Tears in a Bottle, Judge Jesse Caldwell, Lectionary Vlog #53, Premiered 21 March 2021,

About this sermon

Jeremiah 31:31-34 Hebrews 5:5-10 Psalm 51:1-12 or Psalm 119:9-16 John 12:20-33Psalm 51: 1-12. This week Judge Jesse Caldwell explores the “lost spiritual practice of lament”, including not only penitent cries of remorse and repentance, but also lamentations of individual and community tragedies, such as a family death by suicide, school children shot, or loved ones perishing in an auto accident. The Book of Lamentations is in the Bible for a reason. We are not comfortable with lamentations of raw emotion and grief. We want people and ourselves to get better “soon” , and put a smiley face for the world, and even for God, who knows how we feel, and desires our honesty. God can take our pain and grief and anger, even if some of it is directed to God. Judge Caldwell uses several courtroom examples of lament, both of criminals and their victims. You will never forget his story of an art exhibit remembering dead and missing children involving a stream of salt pouring from the ceiling to the floor in a dimly lit room, the sounds of children faintly singing, and cards to write messages of grief which could be left at the exhibit. The chosen metaphor for the Vlog passage is our tears. Tears are the actual by-product of our crushed dreams and broken spirit. Tears, of salt and water. And our tears are a sacrifice we give ourselves, the world and God. The salt of our tears is symbolic of the healing power of salt, which was used in Hebrew sacrifice and what Elisha used to purify a stream ( salt gargle to help sore throat, mouth sores, etc), Psalm 56:8 says God, whose heart breaks at our pain, keeps our tears in a bottle to remember them. As a closing ritual Judge Caldwell pours salt into a crystal pitcher of water, and then pours these “tears” into a beautiful crystal tear bottle (lachrymatory). Those present can participate in this experience (the E and P of EPIC) by coming forward and either pouring them into the tear bottle themselves, which can be placed on the alter afterwards, or having small glass vials with stoppers for them to take their own symbolic tears home (all done in Covid safe way, with gloves, etc). The benediction sends us forth with eyes cleansed and prepared to see others weeping in lament, for us to be the best, maybe the only ones to recognize those who are experiencing the soul searing pain we did, and for our tears to mix as we minister to them in Christ’s name and love. We would love for you to hit the "subscribe" button for these vlogs. Don't forget to Hit the Notification Bell so that you never miss our most recent video. Support Len’s Ministry through his 510-c-3 “SpiritVenture Ministires” (SVM) https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted... Become a SpiritVenture Ministries (SVM) Supporter at $9/month or a Tribe of Issachar Member at $49/month https://preachthestory.com/cart/​ Follow Leonard Sweet on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonard.sweet​ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lensweet​ (Sweet’s daily micro-blogs) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lensweet​ (Sweet’s daily blogs) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/preachthestory​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/preac... (Specifically for preachers and others who love those who preach) Access sermons, conferences, and more Leonard Sweet activities: https://preachthestory.com/​ (hundreds of written sermons) https://www.facebook.com/thesalishsea... (Sweet’s newest publications) https://salishsea.press/​ https://the-salish.com​ (Orcas Island getaway cottages for board, staff and church advances (aka “retreats”) #JudgeJesseCaldwell #lament #tears #lentalk #vlog

Topics

• Hell & Judgment