENCE You will recall that during the silent years in Galilee there came to Jesus a growing consciousness of a divine commission to reveal God and reconcile the broken life of man to the will of God. He was to bring the truth about the nature of the Kingdom of God. While this was the great task, the basic question of procedure and method remained unanswered. How was He to go about this. Now the way in which Jesus found the answer to this question is described in the temptatio~ story. After his baptism and before entering his public ministry, He 1dthdrew into the hill country above Jericho. In this wilderness area, not far from the Dead Sea, Jesus spent forty days and nights in quiet thought, in active inner struggle, attempting to resolve-in his own mind the method he would employ in his ministry.. It is written that during this period Satan confronted him with three temptations. Perhaps it would be more accurate to use the word testing rather than temptation. Jesus was testing, evaluating, rejecting alternative courses of action. TURN STONES INTO BREAD The first temptation, or testing, was to turn the stones into bread. Jesus must have been experiencing hunger. This incident is strong pro~f that He was conscious of unique and unusual power. He was being tempted to use it selfish~ to satisfy his own needs. Biblical scholars interpret this temptation as a real temptation on the part of Jesus to become the economic Messiah of his people. The people of his land were hungry. He could win a large following by feeding them and by meeting their material needs. But Jesus also knew that such loyalty based on this approach was not long-lasting, that it could be easily lured away by a larger offer. Have we not found, much to our chagrin, that in the area of foreign policy we cannot buy friends by giving them food. Jesus resolved this temptation by recognizing that life must be built upon something more than outward aspects of material existence. He countered this temptation Wlbth words of the Law: "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that procedeth out of the mouth of the Lord". LEAP FROM THE PINNACLE In the second temptation Jesus tested and evaluated another possible Messianic role. He would jump from the pinnacle of the temple and land at the foot of it unharmed. In other words, he would gain the

12 - 2 - attention of men by dazzling them with sensationalism. But he knew in his heart that today's wonder is tomorrow's commonplace. During his ministry, he refused the demand of those who said "Give us a sign". Showmanship and sensationalism cannot furnish a permanent basis for a religious movement. We need to remember this in our churches. For instance, if we try to build church attendance, or gain a following, or win the world's attention on the uncertain premise that people come to hear or see some new thing, then we are destined to frustration and eventual failure. Genuine strength in the church grows out of a desire to hear again the old story of what God has done for mankind in the person of Jesus Christ. We come, not to be entertained or dazzled, but to expose ourselves anew to the holiness of God, to experience cleansing and renewal, and to fill our minds with the will of God as expressed in the teachings of Jesus. Again, Jesus countered temptation with a word from the Law, "Ye shall not tempt the 'Lord, your God". A POLITICAL MESSIAH In the third temptation Jesus evaluated the possibility of assuming the role of a political Messiah, a military Messiah. This was what the people were expecting of him. Take up the sword, organize the people, drive the hated Romans out of the land. Remember how the tempter took Jesus up to a high point and suggested that if Jesus would bow down and worship him, He could enter into possession of the kingdoms of this world. This was a temptation t6 tear the shackles of Rome from his people through military and political pmr~er. The exploits of David and Solomon were familiar to Jesus. He must have shared in the nationalistic expectations of his people. He had heard the cries of those who wanted to use armed violence to restore freedom to the land and regain the lost glory of Israel. But this would mean compromising his own deep convictions. Give the people what they want; tell them what they want to hear. Every religious leader, every political figure, every prophetic voice must struggle with this temptation. Jesus refused to become this kind of Messiah. He could not compromise because he submitted every inclination to the will and word of God. And to this final temptation he responded: "Get thee hence, Satan. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve." Edward Bauman in his book, 11 The Life and Teaching of Jesus" says this: "The type of Messianic vocation that Jesus chose in the wilderness becomes clear as his ministry unfolds. One thing he must have known from the begi~ g. His det~sion would not be a popular one among a~ace o had very definite ideas of their orrm. He would meet stro g opposition from a people who had their own hearts set on bread, miracles and political freedom. It seems likely that the temptation re-occured again and again in his ministry as the crowd tried to make him a King, as his enemies plotted to kill him. Jesus never faltered in ~ following the decision that he had made alone with God in the wilderness11. ALONE IN THE 1rJILDERNESS Now as we reflect upon the way of Jesus in a t:i.me of great decision, certain lessons begin to emerge that we would do well to remember. tet me put three of them before you. For one thing, when the important moment came to choose, he did not seek human advice. He went awa:y alone to settle the problem. I'm sure there were times when He found it necessary to confer with those near to him, those whom he trusted, but when it came to the all

13 - 3 - important moment, he found it necessary to get away by himself and avoid the clamor of voices pulling him in different directions. Reuel Howe, in a discussion about gaining personal power and maturity, reminds us: "The moment of withdrawal from relationship fdr the sake of self-awareness is a crucial moment in the history of the individual". When facing a difficult decision, we need physical and psychological withdrawal. Jesus had an awareness of what the people wanted, but for Him it was not enough to know what the crowd wanted. He felt a need to struggle for the awareness of who He was personally and what God wanted Him to do. This type of self-discovery could only be made in solitude. Our tendency is to do just the opposite. Our tendency is to take a poll, to find out what others think and take our direction from that. Even our decision as t what is right and what is wrong is dicaated by what the majority does. A television documentary of last year touched on the subject of conformity. It revealed with frightening perceptiveness that our nation is becoming more and more dominated by the concept of conformity It also indicated that when this happened in Germany, a nation of great heritage was ready for Nazi totalitarianism. Shakespeare's word, "To thine own self be true" is not irresponsible license. Rightly understood, it is basic for the preservation of a strong national life. And it is imperative in the life of the indh-:idual. Some of our characteristic phrases are 11 organiza tion man 11, "corporation wife", "party line", "Don 1 t stick your neck out". Even in the church we are often fearful of challenging the status quo. The Christian faith, with its emphasis upon individual integrity, is a safeguard against the loss of courage, conviction, and personal freedom. Before James Garfield became President of the United States, he served for a number of years in Congress as representative of an Ohio District. One day, as he reviewed his political career, he said: "I have for many years represented a district whose approbation I have greatly desired; but, though it may seem a little egotistical to say it, I desired still more approbation of one person, and his name is Garfield. He is the only man I am compelled to sleep ~ri th and eat with and live with and die with; and if I do not have his approbation I should have bad company". As you face a difficult decision, try to follow the example of Jesus. Get alone Ask the question: is this true to the best and highest I know about myself. How wilj it affect my health, character, emotional life, future. If, as we contemplate a decision, we find it will hurt rather than help, enslave rather than dpb'lllil' " life, than we must reject it1 F~ JSED SHORT VIEW In the second place, Jesus refused to take the short view of life. He wanted a following. It would have been easier and quicker to seek results by sensational means. He could have won popularity by compromise. Had he done so, he would soon have been forgotten. But rather he chose the slow, but enduring way of teaching a small group of men the truth about the nature of God's kingdom and then took his place on a cross. The first page of Will Durant's book, "The Story of Philosophy" sets our quest in perspective. He said, "We want to know that the little things are little, and the big things big, before it is too late; we want to see things nmv as they will seem "in the light of eternity"

14 - 4 - In the process of making a decision, this is a valid question: how will this look in the light of eternity? This bit of perception might make a profound difference in the quality of our choices. Long term purposes rather than immediate desires. If we refuse the short view of life, then we will give up momentary pleasures for the sake of more lasting values. The child learns gradually to save his nickels and sacrifice some immediate pleasure for the sake of some future goal, the purchase of a pet or a bike. Or the college freshman soon learns to skip some of the bull sessions and hi~ the books if he is to achieve at all. The business man, the preacher, the doctor, the mother with growing children - all soon learn that decisions must be made not on the basis of expediency, the desire for a "quick buckn popularity, or the line of least resistance, or aqy other value. It was said Of John Wesley that much of his great power was "in the kingly neglect of trifles". Nothing was allowed to get in the way of his main business. He made his Eieli:li:. ions on the basis of how this would seem in the light of eternity. Jesus refused to take the short view of life. Cheap compromises, quick sensationalism, immediate popularity - all were rejected by Him. TO DO GOD'S WILL Finally, the decisions of Jesus were dictated by his desire to do the will of God. This was the central, fixed point that gave direction to his every action. In his moments of testing he would say, "You live by every word that cometh from God" "Thy will be done". It is reported that Daniel Webster was once asked what he considered to be the greatest thought he ever had. He replied after some hesitation, "The most important thought that ever occupied my mind is that of my individual responsibility to God". How would you have answered it? What is the central, fixed point of conviction that gives form and substances to your decisions? Do you have aqy? The sincere and true Christian-might take as his basic point of reference this question: "What does my loyalty to the teaching of Christ require of me in this situation?" Believe me, we know the complexity of making decisions in our contemporary world. The answer to that question may not always be absolutely clear to us, but asking that question will raise the kind of consideration that must be given to the decisions we make. If we would know what our decisions should be, act in the spirit of Christ, take seriously his word of counsel as found in the scripture, and try to move as best we can along the path he traveled. Over and again, \ve will be helped by having some deep and fundamental and central loyalties. Years ago the yellow fever was causing scores of deaths in San Salvador. The father of Channing Pollock was there in the diplomatic service. When the plague struck, he was already preparing for his vacation back in the states. His fami~ begged him to come home, but he wrote these lines: "I do not think aqy responsible officer should be away at a time like this. Our people are frightened and confused. It is my job to stay and look after them." Later he was asked, 11 Have you no fear?" His reply: "None so great as the fear of not doing what I believe to be the right thing". Our faith, ultimately, is not a matter of definition or creed. It grows out of faith, sacrifice and obedience. The greatest decision one can make is to make this person Jesus, the Lord of all life, and submit your every action to His word and will. ~~ittier has a vital message for us in these lines taken from our closing hymn: "In siw.ple trust like theirs <Tho heard, beside the Syrian sea, The gracious calling of the Lord, Let us, like them, without a word, Rise up and follow Thee".

15 - 5 - LET US PRAY Guide us, 0 God, as we try to follow Jesus into the wilderness. Be with us in our time of testing and temptation. Help us to make this season a period of growth in our own understanding of ourselves and in our usefulness to others. And as we face the great questions of life that call for a decision from us, grant that we may always remember the example of Jesus who came out of the wildenness sure that He would rather be right with thee and fail, then to be wrong and succeed. We ask this in his spirit. Amen

16 PARK AVENUE METHODIST CHURCH 106 East 86th Street New York, N.Y AT CHURCH DIRECTORY Rev. Philip A. C. Clarke Minister Dr. Harold C. Metzner Associate Minister, Emeritus Mr. George P. Ridout..... Minister to Young Adults Mr. Peter H. Hobbs Student Assistant Mr. Mark A. Else Choir Director Mr. J. Earl Weatherford Organist Mrs. George Leech Day School Director Miss Linda Jean Jon'es..... ~ Church Secretary Miss Ruth C. Stadler : Financial Secretary Miss Vivian M. Taylor :... :Treasurer Mrs. Christopher Greenough..... Church Hostess. Mr. Julius Deal "... Custodian GENERAL OFFICERS Lay Member, Annual Conference... Mr. Paul R. Russell Lay Leader, The Church Mr. Mark A. Else President, Board of Trustees Mr. Paul R. Russell - President, Woman's Society.... Mrs. James D. McDonald Head Usher... : Mr. Robert A~ Raeburn Education Commission Chairman (To be filled) Finance Commission Chairman..... Mr. Robert Johnson Membership Commission Chairman... Mr. Paul M; Scott; Jr ~ Joint Commission on Mission and Social Concern Chairman Mrs. David Weber INFORMATION FOR THE MINISTER Name: Address; (Please check reason for giving name) 0 Desire minister to call 0 Change of address 0 Desire to join church 0 Sickness

17 FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT February 27, 1966 ORDER OF WORSHIP 11 a.m. ORGAN 11A ir" G. Tartini CALL TO \AJORSHIP HYMN NO. 164 "All hail the power of Jesus name" PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Seated) Almighty.and eternal God, who searches the hearts of men; we acknowledge and confess that we have sinned against thee in thought, word, and deed; that we have not loved thee with all our heart and soul, with all our mind and strength; and that we have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. Forgive us our transgressions, and help us to amend our ways, and of thine eternal goodness direct what we shall be, so that we may henceforth vmlk in the way of thy commandments, and do those things which are worthy in thy sight; we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Master. Amen. SILENT HEDITATION - WORDS OF ASSURANCE - LORD 1 S PRAYER SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM ANTHEM 110 Lord God, Unto Whom Vengeance Belongeth" Baker SCRIPTURE Matthew 4: 1' - 11 VEHSICLES ~~D RESPONSES PASTORAL PRAYER Choral Amen ANNOUNCEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL CONCERN OFFEHTORY SOLO "Bring Me Cross and Cup" (Mr. Keith Cota, bass) J. S. Bach PRESENTATION OF THE OFFERING \AliTH THE DOXOLOGY HYMN NO. 132 "Into the woods my Master went" SERMON 11THE 1.VAY OF JESUS" I. In Decisjc::-:1 }fr. Clarke HTI1N NO 342 "Dear Lord and F'aJ.Jb.e.r. of markind 11 BENEDICTION C l.:.o ~a~ AT'l.t=Jn 11 ORGAN Postluc.e in :J i-1ajor 11 v T. Vv:.ckmar -lhh!- Interval for u sherj,~ AN INVITATION Coffee and tea will be served in Fellowship Hall following the service. The hostesses today are Mrs. 1.Vildish, Mrs. Kaufmann, Mrs. Maltby, Hrs. Tomlinson, Mrs. Barkman, and Mrs. O'Reilly. USHERS The ushers today are lv!r. Dick, r1r. Burr, Hr. Brown, Hr. Fountain, Mr. Hankins, Mr. Hedin, Mr. Hernly, Mr. Marshall, and Mr. McCoy. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Today He are baptizing Suzanne Elizabeth Schroeder, daughter of J'ir. and Hrs. Gerri t Schroeder. NURSERY, KINDERGARTEN AND PRD1AHY SE'3SI ONS The Nursery, Kindergarten and :Primary Sessions of Sunday School meet from eleven to twelve-thirty on the fourth floor. YOUNG ADULT FELLOWSHIP The young adults, under~~. Ridout's direction, meet each Sunday following church (12:30 to 1:15 p.m.) at the south end of Fellowship Hall for Bible study. Anyone who is interested in Bible study is invited to attend. The young adults will meet tonight at 5:50 p.m. at the Fine Arts Theater (58th Street between Park and Lexington) to see the movie 11 The Gospel According to St. Mcrtthew. 11 A discussion of the film will be held after the movie in a nearby restaurru1t. A SERMON SERIES FOR lent A sermon series on the general theme, "The lvay of ctesns" is planned for Lent. Today' s sermon, the first :~n t;:18 S ::-i es, deals with the way of Jesus in decision.