Verona United Methodist Church

"God is watching us from a distance." So claimed the 1993 song "From a Distance" sung most prominently by Bette Middler in her grammy-winning version. But is God really watching us from a distance. He promises in his Word to be with us always. In Jesus he becomes Emmanuel, which means, "God With Us." Why is God's promised presence so important to us? And what does this promise say about our need to be present with the poor, the hungry, and the suffering of our world?  

This Sunday we begin a four-part sermon series centered on God's vision for our church. I hope you'll join us in prayer throughout August and September as we identify and answer God's call for VUMC.

                               Grace and peace, Pastor Bob

Nehemiah 1:1-11

1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah:

In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. 3 They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. " 4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said:"Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. 8 "Remember "Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.' 10 "They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." I was cupbearer to the king.

This is one of Jesus' most important AND most misunderstood teachings. The hypocritical judgments of the Pharisees and teachers of the law were a constant target of Jesus' criticisms. To judge another not on the basis of their heart but on superficial assumptions was absolutely sinful in Jesus' eyes. At the same time, Jesus constantly warned his followers about false teachers. Without some means of judgment, how were they to know who these teachers were? As with all things in the Sermon on the Mount, the key is our relationship to our Heavenly Father. God's Spirit of Truth will guide us in making discerning and fair judgments about others. This same Spirit will lead us to judge not with a vitriolic attitude of condemnation but with a merciful and loving desire for the good of all.