Walking Together: Embracing Healing and Compassion

 

Summary

In our lives, we encounter moments that beckon us to either walk in the direction of our pain or in the strength of our healing. Today, I want to remind you of the profound truth that God is present in both these journeys. Whether we are walking clockwise or counterclockwise towards life's challenges, we are all heading towards the table of grace.

I shared with you the moving story of John Zill, a beloved member of our community who battled Friedrich's ataxia since childhood. On his 45th birthday, John was surrounded by his loving family as he neared the end of his earthly journey. In those final moments, his faithful service dog, Chunk, offered a poignant goodbye, embodying the unconditional love and acceptance that we all seek. In John's passing, we are reminded that Jesus takes us by the hand and lifts us to new life, just as He did for Peter's mother-in-law, who upon her healing, rose to serve.

We are called to show up for one another, to be present in both the celebrations and the sorrows of life. It is in showing up that we emulate Jesus, who showed up for Simon's mother-in-law in her time of need. We must reach out in our strength when we have it, offering tender care to those who are wounded, just as Jesus did, bringing healing and hope even on the Sabbath.

The ancient practice of walking to the left or right upon entering the temple, depending on one's circumstances, teaches us valuable lessons. When we are strong, we must look for those who are struggling and offer them the gift of listening and a blessing. We must be curious about those swimming upstream and meet them with relentless love, promising that they will not have to hold their pain alone.

In our scripture from Mark 1:29-31, we see Jesus healing Simon's mother-in-law on the Sabbath, taking her by the hand and lifting her up. This act of healing is a powerful testament to the higher righteousness to which we are called—a righteousness that prioritizes compassion and service over rigid adherence to rules.

As we reflect on the life of Rosa Parks, who sat down to stand up for what was right, we are reminded of the impact of small actions driven by a desire for justice and righteousness. Like her, we must push against the laws of the day for a higher righteousness, knowing that God meets us at our lowest point and lifts us up.

Key Takeaways:

- God orchestrates encounters between believers and those seeking truth, and it is in these divine appointments that we have the opportunity to offer the gift of listening and a blessing. This practice not only enriches the lives of others but also aligns our hearts with the compassionate nature of Christ. [49:33]

- The story of John Zill and his service dog, Chunk, illustrates the profound impact of unconditional love and acceptance. In our own lives, we must strive to embody this same love, recognizing that it is a reflection of Jesus' love for us, which carries us into new life and healing.

- Showing up for one another is a testament to our faith in action. Whether we are walking towards joy or sorrow, our presence can be a sanctuary for those in need. In doing so, we follow the example of Jesus, who showed up to heal and to serve, regardless of societal norms or expectations.

- The ancient practice of walking to the left or right in the temple teaches us that our response to life's circumstances can be a powerful witness to our faith. When we are strong, we must seek out those who are struggling and offer them a listening ear and a blessing, just as Jesus offered healing and hope.

- Rosa Parks' act of defiance was a small step that led to monumental change. Similarly, our actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a greater narrative of righteousness and justice. We are called to stand up for what is right, trusting that God will use our efforts to bring about His kingdom on earth.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Mark 1:29-31: "As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them."

#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus do when He was informed about Simon's mother-in-law's condition? (Mark 1:29-31)
2. How did Simon's mother-in-law respond after Jesus healed her? (Mark 1:31)
3. What ancient practice was mentioned in the sermon that involved walking to the left or right upon entering the temple? ([05:07])
4. How did the service dog, Chunk, show unconditional love to John Zill in his final moments? ([11:19])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jesus' act of healing on the Sabbath suggest about His priorities and understanding of righteousness? ([01:56])
2. How does the story of Rosa Parks illustrate the concept of "higher righteousness" mentioned in the sermon? ([01:17])
3. In what ways does the ancient practice of walking to the left or right in the temple teach us about responding to life's circumstances? ([05:07])
4. How can the unconditional love shown by Chunk to John Zill be seen as a reflection of Jesus' love for us? ([11:19])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were either walking in the direction of your pain or in the strength of your healing. How did you experience God's presence in that journey? ([06:22])
2. How can you "show up" for someone in your life who is currently struggling? What specific actions can you take to offer them support and care? ([07:33])
3. Think about a person in your life who might be "swimming upstream" or facing significant challenges. How can you offer them a listening ear and a blessing this week? ([09:26])
4. In what ways can you emulate Jesus' example of compassion and service in your daily life, especially when societal norms or expectations might discourage it? ([01:56])
5. Rosa Parks' small act of defiance led to monumental change. What small actions can you take in your community to stand up for righteousness and justice? ([01:17])
6. How can you cultivate a heart of curiosity and compassion towards those who are struggling, rather than turning away from their pain? ([09:26])
7. Reflect on the story of John Zill and his service dog, Chunk. How can you embody unconditional love and acceptance in your relationships, mirroring the love of Jesus? ([11:19])

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Appointments in Listening
God orchestrates moments for us to extend His listening ear and blessings to those seeking truth. In these encounters, we are given the opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ through our attentive presence. It is not by chance that we find ourselves in conversations with those who are searching; rather, it is a divine appointment. By offering a listening ear, we affirm the value of their experiences and provide a space for healing and understanding. This act of listening is a sacred exchange, where the whispers of God's wisdom can be heard and shared. It is in these moments that we can truly connect with another soul, offering them the comfort and guidance they may be seeking. [49:33]

"Let your ear be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy. If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared." - Psalm 130:2-4 ESV

Reflection: Who in your life is currently seeking truth, and how can you intentionally create space this week to listen to their story with the compassion of Christ?

Day 2: The Power of Unconditional Love
The story of John Zill and his service dog, Chunk, serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of unconditional love and acceptance. In our journey through life, we are called to embody this same love, recognizing that it is a reflection of Jesus' love for us. This love carries us into new life and healing, offering solace and strength in times of need. As we strive to love others without conditions, we mirror the grace and mercy that Jesus extends to us. It is through our actions and interactions that we can demonstrate this profound love, touching lives and hearts in ways that words alone cannot express. [49:33]

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." - John 13:34 ESV

Reflection: Reflect on a relationship where you can more fully express unconditional love. What is one tangible way you can show this love in the coming days?

Day 3: Faith in Action Through Presence
Our faith is made manifest when we show up for one another, especially during times of joy and sorrow. Our presence can be a sanctuary for those in need, following the example of Jesus, who healed and served without regard for societal norms or expectations. By being present, we offer support and comfort, and we embody the love and compassion of Christ. This commitment to being there for others is a powerful expression of our faith, and it can have a lasting impact on the lives of those we encounter. [49:33]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 ESV

Reflection: Consider someone in your community who is facing a difficult time. How can you show up for them this week, offering your presence as a source of comfort and support?

Day 4: Witnessing Through Compassionate Response
The ancient practice of choosing a path in the temple based on one's circumstances teaches us about the importance of our response to life's challenges. When we are strong, we are called to seek out those who are struggling, offering them a listening ear and a blessing. This compassionate response is a powerful witness to our faith and reflects Jesus' own actions of healing and hope. By being attentive to the needs of others, we can provide support and encouragement that can make a significant difference in their lives. [49:33]

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." - Romans 12:15 ESV

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who is struggling and could benefit from your strength and support? How can you reach out to them this week to offer a listening ear and a word of encouragement?

Day 5: Small Actions, Monumental Change
Rosa Parks' act of defiance was a small step that led to monumental change, reminding us that our actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a greater narrative of righteousness and justice. We are called to stand up for what is right, trusting that God will use our efforts to bring about His kingdom on earth. By taking small, courageous steps towards justice, we participate in the unfolding of God's plan and demonstrate our commitment to living out the values of the kingdom. [49:33]

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." - Hebrews 13:16 ESV

Reflection: What is one small action you can take today to stand up for justice and righteousness in your community? How can you begin to make that change?

Quotes

1) "We cannot magically fix one another's broken hearts, but we can find each other in our most vulnerable moments and wrap each other up in a Circle of Care." [06:57] (Download)

2) "Showing up for another is a gift. Showing up is what Jesus did for Simon's mother-in-law. I'm grateful for people in this church who show up for each other, who show up for others day after day." [07:33] (Download)

3) "Take the time to ask 'What happened to you?' especially for someone going in the opposite direction. Be curious about the people swimming Upstream." [09:26] (Download)

4) "I believe chunk would have taken John by the hand if he had one, but I know in that moment Jesus Took John by the hand and lifted him up to New Life and healing in the world to come." [11:57] (Download)

5) "When we find healing in this world, may we respond like Peter's mother-in-law. Her response was to get up and serve." [12:38] (Download)

6) "Rosa Park said 'I have no idea when I refused to give up my seat on that Montgomery bus that my small action would help put an end to the segregation laws in the South.'" [01:56] (Download)

7) "The love of Jesus raises her up to New Life and will raise us up also. The God Who meets us at our lowest point lifts us up." [03:51] (Download)

8) "When we are at strength, we need more listening and more blessing offered, for there's so much pain in the world. This year you may be walking the path of pain; next year it might be me." [06:22] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?