Ryland Epworth United Methodist Church

September 6, 1998

Thought for the Week

Do not wait to hear His spirit winging near in moments of great crisis. Do not expect Him riding on the crest of a wave of deep emotional excitement. Do not look to see Him at the dramatic moment when something abnormal or spectacular is at hand. Rather find Him in the simple experiences of daily living, in the normal ebb and flow of life as you live it.

Howard, Thurman, USA, 20th cent.

A Strange Freedom, edited by Walker Earl Fluker & Catherine Timber

• Organ Prelude:

  Fill My Cup, Lord                                     Blanchard

• Postlude:

  Praise Be to God                                      Powers

Sermon Title:    When It Looked Like the Sun Wasn't Going to Shine Anymore

Scripture Lessons: Ezekiel 1:1-14, 26-28; Hebrews 13:8

Summary: When it looked like the sun wasn't going to shine anymore, was hope optional? By the rivers of Babylon, where exiles from Judah were settled, Ezekiel found the answer. The heavens were opened, and he saw the glory of the Lord, caught sight of the sovereign mobility and freedom of the Lord, in whose image we are made.
The visions of Ezekiel are revelations not only of God, but of ourselves. Marred but marvelous in possibility. Mortal but destined in Christ to wear the victor's crown of immortality. Hope is never optional. We have an obligation to keep hope alive and aspire to greater things. "When it looked like the sun wasn't going to shine anymore, God put a rainbow in the cloud."

• Anthem:

  Just a Closer Walk with Thee                            Traditional Folk Song

  
  

• Offertory Solo:

  Ave Verum                                                Mozart

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