Who would Jesus Praise?

Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much…

Text:  Luke 16:1-13

Have you ever been listening to someone and in your mind you go, Huh?  You have been paying attention but you just do not get what is going on.  You have the choice of continuing to listen, maybe work harder to understand.  Or, you may leave.  Or, you may pretend you are getting it, yet your mind wanders to more enjoyable thoughts.  This may happen in a meeting at work or a class at school.  This may happen between spouses; or child with the parent, or parent with the child.  I won’t ask if this ever happens during a sermon.

I know some of you listened to Jesus, to the words of our Gospel, the words of the story he told.  And, if you went, Huh? that is most likely because you are paying attention and want to pay attention.  But what is Jesus really saying?  Why is he praising a guy we find questionable at best.

It may help to ask what Jesus is doing when he tells these stories we call parables.  Last week we heard a comforting story – inviting us to picture ourselves as lost sheep – and the shepherd cares so much that we are found.  Why didn’t Jesus stop there?  Folks that study teaching methods as well as literature may help us.  A parable is not a fable.  A fable or a fairy tale generally has one point, the moral to the story.  The story of the tortoise and the hare reminds us about slow and steady.  I like that when the big powerful car that jumps off as the light turns green, is then waiting at the next stop light and my little car moves ahead.  When Jesus tells these stories, there is a purpose, but it may not be an obvious point.  I remember hearing a sermon on one of Jesus’ shorter parables.  The sermon made some very good points.  But I had to go, I am not sure that is what Jesus was getting at.  And, based on other discussions I had read, that may not be the message Jesus wants the church of today to hear.

Regarding that lost sheep:  Did Jesus want us to put ourselves in the place of the one lost sheep?  Or, might we imagine ourselves as one of the ninety-nine, wondering why the shepherd is not caring for us, instead of risking everything for that one stupid member who is always off doing crazy things.

Wednesday morning, our men’s Bible study worked hard trying to figure out today’s parable.  Driving from that gathering to the office, I caught a bit of a book discussion on the radio – the title of the book is I don’t know.  The author was explaining that when we quit pretending that we know, when in whatever situation we are in we admit we do not know, that gives us a freedom and, in fact some power to move forward.  We think about the academic community in which we live.  Even though we are about research, we live with great fear that others will think we do not know what we are talking about.  The author mentioned No Child Left Behind in which kids are measured by the ability to fill in the blanks, instead of developing the ability to dig into what they do not know.  And, I have to turn those thoughts on myself.  I have to recognize that when I try to build up myself by appearing to know, I am most likely exposing my shortcomings.  The humility to say, I don’t know is essential for basic human knowledge.  And, above all, this ability to admit what is lacking in us, including knowledge, is essential for our relationship of faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

Another point here quickly:  The challenge to a congregation like ours is that we have a good history with a lot of people who have good experiences in the life of the church.  With all of that knowledge we do have, are we open to the perspective and questions of the person who has no recent experience in the church.  Are we open to people who have lived two or three generations without any experience of church.  I think many of us are open; but does the outsider sense that when they try to check out life here?

It may sound like I am trying to avoid addressing this story, which I consider the most perplexing of Jesus’ teaching.  Yet Jesus is the model teacher.  He used parables to challenge the smug.  He offered parables so that those who are willing to say, before God, I don’t know! might grow in greater understanding and faith.  So, a few questions:  Do we really need to equate the rich man with God?  We naturally do that as we read of the shepherd seeking the lost, of the farmer scattering seed with no apparent regard for the condition of where it may land.  In today’s story, maybe some aspects, but maybe not.  I don’t know.  If the manager acted shrewdly when he was in trouble, why did he squander – the word could imply carelessness or we might see ongoing selfishness – why was he not conscientious all along?  Who are the managers today?  Who can manipulate the resources of our nation, our institutions, our infrastructure, our earning power – be they politicians, investment bankers or consumers?  And what does that story about managing have to do with the goods that truly belong to our Creator?

Now, I do not know who all needs the challenge of a perplexing parable.  But I do know some of you need the word of God’s grace.  We cannot fully understand why Jesus’ story acclaims this manipulative manager.  I think, however, we can be pretty sure of some of the people Jesus would praise.  He would praise the person who says, I don’t know a lot about the Bible, but I know Jesus loves the little children, so I will help with Sunday School.

Jesus would praise the person who says, I’m not very accurate with a hammer and I can’t solve the problem of homelessness, but I can help with Habitat for Humanity.

Jesus would praise the person who says, I don’t know what a cappuccino is, but I can help prepare coffee for the enjoyment of people after worship.

Jesus would praise the person who says, My regular offering is not a big amount like some can give, and I do think about the things I could buy for my children with that, but I want them to see that our offering is part of God’s big picture. 

Jesus would praise the person who says, There are a lot of questions about God I cannot answer, but I am willing to be Christ’s presence, to be a little Christ, to that person I know who is seeking.

I don’t know what all is going on in your life – but I do know Jesus wants to help you so that who you are, what you have, the circumstances and knowledge of your life will help grow the kingdom of God.

Preparing for Worship

We hear, The devil is in the detail.  We hear Jesus say in today’s gospel, Whoever is faithful in very little is faithful also in much…  So, do those two fit together?  When are we so focused on something we miss the bigger picture?  When have we missed a “minor” detail that brings the whole project to a halt, or even failure? 

                Today we hear more of Jesus’ teaching as he is on the way to Jerusalem.  He is teaching any who want to follow him what it means to take up our cross and follow (Luke 9:51). Last week we learned that walking with Jesus does include parties (Luke 15:1-10).  Today, we leave scratching our heads.  How does the stuff of the world fit in with true riches?  How do the methods of daily existence fit into living in the light of Christ?

The Lesson – 1 Tim 2:1-7: The epistles (letters) of the New Testament show how the earliest Christians were trying to figure out what it meant to be followers of Jesus.  This letter comes when the Church was, in some places, increasing in size and taking a larger place in the community.  Christ followers had to consider their allegiance.  The Roman culture/religion confessed that Caesar was Lord – even was the son of God.  But if Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:11), what does that do to our relationship with the rulers who have power over day to day questions of peace and justice?  Part of the answer comes in these words as well as in Romans 13:1-7.  We also remember that Saint Paul and Jesus were both executed by the Roman rulers.  How does that guide our praying?

Psalm 113: Today’s song praises the God whose gracious presence is not restricted by the way we human give high status to some and low to others.  See also Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55.  This Psalm is part of the rituals of the Passover meal.

The Gospel – Luke 16:1-13:  Parables or puzzles?  Like a good teacher, Jesus knows when puzzling questions will, if we are open minded as well as humble of heart, leave us thinking and lead us to greater insight.  Some questions that may arise from this passage:  What is my goal for the stuff I have?  Do I use my strengths for the purpose of God’s work in the world today?  How can my abilities and interests be God’s voice and hands to meet the physical and spiritual needs of our community?

Key Verse:  Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much…  Luke 16:10

Message:  Who would Jesus Praise?

Gathering Song – Come, let us worship and bow down – As we gather together, we invite one another with the words of Psalm 95:6-7.  The image of sheep also offers us the comfort of Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd…thou prepares a table before me…

Entrance Hymn – Holy God, we praise your name – Hymnal 414 – A traditional hymn of praise is the Te Deum laudamus – the Latin means, We praise you, O God.  From unknown sources, these specific words and tune were first gathered in the hymnbook prepared at the request of Maria Theresa, the Austrian Empress.  Although she ruled during a period of relative peace in Europe, the publication of the hymnbook coincided with the movement for independence in the American Colonies, 1774.

Hymn of Praise – Holy, Holy, Holy – Hymnal 413 – The earliest Christians stood firmly on their Jewish foundation: God is One (Deuteronomy 6:4).  Yet they were trying to figure out who Jesus was/is.  They asserted: Jesus is Lord!   This earliest confession of faith (1 Corinthians 12:3) really equated Jesus with God.  Thus came our doctrine (teaching) of The Holy Trinity – that there is only one God who is simultaneously present as Creator, Savior, and Life-giving Spirit.  For two thousand years Christians have tried to explain this.  Yet we find the best approach may be through worship, poetry and praise.  The words and imagery of this hymn are drawn from Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4.  The hymn tune is named for the ancient city of Nicea, where the doctrine of the Holy Trinity was formulated into our Creeds – the Apostle’s and the Nicene (see hymnal pages 105 and 104).  The composer was a life-long church musician who wrote music for the congregation, setting the pattern for many of the hymns from this Victorian era.

Hymn of the Day – O God, My Faithful God – Hymnal 806 – In contrast to the relatively peaceful time in which today’s entrance hymn was written, these words were written during the Thirty Years War, ended 1648.  The poet, Johann Heermann suffered the evils of that period, yet wrote from faith in the God who is like an ever-flowing fountain – see Psalm 90 and John 4:14.

Sending Hymn – To be our presence – Hymnal 546 – Delores Dufner (b.1939) is an organist, composer and writer of hymn and song texts that are used in Protestant, as well as, Roman Catholic churches through out the world.  She is a nun of the Order of Saint Benedict.  She is on the faculty of Saint Benedict’s College and Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota.  Based on 1 Corinthians 12 and 13, this hymn encourages us to live faithfully as we share Christ’s mission with the world.

 

Intention and Completion

I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ

Texts:  Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33

I can picture the specific time my Aunt Helen sat with my sisters and me to talk about Jesus and what he wants to be for me, personally.  Some of you may have heard me talk about Aunt Helen.  She was the one in my father’s family designated to stay home and take care of the aging grandmother.  After my grandmother died, Aunt Helen continued in her task of spiritual support for the family.  If any of you have benefited from the ministry of Saint Andrew’s, you are part of the answer to my Aunt Helen’s prayers.

Aunt Helen wanted us, even as young children, to realize that Jesus was not just about something our parents did.  She emphasized to us, in her unique way, that Jesus wants to know each of us personally.  Jesus wants each one of us to trust his care for each of us.  This is not so much what we would call a decision.  Rather, this is a commitment – a commitment that includes the choices we make each and every day.  The challenge is that we don’t always live in that relationship with Jesus.  The Good News is that, regardless of what happened the day before, Jesus wants us to trust him each new day.

I wish our Gospel reading were something else today.  Much of the time we follow what we call the lectionary – that is a churchy term for a listing of specific scripture passages to be read during worship on specific days.  I am excited that our Sunday School curriculum is based on the lectionary this year.  The good reason for doing so in worship and Christian education is that we are challenged to go beyond a few of our favorite verses.  The difficult side of this is that we are challenged to see how all of scripture fits together. 

Today we hear Jesus telling us that, in order to be his disciples, we must hate parents and siblings.  Maybe after the ride to church this morning that sounds good.  Maybe this sounds like good advice to adolescents frustrated with their parents.  Yet even if we are still trying to figure out how to live beyond dysfunctional relations with family, we wonder.  Our spiritual ears start to hurt from the dissonant sounds.  The commandments say, honor your father and your mother.  Now what is Jesus saying?

Two things to remind ourselves:  We have to take each part of the Bible in the context of the whole Bible.  This is the Lutheran principle of Biblical study:  The Bible interprets the Bible.  Outside knowledge is essential.  We start, however, by asking what the whole Bible might be say. 

The second point is that knowledge of the Bible itself, of the times in which it was lived, the language in which it was written, helps us understand that word hate.  It did not necessarily imply the extreme feeling against something, as we would think.  It is a way of emphasizing how priorities are arranged.  Jesus often use words that irritate the ears in order to reach into the heart and guide the spirit.  He is challenging us:  With Jesus, it is highest priority or it does not really work.

I am grateful that many of you had a chance to meet Felix Eiffler, the student from Germany who visited here last month.  In conversation with him I was reminded of something I learned while on Sabbatical in Germany.  I have told of this several times.  The former Eastern Zone of Germany is considered, based on opinion surveys, to be the least religious region of the world.  How could this be so in the Land of Martin Luther?  Studies of the era since the end of World War II point to a very significant factor.  In the early 1950’s the state under communist control realized the Church would continue to have at least some influence if the practice of Confirmation continued.  So, in its place was begun a similar period of training for youth leading to a dedication rite.  It was a way of leading adolescents into adulthood.  At first, this youth dedication was offered as an option.  Then, going through dedication was made a requirement for higher education.  Statistics show a sudden and dramatic decline.  The church was already missing out on the daily vibrancy of faith in Jesus.  Now, the symbols of becoming an adult were changed.  Our situation is not the same exactly.  But I do have to ask:  What actions or rituals do we equate with becoming adult?   Where in our priorities do we place those activities?  How do specific actions connected to Jesus fit in to the other priorities we have for our children?

I am grateful that my commitment to follow Jesus was part of belonging in my family of blood relatives.  I know that is not always the case.  We trust Saint Andrew’s is a place where everyone feels the welcoming embrace, the encouraging push so that we can walk along as disciples of Jesus.

I am totally fascinated by the short book of Philemon – also assigned for this day.  We do not really know the results of this letter, for the slave Onesimus, for the slave holder, Philemon, even eventually for the institution of slavery – which devout Christians like British politician, William Wilberforce, or the Lutheran Pastor, Samuel Schmucker of Gettysburg Seminary worked to abolish.

Those words Saint Paul wrote to Philemon grab me:  I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ.

As we share our faith in Jesus, who died for us, we think and act and speak remembering the words of an old hymn, nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling.

Sharing that truth, that Good News lifts burdens from guilty hearts; gives new vitality to hopeless hearts; comforts sad hearts.

Sharing that Good News guides us into a life that shares God’s grace to save the world.

Worship this weekend

Do you just dive in?  Or do you hold back and check things out?  Both methods have their value, depending on the situation. Jesus does, however, challenge us to consider what it really means to follow him.  We can be grateful that, in our nation, many say they believe in Jesus.  Yet we must ask of ourselves, we must ask of one another:  What must we place in lower priority?  What must we give up?  He asks us to follow him along the path of suffering, the way of crucifixion.  As people of Cross and Resurrection, however, we get to trust that we are following the Lord of Life.  We get to realize the result of that is beyond our imagination.

The Lesson – Philemon 1-21:  Saint Paul’s brief letter gives us a glimpse into the early church and the society in which it grew.  Most churches – we might call them congregations – met in homes.  (Verse 2.  Also Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Acts 2:46; 16:15, 31; Joshua 24:15)  A wealthier household included slaves.  Neither Jesus nor Paul seem to confront slavery head on.  Yet this letter subverts such power and economic structures of inequality.  For Philemon to accept Onesimus, a runaway slave, without retribution, could bring condemnation from other slave-holding households.  To punish him, as would be expected, would violate the new law of freedom in Christ.  See words written shortly after this letter at Galatians 3:27-28.  We are not sure how the story of this letter ends.  The answer may be in Colossians 4:9.

   The decisions I need to make this week may not seem as important as was required of Philemon.  However, can I trust that God will use my sharing of, living my faith for his good purpose?

Psalm 1 is a poem or hymn of instruction.  Here we see several most important images.  Path – Jesus tells us he is the way – John 14:6, also Psalm 119:105.  Fruit – Jesus tells us we will bear much fruit as we abide in him – John 15:8.

The Gospel – Luke 14:25-33:  Large crowds continue seeking the obvious benefits of Jesus’ ministry.  In a culture that considers illness a moral curse, he heals the sick. In an economy that does not allow all to be adequately fed, he provides food in abundance.  The people have visions of greatness.  Jesus knows, however, the reality of setting the world right, of overcoming the political and economic powers that bring death.  Only his death will bring salvation.  Only through willingness to walk with him can we be part of his mission to heal the world.  The cost may, at times, seem extremely high.  Jesus needs to dramatically emphasize this reality. 

  When have I felt, that placing something in lower priority seemed like turning my back on it? … “hating” it?  If I consider myself a follower of Jesus, what priorities do I need to re-evaluate?

Key Verse:  I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that we may do for Christ.  Philemon 6

Message:  Intention and Completion

Gathering Song – Take…me as I am – Hymnal 814:  Our gathering song comes from the Iona Community, located on the island of that name off the western coast of Scotland.  Founded in 1938, this Protestant Community includes women and men who keep their secular jobs while maintaining a rule of faith and life, similar to a monastery.  The community is devoted to justice and peace, as well as renewal through worship.  This song is used in a weekly service of commitment.

Hymn of the Day – Rise up, O Saints of God – Hymnal 669:  Here we may see the evolution of the Church’s song.  Previous words were written for the conditions and needs of the early 1900’s.  Circumstances of the later part of the twentieth century brought a new appreciation of the work of the Triune God to build the Kingdom.  These words invite us to hear and heed Christ’s call to share in this work.  The author was a Lutheran layman and longtime professor of history at Gettysburg College, a school of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, located in Pennsylvania.

Communion Hymns – Beneath the cross of Jesus – Hymnal 338: Throughout her short life, the author experienced poor health.  Yet she devoted herself in service to the poor and the sick. Thus she became known as Sunbeam.  Her example suggests the line, content to let the world go by, is not an escape.  Rather, she challenges us to consider our priorities as we walk in the way of the cross.

In the Cross of Christ I glory – Hymnal 324: The author served the British government in various domestic and international roles.  The theme comes from the New Testament letter to Galatians (6:14).

Sending Hymn – Lift High the Cross – Hymnal 660:  This hymn was written in the early 20^th century – a time of expanding empires that trusted military might.  The words invite us to be just as courageous, perhaps even more so, because we go forth with the strength of the One who willingly submitted himself to the powerlessness of the Cross.

Who to honor?

And you will be blessed because they cannot repay you…

Texts:  Luke 14:1,7-14; Proverbs 25:6-7

As a young boy, pot-luck dinners presented a challenge.  Of course the food was great. There were always dishes that my mom never made. The problem was, I was the preacher’s kid.  Folks usually urged the Pastor and family to go first.  I really did not like the feeling that other kids were looking at me, wondering why I got to get my food while their parents were giving them a lesson in patience.  That feeling stayed with me.  Later, however, I noticed something.  As the table with the side dishes moved into the display of desserts, people who were early in line tended to not take a piece of pie.  I believe they were doing that as a gracious attitude of sharing with those who came later.  However, if I were at the end of the line and all the others had passed on the pie, why shouldn’t I just go ahead and take a piece. 

In our Gospel reading, Jesus said, …all who humble themselves will be exalted.  Elsewhere he said in different words with similar meaning, The last shall be first… What would Jesus do?  I get it! Jesus.  Last in line and first in pie.  Good deal. 

Oh; but wait.  Jesus has more to say?  The other day I am heading into a place to get a bit of coffee and will pay far more than if I made it at home.  On the sidewalk, a woman asks for money.  I know all the warnings, that when you give cash you are feeding bad habits.  I walk by.  Then I hear Jesus say, When you go for coffee (well, he didn’t say that exactly, but if he were with it he would have) When you give a luncheon…invite the poor…because they cannot repay you…

We must always remind ourselves what is happening here with Jesus.  We assert that Jesus was and is the Son of the Living God.  We assert that this living God made the universe and placed creation in the care of us humans.  It does not take much to see that we humans have messed up creation.  The how and the what to do about this are the big problem for us.  We are limited in knowledge.  We tend to look to ourselves, first.  The creator God, however, did not abandon the world he made.  So, God became fully human in the person of Jesus.  God did this to restore creation.  And, this gracious God knew the only way this purpose of making creation right again could come about was to walk the way of death.  Jesus is on that path, for that purpose. 

In the story we are reading today, Jesus is encountering the religious leaders, the folks who thought they had it all figured out. 

It is important to remember this story begins by noting this took place on the Sabbath.  Last week we looked at another encounter on the Sabbath.  We need to remind ourselves that for the folks living around Jesus, the Sabbath had profound importance.  There was much more than hoping to get a day off.  The Old Testament lays out several layers of sabbatical.  We find this in the book of Leviticus.  (It is important to point out that Christians in the United States are very picky about which parts of that third book of the Bible they emphasize.)

There is the weekly cycle – six days of labor, after which comes the seventh day, a day to step back and reflect on God’s purpose for our working and living.  Then, in the seventh month of each year, there are a series of days to be devoted for atonement – that is, working on the broken relationships in our lives, and how they reflect on the relationship we have with God. 

Following that is the pattern of seven years.  This seems more for agricultural purposes:  That is, in the seventh year the land is to rest – we would say, lie fallow.  Nothing is to be planted.   Obviously, there needs to be calculation of saving food from each harvest for that seventh year. 

And then there comes a pattern that seems more about the economy.  Remember, for the Jews of Jesus’ day, there was no separation of church and state.  Economics and politics were answerable to religious and moral teachings.  This is not to advocate a theocracy – with the examples of religious extremism so devastating to our world today.  However, Jesus is not saying we can keep our religious values out of our public life.  His proclamation of the Sabbath had profound economic implications.  His listeners knew it.  And that is why some of the religious and political leaders wanted to get rid of him.  They understood that what he said, what he stood for, would take away their positions of wealth and prestige.

In the book of Leviticus [chapter 25] we read about the year of Jubilee – the fiftieth year, after seven groups of seven years each.  We do not know how often this was actually carried out.  We do know that early in Jesus’ ministry he proclaimed that he had come to bring this year of Jubilee, also known as the year of the Lord’s favor [Luke 4:19]. 

The year of Jubilee seems to be based on the reality that, over time, some people are able to accumulate more while others less.  Sometimes that is due to personal failure, mistaken priorities, inadequate effort.  However, the stratification of wealth is based on much more than individual effort.  I was not born into a wealthy family.  I remember when we lived in oil-country, seeing a bumper sticker that said, If you don’t have an oil well, get one!  Right!  I knew what it took, even if one had land with mineral rights, what it took to get that well drilled and producing.  Yet I was born into a family that had adequate financial means and other factors that put me in a very good and comfortable position.  I realize this position means that I am not living paycheck to paycheck.  I realize the position I was born into, the opportunities that has given me.  That meant that at the start of the school year I did not have to choose between school supplies and adequate food.  Illness will not mean I have to choose:  Will I repair the car so I can go to work, or will I pay the rent. 

The Bible seems to take for granted that humans – who did not know how to enjoy the Garden of Eden – will divide in to haves and have nots.  And the year of Jubilee was about setting things back to the original.  The Sabbath of Sabbaths was so that everyone could once more, truly have equal opportunity.  And that is what Jesus proclaimed.  That is really what is going on here in our gospel reading.  We can try to finagle through this passage, proud that we are humble in social settings, yet forgetting that Jesus is talking about care for the poor.  And, he is talking about this in the context of the Sabbath – seven days, seven years, seven times seven years.

In Jesus’ day and in many societies today – honor was so very important.  Where did one stand in the order of things.  Was a person given proper honor by those around, especially by those considered lower in life?  We claim that our society is about equality.  These words of Jesus tell us that the way money flows to some people and not to others shows who we really honor.

Warren Buffett said that our economy… rewards someone who saves lives on a battlefield with a medal, rewards a great teacher with thank you notes, but rewards those who can make money in securities with sums reaching into the billions. [AARP, The Magazine, Aug-Sept 2013, p.60f.]  When our Bible says that Jesus proclaimed Good News to the poor, he was saying much more than you get to go to heaven when you die.  He was saying that he came to make things right according to God’s justice.  That is his kingdom on earth as in heaven.

To be sure:  How to work our way through the potential pitfalls of any economic policy is difficult.  I am not saying that the Bible has the specific policy solution for our nation or our world today.  I am saying, I have to take Jesus seriously in all he says. 

As we consider this teaching of Jesus, as we are aware of many, many challenges, we also remember that Jesus came to bring us back into relationship with the king, the creator of the universe.  So, we remember that we do not have to claim honor for ourselves – for we are children of the King of the universe, we have been made children of the living God.  A pie may be cut with only eight pieces or so. The grace of God is boundless.

I remember during my seminary days attending a concert featuring a Noel Paul Stookey, also of Peter Paul and Mary.  The large Princeton University chapel was filled with expectant listeners.  As the time to start came, an announcement was made that the person we had come to hear was going to be late.  However, a local singer was being pressed into an opening act.  Poor guy – being a substitute in front of a large audience.  He was doing pretty well when the featured singer arrived.  I could see him slouching down so as not to be noticed.  I saw the great pleasure on his face as he could listen to another.  Humility meant he could receive. 

So it is with the way Jesus does things, for now, for always.