Sunday lectionary devotion: Bounty - Jeremiah 31 v 14

Jeremiah 31:14 I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my
bounty," declares the LORD.

One of my all-time favorite movies is "Mutiny on the Bounty", starring Marlon Brando and Trevor Howard. My Dad took me to it when it was first released in Britain. I was six years old at the time and although I didn't really understand it, I loved the Polynesian scenery, the old British naval costumes and, of course, the galleon itself. Years later, when I grew interested in building plastic airplanes, cars and ships, my Uncle Ian gave me model of the Bounty, which he patiently made and painted as a teenager.

"Bounty" is a word that we normally associate with rewards for capturing wanted outlaws, but in this context the old Hebrew word "tuwh" means something beautiful, something that gladdens the heart, and something that benefits the beholder. So when God declares that He will fill His people with His bounty, He is promising to do something beautiful that will gladden the people and strengthen them.

Today, we can experience the same through the gift of the Holy Spirit in our churches, homes and hearts. Christ's bounty is gladly given to Christian believers, so that we can share these cherished blessings to our broken community. And in the midst of a sad and dangerous world, the bounty of God's blessings is much needed amongst us.

Prayer: Bountiful God, we thank You for the beautiful blessings that bring gladness and strength into our lives. Help us to share these gifts with those who need to know of Your love and who seek Your loving grace. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. He also writes the weekday devotional blog Heaven's Highway.

Sunday Devotion: Carousel

Sunday lectionary verse:

Psalm 111:4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.

I sat and watched one of my favorite movies recently. It stars Shirley Jones and Gordon Macrae. It's the beautiful musical 'Carousel.'

Before I ever saw the movie, I practically knew all of the songs. My Dad loved Oscar & Hammerstein musicals and his record collection was full of them. Every Saturday evening, he would fetch out his albums and play them. On the sleeve of the Carousel album, there was a picture of the characters Julie & Billy. In the background, the lights of the carousel were spinning around.

When Dad played the record album, and others like it, my sister, brothers and I would be sitting on the carpet, drawing carousels and singing the songs. To this day, if ever I feel nostalgic about the good old days, I just have to sit and watch the movie. The great thing is that even my two grown up daughters love it. I guess it's all in the genes.

So what's this got to do with today's lectionary text? In the movie, Billy Bigelow is given the opportunity to come down to earth for one day to help his daughter. The old, wise, Starmaker graciously allows Billy to do this, and he succeeds in his mission. Faith, hope, and love triumph over fear, tragedy, and loneliness. Billy's intervention saves the day and he returns to heaven a changed man.

It's only a story, but the theology it contains is marvelous. You see it’s all about incarnation - that great, holy process where a compassionate and loving God comes to earth to change our lives and set us on the right path to heaven. Only this time, it's not a story, it's His story. The planet we reside in revolves like a carousel in space; and in the midst of all that spinning, Christ comes, Christ cares, and Christ shows us compassion.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, there are times in our lives when things seem to be out of control and we become anxious or depressed, fearful and faithless, helpless and lonesome. During those times, we fully depend upon Your presence and seek Your compassion and deep care. Hear us when we pray to You. Come to us and help us. Heal us and all our loved ones. Guide us and grant us peace. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

(PS - there's a rumor that Hugh Jackman is going to play Billy Bigelow in a remake of the musical to be released in 2010)

John Stuart, aka Stushie, is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Past devotionals, bible studies, and religious news can be found on John’s blogpage, Heaven’s Highway. You’ll find it at http://www.glenkirk.blogspot.com/.