In case you missed it, here’s my sermon from March 24, 2024 entitled “Jesus Says,” from Mark 11:1-11
Introduction: We begin with a fascinating look at the game “Simon Says,” tracing its origins back to figures like Cicero and Simon De Montfort, whose authoritative words demanded action. This historical insight sets the stage for our focus on Jesus’ commanding words in Mark 11:1-11, particularly during His entry into Jerusalem, known as Palm Sunday.
Thesis: Our sermon emphasizes the profound impact of Jesus’ words, especially how they guided the actions of His disciples. We explore the scenario where Jesus instructs two disciples to retrieve a colt, a directive that they obediently follow, leading to a significant fulfillment of prophecy and showcasing Jesus’ authority.
Relevant Question: Why should we heed what Jesus says? This question invites us to consider the importance of Jesus’ guidance in our lives.
Synthesis:
Jesus’ Words Order Our Steps: The sermon illustrates how Jesus’ instructions to His disciples regarding the colt exemplify our need to follow His guidance. It stresses the power of obedience to Jesus’ words, comparing it to the response of soldiers to a general’s commands.
Jesus’ Words Set Free: The disciples’ act of untying the colt symbolizes liberation. The sermon highlights our role as Christ’s disciples in setting others free, emphasizing the need to engage in Jesus’ deliverance ministry actively.
Free to Serve: The freed colt immediately serves Jesus, indicating how liberation through Christ leads to service. The sermon connects this service to the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection, events foundational to Christian faith.
Closing Thought and Prayer: The sermon concludes by affirming the transformative power of Jesus’ words in our lives. It encourages listeners to embrace the freedom and purpose found in following Christ. In closing, we pray for guidance to discern and obey Jesus’ commands, for the liberation to serve Him wholeheartedly, and for the grace to be effective instruments in His hands. Amen.
Guess Who’s Back? I am, and I’ve been away for way, way, waaaay too long! I haven’t written in this blog since August of 2020, when I was appointed as the pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church in Baltimore, Md. As a matter of fact, as I’m writing this blog post, I’m thinking to myself, do people still even read blogs? Have blogs given way to social media posts, TikToks, and YouTube videos? I guess I’ll find out soon enough, huh?
It’s been over three years since I’ve written in this blog, and I won’t dare try to detail everything that’s happened in my life over the past three years. I’ll just share a few details, talking about the lowlights and the highlights— stuff that’s truly meaningful to me.
Well, for starters, a major change took place in my life on August 16, 2021—I got divorced. Now, I don’t know anyone who gets married to then get divorced, but unfortunately, my marriage wasn’t working out, and the dissolution of it was for the best. I hope and pray she’s massively happy!
While divorce is no cakewalk, trying to co-parent is definitely no cakewalk—it’s been a journey, to say the least! A rough, bumpy, stressful, at times bitter, tense, vindictive, and rarely cooperative journey. I wish I could say that co-parenting was 100% smooth and easy, but it hasn’t been that way; and because I’m committed to being honest in my writing, I have to tell the truth. It’s been rough!
From 2020 to 2023, my son, Super Mighty Max, was living with his mother in Virginia, and since the last weekend of July 2023, he’s been living with me in Maryland. And since Maxwell has come to live with me, it’s been a beautiful journey! It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been beautiful. Being a single parent to a differently-abled child has taught me a lot. It’s taught me a lot about Maxwell. It’s taught me a lot about myself. It’s taught me a lot about his mother. It’s taught me a lot about people in my life. It’s taught me a lot about the benefits and healthcare system in the state of Maryland. It’s taught me a lot about the education system and Baltimore County Public Schools. Being a single father to a differently-abled child has made me more empathetic to other caregivers in similar circumstances. Suffice it to say, I’ve learned a lot over these past three months. I’ll say more in future blog posts.
Another highlight in my life over the past three years is that I’m still the pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church. In A.M.E. terms, I’ve received four appointments thus far, and I’m loving it! It’s a great church, comprised of great people. God has truly been blessing our time together as pastor and people over these past three years and counting! Reminiscent of the early church in the Book of Acts, St. John is growing, with persons joining and getting saved each weekend—it’s a beautiful sight to witness and see. Not only are we growing numerically, but we’re also growing in faith, finances, and fun! We strive to be a church that makes a wholistic impact, and we’re doing just that. If you haven’t experienced Jesus at St. John—what are you waiting for?
Over these past three years, I’ve done and experienced a lot. I’ve met new friends and grown apart from old friends. I’ve jumped in the dating pool and jumped out; lost someone special in my life, and have learned a lot of valuable lessons—some painful ones! I’ve moved a few times—living in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City (I loved that), PG County, and now in Baltimore County. I’ve attempted to purchase a home, only to learn that the current real estate market is a beast! Sheesh! I’ve traveled near and far and have had amazing experiences on these trips! I’ve gone to more concerts in the past two years than I have in 15 years, and I’ve enjoyed it! I’ve lost weight, gained weight, and have begun losing it again! LOL, I even became an ambassador for a popular African clothing line! Overall, these past three years have been great!
Now, I’m sure you’re asking yourself, will we have to wait another three years to get a blog post? I don’t know. I doubt it! As I journey to 40, I plan on writing more and sharing more. As a single father to a differently-abled child, I plan on writing and sharing more about that experience. As a pastor, I too believe that I have something to share! So yes, I plan on writing more! Perhaps you’d like me to write about something more specific, just let me know! In the meantime, feel free to share this blog, comment, and like! Don’t forget to follow me on social media @pastorbrandonomcafee and @daddyandsupermightymax.
By now the word is out that my family is moving to Maryland, after having been appointed as the new pastor of the Historic Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, Md. Wow, what an honor and a privilege.
However, while I’m truly grateful for my pastoral appointment, I’m more grateful for another reason. I’m grateful for my son Maxwell. I’m grateful because, since Maxwell was born, everything my wife and I have done has largely been done with Maxwell in mind. We moved from Charlotte to Hampton Roads to be closer to family, in order that our family may help us care for Max. We purchased a condominium with two first floor bedrooms, so that our master bedroom could be in close proximity to Max and to eliminate going up and down the stairs. Last year, we purchased a minivan, in order that we may get it converted to be handicap accessible for Maxwell– a goal that we’re still working on. And now God has answered our prayers with a move to Maryland.
What’s so special about Maryland you ask?
Well, considering that Maryland is where I was born and raised, it’s always good to be home. More than that though, are the ways in which we hope Maxwell can benefit. While, we’ve appreciated the medical care that Max has received at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk, we can’t help but think that he will receive better care with us living in Maryland. Between John Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore and Children’s National Hospital in D.C.; both being highly reputable hospitals, Erica and I feel as if Maxwell is in good hands because of the access he can potentially have to high quality physicians and specialists. While no hospital or medical group is perfect, we believe that God knew what we needed for Maxwell– God answers prayer!
In addition to quality healthcare, Maxwell has two boy cousins that are close in age to him– two cousins that show Max an abundance of love and compassion. Two cousins that are inquisitive and that have asked questions about Maxwell’s medical condition. Two cousins, that when I talk to them on the phone, always ask about Maxwell. Two cousins that are the brothers that Max has never had. Two brother-cousins that now live right down the road– God answers prayer!
Lastly, our family is grateful for Saint John A.M.E., because while we haven’t been able to meet the whole church yet; we have met a few of the members and we’re grateful for the love in which they’ve shown towards Maxwell thus far. As parents, Erica and I are always sensitive to the ways in which people treat Maxwell, so it makes our hearts glad, when people take the time to show love and compassions towards our son. We’re also grateful that the church is handicap accessible, which allows us to get Max in and out the church with ease, this is not the case with all churches. Needless to say, we believe that God knew where and what was best for our family and there is no doubt in my mind that– God answers prayer!
Oh and one more thing. Last year, we were supposed to drive to Orlando, Fl to take Maxwell to Disney World, but we ended up canceling the trip due to unforeseen circumstances. So instead, Erica and I decided to take Max up to Baltimore to visit the Dave and Busters, the Children’s Museum, and the Baltimore Aquarium. We spent the day in Baltimore, never anticipating, that a year later we would be calling the Baltimore area home– look at God!!!!
When reading 2 Samuel 21:4-6, I can’t help but think about what’s been going on in our country for the last 3 years or so, concerning the killing of black people. I can call the role, but I won’t, because sadly it’s too long and I don’t want to forget anyone.
But if you’ve been paying attention to the news of social media or the real news, you know the names of those killed, and unfortunately this is what happens; killer kills black person, killer doesn’t get charged, black people protest and create #hastags, killer gets charged, black people are satisfied, killer goes to trial, killer gets acquitted, black folk protest again and take to social media, victim’s family get awarded millions in civil suit.
Now, I’m not saying this in a manner to by cynical or insensitive, but this is usually how it goes down in a nutshell. Right?
Anyway, read verses 4-6 of 2 Samuel 21,
“They answered, “Our quarrel with Saul and his family can’t be settled with silver or gold, nor do we want to kill any Israelite.” ……….“What, then, do you think I should do for you?” David asked. 5 They answered, “Saul wanted to destroy us and leave none of us alive anywhere in Israel. 6 So hand over seven of his male descendants, and we will hang them before the Lord at Gibeah, the hometown of Saul, the Lord’s chosen king.”………..“I will hand them over,” the king answered.
For me, God is teaching us that JUSTICE IS NOT FOR SALE! Not the, not now, nor should it ever be. Dr. King said it best, “Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere!”
Long story short, we can’t allow people to be killed for a price tag and those that do the killings need to be held accountable and brought to justice, by any means necessary! Malcolm X said that!!
Too often in life, we place unnecessary and misplaced value on temporary possessions such as, clothes, cars, houses, family heirlooms, and money$$$$. The reality is, at any moment in our lives, we could lose the “things” we values to theft, fire, natural disaster, and misplacement. ANYTHING could happen against our will and then their gone forever!!
As a pastor, I’ve officiated and attended many funeral, but I’ve never seen the deceased be buried with their personal possessions! NEVER!!!
In this scripture, the Apostle Paul is being transported as a prisoner, on his way to Rome. Unfortunately, along the journey to Rome, they encounter a bad storm. Paul warns the Roman Soldier on board, that continuing into the storm, will eventually cause the ship to be destroyed, cargo lost, and loss of lives. They ignore Paul! However, one night on the ship, Paul has a dream and is told by an angel that, the ship and cargo will be lost, but lives will be saved!!
Whats the takeaway?? I?n life, it’s crucial that we practice Keeping the Main Thing, the Main Thing!! That’s PEOPLE!! Everything was lost in this story, except for the lives of the people! Remember, in life, people always come before things!
Dear Lord, remind us to people first and to use our temporary possessions to build your kingdom on earth!
Brandon O. McAfee 