God and Gravity
Are these forces we are subject to or immune from?
The second temptation Christ was offered by satan at the top of the Temple in Jerusalem. Again within our monotheistic tradition, the devil is not a dualistic figure equal to God but a servant to God and/or this figure can also be understood as an external embodiment of the ego. According to the story within Matthew, the devil carried Jesus to the top and then tested him with the idea of throwing himself down in front of everyone. The devil assured Jesus that God would send angels to catch him and that he would not “dash his foot upon the stone.”
A portion of the temptation is to believe that we may control God and use that control to protect ourselves. Whether it is to protect the body or to protect the soul (or to protect the ego), there is a very real temptation to want a divine protector and to make faith the transactional offering that is rewarded with safety and security. While our tradition affirms an image of God as a shield and fortress, our tradition also affirms that a faithful life will involve love and risk - even sacrifice. To prize protection above all else is to make faith something else.
A second portion of the temptation is what would occur if Jesus were to pull off this “sign and wonder” in front of everyone below - immediate authority. To one who understood himself to be a religious reformer, this is almost too good to pass up. But Christ sees it for what it is - authority is granted by the miracle and would then need to be maintained indefinitely. Authority by this means would again reduce the faith to protector and protected. It would deny vulnerability and grace, imperfection and inclusion, and this is not an end Christ is willing to accept.
As it comes to us, this part of the story brings an invitation to reflect upon our personal comfort with our vulnerability and even mortality. How do we honor the imperfection, brokenness, and wounds/scars in our own body? Is it something we can gaze upon or avoid? Is it something we can name to ourselves and those we entrust, or something we work to conceal? Is it something where we offer compassion and find grace moving in and out, or something that we fear has been a divine punishment for some error we have made? Our feet hit the stones in this world. The moral of the story is not necessary that God didn’t catch us, but that we are subject to forces like gravity in this world and that God (so very unfortunately at times) does not send the angels to catch us all. Faith and wounds are not opposed to one another but present together in one body and soul.
power and control
Over Creation, God, and Kingdoms
Every one of the three temptations of Christ is about seizing power and control of others. Whether it be Creation (stone) or God (temple) or Humanity (Kingdoms), the offering to Christ is to exert a power over to gain control of. This control, so the devil promises, would be satisfying and even beneficial for the world (this is soooo tempting, for I know that every problem in the world would be fixed if I was in charge!). In Christ’s decline, there is a revelation of faith and how we may move in this world.
One of the reasons that we are learning about White Christian Nationalism during this time of Lent is that the main components of this false teaching are all about power and control. Dominion over Creation, an Invincibility of Body and Soul, and Authority and Control over others. None of these are true to the gospel. All of them are a manifestation of an indulgence in temptation. Each of these conceals a sincere hunger of the soul, legitimate longing for communion, and real desire for belonging.
The wilderness of Lent is a season of refinement and clarity. It is also a time of discernment and preparation. Let us continue to reflect on the ways that we may have given and may be giving in to these temptations (for they come to all of us - again and again) and seek the courage and community to repent and change. Let us continue to look outward with grace and care to better understand our family, friends, and neighbors who subscribe to WCN. And let us continue to lean into this season to seek wisdom and grace in how we may approach and serve others by understanding the temptations and by offering compassion to the legitimate longings within the soul.
May this season guide and empower us to find a way to faithfulness and peace together.
Peace,
Rev. Chris McCreight
Transcript and Video of the sermon, “God and Gravity”
Ohio Regional newsletter
In Our Church and Community
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The men will “graciously” be preparing a breakfast meal of eggs, sausage, hash browns, and veggies - served up with coffee from Bent Tree Roasters in Kent.
Come on out to enjoy an excellent meal with excellent company - and invite a friend. This is a free meal and open to the community.
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The College presents another Library Forum: Hollywood Fairy Tale: A Public Relations Case Study of Wrexham Football Club’s Transformation
Join Dr. Xinlu Yu, associate professor of communication, for a talk examining how Wrexham AFC—one of the world’s oldest professional football clubs—was revitalized under the ownership of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Founded in 1864 and long tied to the working-class town of Wrexham, Wales, the club was struggling financially and competitively before the takeover. The new owners launched a bold PR campaign with clear goals, compelling storytelling, proactive media engagement, and their own star power.
Their efforts, showcased in the acclaimed series Welcome to Wrexham, attracted global attention, major sponsorships, and helped the club achieve three consecutive promotions—transforming both the team and its community.
Free and open for all! description
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The Village is gathering groups and organizations to share their upcoming events with the community. If you’re looking for opportunities to connect with neighbors around shared interests and shared service, stop in at Dix Hall in the Kennedy Center of Hiram College. The church will also be represented to share a bit about what we do and how folks can be involved.
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The Common Good will be hosting a gathering in the fellowship hall to discuss how people of faith may be politically engaged for “the common good.” Lunch will be served and time will be given to connect, learn about current matters, and advocate in letter writing campaigns and/or making protest signs in preparation for the nationwide event on March 28th.
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Sarah Park is organizing a concert to benefit Kids Weekend Meals. She’ll be joined by a vocalist and violinist to perform a repertoire of classical music. The event is free and open to the public. There will be a good will donation and all proceeds will go to support Kids Weekend Meals, which provides families in the Crestwood District with groceries to cover the weekend.
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We’ll continue our tradition of service on the Sunday following Easter. The Board is developing a list of projects to benefit the church and community. A potluck will be shared at noon.
Hiram Arts
Have you heard about what Hiram Arts is doing in the community? The Church is delighted to be able to host this new organization.
Utilizing Youtube
We are trying something new: sharing video of the scripture and sermon from our worship services. You can (re)view and subscribe if you’d like.