08/27/2026
Sermon for Pentecost 13, August 23 2026
On Romans 10:5-13
Oh, you're getting warmer, warmer, colder, colder, so much colder, keep going this way and you'll get hypothermia. That's it, now you're getting warmer. You're starting to sweat. Careful, you might just burn your hand. Hot, so hot, you're so close.
That's how many view their spiritual journey, feel around in every direction, am I getting hotter or colder. Taste a little of this and a little of that to see what suits her best. People will climb mountains, searching for ancient wisdom. They will delve into texts, mining them for life-changing gold nuggets. They will seek the experts, search for those who have done the journey before, they must know the way. In lue of real experts, YouTube has you covered. On social media, everyone seems to have discovered some secret trick to put your life right. They will implement the guidelines. It often feels like you are finally getting somewhere-the best of them do wander close to the truth. You feel it. You're getting warmer.
We are attracted to these spiritual journeys. Well written self-discovery will sit atop Oprah's book club list. The confident man with bulging muscles and a well-manicured beard will have millions of followers. We follow their journey partly because it makes a convenient excuse. I don't have the time and money to climb a Tibetan mountain, I can't transform my body, I am not able to search the philosophy, so if I am stuck its not my fault. When we do imitate them, we feel pretty good. I'm not there, but I am on my way. At least I am doing something; that's progress. All I can do is get a little better every day. God will have to accept my efforts.
Paul asks, what you are you searching for? This isn't a game of hot and cold. The Israelites lost their way because they were searching for a different path to the Promised Land when the LORD was right there the whole time. They heard God speak from Sinai. His words and promises rang clearly in their ears. The Word would go with them wherever they went. They didn't need to climb mountains or erect altars in the high places. God gave them plans for the Tabernacle, where he himself promised he would dwell among them with his grace and mercy. Don't search! Go where God has promised he will always be found. He isn't far, the Word is near you.
My friends, the word is near you! People were searching for answers, Jesus asked, what about you, who do you say that I am? You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Peter replied. Yes, Jesus said. I have come to you, and you Peter, you will be a part of giving all people access to my grace. You will invite them in. You will release them from their load of sins in my name. You by your word and preaching will show them, their Savior is right here.
The Word is near to you. Even as our hearts cry out, it can't be that simple! I haven't done enough! I don't feel his presence. When your pastor, his message may be a little lackluster, please don't let me get away with lackluster preaching, but it can and does happen, even if the service is uninspiring, or your attention is wavering, so you think Jesus can't possibly be here, not like this, not for me. I need to find something more. Paul reminds you, the Word is near you.
