“See a Sermon”, A Poem by Edgar Guest
I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travellers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honour learns to hold his honour dear,
For right living speaks a language which to every-one is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.
Please note, this poem is in the public domain and was written prior to the age of inclusive language
From the desk of the minister: The Call of Jeremiah
The OT reading for today is the calling of the prophet Jeremiah. This
calling is unique, because God knew and set apart Jeremiah even in the
womb. God knew him even before he was born. God says to Jeremiah,
“I choose you. Consecrate you. Appoint you.” And Jeremiah protests,
“Alas, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to
everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be
afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the
Lord. And finally, a sign (a touch to the mouth) and a vision (of
plucking up and planting).
These verses record a unique and powerful moment in the life of
Jeremiah. But if we pause for a moment, this story speaks to our
universal reaction to God’s call throughout our faith story and in our
contemporary lives. The message of this story reminds us that when
God calls, we will likely be uncertain and afraid and sometimes feel
reluctant to accept the call. We remember Moses felt reluctant to go.
Sarah laughed at the promise of children; Esther struggled to believe the
power of her place in history. But God knows us, loves us and believes
in our potential. God, who formed us in the womb, longs for our
participation with God for good and invites us to use our unique gifts to
bring the reign of God here on earth. God can transform our weakness
and uncertainty into strength and confidence. Continued over
Continued…
Let us hear God’s call in our lives and to remind us, that God’s call is
for young and old people. We are the church and everyone is required to
take part in the mission of God. Paul reminds his adopted son Timothy,
(1 Timothy 4:12) “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are
young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in
love, in faith and in purity.” Moses was 80 years when he was called by
God to liberate his people from Egypt. God can call anyone to his
mission, all we have to do is to accept and trust him for when He calls,
He equips people along the way.