First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge

Jesus said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” That word arise can mean to wake up from sleep. Or to get up from sitting or lying down. It’s the same word used of Jesus when he came back from the dead. He arose from death. He woke up and he got up. This was a preview of Easter. The dead man sat up at Jesus’ command. He began to speak. And Jesus gave him to his mother. He didn’t tell the man to come follow him. He gave him back to his mother. He restored their life together. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. In his ministry among us, God’s only Son so loved the widow that he gave her only begotten son back to her.

"Interrupting the Dead"
Luke 7: 11-17
Gerrit Dawson

Jesus heard authentic humility in the centurion from Luke 7. “I am not worthy to have you under my roof.” Jesus heard love that dared to ask. “Only you can save my servant.” Jesus heard faith that came right out of the man’s deepest understanding of how his life worked. A man who lived under orders and gave orders recognized in Jesus the ultimate authority to speak a word and have it enacted. The centurion saw the power of the Creator Word of God who spoke and worlds came into being. “Only say the word and my servant will be healed.” He believed from both heart and mind.

"Only Say the Word"
Luke 7: 1-10
Gerrit Dawson

The temple court can be so clogged with the day to day trading that there is no room for prayer and worship. The marketplace is so loud we don’t hear the cries of the little ones. Get these things outta here! The new temple has been established. The body of Jesus is the temple. We are joined to him, we become living stones in his temple, growing and fitted together in love.

"Get Out!"
John 2: 13-25
Gerrit Dawson

At the beginning of the New Year, we still believe the best is yet to come. 2019 may bring suffering or triumph, prosperity or struggle in our daily lives. But we know that Jesus will return to set all things right. We know that as we partake of him in faith, he makes us part of his mission to the world. Our little lives get taken up into the significance of his mighty work on behalf of all people. We become part of Christ’s massive blessing project on this earth. Whatever we do, we now do for his sake, in his name and for his glory. It changes everything. Even repetitive tasks and the duty of drudgery receive the fine wine of significance. For Jesus transforms it all.

John 2: 1-12
Gerrit Dawson
"The Best Is Yet to Come"

Jesus is the weakness of humanity and the strength of God in one. He is fully who we are while never ceasing to be all that he is as the eternal Son. Son of Man and Son of God. This is the key to a successful, growthful life in Christ.

"In the Shadow of the Sphinx"
December 30, 2018
Gerrit Dawson