Learning Life's Limitations

"First Sermon after heart surgery"

Sermon by Pastor David Layman

January 14, 2006

Genesis 3:1-7
II Corinthians 4:7-12, 16-18

While in the hospital, and during my ongoing recuperation from heart
surgery, one of the hardest things to face has not been the pain itself,
but the limitations. I haven't been able to do much of what I've really
wanted to do. Initially, I couldn't move in my own bed without
assistance. Then I have faced the limitations of stamina and strength.
Even my voice has been weak.

The Apostle Paul knew something about limitations! In his Second letter
to the Corinthians, 4:7, Paul writes We have this treasure in clay
jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs
to God and does not come from us. The reason we face limitations in
life is to point us to God! I've learned first hand what it means to be
a limited, earthen vessel! Some of you are ahead of me in this
experience. Many of you have faced more difficult surgeries and physical
trials than I have. I empathize more deeply for you! Some of you may be
challenged to stand at certain points in the service. I understand. Feel
free to remain seated. I remember hearing of a grade school class where
the class was chomping at the bit to go outside for recess, and several
boys were already standing. The teacher told them to sit down, and one
of the boys had to be told twice. As he finally was seated, the teacher
heard him mutter I may be sitting down on the outside, but I'm standing
up on the inside! During worship, feel free to make this child's
sentiments your own. You may be sitting down on the outside while others
are standing, but you're standing up on the inside! You're here, and
thats what matters most!

These words Paul wrote to the Corinthians are inspiring: We are
afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to
despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of
Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. II Cor. 4:8-10. When we
talk about limitations, death is the most ultimate one! When Adam and
Eve were in the Garden of Eden, the serpent tempted them to eat the
forbidden fruit, to defy their God imposed limitation from the fruit of
this one tree. God had told Adam and Eve that if they ate of the
forbidden fruit, they would surely die. But the serpent said the
opposite would be true: they would be like gods, with no limitations.
Adam and Eve fell for the serpents temptation, but discovered God was
the one that spoke truth to them. Adam and Eve had to leave the Garden
of Eden, and face a limited life filled with thorns and thistles.

We recently celebrated Christmas, the season which reminds us that God
took on our human limitations by becoming flesh in Jesus. Jesus is
Emmanuel, which means, God with us. Christmas has meant more to me

this year, as I experienced more physical suffering than I've ever faced. I
pondered how much more Jesus suffered than the small measure of mine,
and he suffered without pain medication! And to think God had a choice:
Do I take on the limitations of human suffering and death? Through
Jesus, God said Yes! While Jesus willingly took on our human sin,
suffering and limitations, even unto death on the cross, God raised
Jesus up on the third day! Paul wrote to the Corinthians We know that
the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and
will bring us with you into his presence. II Cor. 4:14. Paul concludes
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away,
our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary
affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all
measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be
seen... II Cor. 4:16-18 a

Before discovering my serious heart blockages, I was acquainted with
mortality mainly through others. As long as I've been a pastor, I've
been calling on those facing serious health challenges and death. I've
become all too well acquainted with the mortality of life, as it applies
to others. But as human beings, we have a great capacity to ignore or
de-emphasize our own mortality and limitations. Teenagers tend to think
Yeah, they say that speed kills, but I'm in control of this vehicle.
They say these drugs are dangerous, but nothing will happen to me.
Soldiers go into battle, thinking Some poor souls could get killed
today, but many think it won't happen to them. I told myself that I was
in good health, I exercised, I lived a pretty healthy lifestyle,
ignoring the fact I was eating a high cholesterol diet, ignoring the
possibility genetic factors might make coronary artery disease a
significant risk for me!

I told myself I could work long hours, I didn't need to talk with
someone about things that stressed me, whatever the need, I could push
myself a little harder and get the job done. Beyond what I did at work,
I could come home and mow the yard. I come from a long line of men who
believed a well mowed and raked yard was a sign of Godliness. I looked
askance at a neighbor who never raked his leaves, and hadn't mowed in
over a month. I put the bagger on my mower and vacuumed up our leaves.

I became very short of breath while doing so, rationalizing I must be
getting older. So Id do a little bit each night, huffing and puffing. I
can be a stubbornly determined person, ignoring how tired I might be.

When my insurance finally consented to a heart cath, and I set up a time
at my own convenience, Dr. Haist told me the shocking news that I had 7
significant heart blockages, and I should have bypass surgery the next
day. I suddenly realized that not only are other people mortal; so am I!
Not only must others face limitations; so must I! No wonder Id been
struggling with high blood pressure. No wonder I'd gotten winded so
easily! I suddenly realized what a fool I'd been, how many chances I'd
taken. I realized Pam could have found me in our yard beside the mower.
My last words could have been I'm dying, but at least our yard looks
better than our neighbors!

The Lord has taught me a valuable lesson. I not only realize other
people are mortal and limited. I've come to see I am as well! This
realization can lead any of us to spiritual growth and greater service.
Acknowledging on a deeper level that were earthen vessels, we can
declare that the extraordinary power of the Spirit belongs not to us but
to God. God has given me a second chance at life. I want to begin my
second chance by thanking God for my family, for you, and for others in
this community including medical personnel that have prayed, sent cards,
expressed encouragement and extended help. When I was under anesthesia,
when I was weak and under duress, your prayers and concern were like a
life raft that kept me afloat.

Have you experienced the reality of limitations yourself? The onset of
an illness, being in an accident, facing a sudden challenge, can help us
become aware of our limitations, our finiteness, our mortality. That can
become a prerequisite for spiritual growth. The realization of our own
mortality can create within us a hunger for what Christ can do for us
and humankind! With this understanding, it becomes clear that the
extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We may
be afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven
to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not
destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the
life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. II Cor. 4:8-10

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away,
our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary
affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all
measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be
seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.

II Cor. 4:16-18

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