The question I posed to the congregation yesterday was, why are we so angry? And, if someone were to ask you what your testimony was about God and what it means in your life that he sent his Son, Jesus, what would you say?
I have been hearing about the "War on Christmas" for a while now. People lose their minds whenever a store clerk says, "Happy Holidays," or they attend a "Holiday Party" rather than a Christmas one. I don't get it personally. I don't understand the anger that is present in the world around this time of year, when there are legitimate things to be angry about such as those who are homeless in this freezing cold weather we are having, many of them children.
So, here is my proposal, because we are called by God, just as John was in our Gospel lesson today, to testify to the light breaking into the world. Lets move Christmas back a month. Lets just exit out of this holiday time, and move our Christ-mass to the end of November (when all of the Christmas decorations come out anyway.) Then, the beginning of Advent will be marked by All Saints Day. And Epiphany can be our gift giving time. So that would put our Christ-mass, the joyous celebration of the incarnation of God. That would put Emmanuel, God with us, at the same time as our celebration of Thanksgiving. And really, aren't thanksgiving and joy the two emotions that should be in our season way more than anger and fear?
Joy should take the place of all this anger that swirls around and is even provoked out of some. Because of our joy, we will have no room for anger anymore. And that will be our expression of thanks. That will be our testimony to the light coming into the darkness.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, Day 10 of Advent
Luke 7:28-35 (CEB)
So many are quick to blame and defend when it comes to their own selves. This morning, I had to drive to a neighboring county to appear in court for a speeding ticket. As I sat in the hall with the other offenders, the clerk who was checking us in kept asking if the person wanted to come before the judge, or just pay the fine. Person after person kept saying, I want to see the judge.
I didn't. I knew I did something wrong. I was caught going too fast. In fact, the arresting officer reduced my speed that he clocked so I wouldn't get points on my driver's license which I thought was nice and decent of him. So, I just wanted to pay my fine and go on with my day.
I sat next to several people in the hall that did not feel the same way. Typical, they kept muttering under their breath, of the government, wanting money that they can spend on themselves. One man told me that if you go before the judge, then she might reduce the amount you have to pay if you tell her your story. Another railed about how it was illegal to ask him to pay any money without his accuser (the arresting officer) present. Why don't we just fess up? That is what John the Baptist told us to do. Just be honest about what you did. God, the ultimate judge wants you to live full and healthy lives, but you can't unless you are honest with him about who you are.
The Pharisees are quick to tell them why they shouldn't have to be baptized or why they are justified in other ways. Just like others are quick to blame the government and judge for making them pay their fine.
So I walked in, paid my fine, and chatted with the clerks, and as I left that hallway with my fellow transgressors, I said a short prayer for them that maybe their stubborn hearts can be changed. Maybe Jesus can melt those hearts to allow grace and repentance to come in. Maybe someone can let them know that others aren't out to get them, but that God just wants us to be honest. And to know that we are all in this together.
So many are quick to blame and defend when it comes to their own selves. This morning, I had to drive to a neighboring county to appear in court for a speeding ticket. As I sat in the hall with the other offenders, the clerk who was checking us in kept asking if the person wanted to come before the judge, or just pay the fine. Person after person kept saying, I want to see the judge.
I didn't. I knew I did something wrong. I was caught going too fast. In fact, the arresting officer reduced my speed that he clocked so I wouldn't get points on my driver's license which I thought was nice and decent of him. So, I just wanted to pay my fine and go on with my day.
I sat next to several people in the hall that did not feel the same way. Typical, they kept muttering under their breath, of the government, wanting money that they can spend on themselves. One man told me that if you go before the judge, then she might reduce the amount you have to pay if you tell her your story. Another railed about how it was illegal to ask him to pay any money without his accuser (the arresting officer) present. Why don't we just fess up? That is what John the Baptist told us to do. Just be honest about what you did. God, the ultimate judge wants you to live full and healthy lives, but you can't unless you are honest with him about who you are.
The Pharisees are quick to tell them why they shouldn't have to be baptized or why they are justified in other ways. Just like others are quick to blame the government and judge for making them pay their fine.
So I walked in, paid my fine, and chatted with the clerks, and as I left that hallway with my fellow transgressors, I said a short prayer for them that maybe their stubborn hearts can be changed. Maybe Jesus can melt those hearts to allow grace and repentance to come in. Maybe someone can let them know that others aren't out to get them, but that God just wants us to be honest. And to know that we are all in this together.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Sunday, Day 8 of Advent. Mark 1:1-8 (CEB)
On this particularly Sunday I talked about how we need to get ready for Christmas Day. And I'm not talking about buying anything, or decorating anything, or cooking anything, or cleaning anything. I'm talking about getting ready for Christmas Day. John the Baptist comes to us on this Sunday and tells us that we need to get our hearts ready for the Incarnation of God. Emmanuel, God with us.
When you are not ready for something, you might miss it. Has someone ever tossed something to you and you aren't ready? No matter how coordinated you are or how good your reflexes are, you will look like a crazy person trying to dodge/catch/deflect the item. Readiness is key.
Like if you take a test and don't study, that is a stressful test. But if you do study, its stressful in a different way. The test doesn't scare you because you don't know anything, if you have studied you want to make sure that knowledge comes across.
So we need to get ready for Christ to come. So that when he comes, we are ready. John tells us that we need to confess and repent for this to happen, and I think that is true. We need to get ready for Christmas Day by confessing and forgiving because of the life changing day that is coming up. We need to take a look in the mirror and ask ourselves, Are we ready? If not, get ready, because it is happening all around you. don't miss it.
When you are not ready for something, you might miss it. Has someone ever tossed something to you and you aren't ready? No matter how coordinated you are or how good your reflexes are, you will look like a crazy person trying to dodge/catch/deflect the item. Readiness is key.
Like if you take a test and don't study, that is a stressful test. But if you do study, its stressful in a different way. The test doesn't scare you because you don't know anything, if you have studied you want to make sure that knowledge comes across.
So we need to get ready for Christ to come. So that when he comes, we are ready. John tells us that we need to confess and repent for this to happen, and I think that is true. We need to get ready for Christmas Day by confessing and forgiving because of the life changing day that is coming up. We need to take a look in the mirror and ask ourselves, Are we ready? If not, get ready, because it is happening all around you. don't miss it.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Tuesday, Day 3 of Advent
Micah 7:1-7 (CEB)
I don't know if we know how to lament properly. We have lots of examples of it in the Bible, but it is almost as if we ignore the art of lamenting in our daily life. Sometimes, its just good to let it out, before we run out of rose colored glasses and slip into full on despair. For instance, I can't watch the news these days because it makes me so sad. And sometimes I feel trapped into thinking I have no outlet for that sadness. I am so saddened that this Black Friday broke the record of every previous Black Friday. I am so sad to see people participating in Cyber Monday, a fictitious thing to dupe people into spending more money. I am so sad that friends of mine camped out and went to Wal-Mart, which is the prime example of our country worshiping bigness that is sucking the soul of our smallness. I am sad that our country packed stores to buy things we don't need at the expense of the environment and the poor who truly need our help.
But, like Micah, my lament only starts that way. in 7:1 of the Common English Bible it reads, "I am doomed." It feels that way. That the entire world is falling in and crushing us, and we don't know our escape. And in our sadness, we realize our own complicity in the damage that is being done! But remember, we are lamenting here. Its good to see and say these things. Because in our lament, we finally get to verse 7:7 (CEB) "But me! I will keep watch for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." When we stare into the darkness of our lament, we are more readily able to see the light shine through. Patagonia does a campaign that says, "Do not buy this jacket." People sit out. We are making our own Christmas gifts, and are finding joy in it.
Lamenting doesn't mean we walk around sad all the time. Lamenting means that we are honest. And if we are also honest about our faith; lament can produce a powerful change of heart.
I don't know if we know how to lament properly. We have lots of examples of it in the Bible, but it is almost as if we ignore the art of lamenting in our daily life. Sometimes, its just good to let it out, before we run out of rose colored glasses and slip into full on despair. For instance, I can't watch the news these days because it makes me so sad. And sometimes I feel trapped into thinking I have no outlet for that sadness. I am so saddened that this Black Friday broke the record of every previous Black Friday. I am so sad to see people participating in Cyber Monday, a fictitious thing to dupe people into spending more money. I am so sad that friends of mine camped out and went to Wal-Mart, which is the prime example of our country worshiping bigness that is sucking the soul of our smallness. I am sad that our country packed stores to buy things we don't need at the expense of the environment and the poor who truly need our help.
But, like Micah, my lament only starts that way. in 7:1 of the Common English Bible it reads, "I am doomed." It feels that way. That the entire world is falling in and crushing us, and we don't know our escape. And in our sadness, we realize our own complicity in the damage that is being done! But remember, we are lamenting here. Its good to see and say these things. Because in our lament, we finally get to verse 7:7 (CEB) "But me! I will keep watch for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." When we stare into the darkness of our lament, we are more readily able to see the light shine through. Patagonia does a campaign that says, "Do not buy this jacket." People sit out. We are making our own Christmas gifts, and are finding joy in it.
Lamenting doesn't mean we walk around sad all the time. Lamenting means that we are honest. And if we are also honest about our faith; lament can produce a powerful change of heart.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Watch Out
Yesterday I preached on the Scripture Mark 13: 24-37. This is known as part of the "mini-apocalypse" of Mark, and a Scripture I have avoided for years. Because I've always been afraid of the apocalypse and what it might mean. I know there are some out there who embrace it wholeheartedly, but I'm not one of them. I've been told we should wait expectantly for Christ to return and all things will pass away, but I'm having a pretty good time watching my kids grow, and I really want to coach their soccer teams, and I want more time with those I love. So I struggle. Yes, I want Christ to return and make all of the pain and tears to go away, but I don't want life to end.
So as I was reading in Mark, it began to make sense. The metaphor Jesus uses is the fig tree budding. That is a sign of new life, not a sign that is normally associated with the apocalypse. And I love signs of new life. If it is someone learning and their mind becoming active, that is a sign of new life. Green grass poking through. Its one reason why the season of spring is so appealing, because new life is all around us.
But here in Advent, that is hard to find. As people pepper-spray one another to get the best deals at Wal-Mart, everyone's anxiety level and blood pressure rise with the coming of the Christmas season. Politics are heating up and will only become more vicious. Where are the signs of new life?
There is a reason Christmas is in winter. Because it is dark in winter, and the light of the world is coming. If there is already light everywhere, a new light doesn't make that much of a difference. It would be like if you turned on a flashlight outside during the day, it wouldn't help you see any better. But that is exactly what Christ is, a light. And a light shines brightest in the darkest places. Our darkness of despair was so tremendous. Kind of like the darkness and deadness of winter. But Christ breaks through. And there are still more dark places in the world, and Christ's light will break through there too.
In the CEB, verse 33 in chapter 13 of Mark says, "Watch Out! Stay Alert!" This isn't a call for vigilance, it is a call to keep your eyes open for the light of the world to shine in the darkest corners. You may be the one that carries that light there. You may be the one who notices. But all of our lives should point to the signs of new life, and say, Come, Lord Jesus, Come. Bring your light, because sometimes we can barely see.
So as I was reading in Mark, it began to make sense. The metaphor Jesus uses is the fig tree budding. That is a sign of new life, not a sign that is normally associated with the apocalypse. And I love signs of new life. If it is someone learning and their mind becoming active, that is a sign of new life. Green grass poking through. Its one reason why the season of spring is so appealing, because new life is all around us.
But here in Advent, that is hard to find. As people pepper-spray one another to get the best deals at Wal-Mart, everyone's anxiety level and blood pressure rise with the coming of the Christmas season. Politics are heating up and will only become more vicious. Where are the signs of new life?
There is a reason Christmas is in winter. Because it is dark in winter, and the light of the world is coming. If there is already light everywhere, a new light doesn't make that much of a difference. It would be like if you turned on a flashlight outside during the day, it wouldn't help you see any better. But that is exactly what Christ is, a light. And a light shines brightest in the darkest places. Our darkness of despair was so tremendous. Kind of like the darkness and deadness of winter. But Christ breaks through. And there are still more dark places in the world, and Christ's light will break through there too.
In the CEB, verse 33 in chapter 13 of Mark says, "Watch Out! Stay Alert!" This isn't a call for vigilance, it is a call to keep your eyes open for the light of the world to shine in the darkest corners. You may be the one that carries that light there. You may be the one who notices. But all of our lives should point to the signs of new life, and say, Come, Lord Jesus, Come. Bring your light, because sometimes we can barely see.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Harvest Time. Matthew 21: 33-46
I’ve never gotten to do a harvest. That probably doesn’t shock a lot of you. Its not meant to be an “edgy” statement or anything, it is just a fact of my life, that I have never gotten to be a part of harvesting anything.
Years ago, some genius person at a church decided that instead of calling the special events they held in churches at the end of October “Halloween” parties, they started calling them Harvest festivals. It’s less controversial. And it has stuck. You won’t find too many churches the word Halloween any where near them, but I want you to notice how many are having “Harvest” festivities, especially ones in the cities, where you know there isn’t actually going to be a harvest of anything.
I have sung the word harvest. It is in a lot of our hymns, but I especially notice it in some of the more contemporary songs that I hear in different places from time to time.
So while I have never been a part of a harvest, I think I am beginning to understand the metaphor on a more intimate level.
As for where my understanding currently resides on harvesting, here it is: Timing is everything. Just as there is a time element to when things are planted, there is just the same time element as to when things are harvested. If something takes a certain amount of time to grow and develop, then it needs to be given that time and space for that to happen. That is why you weed and water in your garden, to give the plant the time and space it needs to grow properly.
And, when the time comes. When the plant or whatever it is you are harvesting is ready…you go out, and gather it in. If you gather it too early, you’ve lost an entire crop. If you go too late, the same thing. Timing is everything.
It has to be ready.
In the parable we read from this morning, a landowner buys some property, plants a vineyard, builds a fence, and a winepress. Basically, sets the whole thing up. There is nothing that anyone would need while living on this property. You have everything you need to grow grapes, and press it into wine.
Then, he leases it to some tenants before going away. And maybe I’m reading a little too far into this, but based upon what I know about ancient agrarian practices…the tenants have the right to the land. They can grow grapes, work the soil, work the winepress, sell their product, use their product, whatever they want to do, as long as they give to the landowner the agreed upon percentage of the harvest.
But when the landowner sends slaves to collect, they beat and kill them! Then they do it again! Then when the landowner sends his son, they kill him so they can inherit the land!
I think the first mistake that the tenants make in the parable is that they think the land is theirs. They work the land, put in the sweat equity, so they think it is their land now.
I was told a story that there is a family that lives right on the lake at Lake Hartwell. Just right there next to the water. And that the story behind is that when the lake was built, they just parked their trailer right there next to the lake. Well no one did anything about it. They just lived there. And they continued to live there. And even while a park was being built all around them, they continued to live there. And even with traffic going in and out, they just kept living there until finally, someone tried to kick them off the property, but they had lived there for so long, they had squatter’s rights, and so now they own the property right there on the lake, right at the entrance of a state park!
Maybe this is what the bad tenants thought would happen. That as long as they continued to live there, continued to use the land, that eventually it would just become theirs, and they wouldn’t owe the landowner anything. It would become their vineyard.
And when the slaves come to collect the owner’s share of the harvest, it is a stark reminder that it is not their land. They are tenants, not owners. When the son comes, they realize that even if the owner ceased to exist, it still would not be their land.
And, of course, this is a parable, so everything stands for something. The landowner is God, who created the world and all that was in it, and gave to the people everything they would ever need. But, when he sent people to come collect the harvest, they were rejected. Even when he sent his own son.
And the tenants…they make the major mistake of not only rejecting the servants of God, and not giving God his portion of the harvest, but they want the land. They just want to squat on it until it becomes theirs. To do what they please. For their benefit. And the temple leaders realize that he is talking about them. They think the temple is theirs, but its God’s.
I sometimes wonder if we think the church is ours. I know I slip into it sometimes. Thinking that it is all up to me and that my decisions are the ones that are going to sway the church one way or another. But it’s Gods. It has always been God’s church, not ours. And when we begin to think that it is our church to do what we please, then we are forgetting who gave it to us in the first place.
And all of that is interesting, and teaches us a very valuable lesson especially as our ministries crank up and we are becoming busier and busier, and that lesson is to remember that it is God who gives us all that we have, not ourselves; but I want to show you where the parable really caught my attention.
When Jesus asks what the landowner should do to the wicked tenants. The response of the crowd, not Jesus, but the crowd is…kill them. In more exact words, “He will put them to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.”
That is our gut reaction. Kill them. They deserve to die. And whenever we get so angry with someone else for something they did that we don’t agree with, we also give that same reaction. If we get mad at a minister, kick him out. If we get mad at a friend, ice them out. If we get mad at our brother or sister, stop talking to them. Remove them from our life forever.
They did something wrong? Not our fault, an eye for an eye, kill them too.
And, they think it is about giving the produce to God at the right time. Doling out the correct payment.
But look instead at what Jesus says.
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes.
The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the Kingdom.
God isn’t going to kill those who didn’t give him the produce at harvest time. He is going to take it away, and give it to those who can. Those who see the cornerstone for what it is.
A lot has been made recently, especially in the United Methodist Church, about how we are to be a “fruitful” congregation. And I think this parable is a good place to start in how we can explain that.
Because we are the tenants. God set up our church, and told us to keep an eye out for the harvest. God told us to produce good fruit. And if we can’t do it, then he will find someone who can.
So what is the fruit that we are supposed to be harvesting?
If we can understand that this is God’s church, and we can understand that our mission is to harvest the fruit of the kingdom, then what is it?
Some say fruit is in numbers. I’m not one of those people.
Some say fruit is in money. I’m not one of those people either.
Here is what I say fruit is:
Peace. All over the world, we are at war. We are at war externally, and internally. There is conflict all around us. We can barely watch the news without feeling some sense of anxiety or worry about our selves and our families. We disagree, and then we form our camps. We revel in almost anything but, peace. In fact, some people, when they feel at peace, begin to feel anxious that something is not going wrong.
But I think a fruit of the kingdom of peace. All throughout scripture it talks about a spring coming forth in the desert. Lions lying down with lambs. New heaven and a new earth. Really, a new Eden. A peaceful life. We need to be a church that celebrates peace, not revel in conflict. Do things well. Treat each other and complete strangers with kindness and gentleness. And if there is anything causing turmoil, we seek ways for it to be at peace. Supporting one another, and guiding one another in the way of peace. So that, if anything, this sanctuary becomes truly that, a sanctuary from turmoil, and a place of peace.
Another fruit of the kingdom is loving all people. Because God made them. God didn’t make the “right” kind of people and the “wrong” kind of people. God made people, and because they are beautiful creations of God, we are called to offer God’s love. This means being in mission. All around the world. Not because one group deserves help more than another, but because we support and love all people.
Some of us may not like that. But it is what we are called to do when we are called to follow Christ. When we have been given the Kingdom of God, as God’s tenants, that is one of the fruits we are expected to produce.
And I think another fruit of the kingdom is teaching. To be a place where all can learn about God together. Through a variety of ways and methods, we be a place where questions are open and answers always point back to the one who gives us all that we have.
And this goes for children especially. We produce the fruit of children being excited to be a part of this church. To desire to join this church. To desire to be baptized and become a follower of Jesus Christ all of their lives.
Now, it is one thing to produce fruit, and to harvest it is quite another. You can grow things all day, but until it is harvested, it is never used. And like I said before, harvest is all about timing.
And we are on God’s time. And if I keep pushing the metaphor I can begin to see that God planted this vineyard we call Bold Spring United Methodist Church. We were called to be his tenants. We were called to help this church and this community produce fruit.
And for many generations, we have been faithful to that responsibility.
So now, we must recognize when harvest time is coming. Because timing is everything.
And I think it is here. These are the days when the fruit of the kingdom is to be harvested. For us to give to the world the peace, and love, and teaching that is present here. To invite others in, so we can all go out into the world to be instruments of God.
Harvest time has come. And if its true that in harvesting, timing is everything, now is the time to act. Because we already know that if we don’t, God will find workers who will.
It is a tremendous privilege to be called tenants of God’s vineyard. Or should I say, members of Bold Spring UMC. We have been entrusted with a great responsibility to produce fruit, and know when the harvest comes.
Lets live up to that challenge.
Today is world communion Sunday. And that means that all over the world Christians everywhere are taking communion as part of our connection and covenant with one another. Let us taste the fruits of the Lord together, as we take communion, and are given strength to continue in the harvest.
Years ago, some genius person at a church decided that instead of calling the special events they held in churches at the end of October “Halloween” parties, they started calling them Harvest festivals. It’s less controversial. And it has stuck. You won’t find too many churches the word Halloween any where near them, but I want you to notice how many are having “Harvest” festivities, especially ones in the cities, where you know there isn’t actually going to be a harvest of anything.
I have sung the word harvest. It is in a lot of our hymns, but I especially notice it in some of the more contemporary songs that I hear in different places from time to time.
So while I have never been a part of a harvest, I think I am beginning to understand the metaphor on a more intimate level.
As for where my understanding currently resides on harvesting, here it is: Timing is everything. Just as there is a time element to when things are planted, there is just the same time element as to when things are harvested. If something takes a certain amount of time to grow and develop, then it needs to be given that time and space for that to happen. That is why you weed and water in your garden, to give the plant the time and space it needs to grow properly.
And, when the time comes. When the plant or whatever it is you are harvesting is ready…you go out, and gather it in. If you gather it too early, you’ve lost an entire crop. If you go too late, the same thing. Timing is everything.
It has to be ready.
In the parable we read from this morning, a landowner buys some property, plants a vineyard, builds a fence, and a winepress. Basically, sets the whole thing up. There is nothing that anyone would need while living on this property. You have everything you need to grow grapes, and press it into wine.
Then, he leases it to some tenants before going away. And maybe I’m reading a little too far into this, but based upon what I know about ancient agrarian practices…the tenants have the right to the land. They can grow grapes, work the soil, work the winepress, sell their product, use their product, whatever they want to do, as long as they give to the landowner the agreed upon percentage of the harvest.
But when the landowner sends slaves to collect, they beat and kill them! Then they do it again! Then when the landowner sends his son, they kill him so they can inherit the land!
I think the first mistake that the tenants make in the parable is that they think the land is theirs. They work the land, put in the sweat equity, so they think it is their land now.
I was told a story that there is a family that lives right on the lake at Lake Hartwell. Just right there next to the water. And that the story behind is that when the lake was built, they just parked their trailer right there next to the lake. Well no one did anything about it. They just lived there. And they continued to live there. And even while a park was being built all around them, they continued to live there. And even with traffic going in and out, they just kept living there until finally, someone tried to kick them off the property, but they had lived there for so long, they had squatter’s rights, and so now they own the property right there on the lake, right at the entrance of a state park!
Maybe this is what the bad tenants thought would happen. That as long as they continued to live there, continued to use the land, that eventually it would just become theirs, and they wouldn’t owe the landowner anything. It would become their vineyard.
And when the slaves come to collect the owner’s share of the harvest, it is a stark reminder that it is not their land. They are tenants, not owners. When the son comes, they realize that even if the owner ceased to exist, it still would not be their land.
And, of course, this is a parable, so everything stands for something. The landowner is God, who created the world and all that was in it, and gave to the people everything they would ever need. But, when he sent people to come collect the harvest, they were rejected. Even when he sent his own son.
And the tenants…they make the major mistake of not only rejecting the servants of God, and not giving God his portion of the harvest, but they want the land. They just want to squat on it until it becomes theirs. To do what they please. For their benefit. And the temple leaders realize that he is talking about them. They think the temple is theirs, but its God’s.
I sometimes wonder if we think the church is ours. I know I slip into it sometimes. Thinking that it is all up to me and that my decisions are the ones that are going to sway the church one way or another. But it’s Gods. It has always been God’s church, not ours. And when we begin to think that it is our church to do what we please, then we are forgetting who gave it to us in the first place.
And all of that is interesting, and teaches us a very valuable lesson especially as our ministries crank up and we are becoming busier and busier, and that lesson is to remember that it is God who gives us all that we have, not ourselves; but I want to show you where the parable really caught my attention.
When Jesus asks what the landowner should do to the wicked tenants. The response of the crowd, not Jesus, but the crowd is…kill them. In more exact words, “He will put them to a miserable death, and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the harvest time.”
That is our gut reaction. Kill them. They deserve to die. And whenever we get so angry with someone else for something they did that we don’t agree with, we also give that same reaction. If we get mad at a minister, kick him out. If we get mad at a friend, ice them out. If we get mad at our brother or sister, stop talking to them. Remove them from our life forever.
They did something wrong? Not our fault, an eye for an eye, kill them too.
And, they think it is about giving the produce to God at the right time. Doling out the correct payment.
But look instead at what Jesus says.
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes.
The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the Kingdom.
God isn’t going to kill those who didn’t give him the produce at harvest time. He is going to take it away, and give it to those who can. Those who see the cornerstone for what it is.
A lot has been made recently, especially in the United Methodist Church, about how we are to be a “fruitful” congregation. And I think this parable is a good place to start in how we can explain that.
Because we are the tenants. God set up our church, and told us to keep an eye out for the harvest. God told us to produce good fruit. And if we can’t do it, then he will find someone who can.
So what is the fruit that we are supposed to be harvesting?
If we can understand that this is God’s church, and we can understand that our mission is to harvest the fruit of the kingdom, then what is it?
Some say fruit is in numbers. I’m not one of those people.
Some say fruit is in money. I’m not one of those people either.
Here is what I say fruit is:
Peace. All over the world, we are at war. We are at war externally, and internally. There is conflict all around us. We can barely watch the news without feeling some sense of anxiety or worry about our selves and our families. We disagree, and then we form our camps. We revel in almost anything but, peace. In fact, some people, when they feel at peace, begin to feel anxious that something is not going wrong.
But I think a fruit of the kingdom of peace. All throughout scripture it talks about a spring coming forth in the desert. Lions lying down with lambs. New heaven and a new earth. Really, a new Eden. A peaceful life. We need to be a church that celebrates peace, not revel in conflict. Do things well. Treat each other and complete strangers with kindness and gentleness. And if there is anything causing turmoil, we seek ways for it to be at peace. Supporting one another, and guiding one another in the way of peace. So that, if anything, this sanctuary becomes truly that, a sanctuary from turmoil, and a place of peace.
Another fruit of the kingdom is loving all people. Because God made them. God didn’t make the “right” kind of people and the “wrong” kind of people. God made people, and because they are beautiful creations of God, we are called to offer God’s love. This means being in mission. All around the world. Not because one group deserves help more than another, but because we support and love all people.
Some of us may not like that. But it is what we are called to do when we are called to follow Christ. When we have been given the Kingdom of God, as God’s tenants, that is one of the fruits we are expected to produce.
And I think another fruit of the kingdom is teaching. To be a place where all can learn about God together. Through a variety of ways and methods, we be a place where questions are open and answers always point back to the one who gives us all that we have.
And this goes for children especially. We produce the fruit of children being excited to be a part of this church. To desire to join this church. To desire to be baptized and become a follower of Jesus Christ all of their lives.
Now, it is one thing to produce fruit, and to harvest it is quite another. You can grow things all day, but until it is harvested, it is never used. And like I said before, harvest is all about timing.
And we are on God’s time. And if I keep pushing the metaphor I can begin to see that God planted this vineyard we call Bold Spring United Methodist Church. We were called to be his tenants. We were called to help this church and this community produce fruit.
And for many generations, we have been faithful to that responsibility.
So now, we must recognize when harvest time is coming. Because timing is everything.
And I think it is here. These are the days when the fruit of the kingdom is to be harvested. For us to give to the world the peace, and love, and teaching that is present here. To invite others in, so we can all go out into the world to be instruments of God.
Harvest time has come. And if its true that in harvesting, timing is everything, now is the time to act. Because we already know that if we don’t, God will find workers who will.
It is a tremendous privilege to be called tenants of God’s vineyard. Or should I say, members of Bold Spring UMC. We have been entrusted with a great responsibility to produce fruit, and know when the harvest comes.
Lets live up to that challenge.
Today is world communion Sunday. And that means that all over the world Christians everywhere are taking communion as part of our connection and covenant with one another. Let us taste the fruits of the Lord together, as we take communion, and are given strength to continue in the harvest.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Into the Water. 2 Corinthians 5: 14-21
There have been no shortage of reminders of what this day is. It is a reminder of the day that our country’s history changed, and our country’s psyche changed. We have already mentioned it, but it is probably a day that all of us have carried a little extra weight in with us to the sanctuary this morning. 9/11. A date that has become synonymous with pain and loss.
Before that day, I always heard that everyone remembers where they were the day JFK was assassinated, and I never understood it. Until September 11, 2001, when that day became the day that I will forever remember. I was a freshman in college. It was a Tuesday. The day started like most. I was in a PE class that was a requirement, and it was an 8am class. I’ve heard it said that people who taught 8am classes almost must want to keep their subject a secret with it being so early, but taking PE at that time was wonderful. It got me moving in the early hours…early for a college student.
So I sleepily stumbled to the athletic complex that morning. I had my name read to make sure I got credit for attendance, and then I did what I normally did which was get on a stationary bike and pedal my legs so I could read and study. There were TVs stationed throughout the gym, with the sound turned off. And I usually didn’t pay them any attention. You could plug your headphones into whatever exercise machine you were using and hear the sound, but I didn’t really care. But then I saw lots of my classmates staring at the TV, so I looked up from my book, and all I saw was the world trade center, and a lot of smoke. Then I saw the second plane.
I left class, and went back to my room. I had to go to work, which was at the chaplain’s office, and that was probably the perfect place for me to go. The secretary there was watching what was happening on the computer, and the chaplain came in.
I told you a couple of weeks ago that we used to have communion every Tuesday. And there were usually about six people there.
And like every Tuesday, he told me to get things ready for communion.
He told me to go get extra wine and bread…communion is probably going to be well attended that evening.
And he was right. With so many of us not believing what we had seen before our young eyes, we didn’t really know what to do. So the entire campus showed up. And I’ve never seen so many people so eager to take the elements. To consume the body and blood of Christ. Maybe then it will make sense.
Like a lot of people, I had my gut-check reaction. I wondered if I should enlist in the armed services, and quit school. Because I wanted to DO something…anything. Blame, Anger, and Vengeance were in ready supply. In the local and public theatre, and I was ready to latch on to any of those. I relished in it. I wanted payback for those who did this. I wanted Vengeance.
I sat there in the congregation, my mind reeling about what I should DO. I had talked to my parents, and grandparents. Those closest to me. I did things and reacted the same way many of us did.
And 10 years later, with everything that has gone on in the past ten years, I can still see the confused and eager faces among all of us. As when bad things happen, we try to make sense of it.
I have the distinct privilege in my vocation to be able to voice this story. And I also have the distinct privilege, some might call it a burden, of voicing this story in congruence with the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. The Good News that is given to a broken and hurting world.
On September 11th, 2001 I didn’t want to hear good news, I just wanted to hear about bad news affecting those that did this to us. I wanted them to feel pain. I wanted Osama Bin Laden blotted from the earth courtesy of a SCUD missile.
But just as he did in the incarnation, Jesus broke into my life that was clouded with hate, and spoke good news to me anyway. In the form of Talmadge Skinner, our Chaplain at Wofford College.
He told me to get extra elements for communion that night. I did, but it wasn’t enough, we ran out of bread because the crowd was so big. And I was toward to end of the line to receive. As I walked up to Rev. Skinner, who is a big man, made even bigger by the black robe and the piercing eyes, I wondered what he was going to do for those who couldn’t have any bread. He was saying something to each of us. So quietly that only we could hear.
When it came my turn, he shook my hand, put his other big paw around my neck, and held me there. Looked straight into my eyes, kept a locked gaze until my eyes met his and he said…Jordan, YOU are the body of Christ, redeemed by His blood. Remember your baptism, and be thankful.
Jesus broke through.
And here we are, ten years later. You’ve probably watched specials on TV, or read articles on the internet commemorating ten years. This afternoon, no doubt you will see tribute concerts and events at the start of NFL games to remind us all of that day.
I usually get nervous when I preach. Particularly here, because I know and love you. Whenever I preach somewhere else, my nerves aren’t as bad. But today I am particularly nervous.
Because everything is charged, and has more weight to it today than other days. We have sung patriotic hymns, and you have American Flags on your ties.
But I am going to tell you what I learned that day taking communion. We are the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood. Remember your baptism, and be thankful.
Hear these words, from second Corinthians. Hear this tremendous news.
2 Corinthians 5: 14-21
For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, which God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
God reconciled all of humanity to himself with the powerful salvific act of our Lord Jesus Christ. All humanity. This includes people of all faiths, and all countries. And while violence is not accepted; forgiveness is required. Reconciliation is required. We, as the body of Christ, at our Baptism are called to be about the ministry of reconciliation. We are to view the world through the waters of Baptism. Where we surrendered our life to the peace and power of Jesus Christ. We died to our former selves, and rose again as a new creation. With a new outlook and a new perception of the world.
So while I have seen those twin towers fall, and people holding tight to the flag for security rather than the cross…I also see a flood of baptism waters washing over us all.
Telling us…this is not right. God said, see, I am making all things new. And if we look back over these past ten years with a wider focus of our lens we can see how God has been at work at healing and restoring all of God’s children. We can see how the divine hand of providence has lifted us up and guided us.
Now it is as important as it has ever been for us to understand one another all around the world. Now is the time for ambassadors of Christ more than soldiers of Christ.
It says it right here in Scripture. We are called to be Christ’s ambassadors for the world. Our Baptism, our initiation into the reconciliation of God, the thing that makes us whole calls us to be ambassadors for Christ.
Because we have seen what war does. I’ve only been to one war zone. That was the West Bank in Israel. Where bombed out buses are on the side of the streets and men and women with big guns guard razor wire and graffiti covered walls. I haven’t fought in a war like some of you have, but what I imagine is that it hurts. It cuts away parts of you and the people you are fighting.
We had buildings fall down. Other countries have craters where there used to be buildings, and fields burned.
And I have also seen what war does to soldiers. I’ve told you this before, but I have suffered alongside of my best friend since his return from war. He suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which he says is a fancy way of saying…he is still fighting. Sometimes he can’t sleep because of the nightmares, and more than once I have had to restrain him after he was woken up to remind him that he is at home and safe. I have seen the parts of him that have been destroyed by him being told to destroy others.
I believe he can be reconciled too. I believe he can be healed. And I’m going to be there to make sure he is.
And I believe those that have died in war can be redeemed and reconciled too. Because that is what our baptism does. We see war through the waters of baptism, where it washes away, and we don’t learn it anymore. It clears away the pain and hurt.
Now is the time for us to be ambassadors of Christ. Now is the time to believe that people can be redeemed. Now is the time for forgiveness and hope and healing. If not now, when? If not us, we who are Christ’s ambassadors, who?
An ambassador goes out into the world as a learner of culture, and a representative of the one who sends them.
If somebody or some group is filling you with hate…that too can be reconciled. We can wash hate away with baptism waters.
If somebody or some group is wishing us harm…that too can be reconciled. We can wash it away with baptism waters.
I have been haunted by today. Because since 9-11-2001, “praise God and pass the ammunition” has been a rallying cry for many. Divine retribution for the hated people who are against us.
When Osama Bin Laden was assassinated, I felt numb, but the celebration on the streets disturbed me. Wasn’t the celebration on the streets, the firing of guns in the air, the delight at misfortune the exact thing that disgusted us so much about those who were against us? And here we were doing the same thing.
How is that being about the ministry of reconciliation? Bringing peace, not the sword, as Jesus did, and calls us to do?
I was in a meeting on Thursday, and I have been thinking about this scripture all week, and we were talking about plans for annual conference in 2012. I’m on a committee with the Bishop and other clergy and laity to plan and implement our annual conference, and we were talking about next year, and the theme of developing Christian leaders for the church and the world. I said, this reminds me of the Scripture I am reading at church on Sunday. I told him the book, chapter, and verse, and Bishop Watson looked it up.
And in that moment, something powerful happened. Bishop Watson looked up from his reading, with tears beginning to form in his eyes, and said, Jordan, this Scripture is the basis for my entire ministry.
God has reconciled us to himself. If you don’t know that to be true, come talk to me, I’m ready to have that conversation with you.
And because of that, we are called, every one of us, to see the world through the waters of Baptism. To see every person as a creation of God, to see the earth itself as breathing in and out with God in the redemption that is going on. Redemption is happening now, not retribution, but redemption.
We see Bold Spring through the waters of Baptism. We see Franklin County through the waters of Baptism. We see our busy schedules and our different directions through the waters of baptism. We see our giving to a building fund through the waters of baptism. We see our political views and ties through the waters of baptism. We see war through the waters of baptism, and it doesn’t belong in God’s world.
We are doing serious work here, because God is calling all Christians to do serious things. We are reconciled so that we may be ambassadors in the world. So others can receive and accept that they are reconciled too.
We are the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood. Sent into the world so that the whole world might be redeemed through him. That’s a big vocation, and one I think this church is poised to do.
Splash some more baptism water on your eyes, it’ll clear them up for the work that God is doing through you. It will refresh you, and redeem you.
We have been called and equipped to be about the ministry of reconciliation. That is the Good News we have to share to a broken and hurting world. Let’s go spread the news.
Before that day, I always heard that everyone remembers where they were the day JFK was assassinated, and I never understood it. Until September 11, 2001, when that day became the day that I will forever remember. I was a freshman in college. It was a Tuesday. The day started like most. I was in a PE class that was a requirement, and it was an 8am class. I’ve heard it said that people who taught 8am classes almost must want to keep their subject a secret with it being so early, but taking PE at that time was wonderful. It got me moving in the early hours…early for a college student.
So I sleepily stumbled to the athletic complex that morning. I had my name read to make sure I got credit for attendance, and then I did what I normally did which was get on a stationary bike and pedal my legs so I could read and study. There were TVs stationed throughout the gym, with the sound turned off. And I usually didn’t pay them any attention. You could plug your headphones into whatever exercise machine you were using and hear the sound, but I didn’t really care. But then I saw lots of my classmates staring at the TV, so I looked up from my book, and all I saw was the world trade center, and a lot of smoke. Then I saw the second plane.
I left class, and went back to my room. I had to go to work, which was at the chaplain’s office, and that was probably the perfect place for me to go. The secretary there was watching what was happening on the computer, and the chaplain came in.
I told you a couple of weeks ago that we used to have communion every Tuesday. And there were usually about six people there.
And like every Tuesday, he told me to get things ready for communion.
He told me to go get extra wine and bread…communion is probably going to be well attended that evening.
And he was right. With so many of us not believing what we had seen before our young eyes, we didn’t really know what to do. So the entire campus showed up. And I’ve never seen so many people so eager to take the elements. To consume the body and blood of Christ. Maybe then it will make sense.
Like a lot of people, I had my gut-check reaction. I wondered if I should enlist in the armed services, and quit school. Because I wanted to DO something…anything. Blame, Anger, and Vengeance were in ready supply. In the local and public theatre, and I was ready to latch on to any of those. I relished in it. I wanted payback for those who did this. I wanted Vengeance.
I sat there in the congregation, my mind reeling about what I should DO. I had talked to my parents, and grandparents. Those closest to me. I did things and reacted the same way many of us did.
And 10 years later, with everything that has gone on in the past ten years, I can still see the confused and eager faces among all of us. As when bad things happen, we try to make sense of it.
I have the distinct privilege in my vocation to be able to voice this story. And I also have the distinct privilege, some might call it a burden, of voicing this story in congruence with the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. The Good News that is given to a broken and hurting world.
On September 11th, 2001 I didn’t want to hear good news, I just wanted to hear about bad news affecting those that did this to us. I wanted them to feel pain. I wanted Osama Bin Laden blotted from the earth courtesy of a SCUD missile.
But just as he did in the incarnation, Jesus broke into my life that was clouded with hate, and spoke good news to me anyway. In the form of Talmadge Skinner, our Chaplain at Wofford College.
He told me to get extra elements for communion that night. I did, but it wasn’t enough, we ran out of bread because the crowd was so big. And I was toward to end of the line to receive. As I walked up to Rev. Skinner, who is a big man, made even bigger by the black robe and the piercing eyes, I wondered what he was going to do for those who couldn’t have any bread. He was saying something to each of us. So quietly that only we could hear.
When it came my turn, he shook my hand, put his other big paw around my neck, and held me there. Looked straight into my eyes, kept a locked gaze until my eyes met his and he said…Jordan, YOU are the body of Christ, redeemed by His blood. Remember your baptism, and be thankful.
Jesus broke through.
And here we are, ten years later. You’ve probably watched specials on TV, or read articles on the internet commemorating ten years. This afternoon, no doubt you will see tribute concerts and events at the start of NFL games to remind us all of that day.
I usually get nervous when I preach. Particularly here, because I know and love you. Whenever I preach somewhere else, my nerves aren’t as bad. But today I am particularly nervous.
Because everything is charged, and has more weight to it today than other days. We have sung patriotic hymns, and you have American Flags on your ties.
But I am going to tell you what I learned that day taking communion. We are the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood. Remember your baptism, and be thankful.
Hear these words, from second Corinthians. Hear this tremendous news.
2 Corinthians 5: 14-21
For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, which God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
God reconciled all of humanity to himself with the powerful salvific act of our Lord Jesus Christ. All humanity. This includes people of all faiths, and all countries. And while violence is not accepted; forgiveness is required. Reconciliation is required. We, as the body of Christ, at our Baptism are called to be about the ministry of reconciliation. We are to view the world through the waters of Baptism. Where we surrendered our life to the peace and power of Jesus Christ. We died to our former selves, and rose again as a new creation. With a new outlook and a new perception of the world.
So while I have seen those twin towers fall, and people holding tight to the flag for security rather than the cross…I also see a flood of baptism waters washing over us all.
Telling us…this is not right. God said, see, I am making all things new. And if we look back over these past ten years with a wider focus of our lens we can see how God has been at work at healing and restoring all of God’s children. We can see how the divine hand of providence has lifted us up and guided us.
Now it is as important as it has ever been for us to understand one another all around the world. Now is the time for ambassadors of Christ more than soldiers of Christ.
It says it right here in Scripture. We are called to be Christ’s ambassadors for the world. Our Baptism, our initiation into the reconciliation of God, the thing that makes us whole calls us to be ambassadors for Christ.
Because we have seen what war does. I’ve only been to one war zone. That was the West Bank in Israel. Where bombed out buses are on the side of the streets and men and women with big guns guard razor wire and graffiti covered walls. I haven’t fought in a war like some of you have, but what I imagine is that it hurts. It cuts away parts of you and the people you are fighting.
We had buildings fall down. Other countries have craters where there used to be buildings, and fields burned.
And I have also seen what war does to soldiers. I’ve told you this before, but I have suffered alongside of my best friend since his return from war. He suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which he says is a fancy way of saying…he is still fighting. Sometimes he can’t sleep because of the nightmares, and more than once I have had to restrain him after he was woken up to remind him that he is at home and safe. I have seen the parts of him that have been destroyed by him being told to destroy others.
I believe he can be reconciled too. I believe he can be healed. And I’m going to be there to make sure he is.
And I believe those that have died in war can be redeemed and reconciled too. Because that is what our baptism does. We see war through the waters of baptism, where it washes away, and we don’t learn it anymore. It clears away the pain and hurt.
Now is the time for us to be ambassadors of Christ. Now is the time to believe that people can be redeemed. Now is the time for forgiveness and hope and healing. If not now, when? If not us, we who are Christ’s ambassadors, who?
An ambassador goes out into the world as a learner of culture, and a representative of the one who sends them.
If somebody or some group is filling you with hate…that too can be reconciled. We can wash hate away with baptism waters.
If somebody or some group is wishing us harm…that too can be reconciled. We can wash it away with baptism waters.
I have been haunted by today. Because since 9-11-2001, “praise God and pass the ammunition” has been a rallying cry for many. Divine retribution for the hated people who are against us.
When Osama Bin Laden was assassinated, I felt numb, but the celebration on the streets disturbed me. Wasn’t the celebration on the streets, the firing of guns in the air, the delight at misfortune the exact thing that disgusted us so much about those who were against us? And here we were doing the same thing.
How is that being about the ministry of reconciliation? Bringing peace, not the sword, as Jesus did, and calls us to do?
I was in a meeting on Thursday, and I have been thinking about this scripture all week, and we were talking about plans for annual conference in 2012. I’m on a committee with the Bishop and other clergy and laity to plan and implement our annual conference, and we were talking about next year, and the theme of developing Christian leaders for the church and the world. I said, this reminds me of the Scripture I am reading at church on Sunday. I told him the book, chapter, and verse, and Bishop Watson looked it up.
And in that moment, something powerful happened. Bishop Watson looked up from his reading, with tears beginning to form in his eyes, and said, Jordan, this Scripture is the basis for my entire ministry.
God has reconciled us to himself. If you don’t know that to be true, come talk to me, I’m ready to have that conversation with you.
And because of that, we are called, every one of us, to see the world through the waters of Baptism. To see every person as a creation of God, to see the earth itself as breathing in and out with God in the redemption that is going on. Redemption is happening now, not retribution, but redemption.
We see Bold Spring through the waters of Baptism. We see Franklin County through the waters of Baptism. We see our busy schedules and our different directions through the waters of baptism. We see our giving to a building fund through the waters of baptism. We see our political views and ties through the waters of baptism. We see war through the waters of baptism, and it doesn’t belong in God’s world.
We are doing serious work here, because God is calling all Christians to do serious things. We are reconciled so that we may be ambassadors in the world. So others can receive and accept that they are reconciled too.
We are the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood. Sent into the world so that the whole world might be redeemed through him. That’s a big vocation, and one I think this church is poised to do.
Splash some more baptism water on your eyes, it’ll clear them up for the work that God is doing through you. It will refresh you, and redeem you.
We have been called and equipped to be about the ministry of reconciliation. That is the Good News we have to share to a broken and hurting world. Let’s go spread the news.
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