“Making the Best of It” (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7)

Hope . . . we all need it.

Years ago I heard a story about two little boys who were wishing for a pony for Christmas.  They really wanted a pony.  Come Christmas morning they both tore off for the barn to see whether or not Santa Claus had brought them a pony. Running into the barn they found a huge pile of manure . . . a huge pile.  The older brother stopped in his tracks . . . the younger brother jumped right into the middle of it  The older brother saw nothing but a big pile of manure . . . and, he was confused as to his brother’s actions of jumping right into the thick of it all throwing manure left and right.  The older brother realized that there was no pony, and he wonder what in the heck his younger brother was doing.

In astonishment, the brother asked the younger one, what is the world he was doing.  To which the younger brother answered, “With such a huge pile of manure there has to be a pony in there somewhere!!!”

Hope . . . optimism.  That little guy had a whole bunch of both.

In our scripture reading this morning, the chosen people of God--Israel--are struggling with their situation.  They are in exile . . . captives of Babylon . . .captives because they chose not to follow the will of God,   For choosing not to follow the will of God the people have suffered a humiliating at the hands of the Babylonians and have become exiles in a foreign land.  They now live in a another country . . . a land that is foreign to them.  They cannot go home . . . they are stuck in a place that is unknown and foreign to them.

So, what are they to do?

Well, to be honest, they are like that little boy sitting in the pile of manure . . . certain there is a pony somewhere in the midst of all of manure.  The question becomes whether or not they are going to accept the pessimistic view of the older brother or the optimistic view of the younger brother.  That is the question.

As the children of God, this was a tough choice.

On the one hand, they remembered the promises of God . . . to create them as a great nation . . . to be more numerous than the stars in the heavens.  On the other hand, they were up the creek without a paddle . . they were exiled from their own country and made to live in a foreign land.  The language was different . . they culture was different . . . they were in an unfamiliar place.  They were in a quandary . . . what were they to do? Well, the prophet Jeremiah has a few choice words to say about it.  The prophet Jeremiah tells them to make the best of it.

As you listen to the words of Jeremiah, he tells the people to make the best of tt . . . no matter what is thrown at them, they are to make the best of it.  To go with the flow because God will take care of them.  Thus it is that the prophet tells the people to settle into their new environment . . . to adapt to what is.  The prophet tells them to make the best of it.  After all, is there exile not the result of their failure to do as God expect . . . is it not a consequence of their own action . . . or should we say their non-action.  Thus they are stuck in Babylon.  They have two choices . . . fight it or follow in line.

Here the prophet Jeremiah reminds them that it is better to be safe than sorry.  After all, the promises of God never change.

The promises of God are eternal.    They never ever change.  The goal is always to do God’s will.  Jeremiah believes it . . . Jeremiah preaches it.  It is pretty simple . . . God’s way or the highway!

We live in a of time of great unrest . . . so, what are we to do?

As the followers of Jesus we are to make the best of it.

Though few of us have ever experienced the situation that is shared in our scripture reading, we do have the ability of choose.  Are we pessimists or are we optimistics.  The choice is entirely ours.  If God gives you a bunch of lemons . . . make lemonade.

In the situation of God’s children in this particular reading they are in a bad situation . . . life is suddenly different . . . life is hard . . . and, no one asked to be there.  They are in a foreign land with strangers . . . strangers that are their enemies . . . strangers that are now their captors.  They have been humiliated and embarrassed . . . and many even wished they were dead than where they are.  Life is ruined and as far as some are concerned it is over.  Then they get this letter from the prophet Jeremiah telling them to make the best of it.  Again, we all know that this is easier said than done.

But the children of God in this situation forget.  Jeremiah reminds them.  Jeremiah reminds them that they are still the children of God.  Jeremiah reminds them that the promises of God are still theirs.  And, Jeremiah reminds them that they are still to go about the business of doing God’s will . . . of doing God’s will even in a situation that seems rotten to the core.  God will not abandon them or forget them.  At the same time, God is not going to rescue them from a situation that came from their own hands.  Consequences are consequences.  Thus Jeremiah urges them to make the best of a bad situation.  If they do that, well then, things will turn out alright.

I imagine that most of us would more readily identify with those who are in exile in this passage . . . not quite sure what good could ever come out of making the best of a bad situation.  None of us enjoys life when it throws us a curveball and messes everything up.  None of us likes it when our lives get turned upside down and dumps us in the muck.  And, yet, it seems to happen more often than we are willing to admit.  Thus we moan and groan . . . we lament about how bad things are . . . and, then, we do it some more.  And, like the children of God in the scripture reading this morning, we forget.

We forget that we, too, are the children of God.  We forget that the promises of God never change.  We forget that we have a role to play in God’s will and desire to establish the kingdom that never ends . . . that we have a part in it all.  We forget that God is not going to abandon us.  And, because we forget, we flounder in our faith.  Floundering in our faith, we moan, groan, and lament.

Thus we are reminded this morning through the words of the prophet Jeremiah . . . never forget!  Never forget that we are the beloved children of a loving and graceful God who will never, ever abandon us . . . not in our good times which are easy to celebrate, or in our bad times which are more difficult to understand and to acknowledge as more of a complaint than a blessing.  Jeremiah tells the people that it is their choice . . . make the best of it or perish in their own faithlessness.  In Jeremiah’s words he presents hope.  Doing something is better than doing nothing.  Make the best of it.  As someone once said, “Life is what you make of it.”  It is their choice.

It is the same for us.

It is our choice.

May we choose God and God’s will.  May we make the best of what we have been given.  Amen.  

“Extending the Table” (Luke 17:5-10)

“The miracle of Communion means the rich bowing down

with the poor, the learned with the unlearned, the clean with

the filthy, the master with the slave, the privilege with

the deprived, the white with the black, and the black with the white”

--Rosa Page Welch

Rosa Page Welch is probably not a name familiar to many of us here this morning . . . but, she should be.  First of all, she was an amazing singer who sang for audiences all over the world proclaiming her voice to be the voice of an angel . . . acclaiming her as a great woman of God.  Secondly, she was a missionary called by God to bridge the gap between blacks and whites during a time of segregation in our country.  Her desire was to spread the good news of God’s love for all people, and desire for all people to work together.  Third, she was a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) . . . a life-long member.  And, lastly, she was black.

The issue of unity as the children of God was personal.  Much of her life was spent fighting this barrier between races.  Despite the fact that she could be hailed as a “woman of God” having the voice of angel . . . acclaimed by many . . . she still could not use the bathroom or eat in the many places she performed.  And, yet, she endured in her witness towards inclusion and unity for all people as the children of God.  It was her calling.  In a story her daughter, Linne, told she mentioned that her mother’s constantly having to be on the road singing and witnessing had put a strain on the family.  As she recalled a time when she was nine years old, her mother getting ready to walk out the door, she sat at the top of the stairs crying and pleading for her mother to stay.  Her mother replied, “I have this calling.  Where God had called, I must go.” (“I have a calling . . .” by Deborah Phelps in the Women of Faith magazine in the summer of 2009.)

It is on this Sunday, which is World Communion Sunday, that I began this sermon with Rosa Page Welch’s words.  World Communion Sunday has been celebrated since 1933.  The brainchild of a Presbyterian minister by the name of Hugh Thompson Kerr.  His idea was to bring churches together in a service of Christian unity--in which everyone might receive inspiration and information, and above all, to know how important the church of Jesus Christ is, and how each congregation is interconnected one with another.  From this simple beginning it has grown to be annual celebration in many denominations and churches throughout the world--including the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); after all, we are a people of the table.  It is a symbolic call towards unity . . . unity as the children of God in God’s kingdom.

I’m not quite sure the purpose behind World Communion Sunday has been accomplished . . . this idea of unity and interconnectedness; but, I can say that it does serve as a nice reminder that all are a part of the family of God no matter what branch they come from.  At least for one day, we can say with some certainty that there are other followers of Jesus who have gathered around the table, broken the bread, and lifted the cup in remembrance of what Jesus has done for all of us.  We can say that on this day, we are not the only ones at the table.  But, as far as accomplishing its goal of uniting the body of Christ into one body . . . well, I think it is safe to say that we are still a ways off from that.

At the same time, I don’t think that means we quit trying.

After all, we are called as the followers of Jesus towards being a “movement towards wholeness.”  That “movement towards wholeness” is a call towards establishing God’s family . . . God’s kingdom . . . here on earth.  It is a movement towards inclusion.  It is a movement toward finding a place at the table for everyone . . . all of humanity that has been created in the image of God.  It is extending the table.

When Dana and I got married, we had a simple two-seater table.  The table was big enough for the two of us to gather and eat.  Then we started having children . . . and, with each child the table grew so that all could have a place at the table.  Then some of the children went off and got married, starting having children of their own.  Dana and I realized that we needed to get a bigger table . . . or at least a table with extensions; and, that is what we did.  We now have a table that easily seats all eleven members of our family whenever we gather to eat . . . plus we have the capability of extending that table to include even more.  We extended the table so that all could be included.  We want everyone at the table . . . our family and our friends . . . the strangers who appear at our door . . . the wayfaring pilgrim.

Throughout my ministry I have always appreciated the meaning and message of World Communion Sunday . . . this call for unity and inclusion among the faithful.  It is a good start.  I say that it is a good start because it begins to expand our understanding of the family of God.  On the other hand, it is only a good start.  Over the years I have begun to see that the family of God goes beyond the fellowship of the faithful . . . goes beyond the boundaries of the churches.  The family of God includes all people in all places . . . after all, they resemble the One who created them . . . they were created in the image of God.  They are our brothers and sisters.  They deserve a place at the table with the rest of us.  Thus I think that the idea of World Communion Sunday needs to be bigger . . . needs to be more inclusive . . . if it is ever to be the family of God in God’s kingdom . . . if it ever going to really be that “miracle” that Rosa Page Welch described it as.  

In our scripture reading this morning, the apostles ask Jesus to increase their faith.  Jesus tells them that if they really had faith they could do anything . . . even the ability to have bushes replant themselves where they desire.  Then he tells them to imagine something . . . they have a servant who works hard for them--plowing the fields or tending the sheep.  At the end of the day he asks them whether they invited the servant in to eat a meal or do they have the servant prepare and serve the meal before allowing the servant to eat?  Well, of course everyone has a role to play and status to uphold . . . the servant would do what a servant is supposed to do . . . prepare and serve the meal.  Jesus asks if they would show appreciation towards the servant for doing his or her job . . . of course not, it was the servant’s job.  That is just the way things are done.

But, for Jesus this is not good enough.  Faith goes beyond going through the motions of what is expected.  Faith is tearing down the walls, removing the barriers, and including everyone.  He tells the apostles: “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”

Doing the expected is not good enough.  The followers of Jesus are to go beyond the expected and to do the unexpected . . . they are to increase their faith in demonstrating the power of God’s love.  They are to get into the business of creating miracles.  They are to invite everyone to the table . . . just as God created them . . . they are about extending the table so that everyone has a place.  

As a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation our greatest precept is the table . . . the Lord’s Supper . . . Holy Communion.  We believe that whenever we are gathered we should come around the table to break the bread and lift the cup.  We celebrate the holy meal each and every Sunday and a few times in between.  We believe in the power and the message of this table.  As a congregation we also believe that Jesus invites everyone to this table . . . everyone.  This is the miracle of communion that Rosa Page Welch speaks of.  Thus we let everyone know that no one is denied his or her place at the table no matter who they are, what they represent . . . all are welcomed.

Thus it is at the table that we have the opportunity to increase our faith . . . to be more than is expected . . . to be miracle workers.  The opportunity is there for the taking as the table represents the kingdom of God in its finest and most complete.  The opportunity is there if we take that practice and apply it to our everyday lives . . . if we move towards being the kingdom of God in this moment and the moments yet to come as we live our lives daily.  We are to extend the table.

Yes, communion is a miracle.

Let us live the miracle.  Amen.

“Dog Paddling in the Gap” (Luke 16:19-31)

The parable is simple.  It is a story about two men--an anonymous rich man and a beggar--a poor man by the name of Lazarus.  The rich man had it all. And Lazarus longed for the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table.  Eventually the two of them die.  Lazarus ends up in heaven by Abraham’s side; the rich man lands in Hades.  Needless to say the fortunes of both men are radically flipped.  Where Lazarus suffered while living on earth, suddenly he is enjoying the bounties of the “good life”.  On the other hand, the rich man is in torment and longing for the simple pleasures of his time on earth.

Despite the rich man’s pleas for any sort of comfort from his agony, he is told it is too late.  Abraham tells him that the rules can’t be changed . . . he had his chance, ignored it, and now he is facing the consequences of his inaction.  Reluctantly accepting his fate, the rich man suddenly has a twinge of compassion--no, not for the poor, but for his apparently wealthy brothers,  In his moment of compassion he pleads with Abraham to send a messenger--Lazarus--to warn his brothers to avoid the torment he wallowing in.

Abraham assures the rich man that his brothers have been warned.  Abraham tells the rich man: “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.”  This is not good enough for the rich man.  Apparently the five brothers aren’t that much different than the brother roasting in Hades.  The rich man demands that a messenger from the dead go to his brothers and warn them.

Abraham doesn’t buy it.  “If they listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”  

That is the story . . . that is the parable.  Pretty simple--right!  Or is it?

The simplest form of swimming is called the “dog paddle” or “doggy paddle”.  It is characterized by the individual lying  on his or her chest in the water and moving his or her hand and legs alternatingly in a manner reminiscent of how dogs or other animals  swim.  It is the basic stroke that keeps a person from drowning and ultimately dying.  It is the oldest stroke known to humanity . . . one of the oldest methods of survival.  It is a method of keeping our heads above water.

A “gap” is an unfilled space between people or things.  In the news we hear a lot of talk about the “gap” . . . in particular the gap between the rich and the poor . . . the rich and the middle class . . . the rich and everyone else.  The talk we hear is not what any of us would describe as positive talk.  No, there is some animosity in those who are on the short end of the gap . . . from those who long even for the scraps that fall from the wealthy’s tables.  With such conversation comes the allusion towards our parable this morning.  The gap may never be lessen, but in our hearts and minds . . . woe to those who dwell in the top one percent!

At least that would be one interpretation of this passage.  Jesus is talking about this gap between the rich and the poor.  When set against our time in the world there is validity to this interpretation.  The wealthy should be taking care of the poor . . . they should be lessening the gap . . . if for no other reason than to avoid the fiery agony of Hades.  Thus this could be a valid understanding of this passage.

Yet, I’m not so sure that was the intent of Jesus sharing this story.  Sure, even in Jesus’ time there was a gap between the wealthy and the poor.  Often times, in the Old Testament, this is what the prophets alluded to . . . the gap between those who have and those that did not.  Seems that the people of God paid the price when they did not heed the words of the prophets.  I’m sure that Jesus had this same concern as this hasn’t seemed to change; but I think that Jesus was leaning in another direction.

In the story the rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his brothers.  Abraham explains that the brothers have all the information and warning they need.  They received it from Moses and the Prophets.  The ground rules have been laid in their holy scriptures.  In Abraham’s opinion, sending a dead person back to warn them won’t change anything.  They are going to do what they do . . . the heck with the consequences!

The gap is going to remain.  The poor will always be there . . . the wealthy will continue to be indifferent.  Nothing is going to change no matter how warned any of us are.

Which brings us to this idea of dog paddling . . . dog paddling in the gap.  I imagine that those in the story--in particular the five brothers--are quite aware of the words of Moses and the prophets.  Quite aware of the ground rules . . . after all, they are fairly fundamental rules.  The problem is that instead of taking those words seriously, they hope for the best and ignore them, and dog paddle in the hope of avoiding death by drowning.  Instead of closing the gap . . . instead of shortening the distance between “us” and “them”, they hope for the best and attempt to maintain the gap.  They dog paddle . . . between here and there.

Though this “gap” issue between the wealthy and the poor might be an issue for Jesus, in this I think he is more concerned with the gap between us and God.  I think he is concerned about us and our insistent desire to dog paddle  between a fully-encompassed relationship with God and just surviving.  There is no dog paddling in the estimation of Jesus . . . there is not settling for survival.  There is only a full commitment on the part of the faithful.

Dog paddling is the fundamental stroke in swimming.  It is targeted as a means of survival.  It really doesn’t move a person anywhere . . . it maintains . . . it keeps our heads above the water.  From this basic survivalist stroke we are taught how to swim . . . how to move from one point to another.  All the other strokes--the freestyle, butterfly, back, and breast strokes--are meant to move us from one point to another . . . meant to lessen the gap.  Dog paddling is to survive.  The other strokes are meant to provide a means to thrive.

Abraham said it plainly: “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”  Well, we have it all as the followers of Jesus . . . we have his words and actions . . . is that enough for us to emulate Jesus . . . to be his living witness?  We also have his resurrection . . . his return from the dead--just what the rich man asked for.  Has it made a difference?  Or are we just dog paddling in the gap?

Jesus kept it simple.  We are to love God completely--mind, body, and soul.  We are to love others--all others because they, too, were created in the image of God and are considered the children of God.  We have heard Jesus speak.  We have knowledge of his example as an exclamation as point to it all--the resurrection.   The choice is always ours . . . may we chose wisely.  Amen.