TIMSHOL: ”Shame” (John 12:12-16) - Rev. Mark Feldmeir - March 24, 2024

CURRENT SERMON SERIES: "TIMSHOL"

One of the most important words in the world is the Hebrew word “Timshol.” Steinbeck wrote about it in East of Eden. Mumford and Sons sang about it in “Timshel.” In the Bible, it appears in the story of Cain and Abel when, just before Cain murders his brother out of jealous anger, God tells him that while sin is lurking at the door, “You may master it.”

Timshol means something like “You may master,” and it reminds us that we have the freedom to choose to fight through—and prevail over—our worst human impulses like anger, hatred, greed, and the need to be in control. Timshol reminds us that, by God’s strength, we have the power to choose to be better humans by acting with more compassion, grace, mercy, and self-restraint.

In this season of Lent, we’ll explore what it means to master the impulses that make us less human by surrendering to the grace of God that, over time, perfects us in divine love.