Sermon Tone Analysis

Going through the 10 commandments

Notice in our scripture () for today that

I wonder if not seeing God is part of the rationale and motivation for people wanting to make an idol.

Maybe something tangible that you can touch and see is somehow more comforting and real than just a voice without form.

Having something to hold and look at might take a bit of the mystery out of a God that nobody can see.

God sends his son Jesus to help us with this impulse.

We want to see something, to behold it, touch it, check it out for ourselves, examine it.

We can’t physically see and touch him now, but we can believe those who did.

We can test his words in our own lives to see if they ring true.

We can live in community with others and discuss our doubts and struggles.

We can pursue peace and wholeness through worshiping him.

Deuteronomy cautions that when you look up at the stars and you see how amazing and beautiful they all are, don’t get so caught up in that so that you worship the stars themselves.

The stars point to someone greater.

Just like the simple elements of the Lord’s Supper.

The bread and cup.

Certainly none of us would worship these things themselves because they’re simple reminders.

But just like the stars and the myriads of other things God has created they remind us that Jesus walks with us even if we don’t see him, that he is Lord of creation even if the world doesn’t recognize him, and this his offer of salvation stands just as true for us today as it did they day he shared his first meal with his followers.