preached in response to Matthew 22: 15-22
Baileyton UMC, Sunday, October 21, 2008
“nothing is certain in this life but death and taxes” B-Frank
this quote, by B-Frank, certainly seems to be true. The former I have not experienced personally though I figure its coming. I’ve seen it. I've been touched by death. Though I havent actually died, per se'.
The latter however, I have been weighted down with for many years, and strangely enough more and more and more since I have been in ministry. It was primarily a misunderstanding that snowballed and snowballed and well, snowballed some more…
Strange. The more I try to give of my life to God, the more I seem to have to render to the emperor. Now, W is not the emperor. Neither will Obama, or McCain, be the emperor (despite what Rick and Bubba say)
Our emperor is in part the government—our great government, the greatest in the history of the world—so far—is our emperor. And while this emperor is certainly capable of ruling the world with the sword (it has a lot), this emperor rules us with something far more dangerous—the greatest weapon our emperor has at its disposal, is money…wealth…coins…possessions…and all their roots…greed.
I’d rather have to face a sword! I’d prefer a straight up fight for freedom, over influence, persuasion, addiction.
The topic of taxes is a hot, hot, button issue. Just ask Joe the Plumber!
We have two presidential candidates that swear they have the best plan to manage our taxes, which makes them like every other presidential candidate there’s every been.
“read my lips!”
you know this [gospel] passage, I imagine. Hearing this version may have been a bit strange, though its good to hear it accurately. Not only was the version I read easier to understand and more correct. It is far more practical.
Jesus didn’t say “Caesar”, though even if he did. It doesn’t mean Julius (for he was dead when Jesus had this little economics lecture) It doesn’t mean Augustus (the nephew). It means any Roman, or Persian, or American or spiritual emperor.
And any of these emperors have some power to wield. We need a way to survive them.
You have probably figured this passage out—like I have. Though you may now get a new, fresh, different, and more true understanding of this passage…as I have.
I have heard this rule—the ‘render unto Caesar’ rule—as a justification for yes, being taxed to death, obeying all 177 ,983 laws—stupid as most of them are—on the federal state county and city books,
I have even heard this as a justification for patriotism (which is often a code word for nationalism). I have even heard this somehow to be a justification for war…
What does it say? Jesus, what does this mean?
Though Jesus was the farthest thing from it, he would have made an incredible politician—at least in this instance.
He gives the perfect political answer. He says something, though seemingly doesn’t say anything. He very nearly answers the question with a question.
Politics v religion
This is a dangerous , delicate time in our world, and particularly in our country
according to Thomas Friedman—a writer, social commentator, NY Times editorial writer, and all around sharp thinker. he indicated on the irreverent argue fest, Real Time with Bill Marhe, it is one of the most desperate times for us. I agree. a whole lot.
As much as anytime in history, the world needs a Christ-like world view (most of the world would dispute that, though only because so many believers have misrepresented Jesus to the world
There is an intersection between religion and politics, between faith and government, a better way to say it, between the earthly and the divine…
And we must learn to negotiate it—and it is terribly difficult. Jesus would be a perfect politician, though he was too good a person to do it—he was perfect, the world is not.
That’s why it is our call. We are in the house of representatives—the house of faith, the KOG.
Only One Top Priority
I have heard it argued from both pulpit and pew that Jesus' words "Give to
the emperor the things that are the emperor's" mean that a Christian is
duty-bound to love America, right or wrong. I'm sorry, but I cannot agree
with that. One Christian writer has said, "The greatest service Christians
can render to their country is to become actively concerned about the
destiny of the church."
I have also heard it argued that "Give to the emperor the things that are
the emperor's, and to God the things that are God's" implies a strict
separation of church and state, that Jesus is dividing life into two
separate and distinct parts - a spiritual part and a secular, or worldly,
part. Dedicated and committed Christians have been arguing for this
separation for centuries, and we probably won't settle the issue once and
for all today. Their argument has been that with these words Jesus is
telling us to obey God in the spiritual realm and to obey the government
in everything else. Now, that's a nice, neat little division, and it
solves many difficult problems. Politics is politics and religion is
religion and never the twain shall meet. Let the church take care of its
own business and keep their noses out of social and political issues. That
would be fine if it worked. You and I both know that it doesn't. Yes,
there are obligations we have to the governing authorities, such as paying
taxes, exercising our right to vote, and obeying civil laws. But as
followers of Jesus Christ, our ultimate obligation is to "seek first the
kingdom of God," and all other obligations have to have a lower priority.
There can only be one top priority.
Johnny Dean, Another Tricky Question
USMC—“your soul belongs to Jesus, though you’re a$% belongs to the Corps!”
We have a split personality of sorts, we live on Earth, and belong to Heaven. we have dual citizenship.
(which puts a new spin on immigration, doesn’t it?)
Separation of church and state
We have to keep the two separated, and at the same time, we have to make them work together.
We live in one world, and we represent another. (the word, or name, minister means you represent something)
The world is looking at us, though often today to see what we do in order that they may do the opposite.
We have a responsibility to bring in the Kingdom, the New Creation to the world.
ponder these presidential words...
What We the People Demand
President James Garfield's words from 1877 still ring true. "Now more than
ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their
Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because
the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be
intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high
qualities to represent them in the national legislature ... if the next
centennial does not find us a great nation ... it will be because those
who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation
do not aid in controlling the political forces."
Stephen M. Crotts / George L. Murphy / Stan Purdum, Sermons for Sundays:
After Pentecost (Last Third): Rendering to God, CSS Publishing Company,
Inc.
We are citizens of the empire, many empires actually. The system we have to work in, is where we are. If you want something different, go discover a planet, find a way to get there, and have at it.
We do Look to a new day, a future with no need for taxes, no need for militaries, no need for politicians, no need for Separation of church and state. A future with no hunger, hurt, or hatred. A future where we live and work and love together. A future where every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. God’s perfect future—God’s future perfect.
We’ll get there—I believe it, that’s why I’m here. And I believe that you believe it—that’s why you’re here. Though its not here yet—we have to help it get here. Do what it takes, give all we can, love more than that.
Did Jesus comply with the empire? Did he stand in opposition, and create a new world, a new way of seeing the world, a new way of life for all people.
Did he start a revolution? Yes? Was a single shot fired, sword raised? No.
Was he peaceful? Yes? Was he passive? No!
He was not the Messiah they wanted! He was revolutionary, though not military. He was for the people, but not political. And they killed him for that.
Its dangerous.
Do you give to Caesar? For the most part, yes. For now... Amen.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Are You a Rock or Aren't You?
In response to Matthew 16:21-28
Baileyton United Methodist Church, August 31, 2008
I would say, as a rule, one should not make a habit…of rebuking Jesus.
That may be Peter’s great mistake here, it may not be.
Though if Peter felt a little schizo…who could blame him? He has been on an incredible journey with Jesus. He makes one revelation with the others, and then one incredible revelation of his own ("You are the Son of the Living God—The Messiah")
Jesus seems to take a shine to him, show him a little favor even--and tells him he’s going to be the rock that Jesus builds his church on even! (see "Quite the Endorsement")
And so, naturally, when Peter makes a statement in defense of Jesus—basically shouts in fear—out of love, so Jesus wont leave them…Jesus tells Peter to get out of his face! And he calls him Satan. Naturally.
So here’s the response. GET BEHIND ME SATAN!!!
This is a response that gets our attention, folks.
You could be nodding off in a fine sermon, maybe because you stayed up a little too late, maybe because your preacher did, and the sermon seems less than riveting.
Still, this verse will get you!
Maybe its 11:55, or dare I say 12-noon! And the keys are jingling, and the paper’s a shufflin', and we have one foot out the door.
This verse will get you!
You may have read this in a Bible Study, Sunday School, you may have heard ‘umteen’ sermons on this throughout your life, think you have it all figured out and then BAM!
It gets you!
Yes, friends, this gets us because Jesus here invokes the name of Satan, and I’ve never heard that name come out in a good way. It captures us, and it scares us a little...and with good reason.
What is the big penalty? Why is Peter blasted in such a way?
It’s the same reason Peter received such laude and praise last week (or 6 verses back, or one blog down). We earn admiration or admonition based on our ability to tell the difference between the worldly and the divine.
Well great day! The last thing we would want is for Jesus to call us Satan! I mean, come on!
I don’t know about you, though I think that’s a safe assumption. And who cares what anyone calls us, we don’t want our God to think of us a Satan—our God’s foe.
That’s not the side we want to be on, though sadly, tragically, fearfully, sometimes that’s exactly who we become.
I don’t mean that when a Jeffrey Dahlmer or Ted Bundy or any other mass murderer turns up, that’s Satan (it is evil allowed to be set loose).
I’m not talking about nuclear annihilation, war, bringing on genocide of a whole country or culture or race (though that’s also evil allowed to be set loose)
I’m not referring only to how we ignore those who suffer, or we allow oppression to stand, how we oppress, how we set one race or class of people above another (again, evil)
I don’t mean when we abuse a loved one, steal from a friend, take our spouse for granted, dishonor a parent, disrespect God given authority…though these acts are of evil origin too…
When our thoughts and our words and our deeds center on the worldly, we take our focus away from the divine, and that my friends is a triumphant act of the Tempter, and that is the path to evil and sin and yes, Satan. Get behind him. Jesus that is, not Satan.
Jesus was right, you know.
(I know, big surprise to hear a Christian preacher say that Jesus is right…)
quick survey:
raise your hand high if you love..
ice cream...
football...
sunshine...
rain...
…suffering...
I’m not all that surprised if suffering comes in last. Suffering would probably come in somewhere even below homework, working on weekends, taxes, and diarehha…
People probably consider all those things suffering. Though anyone who does think those things, or anything like them is real suffering, then they have lived a charmed life.
We don’t know real suffering, at least not all of us, and not in all the ways it comes.
Those among us who do know suffering knew the whole time while reading my little list that those things weren’t all that bad…
Those who have lost a child. Those who suffer with addiction, or cancer, those who see their marriage fade away, those who think they’ve lost faith in God.
Those that know not hunger, but starvation. Not doubt, despair. Not discomfort pain, anguish. Not being alone, but down-right loneliness…
These things are suffering, and these things are a real possibility…
for every one of us who claims that cross as our sign.
Everything I just said, keeps people like chief priests, scribes, elders of the church away from a real liberating gospel…
This way of the cross is hard, the way of Jesus costs something!!!
It will make you starve and cry from loss, and pass out from pain, you will be broken at times, broke at times you will be humiliated and castigated, your reputation will be destroyed, you will have question and doubt, and you will at times despair and pain and anguish when others suffer these things.
And it will set you free to this world, and it will let you live in the world of the divine.
And friends…that’s good news.
Elders of the church don’t always get that, people outside the church don’t get it, and perfect people with perfect faith don’t get it (well, if there were such people they wouldn’t get it)
Its down right peculiar. It’s a foreign concept—letting go of this world. It's not something that’s all too popular, not something we’re used to. Its not something that’s easy, but my friends its business as usual for the Kingdom of God. Its life with the Rock of Rocks. Rock on up! Amen.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Quite the Endorsement
Based on the Gospel reading for Sunday, August 24, 2008;
Matthew 16: 13-20 13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
If Peter ever wanted recognition, he has it. He just got mad props*. Peter seems--to me, at least--like the kind of guy who likes a little popularity. At least, he won't mind it terribly. Peter, as we now refer to him, enjoys a little recognition, some authority, even notoriety if you will. This works out for Peter in this passage. Jesus makes a bodl declaration on this fella. And that's not all! Jesus throws in a name change for free! This is a pretty famous name change, among many in Scripture.
Apparently, that's an important occurance--the name-changing, that is.
(It's a wonderful little 'contemporary, praise and worship tune too!). What does God do, or greater still, plan to do, when Jesus changes your name? It happened to Jacob, now Israel. The same thing got a hold of Levi, or, our friend Matthew. And let's don't forget ole' Saul. Not King Saul of the Hewbrew Scriptures, David's friend and nemisis. Not a seasoned New Yorker who serves up you soup de jour in a kosher deli, or some big dude that enacts a 'hit' on you. I refer to Saul the murderer, now Paul the proclaimer. Now Jesus' Paul, the missionary to the gentiles. Paul, the great author and autour of New Covenent epistleary fame. Name changes give us the fresh start, the tabula rasa, we all crave...and deserve. Sage poets The Rolling Stones speak of Jesus' moment of doubt and shame (Sympathy For the Devil, from Beggars Banquet, 1968?) . I personally have never detected the first dash of either in the person of Christ Jesus, though I have seen it plenty in that old Simon, er, Peter. Actually, I have seen these things too much in the lives of all humanity. It's normal! And that's not all! Friends, Peter is just getting warmed up--on his doubting, and shaming that is. And sure, we can add a little cowardice, cyncsim, and downright denial to go with it. Yet Jesus has the confidence in Simon-Peter--in all humanity--to give him more religious authority than any human being has ever been given**.
I am not a betting man, in the traditional 'putting money on the outcome of sporting events' bet. I am a devotee of the Atlanta Braves since 1976. It would not pay for me to bet! Though if I were a betting man, I would bet that Jesus is willing to make the same investment in any of us. A high risk investment? You bet! Though this is an investment Jesus knows can build a kingdom. And anyway...Jesus ain't through with Peter, not by a long shot. And Jesus ain't through with you. Just hide and watch.
...to be continued...
...now continued...
during part of my probationary journey--pre-ordination, not post-incarceration--I was assigned several fellow clergy folks to particpate in a 'peer group' or 'covenant group' or some kind of the many groups we have.
one of those men turned out to be one of the most interesting people I have run across. it seems thta I have quite the collection of such 'intersting people' in my life.
this chap was a staunch, stout fella. he kept his hair slicked back, and at all times he sported dark sun-shades (or, as some call them, sunglasses)
the guy was learned, fun, sharp, and caring, though what I liked about this guy the most, at first, was his name. his name was, well, is...Rock! the name seemed to fit.
even better, my friend's last name is Stone! Rock Stone. this guy sounds like he can get things done.
Jesus just named someone Rock. he found someone that can get something done--something for this new 'church' he plans to breath into life, something for the people of Israel, something for the world.
the best part, is that Jesus knows how to pick, and who to pick based on what they can do. not their past performace so much as their present potential.
Yes, Jesus knows how to develop unrefined talent. (He is working with me, after all). He knows how to take a chance on someone…
Through all his faults, Jesus knew that Peter had something in him. He was a brother, a leader of sorts, he seems to be a professional, at least in the fishing world. And to 1 century Palestine, that's a huge, vital, world.
But there’s one thing Peter does to show his quality, his worth, maybe just his potential…Jesus sees this when Peter speaks up.
(in v. 16) Peter gives this amazing endorsement of Jesus
“You are the Son of God”. Son of the living God. better yet, The Messiah!
not long ago, (two chapters ago in Matthew 14) we heard the confession…the seven words that change everything
for whatever reason, Peter does it again. Maybe this time Jesus hears him better. Maybe this time Peter means it more…
it is more nuanced statement, to be sure.
Back in the boat, back 2 chapters ago, this declaration was a consensus. It reads, “those in the boat worshipped him, saying”
It was a group, and its always easier to say something in a group. One has backup, perceived strength, even authority.
Though here it seems to be soley Peter.
Soley…
And thus he has a chance to say what he really feels. After all this time, he knows and he is ready to speak.
“you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God”
Peter’s confession tells it like it is. I mean, he tells it like it is folks! To Peter, Jesus is God on earth…
He is part of the living God here among us and to go with that, he is the Messiah, the King and Deliverer!
It is in Peter’s declaration we see it clearly…plainly...powerfully, wonderfully, eternally,
Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. Can I get an amen?
…well…Peter made the discovery. It took a long enough, though he made it. He doesn’t hold to it, not publicly at least. not perfectly at least.
But he knows it, and with the confession of this truth Jesus says “I can do something with this”
This truth is the heart of who we are as a church, a body a people. It is the mission of the church, so clearly explained that its not funny! (I have never quite understood that expression, but there it is)
What do we do in our community? Share this confession—make such a declaration for ourselves, for all the world to hear-see-know!
This truth is why we are here, and it is what we are to be about.
I love those occasions where, as a preacher—a proclaimer, a truth teller—I get to unravel some of the more riddling parts of the gospel. When there is mystery and symbol,
And I get to solve it, demystify, unravel, de-code it…I get a charge! SUper-charged preaching.
Granted, I often just turn over information to you that I have gleaned from other sources, though I do get some things unique to me from time to time as well. those are great gifts from God.
But, it is an honor, and it is exciting. So here is some such revelation:
Yes, Peter does mean ‘rock’ and one would think that Jesus is just clearly saying Peter, you are the one person that the church is to be built upon—you! Go have a basilica built on Rome and have it named after you!
And the word church seems pretty straight-forward...
church=us, right? at least, it may be most of us who hear such a sermon in a time of worship with a congregation, or who read this as a connected group of believers. church typically refers to the group of believer gathered for hearing and practicing the gospel. I rather like that definition--hey, its one of those nuggets of wisdom that God has given me! wow, axe and you shall receive!
anyway, church can be thought of as what we do!
Its can be understood as who we are...you know, middle-class America, grouped into cultural circles, divided by race, linked geography, those that share the same preferences for ways of praying and singing, whether or not we like to see pastors and priests in robes, and everything else for an hour or so one day a week?
(AUCTHUNG--not much more than an hour, mind you. lest you hear the dreaded keys begin to rattle!)
That is sadly a very limited understanding of what a church is. And thankfully, that’s not what its meant to be, what Jesus calls us to be, and not nearly all we can be. The word church here can also mean all the ‘summoned civic and political assembly of the elite in cities” (New Interpreter's Bible Commentary). It’s a very broad understanding of church, it’s a very welcoming sense of church—its very Jesus-like.
(also according to the NIBC notes) This flies in the face of the Roman established order and I cant help it, I love it when something flies in the face of an established order
…unless I have established it…
unravelled point #3, from my biblical liner notes again, Jesus gives ‘keys’ to show authority and gives the order and the power to ‘loose’ and ‘bind’ on heaven and on earth. my father worked at a group home for a good while..."Monroe" group home. this place was full of characters--I mean characters, bud! top of the list was my friend, Ernest. he was old, uneducacted, mentally challenged and wonderful. Ernest loved to walk around collecting keys. when I last saw him, he probably had 200 keys on his ring, no telling how much he had in his room! Ernest was always saying, "look at dem keys! who da boss? I got da keys, I'm da boss!" Ernest didnt know how to have a career and ho didnt really know hpw to function in society. but he knew how society functioned. and Ernest knew Jesus--he sho 'nuff was da boss.
forth riddle solved...yes, from the great minds at New Interpreter's Bible Commentary...
I have oft wondered what in the world it meant to ‘loose’ or ‘bind’. And know I know—it means, it seems, to interpret Jesus’ teaching…to teach and to preach…and it’s the task for every one of us! the more one shares the truth at the heart of the gospel--Peter's declaration here--the more this power is 'loosed' on the earth. what a concept!
My friends, this is great story, with some strong mystery, some great symbolism, and a great deal of power and drama
Though truly, at the heart of this gospel reading is the endorsement. The “ten words that change everything"--a lightning bolt that Peter introduces, unleashes on human history. It is uniquely his endorsement, it is a Messianic mystery solved—forget dreams, this is the stuff that eternal kingdoms of creation are made of. Jesus, through Peter, has just loosed us--and in so doing he binds.
Professions of faith…taxi-cab confessions…and other tales of moderate interest.
Peter hung in there, he stepped up and he gave his penultimate profession of faith-- incredible endorsement. And in turn, so did Jesus unto Peter. Peter lived with Jesus and through faith
Peter made the confession then built the church, this declaration defines his mission and the rest of his life! He made quite the endorsement.
Through all his flaws, Peter stepped out in faith and told the world how it was, what its going to be, and whose it is!
In order to share this truth…in an effort to build a kingdom, change a world, and save humanity…
Peter confessed to all that Jesus Christ is Lord…
That’s quite the endorsement.
is that something you can do? Forget I asked you, because I know the answer—"yes you can" is the answer.
The question is have you done it?
And if you can, but you haven’t…will you do it? For you? For me? For Peter? For Jesus!
With your confession to the world, that Jesu Christo is Lord, you can save us all-and give us life that lasts forever. So Let’s hear it. Better yet, Let’s live it. Let's rock! Amen.
*If you are wondering what that means, check out your local 'urban dictionary', ask an 8th grader, or try to stand watchign 5 minutes of MTV, MTV2, 3, or MTV-8=the Ocho! Though be forewarned, by the time you find out what one of these 'hip, new, terms' means, it is already passe'.
**This is a subjective statement, to be sure. Though, to the believer in the living God through Christ Jesus in Holy Spirit, it is the ultimate level of human, ecclesial authority.
Matthew 16: 13-20 13Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
If Peter ever wanted recognition, he has it. He just got mad props*. Peter seems--to me, at least--like the kind of guy who likes a little popularity. At least, he won't mind it terribly. Peter, as we now refer to him, enjoys a little recognition, some authority, even notoriety if you will. This works out for Peter in this passage. Jesus makes a bodl declaration on this fella. And that's not all! Jesus throws in a name change for free! This is a pretty famous name change, among many in Scripture.
Apparently, that's an important occurance--the name-changing, that is.
(It's a wonderful little 'contemporary, praise and worship tune too!). What does God do, or greater still, plan to do, when Jesus changes your name? It happened to Jacob, now Israel. The same thing got a hold of Levi, or, our friend Matthew. And let's don't forget ole' Saul. Not King Saul of the Hewbrew Scriptures, David's friend and nemisis. Not a seasoned New Yorker who serves up you soup de jour in a kosher deli, or some big dude that enacts a 'hit' on you. I refer to Saul the murderer, now Paul the proclaimer. Now Jesus' Paul, the missionary to the gentiles. Paul, the great author and autour of New Covenent epistleary fame. Name changes give us the fresh start, the tabula rasa, we all crave...and deserve. Sage poets The Rolling Stones speak of Jesus' moment of doubt and shame (Sympathy For the Devil, from Beggars Banquet, 1968?) . I personally have never detected the first dash of either in the person of Christ Jesus, though I have seen it plenty in that old Simon, er, Peter. Actually, I have seen these things too much in the lives of all humanity. It's normal! And that's not all! Friends, Peter is just getting warmed up--on his doubting, and shaming that is. And sure, we can add a little cowardice, cyncsim, and downright denial to go with it. Yet Jesus has the confidence in Simon-Peter--in all humanity--to give him more religious authority than any human being has ever been given**.
I am not a betting man, in the traditional 'putting money on the outcome of sporting events' bet. I am a devotee of the Atlanta Braves since 1976. It would not pay for me to bet! Though if I were a betting man, I would bet that Jesus is willing to make the same investment in any of us. A high risk investment? You bet! Though this is an investment Jesus knows can build a kingdom. And anyway...Jesus ain't through with Peter, not by a long shot. And Jesus ain't through with you. Just hide and watch.
...to be continued...
...now continued...
during part of my probationary journey--pre-ordination, not post-incarceration--I was assigned several fellow clergy folks to particpate in a 'peer group' or 'covenant group' or some kind of the many groups we have.
one of those men turned out to be one of the most interesting people I have run across. it seems thta I have quite the collection of such 'intersting people' in my life.
this chap was a staunch, stout fella. he kept his hair slicked back, and at all times he sported dark sun-shades (or, as some call them, sunglasses)
the guy was learned, fun, sharp, and caring, though what I liked about this guy the most, at first, was his name. his name was, well, is...Rock! the name seemed to fit.
even better, my friend's last name is Stone! Rock Stone. this guy sounds like he can get things done.
Jesus just named someone Rock. he found someone that can get something done--something for this new 'church' he plans to breath into life, something for the people of Israel, something for the world.
the best part, is that Jesus knows how to pick, and who to pick based on what they can do. not their past performace so much as their present potential.
Yes, Jesus knows how to develop unrefined talent. (He is working with me, after all). He knows how to take a chance on someone…
Through all his faults, Jesus knew that Peter had something in him. He was a brother, a leader of sorts, he seems to be a professional, at least in the fishing world. And to 1 century Palestine, that's a huge, vital, world.
But there’s one thing Peter does to show his quality, his worth, maybe just his potential…Jesus sees this when Peter speaks up.
(in v. 16) Peter gives this amazing endorsement of Jesus
“You are the Son of God”. Son of the living God. better yet, The Messiah!
not long ago, (two chapters ago in Matthew 14) we heard the confession…the seven words that change everything
for whatever reason, Peter does it again. Maybe this time Jesus hears him better. Maybe this time Peter means it more…
it is more nuanced statement, to be sure.
Back in the boat, back 2 chapters ago, this declaration was a consensus. It reads, “those in the boat worshipped him, saying”
It was a group, and its always easier to say something in a group. One has backup, perceived strength, even authority.
Though here it seems to be soley Peter.
Soley…
And thus he has a chance to say what he really feels. After all this time, he knows and he is ready to speak.
“you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God”
Peter’s confession tells it like it is. I mean, he tells it like it is folks! To Peter, Jesus is God on earth…
He is part of the living God here among us and to go with that, he is the Messiah, the King and Deliverer!
It is in Peter’s declaration we see it clearly…plainly...powerfully, wonderfully, eternally,
Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. Can I get an amen?
…well…Peter made the discovery. It took a long enough, though he made it. He doesn’t hold to it, not publicly at least. not perfectly at least.
But he knows it, and with the confession of this truth Jesus says “I can do something with this”
This truth is the heart of who we are as a church, a body a people. It is the mission of the church, so clearly explained that its not funny! (I have never quite understood that expression, but there it is)
What do we do in our community? Share this confession—make such a declaration for ourselves, for all the world to hear-see-know!
This truth is why we are here, and it is what we are to be about.
I love those occasions where, as a preacher—a proclaimer, a truth teller—I get to unravel some of the more riddling parts of the gospel. When there is mystery and symbol,
And I get to solve it, demystify, unravel, de-code it…I get a charge! SUper-charged preaching.
Granted, I often just turn over information to you that I have gleaned from other sources, though I do get some things unique to me from time to time as well. those are great gifts from God.
But, it is an honor, and it is exciting. So here is some such revelation:
Yes, Peter does mean ‘rock’ and one would think that Jesus is just clearly saying Peter, you are the one person that the church is to be built upon—you! Go have a basilica built on Rome and have it named after you!
And the word church seems pretty straight-forward...
church=us, right? at least, it may be most of us who hear such a sermon in a time of worship with a congregation, or who read this as a connected group of believers. church typically refers to the group of believer gathered for hearing and practicing the gospel. I rather like that definition--hey, its one of those nuggets of wisdom that God has given me! wow, axe and you shall receive!
anyway, church can be thought of as what we do!
Its can be understood as who we are...you know, middle-class America, grouped into cultural circles, divided by race, linked geography, those that share the same preferences for ways of praying and singing, whether or not we like to see pastors and priests in robes, and everything else for an hour or so one day a week?
(AUCTHUNG--not much more than an hour, mind you. lest you hear the dreaded keys begin to rattle!)
That is sadly a very limited understanding of what a church is. And thankfully, that’s not what its meant to be, what Jesus calls us to be, and not nearly all we can be. The word church here can also mean all the ‘summoned civic and political assembly of the elite in cities” (New Interpreter's Bible Commentary). It’s a very broad understanding of church, it’s a very welcoming sense of church—its very Jesus-like.
(also according to the NIBC notes) This flies in the face of the Roman established order and I cant help it, I love it when something flies in the face of an established order
…unless I have established it…
unravelled point #3, from my biblical liner notes again, Jesus gives ‘keys’ to show authority and gives the order and the power to ‘loose’ and ‘bind’ on heaven and on earth. my father worked at a group home for a good while..."Monroe" group home. this place was full of characters--I mean characters, bud! top of the list was my friend, Ernest. he was old, uneducacted, mentally challenged and wonderful. Ernest loved to walk around collecting keys. when I last saw him, he probably had 200 keys on his ring, no telling how much he had in his room! Ernest was always saying, "look at dem keys! who da boss? I got da keys, I'm da boss!" Ernest didnt know how to have a career and ho didnt really know hpw to function in society. but he knew how society functioned. and Ernest knew Jesus--he sho 'nuff was da boss.
forth riddle solved...yes, from the great minds at New Interpreter's Bible Commentary...
I have oft wondered what in the world it meant to ‘loose’ or ‘bind’. And know I know—it means, it seems, to interpret Jesus’ teaching…to teach and to preach…and it’s the task for every one of us! the more one shares the truth at the heart of the gospel--Peter's declaration here--the more this power is 'loosed' on the earth. what a concept!
My friends, this is great story, with some strong mystery, some great symbolism, and a great deal of power and drama
Though truly, at the heart of this gospel reading is the endorsement. The “ten words that change everything"--a lightning bolt that Peter introduces, unleashes on human history. It is uniquely his endorsement, it is a Messianic mystery solved—forget dreams, this is the stuff that eternal kingdoms of creation are made of. Jesus, through Peter, has just loosed us--and in so doing he binds.
Professions of faith…taxi-cab confessions…and other tales of moderate interest.
Peter hung in there, he stepped up and he gave his penultimate profession of faith-- incredible endorsement. And in turn, so did Jesus unto Peter. Peter lived with Jesus and through faith
Peter made the confession then built the church, this declaration defines his mission and the rest of his life! He made quite the endorsement.
Through all his flaws, Peter stepped out in faith and told the world how it was, what its going to be, and whose it is!
In order to share this truth…in an effort to build a kingdom, change a world, and save humanity…
Peter confessed to all that Jesus Christ is Lord…
That’s quite the endorsement.
is that something you can do? Forget I asked you, because I know the answer—"yes you can" is the answer.
The question is have you done it?
And if you can, but you haven’t…will you do it? For you? For me? For Peter? For Jesus!
With your confession to the world, that Jesu Christo is Lord, you can save us all-and give us life that lasts forever. So Let’s hear it. Better yet, Let’s live it. Let's rock! Amen.
*If you are wondering what that means, check out your local 'urban dictionary', ask an 8th grader, or try to stand watchign 5 minutes of MTV, MTV2, 3, or MTV-8=the Ocho! Though be forewarned, by the time you find out what one of these 'hip, new, terms' means, it is already passe'.
**This is a subjective statement, to be sure. Though, to the believer in the living God through Christ Jesus in Holy Spirit, it is the ultimate level of human, ecclesial authority.
Friday, August 8, 2008
The Doubting Peter Does It Again
in response to the Gospel Reading for Sunday, August 10, 2008
Matthew 14: 22-33
That doubting Peter. Thomas gets all the props--or the dubious credit, rather--of being the quintessential 'doubter'. When in actual fact, Peter is a doubter en par with anyone, particularly...well, all of us. It is within all our natures to be cynical, suspicious (just ask Elvis about the condition of our minds), and down right doubtful--to greater or lesser degrees. Though it does seem far more common in this day (this day meaning 2008, not Friday...though it is Friday if you are reading this on Friday).
As I say fairly regularly, we are living in an age that increasingly wants evidence or proof. The culture of the world wants only beliefs that can be backed up by fact--proved in an equation or test tube. Even worse, our world is more and more prone to stand by, and stand for beliefs that are 'proven' by popular acceptance. If it is chic' to be an atheist (just as an example), then more and more people will choose atheism (whether they truly believe in an atheist dogma or not, which borderlines on irony). Faith in the popular could be applied to any system, religious or other. And it can certainly be said that such faith via popularity was enjoyed for a long time by Christianity. It was. We call this Christendom. And it is over. This is something that may be seen as a threat to the Christian faith. Though I don't see it as all that threatening.
For, though this trend (based on no empirical data other than my unique perspective) may be growing, it certainly is not new. This is a very similar challenge to one the early church--especially Jesus--faced. Many, many, people did not step out to claim faith in God through Christ Jesus not because it was unbelievable (which is a suspect term anyway), nor because they didn't personally have in internal, implicit belief of this God and faith in this God. Early people rejected the faith of early church because of the fierce reaction that the dominant faith community of the time (Pharisees, et al) would surely render. Question: should the word 'dominant' go with the word 'faith'...ever?
Faith in the Living God walking in the person of (the Living) Jesus was not chic'. And it is not chic' now. Once more, this bloggist doesn't see this as a threat. It may be a challenge (which is a more neutral idea than it is positive or negative). Better still, this popular doubt is an opportunity.
to be continued...
Matthew 14: 22-33
That doubting Peter. Thomas gets all the props--or the dubious credit, rather--of being the quintessential 'doubter'. When in actual fact, Peter is a doubter en par with anyone, particularly...well, all of us. It is within all our natures to be cynical, suspicious (just ask Elvis about the condition of our minds), and down right doubtful--to greater or lesser degrees. Though it does seem far more common in this day (this day meaning 2008, not Friday...though it is Friday if you are reading this on Friday).
As I say fairly regularly, we are living in an age that increasingly wants evidence or proof. The culture of the world wants only beliefs that can be backed up by fact--proved in an equation or test tube. Even worse, our world is more and more prone to stand by, and stand for beliefs that are 'proven' by popular acceptance. If it is chic' to be an atheist (just as an example), then more and more people will choose atheism (whether they truly believe in an atheist dogma or not, which borderlines on irony). Faith in the popular could be applied to any system, religious or other. And it can certainly be said that such faith via popularity was enjoyed for a long time by Christianity. It was. We call this Christendom. And it is over. This is something that may be seen as a threat to the Christian faith. Though I don't see it as all that threatening.
For, though this trend (based on no empirical data other than my unique perspective) may be growing, it certainly is not new. This is a very similar challenge to one the early church--especially Jesus--faced. Many, many, people did not step out to claim faith in God through Christ Jesus not because it was unbelievable (which is a suspect term anyway), nor because they didn't personally have in internal, implicit belief of this God and faith in this God. Early people rejected the faith of early church because of the fierce reaction that the dominant faith community of the time (Pharisees, et al) would surely render. Question: should the word 'dominant' go with the word 'faith'...ever?
Faith in the Living God walking in the person of (the Living) Jesus was not chic'. And it is not chic' now. Once more, this bloggist doesn't see this as a threat. It may be a challenge (which is a more neutral idea than it is positive or negative). Better still, this popular doubt is an opportunity.
to be continued...
Friday, August 1, 2008
Our First Little Bit of Blog
Well, here we are friends! You are now part of the inaugural blog piece that will chronicle some of the biblical, spiritual, religious, and of course, miscellaneous, musings during my time at Baileyton United Methodist Church.
I aim to keep this as a place to read and comment upon my sermon manuscripts, a devotional or meditation here and there, and absolutely, anything that you--a v.i.p. in our community of faith--feel led to write or share.
For anything outside the realm of our faith in God, through Christ, living in Holy Spirit (which, trust me, is broad enough of a topic) you will need to see the other blogs that I struggle to maintain. (You really don't want to miss what I think about Bobby Cox and his antiquated management of my dear Atlanta Braves, do you?)
There are a few things that are important to convey at this point in a journey (that is, the beginning). One, this is not a place meant exclusively for folks in, around, from, or part of Baileyton. This is a place for everyone--particularly those who seek to seek, together. Two, it is fine to lurk, or troll, or even stalk a little (just don't stalk me, or I'll have one of my golden girls on you before you can say 'rumple-steele-skin'). Though a blog will display many more signs of life when everyone who visits, and reads, and ponders, takes part and leaves a little something for the community. Please, do elaborate.
And last, for now, I leave you with my thanksgiving. The simple fact that you are here would seem to indicate a least a scooch of interest in deepening the journey, the conversation, the process, and everything else that is part of The Way. I am blessed to have you along for the walk, and I will pray that this place now begins a more powerful awareness of and communion with the Living God. Come one, come all. Come Lord Jesus!
I aim to keep this as a place to read and comment upon my sermon manuscripts, a devotional or meditation here and there, and absolutely, anything that you--a v.i.p. in our community of faith--feel led to write or share.
For anything outside the realm of our faith in God, through Christ, living in Holy Spirit (which, trust me, is broad enough of a topic) you will need to see the other blogs that I struggle to maintain. (You really don't want to miss what I think about Bobby Cox and his antiquated management of my dear Atlanta Braves, do you?)
There are a few things that are important to convey at this point in a journey (that is, the beginning). One, this is not a place meant exclusively for folks in, around, from, or part of Baileyton. This is a place for everyone--particularly those who seek to seek, together. Two, it is fine to lurk, or troll, or even stalk a little (just don't stalk me, or I'll have one of my golden girls on you before you can say 'rumple-steele-skin'). Though a blog will display many more signs of life when everyone who visits, and reads, and ponders, takes part and leaves a little something for the community. Please, do elaborate.
And last, for now, I leave you with my thanksgiving. The simple fact that you are here would seem to indicate a least a scooch of interest in deepening the journey, the conversation, the process, and everything else that is part of The Way. I am blessed to have you along for the walk, and I will pray that this place now begins a more powerful awareness of and communion with the Living God. Come one, come all. Come Lord Jesus!
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