First United Methodist Church
May 11th, 2025
Rev. Lauren Hall
Freedom to Rise Up
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23
Imagine this scenario:
It was a beautiful day in the middle of spring. The sky is blue, the trees are green, and the sun is a warm yellow. Two friends are enjoying the outdoors by sitting at a picnic table in the park eating lunch. "Do you really believe that stuff about Jesus?" one friend asks. "I mean, do you really think that he is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Christ, the Lord, Savior, and all those other names I've heard him called?"
"Yes," comes the simple reply.
But Susan presses on. "But why? Why Jesus and not someone else? I'm not even sure I believe in God, much less Jesus."
Adam thinks for a moment and then answers, "Because of the things he taught, the miracles he did and still does, because he died for all of us, and because he was raised from the dead. No one else has ever done those things before, or since."
"I don't know, Adam. It seems to me that Jesus was a good man, a great man for that matter. But the Son of God? I don't think so. It's just too weird."
As Adam starts to say something Susan picks up a banana and makes a gesture with her hand that clearly indicates that the subject needs to be changed…
One wonders, will Susan ever accept Jesus Christ as Lord?
Central to today’s scripture is the question of Jesus’ identity. It remains uncertain whether those who approached him sought this knowledge because they had heard claims of him being the Messiah or because they had observed his ministry and hoped he was. Regardless of their motivations, his identity held significant importance due to the unique authority attributed to the Messiah, which surpasses that of a mere teacher and leader. From the perspective of post-resurrection Christians, there is confidence in affirming that “Yes, Jesus is the Messiah!” However, this affirmation often leads to further inquiries regarding the implications of such an identity.
Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God has claimed us. We belong to God, and no one can change that. However, discipleship is not an easy journey. The teachings of Jesus indicate that following him can be challenging. Nevertheless, there is a promise of knowing where this journey leads and having the support of the Holy Spirit to navigate it. This assurance stems not from our own strength but from our identity in Christ and who Jesus is. Our position in Christ is secure.
This should provide some level of comfort. The challenge arises when we fail to hear his voice either because we are not attentive, we disagree with the message, or we doubt our ability to fulfill his calling.
We are in week 4 of our New Life Resolutions. Our goal is to imagine an improved relationship with Christ and to take very real steps to achieve it. At this point, we may be seeing progress, or we may be struggling. Achieving freedom from habits that hold us back is desirable but not easy.
Take a moment to reflect on what's challenging about breaking old habits for new ones.
Rising up requires the energy to get back onto our feet when we fall. The narrative of Tabitha represents the third instance in the book of Acts in which individuals experience restoration after various forms of downfall. Initially, Saul, after being ministered to by Ananias, “got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.” Subsequently, Peter heals Aeneas, who had been bedridden for several years, leading to his immediate recovery as he “immediately … got up.”
Tabitha's story stands out as the most dramatic account of resurrection. In this event, Peter performs a miracle reminiscent of Jesus, raising Tabitha from the dead. His words to her, succinct yet profound, echoed Jesus’ command in Mark, “talitha coum,” meaning “little girl, arise.”
In a metaphorical sense, Tabitha’s death represents burnout—a state where someone who has tirelessly given to others reaches a point of exhaustion, unable to continue. Tabitha was a Deacon who engaged in ministries that assisted the poor and the sick. This work is challenging and demoralizing. Her resurrection symbolizes renewal and restoration, showing that even when someone feels completely drained, they can be revived through support, faith, and rest. During the height of the Covid epidemic, my nephew worked as a nurse. One day, a patient with a broken back arrived, and he thought, “Finally, someone is here who isn’t going to die.” However, the patient passed away that night. My nephew had to take a break from nursing, but with time away and counseling, he was able to regain his passion for nursing. Just as Peter called on the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into Tabitha, the support of counselors and friends helped my nephew recover and rediscover joy and purpose in his vocation.
Peter’s role in Tabitha’s revival highlights the importance of community and intervention—sometimes, recovery from burnout requires external help, whether through encouragement, prayer, or practical assistance. This story reminds us that burnout is not the end. With care, reflection, and renewal, one can regain strength and continue their purpose.
With some reflection, I also recognized that this scripture serves as a potent metaphor for church renewal. Tabitha symbolizes a church that has become inactive due to spiritual stagnation, loss of mission, or internal conflicts. Her death parallels occasions when the church loses its vitality and fails to perform its role in serving others. Peter’s intervention epitomizes the importance of faith, leadership, and divine intervention in rejuvenating the church. Through prayer and a command to rise, he restores Tabitha, akin to how the church can be revitalized through prayer, spiritual guidance, and recommitment to its mission of service and discipleship.
Peter's restoration of Tabitha did not solely benefit her; it reinvigorated the entire community, resulting in conversions and renewed faith. It is crucial to acknowledge that genuine renewal within the church extends beyond its boundaries, inspiring others and attracting new believers.
And so, this week your challenge is to reflect on what God is personally calling you to do as you seek spiritual renewal. Are you listening to the shepherd’s voice? Amen.
